In a heartfelt conversation with Dharma, a key member of Rubaroo, we delve deep into his journey of growth, learning, and personal transformation. From his early days at Rubaroo to his involvement in the ELP (Emerging Leaders Programme) and his reflections on the broader impact of the organization, Dharma shares valuable insights on his experiences.
The Beginning: How Dharma Found Rubaroo
Dharma’s introduction to Rubaroo wasn’t conventional. It was through his neighbor, Akhil, who was already working with the organization. “I got to know about Rubaroo because of Akhil,” Dharma explains, recalling how he often visited Akhil at TCL, where Rubaroo facilitated various programs for children. Initially hesitant about the non-profit world, Dharma wasn’t sure if Rubaroo could meet his expectations in terms of payment or stability. But after spending a few months understanding Rubaroo’s work, he decided to take the plunge.
“I applied for the Admin Coordinator role,” he says, recalling how a telephonic interview and a long wait of two to two and a half months finally led to his selection. His joining date was set for July 18th, 2022, which marked the beginning of his journey with Rubaroo. But, like many new beginnings, it came with confusion. “At first, I was confused. What should I do? What exactly is my role here?” Dharma reflects, remembering the early days when Rubaroo was still establishing its new space and organizing its operations.
The ELP Experience: A Lifelong Learning Journey
One of the most transformative aspects of Dharma’s time at Rubaroo was his involvement in the ELP program. He recalls feeling both fortunate and conflicted about the experience. “It was my first time, and I was managing both the admin role and the program itself. It was quite hard,” he admits. The emotional connections he formed during the program were intense. “I was emotionally connected with the people, and I couldn’t come out of that,” he says, revealing how deeply the experience impacted him.
Facilitating at his own school, where he had once been a student, was particularly poignant. “It was a wonderful experience, returning to my school and working alongside my teachers,” he says with a smile. But, as with any challenging journey, balancing multiple roles took a toll on Dharma. “I couldn’t manage both things. The travel, the emotional involvement—it all became overwhelming.”
Despite these challenges, Dharma fondly remembers the growth he experienced during ELP. “I got to know a different side of myself, a new character,” he says. He credits the program for helping him open up about things he never discussed before, particularly topics related to gender and sexuality. “Before Rubaroo, I didn’t know we could talk about things like periods, sexual health, and gender openly. It gave me the safe space to do so.”
Shifting Perspectives: Gender, Youth, and Interfaith Work
Through his experiences at Rubaroo, Dharma’s understanding of key societal issues—gender, youth development, and interfaith dialogue—evolved. “Before Rubaroo, I didn’t know much about gender. But through the ELP program, I learned that we could talk about these topics freely,” he shares. His understanding of youth development also grew as he observed how Rubaroo’s programs gave young people a voice and platform to engage in meaningful conversations and activities.
While Dharma wasn’t directly involved in interfaith programs, he acknowledged Rubaroo’s role in fostering dialogue and understanding across different religious and cultural lines. “I didn’t know much about interfaith work, but through the interviews and experiences at Rubaroo, I learned a bit,” he adds.
A Ground-Level Change
When asked about Rubaroo’s impact on society, Dharma is optimistic. “In my batch, I saw how we could change at least one person’s perspective,” he says. He believes that even if the change is small, it’s meaningful. “When we visit schools and talk to students, they’re genuinely interested in these topics. Rubaroo is making a real impact, not just on paper, but on the ground.”
But Dharma also recognizes that there are areas where the organization could improve. “At some points, I felt like Rubaroo sets high expectations. It creates an emotional connection, which is great, but sometimes it becomes overwhelming,” he admits. Dharma emphasizes that the key for Rubaroo is to maintain a balance—creating a safe, emotionally supportive space without burdening its team members with too many expectations.
From NGO to Corporate: The Values That Last
Dharma’s journey from Rubaroo to the corporate world is a story of applying the lessons he learned in the NGO sector to a different environment. “I was working in corporate before Rubaroo, and I’ve continued doing so. The values I learned at Rubaroo have helped me in the corporate world,” he reflects. One key lesson he carries is the importance of open, honest communication. “At Rubaroo, we had one-on-one conversations to resolve issues. I also apply this in the corporate world, especially when giving feedback. It helps prevent conflicts and creates a healthier work environment.”
Advice for Young People
When asked what advice he would give to someone joining Rubaroo, Dharma’s response is straightforward: “Just go with the flow.” He encourages newcomers to join the organization and experience its unique learning space, which he believes is invaluable. “It teaches you how to survive through successes and failures,” he says.
In conclusion, Dharma’s experience at Rubaroo has shaped him in profound ways. From the lessons he learned in the ELP program to the values he carries into his corporate life, his journey with Rubaroo has been a defining chapter in his personal and professional growth. His story serves as a testament to the transformative power of education, mentorship, and the opportunities that Rubaroo offers to those willing to embrace them.
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