In a conversation with Taufique, a passionate individual whose journey with Rubaroo marked several shifts, he shared the story of how he first encountered the organization and how it shaped his personal and professional growth. What started as a casual form submission turned into a life-changing experience that continues to influence his work and outlook on life.
The Unexpected Beginning
Taufique’s connection with Rubaroo began in a rather unanticipated way. It was his professor who first mentioned the organization, and although initially uninterested, Taufique decided to apply. “I had recently been removed from a society, and I was feeling a bit upset. So, I just filled out the form without much thought,” he said.
When he received a call from Neha, informing him that he had been selected for a workshop on interfaith dialogue, Taufique’s attitude remained indifferent. He even arrived half an hour late, thinking he would be turned away for his tardiness. However, much to his surprise, he found that the facilitators were running late too. The day began with an icebreaker activity, “human bingo,” and Taufique immediately felt intrigued by the interactive approach.
As the workshop progressed, discussing topics like stereotypes, human rights, and safeguarding, Taufique realized there was something unique about this program. “It was new, something we don’t usually get to learn at university. It felt worth it,” he reflected. By the end of the session, he was already planning to return the next day.
The Learning Experience
The second day brought even more impactful concepts. Taufique was introduced to the idea of “safe spaces,” a concept he had never encountered before. “Rubaroo gives you a space where you can talk without fear or judgment. You can speak freely, without stereotypes,” he explained. This concept of a ‘fifth space’ – a place for open dialogue without fear – became a cornerstone of his Rubaroo experience.
Taufique’s engagement with Rubaroo didn’t stop at workshops. He soon joined the organization’s volunteer program and later became part of Rubaroo with Gender, where he learned about gender and sexuality. For someone raised in a society where such topics were considered taboo, this was a major eye-opener. “Talking about sexuality was a big deal for me. It was something I didn’t know much about,” he admitted. But Rubaroo helped him embrace these difficult discussions with an open mind.
Taufique also credits Rubaroo with teaching him invaluable life skills, especially time management. During his internship, he encountered a challenging but essential lesson. “Monisha used to scold me about being late, and I learned that time management is crucial. If you’re working, you have to manage your time,” he said. This lesson would later serve him well in his professional life, where he now takes only two days off in six months of work.
Impact on His Professional Journey
Taufique’s journey didn’t just stop with personal development. The knowledge and experiences he gained at Rubaroo were directly applicable in his professional life. In his current role at a rights-based NGO, he has implemented many learnings from Rubaroo, including POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) guidelines, consent, and understanding gender and diversity. “Before Rubaroo, we didn’t really understand consent. Now, I apply that knowledge every day,” he said.
He shared how Rubaroo’s teachings shaped his ability to connect with people, both personally and professionally. “What I learned at Rubaroo helps me every day – whether I’m talking to people in the office or in the field,” Taufique said, emphasizing the real-world value of these skills.
Impact on the Ground
When asked about the tangible impact of Rubaroo’s work, Taufique was clear. “Rubaroo is not just about knowledge; it’s about showing you a path to make a difference,” he explained. Through his network, Taufique has witnessed many Rubaroo alumni working on the ground, creating change in their communities. He mentioned friends like Kamal Naik, who went on to start the organization Good Universe, as well as others who have made significant contributions in the fields of social justice and interfaith work.
The influence of Rubaroo stretches far beyond the initial workshops. Taufique reflected, “Rubaroo gives people the tools to continue working in the field, even if they don’t have all the knowledge. The impact is visible, and it’s evident in the work that Rubaroo fellows are doing today.”
Advice for New Participants
Reflecting on his own experience, Taufique shared a piece of advice for those considering joining Rubaroo. “Patience is key,” he emphasized. “In today’s fast-paced world, we want quick results, but Rubaroo teaches you to be patient and commit to the learning process. You have to start from scratch, but it’s worth it.”
For Taufique, Rubaroo was more than just a learning experience; it was a catalyst for growth, understanding, and impact. As he continues his work today, Taufique carries the lessons from Rubaroo, knowing they will guide him in creating positive change in the world around him.
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