It has been almost a month since I moved to Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan, after completing my wonderful orientation program in Delhi. These past few weeks have been nothing short of transformative — a journey of growth, adaptation, and self-discovery.
The six days of orientation in Delhi flew by in what felt like moments. I still remember feeling nervous and excited as I joined the large cohort, unsure of what to expect. But soon, I found myself surrounded by warm, welcoming people who made the experience unforgettable. My friends from the U.S. taught me new terminologies, shared their perspectives, and opened my mind to new ways of thinking. We exchanged stories, laughed endlessly, explored Delhi’s beautiful landmarks, and bonded over countless cups of chai and shared meals. Those six days gifted me memories I’ll cherish forever — moments of camaraderie, curiosity, and connection that have become a precious chapter in my life.
After the orientation ended, stepping into my new life in Sawai Madhopur was both exciting and challenging. This is the second time I’m living away from my family, and while I was prepared for it mentally, the emotional reality hits differently. Coming from a family where I’ve always been surrounded by love, care, and a bit of pampering, I knew that living alone would push me beyond my comfort zone — and that’s exactly what I wanted. I wanted to learn, to grow, and to see how capable I could be on my own.
Still, there are moments when I deeply miss home — the warmth of my mother’s voice, the aroma of her home-cooked meals, and the simple comfort of being cared for. Every evening, when I call her to tell her about my day, her reactions never fail to make me smile. She’s often surprised — and proud — to hear about my little daily victories. When I tell her, “Today rice with lentils or a vegetable curry (Daal Chawal),” she laughs and says, “Really? You cooked that?” And I always reply, “Yes, Maa. Cooking is a survival skill — everyone should learn it.” These conversations remind me that even though I’m miles away, our bond is as strong as ever.
Living alone in Sawai Madhopur has been a lesson in self-reliance and resilience. From arranging my breakfast to preparing lunch, washing clothes, and ironing them — I’ve learned to take responsibility for every small task. These seemingly ordinary chores have helped me build discipline and patience.
What has made this journey even more fulfilling is how quickly I’ve adapted to the local culture. I’ve explored almost every corner of Sawai Madhopur — from the vibrant local markets to the hidden food joints that serve the best biryani in town. My colleagues often joke that I now know more about the area than many locals! I’ve enjoyed the taste of Rajasthani food, sipped countless cups of chai, and even discovered homemade soft drinks sold by small vendors. Each experience has made me feel more connected to this place and its people.
But it’s not just the food or exploration that makes this experience special. My professional journey here has been equally enriching. Recently, we organized a three-day residential training workshop on self-learning and communication, and it turned out to be an inspiring experience. I met several young people who, despite limited resources, possess remarkable skills and determination. Their passion for improving education and strengthening local governance left me deeply moved. Watching their confidence and enthusiasm reminded me why I chose this path — to learn from people, work alongside them, and contribute in whatever way I can.
This one month has taught me that growth truly begins the moment we step outside our comfort zone. Every challenge, every lonely evening, every small achievement — they all add up to something meaningful. Living in Sawai Madhopur has not just taught me how to manage on my own; it has taught me to appreciate simplicity, to find joy in small moments, and to believe in my ability to adapt and thrive.
As I sit here writing this, I feel proud, grateful, and at peace. This chapter of my life will always remind me that independence is not just about living alone — it’s about learning to live fully
Learning to Live on My Own: A Month in Sawai Madhopur
Mohd Kamil holds a B.A. (Hons.) in Hindi Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Delhi, an M.A. in Human Rights & Duties Education from Jamia Millia Islamia, and a Master’s in Development Studies from Ambedkar University Delhi. His academic background reflects a strong interdisciplinary foundation in governance, human rights, and development.
He has worked as a Fellow with the Youth Parliament Foundation, engaging young voices in civic and policy discourse. As a Field Investigator with the Centre for Women’s Development Studies in collaboration with the International Labour Organization, he contributed to research on women’s employment and labour rights in Rohtak, Haryana. He later served as a Research Associate to the Minister at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Good Governance and Policy Analysis, Government of Madhya Pradesh, where he provided research support and contributed to policy initiatives at the state level.
As the Research Coordinator at the Global Counter Terrorism Council, where he led research initiatives, managed conferences, and facilitated collaborations with public and private stakeholders. Alongside his professional work, he has published articles examining how seating arrangements reinforce social hierarchies and exclusion in everyday spaces, as well as on the intersection of artificial intelligence and human rights.
His field interests include human rights, governance, development policy, social justice, and the intersection of technology and society.
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