When I think back to how I discovered Rubaroo, it feels like a serendipitous alignment of events that shaped the person I am today. It all began through Nazneen, a friend who introduced me to the organization. She had connected with Rubaroo during her time at Shadan Medical College, and seeing her journey piqued my curiosity. At first, my understanding of their work was surface-level. I visited their website a few times, intrigued by their positive and empowering approach, free from ulterior motives—a rarity that immediately struck a chord with me.
Initially, I held a limited perspective of what NGOs do, imagining them as entities that primarily distribute resources to those in need. However, Rubaroo turned this perception on its head. It wasn’t until I joined one of their programs that I truly grasped the depth of their work.
The First Workshop: A Safe Space for Transformative Dialogue
My first day at Agaaz-e-Baatcheet (AEB) was nothing short of transformative. I vividly remember Hema introducing herself and facilitating exercises centered around interfaith harmony. These weren’t just icebreakers; they were carefully crafted activities that encouraged us to voice the questions and thoughts we often bottled up. The environment was judgment-free, and that alone was groundbreaking for me.
Coming from a conservative Muslim family and having studied in minority institutions throughout my life, my worldview had been singular and insular. But through Rubaroo, I began to see the beauty of coexistence and the richness of diverse perspectives.
Beyond Boundaries: Learning and Growth
The workshops, held at Maulana Azad National Urdu University, were an amalgamation of learning, connection, and, surprisingly, great food! Shared meals fostered camaraderie and allowed for conversations that extended beyond the structured sessions. This sense of belonging and openness made Rubaroo stand out as more than an organization—it became a community.
Through Rubaroo, I’ve also ventured into interfaith studies, diving deep into understanding religions like Hinduism. Growing up, I often dismissed rituals as meaningless, but now I see the profound thought and culture behind them. This shift has not only broadened my perspective but also enriched my conversations with friends, fostering messages of peace and understanding.
Values That Resonate
When I think of the core values Rubaroo upholds—joy, agency, compassion, integrity, and courage—the one that resonates most with me is compassion. Every great leader across religions exemplifies this trait, and Rubaroo has deepened my understanding of it. Compassion, as I’ve learned here, is about seeing beyond labels and embracing humanity in its entirety.
Rubaroo’s impact isn’t confined to its participants. It has a ripple effect on communities, spreading kindness and fostering understanding in ways that transcend boundaries. Even now, as I live in Dubai, I carry the lessons and memories of Rubaroo with me. They’ve shaped how I see the world and how I engage with people from different walks of life.
Suggestions for Growth
While Rubaroo is doing incredible work, I believe there’s potential to reach even more people, especially those in marginalized or minority-dominated communities. Awareness campaigns and proactive outreach in these areas could open doors for many who may not know about Rubaroo but could benefit immensely from its programs.
To anyone joining Rubaroo—whether as a participant, volunteer, or intern—my advice is simple: be shamelessly open. Talk to everyone, ask questions, and immerse yourself in the experience. Push past your boundaries and embrace every opportunity to connect. You never know how these conversations and connections will shape you.
A Grateful Heart
Looking back, I feel immense gratitude for stumbling upon Rubaroo. It’s not just an organization—it’s a movement that gave me wings, broadened my horizons, and filled my life with compassion and understanding. I carry this journey with pride, knowing it’s one of the most meaningful chapters of my life.
Rubaroo isn’t just about programs and workshops; it’s about creating a legacy of inclusion, understanding, and humanity. And that’s something I’ll forever cherish.
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