Embracing Empathy: A SALT Chat about Care and Community in Bhatpara Tea Garden

[Nityam Ghosh]

Today, in the Basa Line area of Bhatpara Tea Garden, I had a deeply moving SALT conversation with Mr. Santu Chik Baraik, a 34-year-old guardian whose story touched my heart. Santu shared an incident from the past few months that highlights the power of kindness and community support. A friend approached him urgently, needing money for his son’s school admission. Without hesitation, Santu withdrew money from his bank account and gave it to his friend, which made it possible for the child to begin his education. Now, every time Santu sees the child going to school, his chest swells with pride. He described this as the proudest moment of his life.

During our conversation, several of Santu’s strengths stood out: his genuine care for children, his kind-hearted nature, positive thinking, and deep empathy. These qualities not only define him but also inspire those around him.

Santu spoke about the strong sense of togetherness in his village. Whenever anyone faces challenges or there is a communal event such as a wedding or ceremony, everyone comes together to lend a helping hand. He shared a thoughtful idea for the community’s benefit: if people collectively purchased utensils, chairs, and other necessities, then during weddings, mourning rituals, or pujas, individual families would not have to spend money renting these items. This collective approach would make celebrations and ceremonies easier for everyone while saving money that could be invested in other community needs.

When asked about what felt good during the conversation, Santu expressed that no one had ever asked him such meaningful questions before. Sharing his heartfelt thoughts in this way made him feel valued and appreciated. He emphasized the importance of these kinds of conversations in today’s society and expressed how much he enjoyed the experience.

Regarding what could have been improved, Santu suggested that if the whole community could come together for such conversations, they could learn from one another and better understand each other's strengths. This, he believes, would make their community bonds even stronger.

This dialogue with Santu was a powerful reminder of the strength found in kindness, empathy, and community collaboration. It showed how simple acts of support and open communication can nurture not just individuals but entire communities, creating hope and positive change for the future.