The authenticity of lived experiences…
Written by Shruti Sundaresan (Lead, Communications and Community Engagement, Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies)
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Earlier this year, Rohini Nilekani, Chairperson of RNP, wrote an article on lessons learned from her 99-year-old mother-in-law. Rohini shared that on days that she feels low, she quizzes Amma, her almost-centenarian mother-in-law, and feels motivated —
I quiz her, “Amma, how are you like this?”
“Simple,” she answers. “I don’t worry about death. I think about life. And I am happy.”
Rohini reiterates: “…for Durgabai, simple living and high thinking were not just words but a dharma to live by”.
What makes the older generations’ voice unique is its authenticity and honesty. Their unfiltered voices, complete with perfect-imperfections, don’t filter narratives for social approval but spotlight raw aspects of life. Their wisdom isn’t found in algorithms or trending hashtags, but is etched by time and shaped by trials. Perhaps, the weight of lived experiences is such!
Engaging in social sector work presents unique challenges and demands resilience. Time to time, we reflect on our journeys — the trials and tribulations — in the social sector. As we introspect our choices, revisit our values, doubt our purpose, or seek motivation, finding timely inspiration that strengthens our commitment and fuels our faith is key.
Grassroots Nation, a podcast series by Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies, delves into the lived experiences of seasoned veterans in the social development sector. Amidst struggles, setbacks, and triumphs, these stories touch upon the power of both individual and collective agency.
Insights shared through this podcast series, forged through decades of experience — indicate the need for a more compassionate and equitable samaaj.
While their journeys started decades before some of ours, there is immense value in periodically immersing ourselves in these journeys, in walking with them through their stories — to inform our own path forward.
Read/listen to know more…
Interviewer (Preeti Sahai) to Vijay Mahajan:
If there were leaders listening to this conversation, what would you say to them about your hopes and fears, your anxieties, your optimism for the future? (sic)
Interviewer (Gautam John) to Maja Daruwala:
Your life and your story have inspired many in the pursuit of rights and justice in India. What would you tell them?
Interviewer (Rajni Bakshi) to Bunker Roy:
What are some of the key lessons from your life that you would share with the dreamers, the restlessly innovative want-to-make-the-world-a-better-place youngsters? (sic)
Interviewer (Suchitra Shenoy) to Dr Ravi Chopra:
What are some of the habits that you can see that have really stood you in good stead over the years and that you still carry with you now, decades later?
Interviewer (Sonalini Mirchandani) to Dr Armida Fernandez:
If I were to ask you what is it today that really gives you a sense of joy and meaning and purpose, what is it today that keeps you going?
Social development is often hard-fought, and lessons of history can guide us toward a better future. In a world often enamoured by novelty, Grassroots Nation reminds us that the voices of our elders remain relevant — anchoring us to our roots, inspiring change, and shaping a better tomorrow.
For a more in-depth exploration, tune into Grassroots Nation, a podcast series from Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies in which we deep dive into the life, work and guiding philosophies of some of the country’s most great leaders of social change.
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