It’s been eight months since I stepped foot in Saurashtra (the southern part of Gujarat) and nope, this blog is not about how wonderful my life has been ever since.
Welcome to Bhavnagar, 21.77°N 72.15°E with an average elevation of 24 metres occupying 53.3 Sq.Km. of area ( ignore that if you are not into geography). The average speed of traffic here ain’t very different from Bangalore (25 Kmph*), not because of congestion but because people here are pretty relaxed even on the road. No hurries to get anywhere. It’s a happy town with a bunch of happy people. No, the blog is not ‘An analysis of traffic velocities modulated by collectives of Bos Tauras: a case of Bhavnagar’. Enough of small talk. Onto business now.
The last few months of my time with Shaishav: a simple, yet powerful child rights organisation working with children since 1993 has been life-changing. This blog series is about the invaluable lessons that I’ve learned through the process.
One of the biggest questions I’ve faced over this period from friends, family and others in the professional network is ” Noel, is it worth it ?”.
I did not have a better answer than “I don’t know” for the most part of my time. Shaishav, for the past 24 years has been helping children in the marginalised communities design their own destiny despite pressing economic and social situations. And this, they do very well through educational initiatives, children’s collectives, life skills training and so on. Despite being part of all the amazing work that my host organisation does, the question still lingered for a long time.
Is leaving the comforts of the tech industry eventually to ride a motorbike (it’s not really a motorbike as evident from the picture) at a top speed of 30 Kmph to reach Khumbarawada ( the largest slum in Bhavnagar ) through scorching heat (at times as high as 43 degrees) to reach a community learning center and teach a group of girls and boys how to use a computer and internet, worth it ? I don’t know. But that moment when Preeti ( a student at the learning centre) tells you that she wants to google how to become a Doctor: Priceless.
Is leaving the comforts of Malayalam (my mother tongue) and English to learn Gujarati so that one can understand what the local community is trying to tell you (from directions on the roads to aspirations and dreams of young and old), failing miserably time and time again, worth it? I don’t know. But the acceptance that you get in the hearts, the smile that they present you, the sparkle in their eyes when they realise that you understand their language: Priceless.
Is putting yourself in a town away from the incredibly tasty ( I just realised that I miss home-cooked more than ever ) south Indian cuisine, to be eating just Roti and Sabji day after day, worth it? I don’t know. But the joy of cooking the same with the villagers, as they tell you stories of how they farm, raise cattle and send their kids to school: Priceless.
In the process I have come to the realisation that certain in life, as they say are not only worth it, but a lot more than that.
I think it is these priceless things that make the learning experience even more eventful and memorable. I wouldn’t doubt for a second the next time someone asks ‘Noel, Is it wor…?’.Worth it and more.
Its is ‘worth’ reading your blog 🙂
Keep going Noel. We wish all the best
Love this, Noel! It’s like I can hear you speaking to me when I read the words 🙂 Hope you are well!
Noel! You are indeed doing a wonderful job out there! I know you have heard this quite many times but it really is wonderful. I see how working at a community center away from home can be challenging but I think it’s about what matters more. And yes I totally get that it’s worth it from your blog. You have me pretty inspired Noel. I hope some day I will try to make a difference like you did 🙂 All the best and keep this going!!
Nice work!! Felt good reading this.. especially helpful for those who are still with the answer “I don’t know.”
Way to go Noel. Made me rethink the meaning of priceless and how we are rushing life to achieve what we think is the best and to later understand it was not worth it. Touching as many lives is the greatest memory and happiness that you can ever get. All the best for your ventures, my friend. 🙂 God bless.
Noel, this is amazing . Nothing Is bigger than this. Truly priceless. Keep on.
Love the writing. Heartwarming 🙂 More power to you,Noel
Nice one.dear. …keep going…
ninga polikku muthe! 🙂
Such a heart warming read Noey! You’ve made memories to last you a lifetime. * priceless Memories*
Mahn awesome 😀 Waiting for the next one 😉
Good work Noel.
The typical Noel who falls in love with wherever he goes ! ????
I still remember the Noel Benno you were during our college days. Great experience shared and it’s always great to do something where your heart is. Keep going. My best wishes.
Noel..am always being amazed by the way u express..feels good..keep going…and make more brightness in little ones eyes…help thm to acheive in their life…God bless.
Wow! Loved the way you write..the way you express..
Worth the read and rereads and more ..
Noel, I believe that Life is that aspect of existence that observes, feels, processes, acts, reacts, evaluates, and evolves through growth. Life is the embodiment of selfishness! But you choose a whole another perspective. It’s about making an impact, helping others in their journey that fuels you.
As a school social worker, you are a liaison between school and students’ families, essentially bridging children’s personal lives and education to make sure their needs are being met (Now obviously, I don’t need to tell you this).
They say, If you want to live an extraordinary life it is imperative that you know who you truly are, and to do so you must explore who you truly are. And you seem to be handling the steering wheel quite well :).
All the best for your future ventures!
This is indeed priceless.
U made me rethink the meaning of priceless bro☺️☺️☺️☺️.. There is much more to life than what we all are doing.. Good job bro.. Continue the good work..
Good…. Wish you all the best….
Happy to see that you are the change which I want to see in myself….