On the 28th of September 2023, something quietly powerful began. Thirty individuals from different corners of India — diverse in language, culture, upbringing, and aspirations — stepped into an experience that would soon challenge, transform, and ultimately bind them in ways they could never have imagined. We arrived not knowing what lay ahead, but with open hearts and an unspoken curiosity — eager to learn, to serve, and to grow.
The initial few days at YASHADA, Pune, were filled with a whirlwind of emotions. There was a gentle nervousness in the air, a kind of hopeful uncertainty that hovered in every shared glance, every handshake, every story exchanged. We came as strangers, hesitant yet excited. But something began shifting almost immediately. Casual conversations during meals evolved into honest exchanges about our lives, our dreams, and the communities that shaped us. The laughter echoing in the corridors, the late-night reflections in the dormitories, and the solidarity in training sessions wove an invisible but strong thread between us.
It was in these initial days that the first seeds of trust were sown — not just in the program or the process, but in each other.
The first field training took a group of us to Bhatangali, a village nestled quietly yet resiliently in its own rhythm. It was here, amidst the dust and dialogues, that theory gave way to reality. PRA exercises, community mapping, and interviews were no longer just tools — they became doorways into people’s lives. Villagers opened up about their struggles, routines, and aspirations. We listened with attention, often feeling humbled by their resilience and honesty. It was a grounding experience — one that made us realise that social change cannot be designed in isolation; it has to be lived, experienced, and co-created.
After our time in the village, we spent reflective days at the TISS Tuljapur campus. Surrounded by nature, the environment provided the pause we needed — to absorb, to breathe, and to think deeply. The calm sunrises and quiet evenings offered moments of solitude that made space for internal conversations. Each of us was on the brink of something new, yet the comfort of being part of a collective gave us the courage to move forward.
The moment we received our final field placements was emotionally overwhelming. There was excitement and curiosity, of course, but also a deep, almost sacred sense of responsibility. We were going to become part of communities that knew nothing about us. The reality of leaving comfort zones and stepping into the unknown settled in — and yet, when we looked around the room, we saw each other. We weren’t alone. We had built something — something quiet but powerful — a fellowship of care, support, and shared purpose.
In Mumbai, as we interacted with the JSW Foundation team, a broader understanding of our role and impact emerged. We were no longer just fellows in training; we were potential catalysts for change. The city’s energy was infectious. Evenings spent walking along Marine Drive became symbolic — the sea stretching endlessly before us, like our own journey. We talked, laughed, reflected — the waves seemingly whispering to us, “Trust the unknown.”
Then, reality hit. We were placed in our respective field locations, away from the comfort of our new friendships. The first few weeks were tough. Logistical hurdles, loneliness, adjusting to local dialects, and trying to identify where and how to begin our thematic work — it was as if we had been thrown into deep waters. But even in this chaos, there was rhythm. We leaned on calls with each other, shared voice notes of hope and confusion, and slowly, the field became a canvas. Each of us, in our own way, began painting it with intention and heart.
When we reconvened in December, we had transformed — not drastically, but noticeably. There was maturity in our voices, calmness in our presence, and a deep empathy in our listening. Sharing our reports, hearing each other’s field stories, laughing over common struggles — it all felt sacred. We were no longer just individuals in a program. We were part of something bigger — a collective journey rooted in purpose, love for communities, and unwavering belief in each other.
… there’s more. Do read my blog Trusting the Process, Building the bridge
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