Tushar’s Voice: A Young Man’s Feelings

[Nityam Ghosh]

Hello friends, hope everyone had a wonderful Diwali and enjoyed it to the fullest.

Today, during a SALT session in the Basa Line area of Bhatpara Tea Garden with 17-year-old Tushar Chik Baraik, the dialogue on masculinity was truly inspiring.

Through the SALT session, the strengths emerging from Tushar ji – such as ‘caring for all’, ‘kindheartedness’, and ‘positive thinking’ – reflect his sense of care for both the community and his family.

How do you feel when you hear the word "man" or "male"?

In response to this question, he said:

* Someone who takes care of and provides for his family.

* Someone who does hard work.

* Someone who, during any problem, keeps himself calm while working to solve it.

* Someone who understands a problem and works to solve it thoughtfully.

* Someone who doesn’t give up in the face of difficulties.

 

What are the things that make you feel like a man but you hesitate to share with others?

During this question, he shared:

* According to him, when it comes to making friends, family restricts him – they do not allow him to be friends with everyone. This bothers him sometimes, but he cannot express it to anyone.

* When he’s late during games and sports, parents scold him. This also hurts him.

After explaining his strengths in detail, he said that parents are also right in their own way; if he is late, they naturally worry about him.

Reflections as a SALT Facilitator

As a SALT facilitator, this session was a learning opportunity:

* Appreciative questions help bring out the feelings of youth.

* An experienced facilitator must continuously learn how to conduct deeper, empathetic discussions with young people from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

After Experience Reflection

What went well today and why?

This question was related to him, so he felt very good about it.

The pain he held inside, unable to share with anyone, found an outlet in this conversation. By expressing it, he felt lighter and much better.

What could have been better today?

He said that if his family understood the feelings he had in his heart, it would have been better. But through today’s dialogue, it became clear to him that his family does care for him. He wished someone had asked him questions like this earlier.

[Rituu B. Nanda]

What will you do differently next time? Thanks Nityam