Celebrating Connections and Learning: My Journey at the South Asia Convening

[Bappa Das]

Hello, I am Bappa from Suchana organization, based in Bolpur Shantiniketan, in the Birbhum district of West Bengal, India. I recently had the incredible opportunity to participate in a regional convening on 17^th April to 21^st April 2025 that brought together people and organizations from across South Asia and beyond—including Bangladesh, Nepal, Thailand, Mexico, Indonesia, and of course, our team from India.

This four-day gathering was not just a meeting; it was a vibrant exchange of experiences, ideas, cultures, and emotions. We had the chance to interact with dedicated teams from organizations like Alokito Kori, Ashirvad, Breed, ECDO, Grow Your Reader Foundation, Dhara, Jeevika, Atoot, Safe Society, Avni, and many more.

From the very first evening, the convening was warm and welcoming. We began with a simple yet heartwarming introduction session, where everyone shared their name and their favorite food. This small act helped us break the ice and begin forming deep, meaningful connections.

That same night, we celebrated the birthday of one of our team members—a moment that brought us even closer as a group. The hospitality shown by the Bangladesh team throughout the entire event was nothing short of extraordinary. Every individual I met left a lasting impression with their kindness, humility, and dedication.

A Beautiful Start and Powerful Presentations

The first official day of the convening began with a peaceful and thoughtful welcoming session, followed by a cultural celebration. The Bangladesh team set the tone with their engaging presentations, which showcased their activities and achievements through well-prepared documentation and storytelling. Their progress—especially after adopting the SALT approach—was truly inspiring. I remembered Ritu's words during our Zoom sessions: “Bangladesh has seen great change after SALT.” Seeing it in person I was really inspired.

Day Two: Learning from the Ground

The second day took us to Gopalganj for an exposure visit to the Grow Your Reader Foundation. It was incredibly moving to witness how school teachers and community members were working hand-in-hand to fulfill their shared dreams. The Knowledge Fair organized there was a standout moment. Children performed dramas and songs that tackled social issues and offered solutions through the SALT methodology. It was a proud, hopeful moment that showed the power of community-driven change.

Day Three: Reflection and Sharing

On the third day, we took part in an AER (After Experience Reflection) session where we shared what we had learned and how we felt. It was enriching to hear about Ashirvad’s method of building dreams and encouraging self-assessment within communities. Dhara’s dedication and the trust they had earned from their communities also stood out as a model worth learning from.

We, the India Pyaro Bandhan team, contributed with a small drama performance that reflected our own experiences. The Bangladesh cohort, in turn, shared their dreams and journeys with immense clarity and creativity. The presentations on masculinity, fundraising strategies, and Tyas’s data analysis added depth and breadth to the learning.

A Heartfelt Thank You

None of this would have been possible without the amazing efforts of the organizers. My heartfelt thanks go out to Ritu, Nawazda, Sristy, and Indrani di for their tireless work in making this convening a reality. This platform gave us the space to learn, connect, and dream together.

As I return to Bolpur, I carry with me not just new knowledge and skills, but a deep sense of gratitude and inspiration. I am excited to share these experiences with my community and to continue working with a renewed sense of purpose.

Thank you to everyone who made this journey unforgettable.

 

[Manira khanam]

 Bapa da, thanks for sharing  part by part. 

[Parvez Hassan]

• Wow excellent written bappa bhai

[Santi rambari]

Bappa Thank you for sharing your reflections so generously.

[Rituu B. Nanda]

Very well written Bappa. Thanks! What will you do differently now?

[Sharmin Eva]

Such a beautifully written reflection!Thank you for sharing such a heartfelt experience,Bappa Da!

[Sadia Jafrin]

Although I missed the first day of the convening, I’m grateful to gain valuable insights through your thoughtfully written blog. Thank you for sharing your reflections so generously.