Transforming Community and the Self: The Story of Ramkol Village

“Clay is just a lump unless persistent efforts transform it into a pot.” Bringing about social change is a slow and painstaking process and must be based on an inherent faith in the ability and wisdom of the people one is working with. The women of Ramkol prove this as they are shepherded by a young development professional

C This article covers the essence of my most memorable journey as a development professional, my journey with the women’s collectives in Ramkol village. The story of my journey includes my sad and happy feelings through the challenges I faced, my struggles during my engagement with the community and my joy at its final outcome. There is a bond that I developed with the women of Ramkol and I would like to share with the readers the story of our journey as co-travellers. There was a transformation that took place in the women of the community and they emerged as very different from who they were earlier. The status quo was shaken and their lives changed. With the shakeup, I moved, I reflected, and had realizations about myself and changed with the women and because of them. I cherish the journey. In any journey, there are ups and downs but what makes it worthwhile is to see the travellers keep themselves motivated and to see them stay hopeful and positive that they will emerge victorious. I noticed one thing about myself during this time. When I was with the women, I introduced the SHG as a place for women to unite and a space for them to share their happiness and sadness; however, when the men come around, my narrative shifted to savings and credits.