Dawn of Exploration
L
et me start by giving you a small introduction about myself. People address me as Rudraksh Rakshit. I was born and brought up in Kishangarh situated in Rajasthan. After completing my post-graduation in Public Policy, Law and Governance; I was looking for an opportunity where I could use my theoretical knowledge about development and poverty related issues. One day I got to know about a programme named Youth Leadership Challenge 2015 conducted by Development Alternatives and VSO-India, which had been advertised on a website named NGOBOX. One interesting feature about this programme which intrigued me the most was that the participants would have to address development issues, living within the community and that too with limited resources. My motive for applying for this programme was to come out of my comfort zone and work in the challenging conditions of rural India. I also wanted to enhance my personal growth and explore more about myself as an individual.After going through the formal selection process i.e. applying for the programme, telephonic interview and personal assessment; I started my journey on 4
th of August 2015 around 4 am from my home town and reached Jhansi around 1 pm. From there, I was taken to TARAgram Orchha, located in the Tikamgarh district of Madhya Pradesh. The next day, I met 11 other volunteers. From 5th to 7th August, we had our Pre-Departure Training which included discussions on poverty and development and fun activities which helped us volunteers in getting acquainted with each other. On the last day of our training, we were briefed about the four livelihood projects operating in the region. All the 12 volunteers were divided into teams of three people.I had mixed feelings when I found out that I was placed with two other girls to work in the SanNap Project on issues of menstrual hygiene. The first challenge for me was to overcome my inhibitions and break away from my limitations. The thought of working on menstrual hygiene was a tough task for me as I come from a family where we never speak about menstruation in front of other family members. I was a bit hesitant and confused about how I could contribute to this particular project. But thanks to my team members, I became more and more open in addressing this issue.
It was challenging for us to get information fr
om the
respondents because in the socially backward villages of Uttar Pradesh and
Madhya Pradesh, women are not comfortable talking about menstruation with
anybody including other women. Before going to every target village, the
three of us came up with a strategy as to how and in which way we would
address the issue. After an awareness campaign in Laadpura village in Madhya
Pradesh, we decided to do a drawing competition prior to which we conducted
a talk regarding the menstrual health of girls aged between 13-16 years. For
this talk, my other two teammates who were women introduced me as a medical
doctor to the girls so that they would be comfortable to speak in front of
me.
My 40+ days journey of this YCS challenge has been a really fruitful one as I learnt how to overcome my own limitations. I know now that being a woman is something very special and beautiful. During our awareness campaigns, we got to speak with women who were shy as they have been largely dominated by a patriarchal set up, but these women emerged as marvellous, confident individuals.
I learnt a lot of things from the rural communities and the rest of the YCS volunteers. This programme helped me to broaden my horizons as I got an opportunity to interact with professionals and youth from different parts of the country and receive excellent guidance of the mentors who motivated us from time to time. I would encourage young people to be a part of this challenge as it is an amazing platform to get to know more about yourself - whether you are flexible or rigid, how adaptable you are to new situations and people.
All I want to say at the end is - Come, Explore and Be a Leader.
qRudraksh Rakshit
YCS 2015 Volunteer
rudraksh.rakshit@gmail.com