The Path to Change Through Conversations

[Shahrukh Atpade]

After the ARC project started, our team began implementing SALT activities in villages from March onwards. Currently, we are working in the villages of Nandwal and Hirwade Khalasa. This month, due to Ramadan, field visits were slightly hindered. The organization and Ritu Nanda from GFC advised us to take care, which gave us some relief, and we continued our work.

On March 22, we went to Nandwal for a SALT activity. Since maps were already prepared and household data had been collected, conducting the SALT conversation became easier. We selected a household where we had already scheduled a visit in advance. In that house, a young boy, a girl, and their mother were present.

We had previously conducted a SALT session with the mother. This time, we started the conversation with her son. To create a friendly atmosphere, we began with casual conversations. We asked him if there was any incident in his life that had left a deep impact on him.

Without hesitation, he shared an experience from his village. When he was in fifth grade, he was once roaming around the village with his friends. An eight-year-old boy, who had come to visit his relatives during the holidays, was playing with them. That boy's mother had passed away, and he was not very familiar with that household.

While playing, he repeatedly said that he wanted to get a haircut, but his relatives refused to give him money and even scolded him.

"At that time, I went home and asked my mother for money. She asked, 'Why do you need money?'
I replied, 'A friend of mine wants to get a haircut.' Then I told her about that boy. My mother gave me money, and I helped him."

While sharing this memory, his eyes sparkled with excitement. He said,
"Nobody had asked me to help, but I had a strong urge to do it. At that age, I didn't fully understand it, but I felt like I had to do it."

Currently, he is studying in 11th grade. As the discussion progressed, his mother and elder sister also joined in. The conversation then shifted towards education.

He said,
"For the youth in our village, earning money seems more important than education because the previous generation followed the same path."

Talking about his father, he said,
"My father sells handkerchiefs and socks in the city all day. He wants us to study so that we don’t have to struggle like him."

This discussion was very meaningful because he had never openly expressed these feelings before. But through the SALT conversation, he was able to open up in front of his mother and sister.

While speaking, there was a newfound confidence in his eyes. He began talking with determination about his education and future plans. His parents also agreed with his thoughts and expressed their full support for him.

This SALT conversation initiated a positive dialogue within the family. His parents realized that their son was not just studying but was also aware of social issues.

This conversation gave him a sense of direction for his education and future. He firmly decided:
"I will complete my education, become self-reliant, and work hard to improve my family's situation."

Analysis After the SALT Conversation

Strength Gained Through SALT Conversations:
The main goal of SALT activities is to encourage individuals to reflect on their experiences and develop confidence in their abilities. Through this conversation, the boy recognized his empathetic nature while recalling a childhood memory.

Personal Experience:
The boy had developed a natural inclination to help others from a young age, which is an important part of his character. This incident highlights that a sense of social responsibility can develop at any stage of life.

Education and Today’s Youth:
During the conversation, the boy spoke about the attitude towards education in his village. In his opinion, local youth prioritize earning money over education because their previous generations followed the same path. This points to a broader social issue—the preference for immediate financial gain over long-term educational benefits.

Open Discussion Within the Family:
This conversation was also a significant moment for the family. The boy openly expressed his thoughts, helping his parents understand his perspective better. As a result, his parents gained a deeper awareness of their son's mindset and aspirations.

Positive Mindset Through SALT Conversations:
After this conversation, a positive change was observed in the boy's attitude. His thoughts became clearer, and he resolved to complete his education and improve his family’s situation. This positive mindset was fostered through the SALT conversation.

Creating Opportunities for Social Change:
The boy's experience shows that with proper guidance, young people can be encouraged to focus on education and social improvement. It is essential to spread these thoughts among other youth in the village so that long-term positive change can be brought about in society.

[Santi rambari]

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