By Sydelle Mascarenhas for BIS Mumbai

 My time at Narukot was not merely an experience of service; it was a journey of reflection that reshaped my understanding of learning, compassion, and purpose. Living within the community allowed me to move beyond observation and truly engage with a way of life marked by simplicity, resilience, and deep human connection. In this shared space, I discovered that service is as much about listening and presence as it is about action.

 Teaching English to the children became a powerful medium of mutual learning. While I entered the classroom with the intention of teaching, I often found myself learning far more from their curiosity, perseverance, and joy in small achievements. Their eagerness to learn despite limited resources challenged my assumptions about education and reminded me of its transformative power when combined with encouragement and care.

 Beyond academics, moments spent engaging in games, activities, and shared laughter revealed the importance of emotional connection in learning spaces. These interactions reinforced the idea that education thrives where children feel safe, valued, and seen.

 One of the most profound moments of my stay was an interaction with a village child who shared the realities of growing up in a rural setting. The child spoke about the desire to continue education and build a future beyond the village, but also about the financial barriers that make such dreams difficult to pursue. The conversation brought attention to the harsh reality of food insecurity, with the child calmly mentioning days when meals are uncertain. Despite these challenges, what stood out was the child’s honesty, resilience, and unwavering hope.

 The child shared these experiences with trust, expressing that feeling listened to and understood made it easier to open up. In a moment of pure innocence and generosity, the child expressed a wish for me to stay in the village forever and continue teaching. When I explained that I had no home there, the child responded by offering to build one simple, like theirs—acknowledging it might not match the comforts of my home in Mumbai, but assuring me it would still be filled with warmth. This gesture, born out of scarcity yet rich in compassion, left a lasting impact on me.

 Another reflective interaction highlighted the emotional needs of children in such settings. Through attentive listening and gentle conversation, a child expressed happiness at being heard, something that rarely happens in daily life. This moment emphasized that beyond material deprivation, there exists a deep need for emotional affirmation, safe spaces, and empathetic engagement.

 Living in Narukot and engaging with its community broadened my perspective on service and faith. Interactions with the villagers and guidance from the Fathers demonstrated that meaningful mission work is rooted in humility, relationship-building, and shared humanity. Service, I learned, is not a one-directional act of giving, but a reciprocal exchange that transforms both the giver and the receiver.

 Receiving the Missionary Volunteer Cross marked a defining moment in my journey. It symbolized not only commitment but also the responsibility to carry forward the values learned—compassion, solidarity, and purpose—into future paths of service.

 This experience has left an indelible mark on my life. Narukot taught me that true fulfillment lies in simplicity, that listening can be as impactful as action, and that the most profound lessons often emerge from places of humility. These reflections continue to guide my choices, reminding me that meaningful change begins with empathy, presence, and the willingness to walk alongside others.