For the past many days in Nandwal village, I have been meeting middle-aged men and engaging in SALT conversations on the subject of masculinity. These discussions are gradually becoming deeper. Today, one such discussion took place, through which I gained some new experiences and learned many new things.

After the SALT conversation began, he revisited some old memories. He spoke openly about traditional village games like Lezim and about how the current condition of the village was…

“You will not understand this now. What worked in your time will not work anymore. We know more than you.”

Such statements are often casually made by the younger generation to the elderly. We tend to believe that the experiences of elders are outdated, irrelevant, and of little use today. However, the experiences I listened to today and the words they shared are still echoing in my mind.

Today’s dialogue focused deeply on the concept of masculinity. The elders explained the true…

Today, I visited some elderly people in Nandwal village. Along with a SALT activity, we discussed masculinity and the idea of forming an elderly men’s group. In reality, elderly people in rural areas are very resilient and warm hearted. Their old values, sweetness in speech, and affectionate nature provide a sense of comfort. However, in recent times, their children despite being more educated have started paying less attention to them. This is happening mainly due to a lack of communication…

On 11 December 2025, the first self-assessment (Self Assessment) process was conducted with the youth of Nandwal village. Earlier, on 29 September 2025, a shared dream-building process had been carried out with the youth group. Only those boys who had participated in that process were invited again for the self-assessment.

The youth who participated in this discussion are farmers. As the sugarcane harvesting season is currently underway, only a limited number of youth were able to…

When the mind is prepared, change becomes possible. Sameer Patil, a young man from Nandwal village, has proven this through his actions.

For the past three years, the Avani Smile Team has been working in Nandwal village. Here, I work with the youth and men, helping them identify their strengths and encouraging them to take positive steps.

During these three years, a strong bond developed between Sameer and me. As time passed, the trust between us grew, and our connection turned…

On the occasion of World Men’s Day, we held a SALT and masculinity focused discussion with a group of young men, adult men, and elders in Nandwal village. This day is celebrated around the world, but this year we chose a slightly different approach. Instead of the usual practice of offering flowers or praising men just for a day, my intention was to create a heartfelt space for understanding their emotions, experiences, and everyday struggles through meaningful dialogue.

The…

After the previous SALT activity, we met once again today. My purpose this time was to have a discussion about masculinity. From my previous experience, I realized that when SALT activities are combined with discussions on masculinity, people open up and express themselves more freely and sincerely.

So, I conducted the SALT session again. They once again shared their experiences — this time briefly, but with great honesty and emotion, which allowed them to express themselves…

In the evening, everyone was sitting together on the village square (katta). At this time, most villagers finish their remaining daily tasks, such as delivering milk to the dairy, and then sit together to relax. I joined one such group of elderly men and began a conversation.

At first, they shared some memories from their lives about themselves, their…

Chandar Ulpe, age 60. We’ve known each other for about a year now, and our bond has grown stronger through SALT conversations. He often interacts with the youth group and inspires them.

When we met him this time, he was busy with farming work, yet he took time out for us. Because of our friendly relationship, we spent the first ten minutes chatting about various topics. He appreciated the young boys for starting the Lezim activity. During an earlier SALT conversation, he had shared…

A young man from Nandwal village created a display during this year’s Ganesh festival that delivered a meaningful message to everyone.

Sameer Patil, a 23-year-old youth, is both a farmer and a businessman. Along with managing his family responsibilities, he is known for expressing thoughtful and well-informed opinions on various issues concerning the youth in the village.

The Ganesh festival holds great importance in India, showcasing unity and tradition in a beautiful…

Today, a group SALT activity was conducted with middle-aged and elderly men. It was a meaningful experience that brought together diverse thoughts and experiences. The main topic of discussion was “concerns and their possible solutions.” Together, the participants reached a consensus on taking concrete steps to address these issues.

Everyone shared…

While walking around Nandwal village today, I saw a man cleaning his garden in front of his house, Rajaram Ulpe. The calm and contented expression on his face reflected how peacefully he spends his time in the company of nature. Upon greeting him, we sat under a chikoo tree and began our conversation.

His life story begins in the 1980s a time when…

In Nandwal village, through SALT activities, I have met almost all the boys and discovered their good qualities. All of them have the strength to play the role of a leader. About a month before the Ganesh festival, we had organized a meeting in the gym. In that meeting, the boys participated enthusiastically and shared their various dreams. Some of these they had planned to carry out during the Ganesh festival, but for some reason, it did not happen. After that, the rains began. For the past…

Family, a web of relationships that everyone longs for. It is the place where human life begins and where learning takes root. Today, I had the opportunity to meet such a family, through a SALT activity.

The conversation began in a light and easy manner. Each member shared their interests in a few sentences, which created a relaxed and open atmosphere. Soon, the parents started talking about the youth and children in the village. They said, Our children, as well as the children in the…

In Nandwal, I often hold SALT activities in the evenings along with discussions on masculinity. SALT provides people a platform to express their feelings, which makes conversations about masculinity much easier.

Today I had such a discussion with a middle aged man named Dinkar. He recently underwent surgery and is currently not working. As soon as we…

Today, a SALT activity was conducted with a 23-year-old youth, followed by a discussion on masculinity.

Saurabh, 23 years old, has completed his education and is currently working in a company. When asked to recall a happy moment in his life, he shared an emotional memory with his group of friends. He said that since childhood, they were a group of 7 to 8 friends who always helped each other.…

I was returning after conducting a SALT activity in one of the lanes of Nandwal village. While walking in the heat, I noticed an elderly man sitting alone in front of a house. It was Shamarao Nikam. I went to him and asked for some time. He called out to me,  “Come, Mauli.” The sweetness in his voice touched my heart, and I went inside. We sat down on a mat on the floor and began chatting.…

I met Sachin Shinde, a 34-year-old farmer from Nandwal village. He had just returned from the fields, tired, and was sitting at his doorstep with a mobile phone in his hand. I approached him and asked for some time, and when I started the conversation, he happily agreed. His wife is currently working as a member of the Nandwal Gram Panchayat.

I shared with him some information about the Joyful Village research, where the community members themselves had taken initiative and worked. He…