Responsibility in a Unique Way

[Nityam Ghosh]

Today, in the Nichhe Line area Bhatpara Tea Garden, I had an extremely inspiring SALT conversation with 14-year-old brother Sushant Oraon.

At the start of the SALT Conversation, I asked him, "What do you like best to eat?"
He smiled and said, "Rice, dal, and cucumber."

Then I asked about his proud story. Sushant brother eagerly shared – a few days ago, he was at home. Nearby, a woman runs a shop; she is his bhabhi (sister-in-law) by relation. She runs a pakoda shop and provides financial support to the family. When something runs short at the shop, Bhabhi ji calls Sushant and asks him to fetch it. Sushant immediately goes and brings the items. He loves this responsibility, and he considers these small acts of help his proud story.

Sushant brother's proud story is heart-touching. Helping the family, especially fetching supplies for Bhabhi ji's pakoda shop – these small responsibilities reveal remarkable maturity in a 14-year-old boy.

*The main strengths I observed in Sushant brother* :
*Sense of responsibility* : Staying at home and fetching supplies for Bhabhi ji's shop – this is proof of mature thinking.

*Trustworthy nature* : Bhabhi ji trusts him when supplies are short, and he never lets her down.

*Positive outlook* : Considering these small things as his "proud story" – finding joy in daily life.

*Lessons learned as a SALT facilitator* :
It's essential to uncover and appreciate the hidden strengths in rural children. This builds their self-confidence, enabling them to approach various societal roles with a positive mindset.

*What went well in today's conversation and why?*
Sushant brother said, "When you asked about me, it felt really good. Calling my small help a strength – I liked that a lot."

*What could have been done better in the conversation?*
If I had called other children from the field to talk with them too, we could have heard new stories. That would have been even more interesting.