Day 6: A call to see, feel, and do
Sowing seeds towards a counter culture
Our visit to Visthar on day 6 was nothing short of transformative. As a secular Civil Society Organization founded in 1989, Visthar is deeply committed to social justice and peace. We had the privilege of meeting David Selvaraj, the Founder and Executive Trustee, who shared his insights on leadership and social change.
David spoke passionately about the teachings of Paulo Freire and his "Pedagogy of the Oppressed." Rather than offering problem-solving methods, Freire’s approach encourages problem-posing—challenging us to rethink the issues we encounter and engage with them in a meaningful way. David also referenced Bell Hooks and the continued relevance of their work, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the essence that each individual carries.
During our time at Visthar, we participated in an exercise that explored intersectionality and gender inequality. Through a compelling case study, we examined the life of a woman in India and how various factors—gender, sex, caste, support networks, religion, government policy, state, location, marital status, and self-help groups—shape her reality. The discussion illuminated the complexity of these intersections and the critical importance of multi-layered support systems.
Our experience at Visthar was more than just educational; it was deeply spiritual. Some members of our group became emotional as we absorbed the weight of the stories and reflections shared. The training campus exuded a sense of peace and purpose, with every corner inviting growth and introspection. We explored an onsite plant nursery and met with a recycled paper merchant whose work in sustainable production was both inspiring and practical—transforming waste into gifts, stationery, and sculptures.
We were also captivated by the two wells on site—one stretching deep into the earth, now serving as a space for celebrations, dance, and reflection. These wells stood as metaphors for depth, history, and resilience, mirroring the profound conversations we engaged in throughout our visit.
A highlight of our time at Visthar was the panel discussion, where we heard from a diverse group of women working at the organization. The panelists represented different marital statuses, faith backgrounds, ages, and family structures. They candidly shared their experiences of navigating barriers at home and in society, shedding light on the challenges of fertility, societal expectations, and shifting generational dynamics. These conversations reinforced the importance of strong support networks and the ongoing struggle for gender equity.
As we departed Visthar, we carried with us not just new knowledge but a renewed sense of purpose. The experience encouraged us to reflect on the leader within each of us and the potential for change in our own communities. It was a journey of learning, unlearning, and reimagining—a reminder that small, powerful groups have the capacity to inspire transformation from within.
