Youth Dreams and the Future of Nandwal

[Shahrukh Atpade]

In Nandwal village, through SALT activities, I have met almost all the boys and discovered their good qualities. All of them have the strength to play the role of a leader. About a month before the Ganesh festival, we had organized a meeting in the gym. In that meeting, the boys participated enthusiastically and shared their various dreams. Some of these they had planned to carry out during the Ganesh festival, but for some reason, it did not happen. After that, the rains began. For the past few days, the rains had stopped. During that time, the boys started sitting at the village square and began discussing all these matters. I received this information from Kedar. Kedar is from Nandwal village and works in the Avani organization.
I was happy because even in my absence, the boys were discussing their dreams and trying to involve others in them. I decided that without wasting any more time, I should meet them and conduct a Dream Building session with them. I gave the boys the idea, and we decided to meet at 8 PM. Most of the boys in Nandwal village go to the gym between 7 and 8 in the evening. At 8 o’clock, we met at the square. The discussion soon came alive. With jokes, fun, and sharing of experiences, the whole atmosphere changed. For a moment, I felt as though this moment should never end. Our relationship had grown with so much love and warmth.
I asked, In the next 10 years, where do you see the young boys of the village? What good changes will have taken place among them? What is your dream for the young boys of the village?
They expressed their views as follows.
1. The boys should not get into addictions.
2. They should stay away from mobile phones.
3. They should give time to themselves.
4. They should talk and spend time with other boys.
5. They should play traditional games.
6. They should get good education and secure good jobs.
7. The two groups of boys in the village should come together.
8. The village should be clean.

I carefully listened to all their points. All of these were activities. Earlier, we had a meeting with Ritu Nanda about Dream Building, where we were clearly explained the difference between a dream and an activity. While conducting this discussion, I did the same. I said, What you have just mentioned are all activities that need to be done. But think—after all these activities are completed, what will the situation look like?
The boys took a little time and then began to speak,
1. Because of traditional games, the boys’ health and thinking will have improved.
2. The young boys will openly share their feelings with their parents and others.
3. The young boys will have received good education and will be working in good jobs.
4. The village will have become clean and beautiful.

At first, the boys expressed these points in broken sentences, but later, everyone together shaped them into proper statements. There was a bit of chaos in the discussion, but it was positive. They started talking among themselves about how they would enjoy once all of this came true.
I had initially planned to do this Dream Building on chart paper or in some other format, but the boys did not want to go that way. Today, I experienced that with proper facilitation, Dream Building can be done even through spoken conversation alone.
At the end of the meeting, we did an AER. Since there was less time, we did it in short form.
1. We were able to see our future—where we will be in the coming time.
2. The discussion gave us energy.
3. Before the next meeting, we will start Lezim practice—if the rains have stopped.
In this entire process, Vikrant Sir and Jainuddin Panhalkar Sir were present. From time to time, they helped me with the facilitation. The young boys also supported them very well.