I, Mohammed Hussain as a Banyan Impact Fellow placed with Gram Vikas Trust, started on a journey of purpose-driven exploration. The process of crafting my project proposal has been a remarkable journey of self-discovery and professional growth. Initially, I faced a period of uncertainty because the project I had envisioned during the matching process was no longer operational. This left me with an open canvas to reimagine my contribution. My mind was preoccupied with questions about the specifics of my project, but the question of its purpose remained an enigma. So I concentrated on the practicalities of planning my project, considering the what and how of its implementation.
Amidst the prevailing ambiguity, I embarked on a quest to understand the nuances of Gram Vikas Trust’s diverse programs—education, health and nutrition, organizational development, vocational education, and livelihood. I started visiting different locations, including schools, Anganwadis, vocational training centers, etc. I participated in the programs conducted by the organisation and also engaged in conversation with employees and the beneficiary communities. My understanding of the organization and its work culture has improved as a result of the insights I’ve gotten from these travels and interactions.
Gradually, a realization dawned: my contribution lay in educational programs and organizational development. I chose these areas because it felt like a natural fit, drawing upon my knowledge and experience. I no longer felt like a passive observer; instead, I felt a strong urge to become an active driver of change within the organization.
This newfound direction unleashed a torrent of ideas as I embarked on an ideation marathon. I pondered, probed, and envisaged solutions that would not merely scratch the surface but address the underlying issues. The range of possibilities expanded, with each idea holding the potential to bring about positive change. As a result eight interventions across three organizational programs emerged from this creative process. These interventions included the idea of systemic reformation of an education program, starting learning centers for children of salt pan workers, imparting remedial teaching for students with learning disabilities, designing professional development workshops for teachers, leading the digitization process of organisation etc. My goal? To find my footing within the organization, become an impactful employee..
Photo Credits – Author
Seeking guidance, I engaged in collaborative brainstorming sessions and shared these ideas with my AIF Mentor. He probed me with the most important questions of ‘why me’? He challenged me to examine the deeper motivations behind my project choices, urging me to align my endeavours with my professional aspirations.
- Why am I doing this project?
- How does it align with my career aspirations?
- What skills and expertise will I acquire by doing this project?
These questions opened up new perspectives for me and made me think about the purpose of my project. I considered my aspirations and the opportunities that lay ahead in my career. I started thinking about how this fellowship could contribute to the skills I wanted to acquire for my career goals.
These insights unearthed a profound truth: my project shouldn’t be just a means to an end, but a springboard for personal growth and career advancement. It needed to be a catalyst for acquiring the skills and expertise necessary to thrive in the ever-changing world of work. With renewed direction, I retooled my project proposal, seamlessly intertwining my aspirations with the organization’s requirements. The methodology was deliberately chosen to act as a stepping stone towards acquiring the skills and expertise crucial to my envisioned career goals. Ultimately, my project became the development of an assessment tool and a parenting tool to support struggling students with the help of their teachers.
Looking back, this experience taught me invaluable lessons. Don’t rush decisions; explore, reflect, and refine. Remember, thorough preparation leads to focused results. Collaboration is key; feedback from others fosters refinement and perfection. Always align your project with your career goals, and ensure each step propels you forward.
Photo credits – Janak
The journey of crafting my project proposal revealed the profound power of purpose. It infused my work with meaning and direction, a testament to the transformative power of creative exploration. This, I am forever grateful for.
