“Nothing is Black and White – It’s Grey”
In the bustling city of Hyderabad, amidst the cacophony of urban life, there exists a sanctuary where young minds to converge to learn, explore, and grow – Rubaroo. This is what Nitish, an aspiring civil servant, describes Rubaroo, which became a haven for personal development and growth. Pursuing his Master’s in Public Administration, Nitish’s journey with Rubaroo started in 2019 – where he quenched his thirst to do something for society and learn. Let’s deep dive into the recipe for quenching one’s thirst for change.
Journey Begins – The Power Walk
Attending a military school, Nitish shares that faith was an issue and wanted to understand the fuss around. Driven by this, Nitish fondly recalls the pivotal role played by his friend Yeshwanth, who introduced him to Rubaroo and enrolled him on Agaaz–e-Baatcheet 2019. Having recently migrated to Hyderabad, this was a whole new experience for Nitish that became a perfect blend of fun and learning.
“AEB 2019 was my entry point into Rubaroo, and it was a game-changer for me. It was more than just an extracurricular activity; it was a space where I could explore and understand different perspectives,” Nitish reminisces.
A defining moment in Nitish’s journey was his participation in the Rubaroo activity known as the “Power Walk.” This immersive experience gave Nitish a glimpse into the diverse identities and perspectives of our world. It was a moment of revelation, challenging his preconceived notions and fostering empathy and understanding.
“The Power Walk was eye-opening. It made me realize the importance of empathy and understanding in navigating the complexities of our world. It was a humbling experience that broadened my perspective,” Nitish reflects.
Introspecting, Reflecting, and Embodying
One of the most profound impacts of Nitish’s involvement was cultivating a nuanced understanding of social issues, particularly gender, faith, and interfaith dialogue. He found that every problem has an inherent causality or a link to gender, religion, or caste dynamics. That’s where he thanks Rubaroo for providing a neutral space and finding like-minded people.
“We perceive with two eyes – everything is categorised into black and white – not at Rubaroo. That space allowed me to be myself, express my thoughts, and an accommodating nature. It contributed towards my growth as I look at social issues through multiple lenses – every problem results from an inherent problem. The neutrality in the space catalysed my passion for working for the people.”
Talking about the community and the bigger impact, Nitish shares, “When I went for Rubaroo with Gender, I saw people come from diverse backgrounds, and each of them taking their new share of understanding and contributing towards society. It became a locus point for people to come together, learn and go back.”
As Nitish continues his journey of serving the community, he shares the value of compassion drives him to what he’s doing and shall keep pursuing for the best. Cherishing the bonds made and the friendships created, Nitish feels it’s good to have a connected network of alumni seeking learning experiences.
Lastly, he shares a few words as a piece of advice for young changemakers, “When you meet somebody, you have a preconceived notion – but I say, go blank and be curious and take the experience. Preconceived notions don’t help you learn much, and it’s important to not stay fixated or become over-ambitious – take it as it comes.”
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