In today’s overwhelming and often unbalanced work environments, I have been pleasantly surprised by Gramin Shiksha Kendra’s (GSK) distinctive culture from the outset of my Fellowship. My host organisation’s emphasis on individual empowerment where employees can authentically express themselves and become agents of positive change presents a refreshing perspective on work ethos. To provide you with a glimpse, let me share one of my experiences. GSK recently held an inaugural ceremony welcoming the new and existing employees and launched its new session on May 1st coinciding with International Worker’s Day. This event marked a notable milestone for the organisation as its total team reached 100, signifying a true celebration of GSK’s growth and impact.
Creative collaborations showcasing talents and teamwork
The day began with ice-breaking sessions where participants engaged in games like ‘Thotha, Pinjara and Toofan’ and ‘Sher Aaya.’ This was followed by a creative activity where teams collaborated to compose and perform original songs on the spot, infusing the environment with an infectious blend of fun and laughter. The spontaneous performances allowed their artistic abilities to shine and brought out the spirit of collaboration that lies at the heart of GSK’s ethos. After the vibrant musical interlude, everyone took turns introducing themselves and sharing their roles and responsibilities within the organisation. The interactive and collaborative nature of these sessions allowed the participants to forge meaningful connections, develop a sense of camaraderie and collectively embrace a shared purpose and commitment.
Sharing the inspiration behind organising this event, Vishnu Gopal, the Director of GSK stated, “Every year, we welcome new individuals into our fold, while others choose to renew their association with us or complete their tenures. I envisioned this gathering as an opportunity for our entire team to come together and forge connections. An event like this not only embraces our newcomers into the GSK family but also honours the team’s efforts for change. So, I thought what better way to get everyone together than an occasion like International Workers’ Day and begin our new session in the organisation.”
A delightful pause from the day’s proceedings came in the form of a lunch break, where we all savoured traditional delicacies like the mouth-watering Dal Baati Churma. GSK’s warm hospitality and appreciation for the local culinary heritage were evident in every bite. After this scrumptious meal, the event resumed with a series of insightful team presentations showcasing their understanding of the GSK’s multifaceted initiatives and a deeper appreciation for the breadth and depth of the organisation’s efforts.
From struggle to empowerment
As the day drew to a close, it was marked by an inspiring session wherein GSK members shared their narratives of growth since joining the organisation. They reflected on their journeys thus far, the skills they have acquired, their achievements, and their aspirations for the future. One such account was shared by Shravan Bawri, who had once struggled with alcoholism leading him to neglect his family and responsibilities. Two years ago, GSK extended an opportunity for Shravan to join their team, offering him a chance at a new life. With this association, he overcame the formidable challenges and became an integral part of the organisation’s outreach efforts with the De-Notified Tribes (DNTs).
Today, he plays a pivotal role in assisting the DNT community in obtaining their identity documents from government authorities and engages in constructive dialogues with bureaucrats advocating for the community’s rights. This depicts the transformative potential harboured within the walls of GSK and its profound impact in fostering positive change within individuals and communities alike.
After an invigorating day brimming with a vibrant atmosphere of activities, and fun, I was left with a sense of gratitude for having been a part of such a celebratory gathering. Witnessing the great camaraderie shared between the members, it became evident that GSK had cultivated a strong sense of community – one that extended beyond mere professional associations. The opportunity to listen to GSK members recounting their personal stories and unveiling their journeys of change laying bare their vulnerabilities and speaking with great candour was the poignant aspect of the day.
Challenging conventional norms
Through numerous enriching interactions and immersive experiences throughout this seven-month journey with this organisation, I gained insights into why Gramin Shiksha Kendra stands out from the rest. I believe it’s because at the core of its ethos lies a profound faith in people’s innate abilities and its knack for identifying and nurturing the agents of change and seamlessly integrating them into collective aspirations. In doing so, it defies conventional workplace norms that often prioritise productivity over personal growth or rigid hierarchies over individual empowerment.
I hope this comprehensive perspective serves as a source of inspiration for others to re-evaluate their practices and embrace a more holistic, people-centric model that champions continuous learning and self-discovery, thus facilitating change within oneself and the communities they serve.
