When I began my journey with Chaitanya, I had no idea what life had in store for me. The initial training was exciting, but little did I know that my days ahead would be filled with relentless travel, often leaving me no time even for breakfast. Over the past three months, I’ve visited three states—Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Chattisgarh. But out of all the places, one unexpected village, Umaria, stole my heart and left an indelible mark on me.
Originally, I was told that my fellowship will be in Indore to work on a gender based intervention. Indore, often hailed as the cleanest city in India, was everything I had imagined it to be—bustling, modern, and fast-paced. The city’s infrastructure was impressive, and I felt right at home in its vibrant, urban landscape. I always had the feeling that one day, I would visit Indore, but I never expected it would happen so soon and for such a long time.
Urban Versus Rural
However, my mentor asked me to spend a month in Umaria to oversee some of the project’s work in that region. I was shocked. My initial reaction was, “Kahaan bhej diya? How will I survive?” I had many doubts and preconceived notions. I imagined life there to be isolating, difficult, and slow-paced compared to the bustling city life I was accustomed to. But what unfolded in Umaria was the exact opposite.
This little village brought a profound change in my life—a kind of simplicity and peace I had never experienced before. Though I am back in Indore now, sitting amidst urban chaos, my heart is still in Umaria. My time there was nothing short of magical.
Riding bike in Indore
Versus a ride bike in Umaria
Umaria became more than just a workplace—it became my home for that month. I was fortunate to have a colleague who became a close friend, someone I could lean on during this journey. Together, we navigated the realities of village life. For someone like me, who was used to a more convenient lifestyle, this was a humbling yet fulfilling experience.
One of the things that made my stay in Umaria special was the freedom I found in exploring its natural beauty. I had a vehicle, and I often rode it through fields of crops and dense jungles. The curfew after 5PM, imposed for safety because of the forest area, brought its own charm. Nights in Umaria were unique—no streetlights, just the serene glow of the moonlight guiding us. The absence of artificial light amplified the beauty of the night sky and gave me a sense of wonder. I hadn’t felt this way before.
What truly touched me was the warmth and kindness of the villagers. The women welcomed me like family, often inviting me for tea and meals. I remember eating at langars during festivals, sharing food and laughter with people I barely knew but felt so connected to. Their lives were simple yet filled with immense love and generosity. Even in the absence of certain comforts—like the luxury of having butter—there was a richness in their way of life that I deeply admired.
Shifting Perspectives
Living in Umaria changed my perspective in so many ways. It helped me confront some of my deepest insecurities. As a child, I always thought I would never be able to live alone. The idea of being in a house by myself filled me with dread, often triggering anxiety attacks. I had this overwhelming fear of loneliness, and for a long time, I didn’t think I could overcome it. But something changed in me when I was sent to Umaria. Staying there helped me shed, if not all, then at least one of my biggest insecurities—the fear of being alone.
Now, I feel a sense of maturity that I hadn’t known before. For the first time in my life, I experienced a kind of self-reliance that I didn’t think was possible for me. Of course, I know that spending more days there might have made me too comfortable, which could have impacted my productivity. But in this particular phase of my life, Umaria was exactly what I needed. It gave me a rare opportunity to face my fears head-on and emerge stronger.
The Gender Project I am working on focused on addressing gender inequality and violence against women. I am involved in training women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) on topics such as gender bias, laws for women, IPC sections, and counselling. Through this work, these women would eventually become counselors, breaking the myth that only educated individuals can hold such roles. I found myself developing a deep connection with these women—becoming their friend and finding solace in their company. They not only shared their wisdom but also took care of me, making me feel like part of their community.
Not Missing Home
The warmth I felt from these women gave me a sense of belonging that I hadn’t experienced in a long time. I found myself missing my family less and starting to view these women as my family. But when I was asked to return to Indore, I felt a pang of fear and loneliness creeping back in, reminding me of the vulnerabilities I had left behind.
Now that I am back in Indore, I can feel the stark contrast between the two worlds. City life, with all its conveniences, feels chaotic and overwhelming compared to the calm and fulfilling life I experienced in Umaria. The rural-urban divide often fuels biases, with the city seen as a place of opportunity and progress, while the village is associated with simplicity and backwardness. Living in Umaria made me realize that the quiet, tight-knit communities of rural areas can offer something that city life sometimes lacks—a sense of emotional connection and togetherness. Despite the challenges, the simplicity of village life brought a sense of relief and comfort that city life, with its constant rush, couldn’t provide. I came to understand that both worlds offer their own unique forms of beauty and value.
This experience has left an indelible mark on me, and I am grateful for the opportunity. I have learned from both places. As I continue my journey, I look forward to more such experiences that will shape my perspective and help me grow.
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