“Which project location will I get?”
This question echoed in my mind when I joined the JSW Foundation Fellowship in September 2023. My journey began in Pune, on the auspicious day of Ganapathi Festival—a vibrant, culturally welcome to a path that would transform me deeply. That day, strangers became co-fellows, and soon co-fellows became lifelong friends.
When the locations were allocated, I felt truly blessed. I was assigned to Jaigad, Ratnagiri—the land of Alphonso mangoes, nestled along the Konkan coast, where “the sea meets the soul.” It wasn’t just a location; it became my living classroom, my healing space, and eventually, my second home.
Where Challenge Meets Opportunity
Reaching remote villages was never easy. I often took a lift in trucks, bikes, police vans and Tata Aces. But every difficult road introduced me to kind strangers—farmers, drivers, local people and teachers, —who offered lifts and life lessons alike. Their humility drew me closer to the community and reminded me that kindness has no language.
I chose to work with school students, a decision that made me revisit my own childhood. From day one, the students, teachers, and school staff welcomed me with such warmth that I never felt like an outsider. Their love anchored me.
Unforgettable Bonds
In Summer Camp 2024, students found out I had never tasted the famous Alphonso mango. The next day, they brought mangoes from their family orchards just for me. Another time, after a life skills session, a student called his mother and asked her to prepare lunch for me. I was served home-cooked food, played childhood games, and as I was leaving, his grandmother gifted me cashews. My mind hesitated, but my heart gratefully accepted. It wasn’t just food—it was love.
On the day after Raksha Bandhan, some 6th-grade girls noticed my wrist had no rakhi. When I shared that I hadn’t been home for the festival, they tied rakhi on my hand themselves. That simple gesture carved a permanent space in my heart. It was the day I realized I was no longer just a facilitator—I was a brother, a mentor, and most importantly, a part of their lives.
Learning the Language of Love
The school staff treated me as an equal, despite my lack of prior experience. They supported my initiatives and appreciated my efforts. I witnessed firsthand how love, trust, and respect can build bridges of learning far stronger than any textbook.
When the Principal Sir retired, he invited me to his retirement ceremony. Although I had to leave midway due to a meeting, he later hosted a personal lunch for me at his home. I was the youngest at the table, but he treated me like family. Before I left, he said, “Don’t ever change your number—you can return anytime.” That sentence became one of the greatest rewards of my fellowship.
Nature, Reflection, and Writing
In moments of self-doubt, I turned to nature. Watching the sunrise and sunset over the Arabian Sea became my therapy. It was in Jaigad that I penned my first poem—a blog born out of emotion, inspiration and reflection.
A Departure, Not a Goodbye
On 4th July 2025, my final day at Warwadey Middle School, I shared my departure news. Emotions ran high. I fought back tears while reassuring everyone that this wasn’t the end. The farewell was not just for a fellow—it was for a family member.
When I arrived, no one knew my name. When I left, I carried a hundred names in my heart, each calling me dada, bhaiya, sir—and some, simply friends.
Gratitude for a Lifetime
Looking back, what started as a fellowship became a memory bank of love, learning, and belonging. From struggling to reach remote villages to being invited into homes and hearts, my journey in Ratnagiri redefined what it means to create impact.
The window of hope opened, and the community welcomed me with open arms. This experience credited my life with values no paycheck can match.
I didn’t just serve a community.
I became a part of it.
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