When you have no support, be your own pillar!

[Rituu B. Nanda]

It was a hazy winter evening at the Tea garden community of Dima, around 4 pm- 20th Jan'24. We had conducted one home SALT visit. Nityam and Rati urged us to do another SALT visit to the home of a tea garden worker- Pushpa . Anuradhaji, Shahrukh, and me, we joined them.

We sat in the courtyard, with the charming background of the cradle of Pusha's baby girl. Reflecting on her adolescence, Pushpa recounted the challenges she faced when her mother passed away during the 10th grade. As the eldest of four sisters, she took on the responsibility when her father fell severely ill. People around pitied us,  they said we had no brother to handle this difficult situation. I realized I had to rely on myself.  She left no stone unturned. As a young girl she for the first time visited hospitals, travelled to another city alone by train to procure medicine for her ailing father.  

Marriage brought its own set of challenges, but having navigated the significant hurdle of her father's illness alone, Pushpa discovered an inner strength that enabled her to face subsequent difficulties.  She has also noticed the strengths in her seven-year-old son. During their travels, he offers clues when she forgets the way. 

What can we learn from your life, we asked her:

• Never let any challenge weigh you down; give it a try—your effort is sufficient. Trust in your own capacity!
• Everyone, even small children, have something to teach. Be open to learning from everyone.

Pushpa embodies the wisdom of this Spanish proverb- "Where there is no help, the heart must lean heavily on itself." 

"But sometimes, when there is belief in one's self, and one lets things happen, believing that even a setback is part of the course of one's life - then exciting and fascinating surprises occur." - Y Hecht

My reflection as a facilitator from the above SALT conversation: SALT helps us realize that each individual possesses an innate power. When this power is activated, it serves as a catalyst, stimulating individuals to shape their own lives. The more we facilitate SALT, the more we encounter strengths in others. This gradually and organically diminishes our mindset to be the experts and the power we may exert over others as facilitators, prompting us to let go. 

[Sadia Jafrin]

I am touched!

[Farjana Yeasmin]

One of the most inspiring blogs I came across in this platform. Thanks for sharing, Ritu