Exploring Assumptions and Adapting Conversations

In April, I embarked on a workshop exchange journey with my co-Fellows, Aashritha and Jahnavi as part of our Professional Development Grant (PDG) through AIF Banyan Impact Fellowship. The idea was to conduct workshops with each other’s cohorts on various topics. I anticipated I would delve into an exploration of gender, identity, and values with both batches. However, what unfolded challenged my preconceptions, such as the assumption of universal understanding and belief in shared access to discourse, and deepened my understanding of privilege and disparity.

Navigating Disparity

Talking to a student at Kshamtalaya. (Picture credit: Aashritha Murali)

Upon our arrival at Kshamtalaya, in Udaipur, it became apparent that our initial assumptions required recalibration. The cohort we encountered held a markedly different understanding of the workshop’s themes. Their younger age and limited exposure to discussions surrounding gender, identity, and values prompted Jahnavi and me to adjust our approach, opting for a simplified version of the content we had originally planned. Adding another layer of complexity to our interaction was engaging with a particularly shy group of girls, some of whom were not comfortable speaking Hindi.

Despite considering myself firmly rooted in reality, this encounter challenged my perceptions. I had believed myself to be well-versed in the various demographics and their access to discourse within the country. However, the stark contrast in comprehension levels between this cohort and my own cohort in the urban city of Indore highlighted the significant disparities in access to knowledge. This realization was humbling, prompting me to reflect on my ability to effectively communicate across barriers of comprehension. While I had previously acknowledged the existence of such disparities, experiencing them firsthand made me realize their significant effect on one’s understanding of the world.

Joshila, a facilitator, engaged with the girls in a game of ‘Chinese Whispers’ used to understand communication skills. (Picture credit: Jahnavi Zondervan)

Bridging the Gap

Recognizing the need for adaptation, both Jahnavi and I changed our original session plan. I shifted my focus exclusively to the topic of values, interwoven with insights on communication and relationships. As the session unfolded, I encountered the constant challenge of bridging the gap between our divergent perspectives. Despite my best efforts to convey nuanced concepts, the disparity in understanding presented a significant obstacle.

Joshila, a facilitator, responding as she holds the ball. (Picture credit: Aashritha Murali)

Their initial reservations made it clear that establishing rapport would require patience and persistence. However, along with Aashritha and Jahnavi, through continued perseverance and adaptability, we gradually succeeded in fostering a connection with the participants by the session’s conclusion. To overcome the language barrier, we asked Joshila and Hansa, the two facilitators, to translate everything said during the sessions. Additionally, we implemented Aashritha’s suggestion from her workshop, using a ball to encourage participants to speak up. We turned throwing the ball into a game, where we randomly selected a participant to answer a question. After responding, they passed the ball to another person in the room who would then be required to answer. Moreover, we introduced the ‘thumbs-up/thumbs-down’ rule, instructing participants to show thumbs-up if they understood and thumbs-down if they did not.

Questioning Assumptions

The journey prompted deep introspection into my own privilege and biases. But more importantly, it led me to question the assumption that those with limited access were inherently ‘missing’ something.

This dilemma lingered in my mind long after the journey ended. Was their joy a result of their adaptability and resilience, or were they truly ‘missing’ essential knowledge and opportunities? While I still do not know the answer, wrestling with this question forced me to reassess my understanding of privilege and satisfaction, ultimately leading to a deeper appreciation for the complexities of human experiences.

The workshop exchange journey was not merely about conducting sessions; it was a transformative experience of self-discovery and empathy. It highlighted the importance of humility and the necessity to consistently reassess our assumptions.

Moving Forward

A group photo with the cohort where we pose with the ‘thumbs-up’ sign from the sessions. (Photo credit: Jahnavi Zondervan)

As I move forward, I hold onto the insights gained from this experience. This workshop exchange journey has been a reminder of the value of diversity. It encouraged me to examine my own biases and assumptions, fostering personal growth and a renewed dedication to fostering inclusivity and understanding.

Author

Arbeena Jan

Arbeena Jan currently serves as an American India Foundation Banyan Impact Fellow, partnering with Aim for the Awareness of Society (AAS) in Indore. Her Fellowship project entails the design of capacity-building modules for training purposes, which will also be shared with external stakeholders focusing on child, adolescent, and women development. Arbeena will incorporate field case studies to enhance the visibility of AAs' work through social media channels. Originally hailing from Srinagar, Kashmir, Arbeena's journey started when she was awarded an academic scholarship from the Foundation during her sixth-grade education. This scholarship allowed her to attend Sahyadri School, a boarding school in Pune. Her deep-seated passion for politics and international affairs ultimately led her to pursue a B.A. in International Relations and Governance Studies. The concept of identity and the disparities it brings along have always intrigued Arbeena. Consequently, during her undergraduate years, she undertook a thesis project aiming to comprehend the nuanced identity of Kashmiri women and the unique challenges they face. Throughout her academic journey, Arbeena actively engaged in volunteer work. During her school summer breaks, she volunteered with the NGO Help Foundation in Srinagar, contributing to fieldwork verifications and school workshops. In 2018, she dedicated her time as a full-time volunteer with Friends of Camphill in Bengaluru, where she played a pivotal role in managing day-to-day operations and ensuring the organization's seamless functioning. Arbeena further enriched her experiences by interning with various organizations. She interned with Childline India, Srinagar, between 2017 and 2019, where she conducted orientation sessions on casework, counselling, and child rights. These sessions aimed to raise awareness among community members and school students, empowering them with knowledge and strategies for ensuring child protection.

During her undergraduate years, Arbeena also interned with the Marketing and Admissions Department at Shiv Nadar University. In this role as a Student Coordinator, she provided valuable assistance to prospective students, addressing inquiries and doubts regarding the admission process, thus ensuring a smooth and informed experience. She also offered support and guidance to help students make well-informed decisions regarding their course selections and career pathways. In 2021, Arbeena interned with Grant Thornton Bharat, where she conducted research on organizations seeking funding from the EdelGive Foundation. Her responsibilities included evaluating these organizations' social impact and sustainability practices, as well as providing administrative support, organizing events, and delivering outstanding customer support. Her time with Grant Thornton showcased her organizational and multitasking abilities. During her leisure hours, she takes pleasure in immersing herself in books, savouring the beauty of nature during tranquil walks, and indulging in the soothing melodies of the music.

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