To serve is beautiful, if only with whole heart and a free mind_SALT

[Rati lama]

Hi everyone, I’m Rati Lama, a facilitator of Rural Aid organisation, Kalchini Block, Alipurduar District. Here is my 2^nd SALT blog story from a 34 years old man who himself is a Panchayat member of Gangutia Tea garden, Kalchini Block.

On dated 3^rd February, 2022, I had SALT visit with a 34 years old man who himself is a Panchayat member of Gangutia Tea garden. As we are in proceses of SALT conversation, I have  found on him as social minded personality since from his childhood. While before he was elected as a Panchayat Member, he personally could not able to do eyes operation of his own mother due to financial problem.  But likewise of her mother’s eyes issue, he saw a many people in the community who are facing the issue of eyes where they could not access for the treatment due to financial problem. Through seeing the problem of his own community, he selfless made an effort to contact with NGO called Lions Club (Eyes)  of Siliguri and organised the free eyes check up campaign in his community where 400 beneficiaries community has took participated and benefited with free cost of eyes check up, spectacles  and operation from the campaign. From the campaign, his mother had received the free eyes operation.

As being a Panchayat Member, still he serve the community through providing the medical facilities and moral support to his community who are in dire need. There are many social deeds he had done in his life for his family and community.

The Strengths I have found on him were:

• Kind hearted to needy.
• Social minded through his deeds.
• Belief in the work with determination.
• Serve the people without ceasing (money).

The reflections through SALT conversation; as a holding the position of Panchayat member, he was so humble and social minded in personality. At the end of our SALT conversation, he was so pleased and extends his gratitude that till now no one asks about his proud story and reflects the strengths.  He also assures to support with us and work together for good cause of the community. Being motivated with SALT, he also share the issue of early child marriage in his community and thoughts to provide awareness campaign with collaboration of RuralAid and as a facilitator I had patiently listen his story and  issue. And share the information regarding of Childline Number 1098 to him for stop the early child marriage. Through this visit, it builds the rapport relationship with him for the goal of sustainability of community.

[Rituu B. Nanda]

Your facilitation has encouraged a community member to work for children in his village. This shift from 'teaching/awareness raising/telling people' to stimulating community response is an imp learning for us.

[Dheeraj Lepcha]

Excellent facilitation Rati di