Strength TogetHER 15- Session 4

August 7, 2021

‘When we share our happy moments with each other, the memories will endure a lifetime!!!’

‘Strength TogetHER’, a girls-only peer-to-peer self-development group facilitated by ‘Lokopakar’, an organization that supports youth development via a range of programs, was formed to explore distinct points of view, thoughts, insights, experiences, and stories. This virtual space encourages girls of various mindsets and backgrounds to develop as individuals by providing them with safe space to just be themselves.

We convened our fourth session via Zoom on August 7th, with all the excitement, energy and apprehension that comes with it, after the success of our third session.

The session titled, “MOMENTS OF JOY”, began at 4:00 p.m. and ended around 5:30 p.m.

With about 20 attendees and five speakers, it was a really enjoyable and productive session. We felt protected and secure under the moderation of Miss Simran Khatri, who recently completed her Bachelors in Development Studies. She has been working in the field of development because she wants to raise awareness about various concerns among children and women through the Global Peace Foundation.

With a warm hello and a bright smile, we began our session. Without further ado, we began calling the speakers to ask them to share their happy moments or happy experiences.

• Our first speaker expressed her happiness prior to this year, revealing that she had enjoyed a wonderful experience with one of her favourites, her grandfather. She celebrated her and her grandfather’s birthday on the same day before, but this year she didn’t have her grandfather. Recalling that moment now brings a grin to her face every time.

• Our second speaker has a lot to say since she treasures every moment, no matter how insignificant. However, when she thinks of her happiest memories, one in particular comes to mind, which she shared with us. She used to live with her big father instead of her parents because there were no schools where her parents used to dwell. As a result, her parents sent them to live with her big father for the duration of her studies. And when she started class 3, her big father told her that she would finally get to meet her mother and father, as well as her cute little brother, and she was overjoyed. She said it was one of the happiest moments of her life and it was at that point that her beautiful adventure began.

• Our third speaker told us about how she and her college pals prepared a picnic after college time. Despite the fact that mobile phones were not permitted at college, they managed to bring one and headed to Chobbar Danda. They had a lot of fun, despite the stress of the college teachers, and it was, in her opinion, the moment when she enjoyed herself, had fun with her friends, and forgot about all of their homework, examinations, and grades. 

• Our fourth speaker shared her enjoyment in her Mama Ghar. Her younger brothers and sisters usually appreciate her cooking, and whenever she visits them, they ask her to prepare something special for them, and for her, and that is the center of her joyful universe.

• Our fifth speaker talked about some of her favorite hostel memories. She described the time when her School’s founder sir announced that the SEE examination got canceled, and how their faces made that time memorable and enjoyable to remember. Remembering their school teacher’s smacks and punishments now brings them a different kind of satisfaction. Doing the homework late at night, backbiting, confidently singing songs with incorrect lyrics, dancing, eating their lunch during class, and every minute, she wants to relive every moment again.

Throughout all these hearings, our moderator shared some of her positive memories with us, making our session more upbeat and enjoyable. After all of these happy experiences, our moderator mentioned some lovely things that would be useful to us in the future, and they are:

• We are the source of our own happiness, thus we shouldn’t look for it elsewhere.

• Be present in the moment for the moment.

• Don’t let our grief overwhelm our happiness.

• Happiness isn’t necessarily about big things; it can be a few short moments that last only a minute, but that doesn’t matter because it makes you happy.

• Enjoying a lovely moment is the best way to pay for it.

                                              Find JOY in the Journey!!!

This session provided an excellent opportunity for all of us to learn and unlearn new concepts while also engaging in a vibrant and enjoyable discussion. We were all overjoyed to be a part of such a wonderful family with such lovely and lively girls!!! 

We shot a picture to remember our time together at the end of an hour-long session. We completed our session with a smile on our faces. It was a jovial gathering. I anticipate hearing more!!!

This blog is written by Dipa Yadav, the proud coordinator of Cohort 15, an eager learner who appreciates sharing her experiences and believes in the concept of ‘Strength in Togetherness’

 Written by- Dipa Yadav (Cohort Coordinator)