My Sudden Trip to Delhi

This mid-point training in Delhi had kept me very curious and excited for almost a month. I kept imagining the sessions, the learning, the people that I get to meet, and the entire vibe of the capital city. I even planned everything well in advance from packing to buying new dresses especially for the trip.

But life took a sharp turn.

Just days before the training, I got the news that I wouldn’t be allowed to go. My project work had reached a very critical stage, the inauguration of our CFC was impending, and on top of that, my co-fellow handling the chilli cluster was also away. I was managing both the rice and chilli clusters at the same time. So the permission to travel was looking bleak.

I was deeply disappointed, and what’s more, I felt so upset that for three days continuously, I could not even focus properly. Seeing everyone prepare for the training while I stayed back made me feel even more left out.

Then, something unbelievable happened.

One day, out in the field when heavy rain was pouring, I got a call saying,’You are coming to Delhi. Your flight tickets are booked. Go pack your things!’. For a moment, I just stood there shocked. I couldn’t believe what I heard.

In a span of seconds, my sadness got converted into pure joy. I rushed back to my room, packed everything in a hurry and  I even forgot many things because of my excitement and started my journey. This was only my second flight experience, and interestingly, even my first flight was also for training during induction at Pune.

From waving at airplanes in childhood to now sitting inside one and watching the city shrink beneath me, the experience felt magical and unreal.

When I reached Delhi and came to the Indian Social Institute (ISI), something more heart-touching happened. My Co-fellows welcomed me with a huge hug. They were genuinely happier than I was. Many of them had even messaged my POC requesting permission for me to come. In those moments, I realised they were not just friends; they were truly family.

Although I couldn’t stay for the entire training, the three days I spent there were full of powerful learnings.

Mr. Ajith Kanitkar Sir’s session on FPC’s was an eye-opener, especially since I work closely with an FPC (Farmer Producer Company). We discussed the impact of language in the overall understanding of an FPC and used case studies to think about challenges and opportunities. This helped me see all the future ways in which I can contribute to my project.

Mr. Saurabh Mehta’s session showed me that one should learn from failure and never give up. He also spoke about the financial and social impact aspects of enterprises which was helpful for our learning. Stories from his life was interesting to reflect upon, as was discussing the opportunities we have to solve ecological issues with better ideas and products.

Ms.Kashina Kareema’s session on women empowerment made me look at empowerment from a fresh perspective. We discussed models of empowerment and the need to look at different social projects with the lens of gender theory and contemporary approaches to this topic.

I also got a chance to talk about my work with my co fellows and present to them and hear their feedback and questions. With Mr. Rahul Barkatakay’ session, we learned about developing projects with a timeframe and budget, made our own project proposals based on social issues and made our plans for the next 6 months in our locations. It helped by giving tools to work with and clarity on how to think about the remaining time in the fellowship.

The days were short, but the impact was deep. This sudden trip taught me something very special when we really manifest something with our whole heart, the universe finds a way to make it happen. My Delhi trip was unexpected, emotional, exciting, and full of learning. More than anything, it reminded me how blessed I am to have a team that supports me, friends who stand by me, and a journey that teaches me new things at every step. Sometimes, the best moments in life are those we never saw coming, this trip was truly just that.