In 2017, I was a participant in the Smile Programme by Pravah, where I first heard about Rubaroo from Amar, Nishanth, and Mahadev. At the time, I was deeply intrigued but hadn’t yet envisioned just how impactful Rubaroo would become in my life. I applied for the Associate Coordinator role in 2021, and while I wasn’t selected, Pravah extended an opportunity to bring me to Telangana to run a program. This twist of fate brought me to Hyderabad, where I met Rashmi, my mentor at Rubaroo, who introduced me to the incredible team and work at Rubaroo. Soon, I was diving deeper into the organization’s heart and purpose.
A new role and growing responsibilities
I became actively involved with Rubaroo in early 2022, especially when they began recruiting for Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) facilitators. Working with dedicated individuals like Ruqsana, Anuja, and Afrah, I facilitated several sessions over the months of February and March. Each session not only brought the curriculum to life but also strengthened our team’s commitment to adolescent development. Together, we held insightful debriefs, adapted our approach as needed, and always supported one another, creating an environment that was both rigorous and collaborative.
Amberpet quickly became our base, allowing me to connect with numerous partners and stakeholders crucial for implementing and mobilizing programs. Rubaroo’s approach to adolescent life skills training—structured, empathetic, and creative—was a refreshing shift for me, having previously worked with college students. This role marked my first hands-on experience working directly with adolescents, and it profoundly reshaped my understanding of their unique needs and perspectives.
Building life skills from an early age
One key lesson Rubaroo instilled in me is the importance of nurturing life skills from adolescence. Too often, organizations focus solely on gender equality or educational performance, overlooking how essential life skills and leadership development are for teenagers. Adolescence, beginning around age 13, is a critical phase for developing ideas about society, identity, roles, and purpose. Rubaroo recognized this and provided a loving, empathetic, and safe space for young people to explore their identities and aspirations.
Rubaroo’s work reminded me of my own school days, which, though challenging, gave me a deeper perspective on the significance of reaching adolescents at this transformative stage. This experience has been a driving force behind my current ambition to become a teacher, where I can contribute to creating nurturing spaces in schools.
Cultural shifts and new perspectives
Having grown up in Gurugram, with roots in Andhra Pradesh, adjusting to Hyderabad’s unique cultural landscape was both enlightening and challenging. The culture here differs markedly in how young people perceive social issues and community work. In Hyderabad, many youth remain within a “safe net,” favoring comfort zones and structured career paths like engineering and traditional jobs. Rubaroo is addressing this narrative, advocating for a broader view of opportunities beyond conventional careers and encouraging young people to explore social issues and active citizenship.
Rubaroo has played a vital role in rewriting the Telangana story, opening doors for young voices to step out of their comfort zones and engage in deeper, more meaningful conversations. Through workshops, partnerships with schools and government institutions, and direct engagement with parents and teachers, Rubaroo fosters spaces where young people are free to express and explore beyond societal expectations.
Expanding horizons
One aspect I particularly admire about Rubaroo is their commitment to interfaith understanding. I hope they expand this approach to include Social Emotional Learning (SEL), caste, and sustainability by considering the intersections of these themes. Intersectional approaches allow young people to understand societal issues as they truly are: multifaceted and interlinked. While many misunderstand or undermine feminism, true feminism encompasses gender, caste, and social justice—a concept I hope to see explored further through programs that address these complex issues.
I’ve had enlightening conversations with Rubaroo’s founders, gaining insight into how they crafted the organization’s vision. To truly make an impact, one must first understand the problem, appreciate the founder’s journey, and then work to effect change by stepping beyond personal biases. Rubaroo is creating spaces that are not about any single issue; rather, they center around what young people need to find their voices and navigate the world they are shaping.
Looking forward
Working with Rubaroo has been a journey of growth, understanding, and learning. It’s not only a safe space for young people but also a platform that emphasizes empathy, active citizenship, and personal growth. For me, Rubaroo is a place that goes beyond gender or caste; it’s about empowering the youth and giving them the confidence to speak up, connect with others, and discover their paths forward.
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