Building healthy masculinity through SALT

[Amit Paswan]

Date: 9 July 2026

Today, I facilitated a Group SALT session on my own for the first time. A total of 16 men participated, including 6 migrant workers and 10 local men. Most participants were over 25 years old, with both married and unmarried men in the group. Three participants were over the age of 45.

Identifying Strength

We began the session by helping participants identify and appreciate each other's strengths. Everyone enjoyed this activity. Many men shared that they had never really noticed the strengths of the people around them before. Through this session, they realized that the men in their community possess qualities such as kindness, responsibility, and a willingness to help others.

One participant shared that his elderly mother is no longer able to walk properly, and he takes care of her every day. He said, “My mother cared for me when I was a child. Now it is my responsibility to care for her, and it brings me joy.”

Another participant shared that when his father needed blood during an illness, a man from the group immediately came forward to donate blood. This story reminded everyone that there are people in the community who are always ready to help others in times of need.

Several participants spoke about the pressure of being men. They said they work hard every day but still cannot always provide everything their families need. Three or four men also shared that they often keep their pain and worries to themselves because they feel they cannot express their emotions. They said that today's session gave them a safe space to speak openly for the first time, and they felt relieved after sharing.

One participant said that he understands his responsibility as a man and proudly serves his community by working as an ambulance driver in the tea garden. Another participant shared that he wakes up early every morning to cook so that his mother can eat before leaving for work.

A New Understanding from the Baseline Survey, from that today men told their own thinking

During the baseline survey, we learned that many people believed the men who gather under the peepal tree near Ramvilas Mor spent their time gossiping and using alcohol or other substances. However, today's discussion revealed a different reality.

The participants explained that they gather there mainly to exchange information about work opportunities. They discuss where jobs are available, watch for coal and ration trucks arriving in the area, and hope to get unloading work. They also advise and support one another in finding employment.

Many participants expressed that people in the village often judge them for sitting there, assuming they are wasting time. However, no one tries to understand that they are actually waiting for work and supporting one another. They said these misunderstandings make them feel hurt and frustrated.

Concern for the Community

The group also discussed the poor condition of local schools and the declining number of children attending them. The participants expressed concern about education in the village and agreed that this issue should be raised with higher authorities. They also committed to supporting one another in any future action taken to improve the situation

My Learning as a Facilitator

This was my first time facilitating a SALT group independently, and it was a valuable learning experience. I learned the importance of listening carefully to everyone. When several people started speaking at once, I encouraged them to speak one by one so that everyone had a chance to be heard, while also making sure that no one felt ignored or disrespected.

This experience increased my confidence. I realized that I have the ability to facilitate groups effectively and that I can continue to improve with practice. I also learned that the men in our community have many positive values, including compassion, responsibility, service, and mutual support. They simply need a safe space where these strengths can be recognized and appreciated.

At the end of the session, the participants said they really enjoyed the discussion and wanted to attend future SALT meetings. Many shared that this was the first time they had recognized each other's strengths, and they left the session feeling encouraged, connected, and hopeful.

[Rituu B. Nanda]

This is such a fine reflection Amit-  on how the men perceived the space they occupied and what they were doing and how both the village and the boys viewed where the men met and how they were spoiling the space. I am grateful for your facilitation and for the opportunity to learn from you.