“It’s about quality, not quantity”
It takes exceptional individuals to step forward and become change agents in a world of challenges. Salamullah’s journey is a testament to the power of youth leadership and the transformative impact of change-making initiatives. From his early involvement in youth programs to founding his organisation, The Change, Salamullah’s story is one of resilience, growth and unwavering dedication to making a difference. In this blog, we delve into Salamullah’s take on his journey, which has shaped a path towards creating a positive change.
Changemaking Begins Here
Salamullah’s journey towards becoming a changemaker started with his participation in the ISD program in 2019, followed by the Changemakers – Changeloomers initiative in 2020. During these programs, he worked tirelessly on enhancing the skills of rural youth, an experience he describes as incredibly fulfilling. Surrounded by individuals with diverse ideologies, Salamullah was drawn into a collective effort to bring about positive change.
“Our base was in Borampet, where we worked closely with young people in schools and colleges. The overwhelming response from the community made our project a resounding success. During this time, I gained the confidence to embark on my journey and founded my organisation – The Change.”
As an 18-year-old leading his change-making project, Salamullah initially had his share of ups and downs and found navigating challenges tough. Still, it didn’t deter him from tapping into myriad routes of change-making or seeking learning opportunities.
Chairing UN conferences, freelancing, and working on the ground for the NGO meant Salamullah had little to no time. Sooner or later, it was evident that it would either lead to burnout or things going out of hand. And that’s where he attributes much of his discipline and dedication to his time with Rubaroo.
“It’s not about the quantity of the things you do or learn, but rather about the quality of things you do or learn. I learned it the hard way through the course of the project. Shubhi helped me realise that time management is the key. Once I started planning and following things, I had room for breathing. Otherwise, I was cramped attending conferences and managing other things.”
Small Things Make a Huge Difference
Not just that, Salamullah shares that peer support made the journey easier, and he felt the difference between studying public administration and the on-the-ground reality, which made him a different person.
“I remember Neha telling me I must slow down and pace it out. There’s just too many things on my plate. That’s when I understood the importance of mentor-mentee relationships, the core values of leading a team, and offering support.”
Reflecting on his journey, Salamullah thanks Rubaroo for introducing him to some of the most inspiring individuals he’s ever met. He recalls how a fellow changemaker, Yeshwanth, helped him understand the importance of sustainability on an individual level, leading him to adopt small yet impactful practices in his daily life.
“I began replacing traditional bouquets with saplings and switched from plastic bags to cloth ones. Additionally, I became more conscious of my energy consumption, actively working to reduce my electricity usage. These seemingly small changes have influenced my behaviour and inspired my team to adopt similar practices.”
From his humble beginnings as a participant to founding his organisation, Salamullah has consistently demonstrated a commitment to creating positive change in his community. By embracing the lessons learned from his time with Rubaroo and implementing small yet meaningful actions, He continues to significantly impact the world around him.
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