Igniting Dreams, Inspiring Futures: Tribal Youth Exchange Programme

Igniting Dreams, Inspiring Futures: Tribal Youth Exchange Programme

I had never visited Anand Dham Ashram at Bakkarwala in Delhi so when I got invited as a speaker at  the tribal youth exchange program there, I was excited. The atmosphere was calm and serene and reverberated with a spirit of aspiration, courage and unity. Over hundred  tribal youth from the states of Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh, supported by 20 officers from BSF, CRPF, and ITBP, had gathered there under the banner of the 17th Tribal Youth Exchange Programme (TYEP), organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MoYAS) for the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). It was program to empower the tribal youth by exposure to democratic institutions and  cultural exchange so as to promote national integration and strengthen leadership.

I had the privilege of interacting with this bubbly group whose energy was nothing short of extraordinary. Their faces reflected ambition, courage, and a quiet determination to shape a better tomorrow.
The first thoughts which I shared with them was that, “You are not behind anyone. You are capable of reaching the highest peaks of success.” We discussed the legacy and identity of about ten crore strong tribal community which is about 8.6% of India’s population. This was not just some demographic ­data but a reflection of heritage, resilience, creativity and cultural wisdom.of the tribals.
Examples of tribal icons who rose to greatness despite adversity came forth. These included Birsa Munda ,the symbol of youth-led revolution against the mighty British,  Jaipal Singh Munda, an astute leader, Oxford scholar and Hockey champion, Mary Kom , the World champion boxer and our Hon’ble  Smt. Droupadi Murmu, the First Tribal Woman President of India
“If they could rise to greatness despite obstacles, why not you?” I asked them.
The remarkable growth in tribal literacy  from 8% in 1961 to nearly 72% today,  maybe a  powerful testament to progress. However attitude towards reading and writing was more important than such percentage. Real stories of tribal youth cracking NEET, joining IAS, and serving in the armed forces proved that, “Education changes everything, income, opportunities, confidence and generations.”
Also skill is the new currency, with several opportunities in tourism, logistics, nursing, mechanical work, food processing, bamboo products, forest-based livelihoods, honey production, eco-tourism, and digital entrepreneurship.
Traditional knowledge and natural resources, when combined with innovation, could unlock tremendous economic potential.
Quoting research that 85% of people fail due to lack of confidence, not lack of ability, I urged them to rise beyond fear and hesitation:
“You are allowed to fall  but you are not allowed to stay down.”
We also spoke about discipline, healthy lifestyle choices, and digital mindfulness. 

Today, a smartphone can be a library, a classroom, and a mentor  if used wisely. Addiction, whether to substances or screens, destroys futures, but good habits build them.
The conversation also honoured the dignity and respect that women traditionally hold in tribal communities. I urged continued commitment to education, sports, leadership, and financial independence for women:
“A girl with education uplifts three generations.”
The hall united with patriotic fervor as we remembered Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Rajguru, Ramprasad Bismil and countless young revolutionaries whose courage changed the destiny of India. They realised that nation-building is not just a slogan but a big  responsibility.
I also spoke about how deeply my tenure as Sub Divisional Officer in Jawhar from  Maharashtra increased my understanding of tribal culture and service. Living and working in a tribal subdivision taught me far more than what any classroom could have.
I shared how families would struggle over land rights simply because they did not know their legal entitlements. Those experiences revealed that,“Information holds power” and that is why it was important to seek information and learn from it so that the voice of awareness could spread in every household and village. 

The opportunities where tribal youth can contribute meaningfully to development were also highlighted.  Schemes like NRLM enabled self-employment & entrepreneurship through Self Help Groups & local enterprises along with branding unique tribal products, Jal Jeevan Mission improves rural water infrastructure, Samagra Shiksha strengthens education and Khadi Village Industries Commission supported traditional crafts & local industry.
So without limiting their dreams they could explore public service, governance, innovation and leadership. Their identity is not a barrier but their greatest strength. The nation needs  them, their culture, values and  leadership. So wherever they went they must remember their parents, community, nation, values and purpose.”
The programme ended with warm conversations, photographs, and heartfelt exchanges. The participants left with a shared promise:“I will rise and I will lift others with me.”
The Tribal Youth Exchange Programme did more than bring young people together
it ignited ambition, strengthened identity, and awakened leadership.
And as they return to their villages carrying confidence, knowledge, and purpose, they carry the future of India with them.

R.Vimala,  IAS,  

Resident Commissioner, Maharashtra & 

PhD Scholar at IIT Bombay 

Duty First: Awakening the Citizen Within On Constitution Day

Duty First:  Awakening the Citizen Within On Constitution Day

India achieved independence from British rule in 1947. But long before colonial times and medieval kingdoms of the Sultanate or the Mughal era, our land had vibrant civilizations and organized administrative structures. During the Indus Valley Civilization and later through Janapadas and various  kingdoms,  concepts of governance, community responsibility and civic discipline were well established. The idea of citizenship was never alien to India.
So when Independent India chose to define itself as a modern democratic nation, our leaders undertook a remarkable task: to envision a Constitution that would reflect not only ancient wisdom and freedom struggle ideals, but also the best of global democratic thought. After studying constitutions from around the world, we framed what is today the lengthiest written Constitution in the world, a robust document balancing liberty, equality, justice, and fraternity. Today, on Constitution Day,  as I read the Preamble along with our staff my mind traveled back to the spirit and values it embodies. 
Among all constitutional values, Bharat Ratna, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar,  placed “fraternity” at the highest pedestal, above equality, liberty and even justice because without fraternity, the others cannot survive. He believed that, unless we see each other as equals deserving dignity, no amount of law can unite a nation.
Dignity means every individual has the inherent right to be respected, valued and treated fairly, free from discrimination and humiliation. The state must ensure equal opportunity, safety, education, and basic well-being. Fraternity is the glue that binds 140 crore Indians into a single national identity, 'We, the People of India.'
All of us proudly speak about the six Fundamental Rights guaranteed in our Constitution. But how often do we pause to reflect on our Fundamental Duties? In fact how many of us even know them? 
Inspired by the Constitution of Russia (erstwhile USSR), these duties were added through the 42nd Constitutional Amendment in 1976, based on the report of the Swaran Singh Committee. Originally ten, a new duty was added by the 86th Amendment in 2002, bringing the number to eleven.
These duties, under Article 51A, says that it shall be the duty of every citizen (a) to abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem; (b) to cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired our national struggle for freedom; (c) to uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India; (d) to defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so; (e) to promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India transcending religious, linguistic and regional or sectional diversities; to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women; (f) to value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture; (g) to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wild life, and to have compassion for living creatures; (h) to develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform; (i) to safeguard public property and to abjure violence; (j) to strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity so that the nation constantly rises to higher levels of endeavour and achievement; (k) who is a parent or guardian to provide opportunities for education to his child or, as the case may be, ward between the age of six and fourteen years.
Criticism is often made that the duties are non-justiciable, unenforceable by law, use broad language that is open to interpretation, omit critical responsibilities like voting and paying taxes. Also their placement after Fundamental Rights makes them appear secondary.
Many of us may agree that these limitations exist, yet what  stops us from enforcing our own discipline. 

To begin with , I feel.it is important to stress on at least three duties which are definitely specific. 
1. To renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women -
With so many protective laws and rights, it should be the simplest to follow them. Yet violence, discrimination, harassment, and stereotyping of women continues.
A nation where women are unsafe because some negative elements fail to do their duty is definitely not a good portrayal of a dutiful citizen. Respect of woman is the most basic duty, not a favour.
2. To protect the environment from plastic waste, polluted rivers, vanishing forests and garbage everywhere. We talk passionately about climate change, yet use plastic bags daily and litter without shame. What stops us from carrying our own bags just like our parents or grand parents did? Or doing things which reduce carbon footprints? 
3. To safeguard public property and abjure violence
I still remember my visit to the Wagah Border ceremony, where we all sang patriotic songs, waved flags proudly, during the high-energy celebrations. But after the program, the entire area was littered with empty bottles and food packets. Patriotism ended where responsibility should have begun.
In contrast, after losing a World Cup match, Japanese fans cleaned the stadium before leaving.
That is patriotism in silence, service without announcement.
Look at our heritage monuments, walls scribbled on, plastic thrown everywhere, foul smell, and disrespect.
These structures hold our history.Why do we treat them as garbage dumps?
And above all our duty to Vote which we ignore the most.
Democracy collapses not when bad candidates win, but when good citizens do not vote.
Rights give us freedom but Duties give us character.
A nation cannot be built by governments alone. It is built by citizens who understand that freedom without responsibility is chaos. So let us promise ourselves:
• To talk less and act more,
• To demand less and contribute more,
• To celebrate patriotism through behaviour, not spectacle.
True patriotism is not noise, it is responsibility. It is keeping our streets clean, respecting public spaces, and treating the country like our home.
If we truly love our country, we must live our duty every day. Not only when the national anthem plays or on national holidays. A great nation is not built by government alone
it is built by responsible citizens. It becomes great not by the rights its people demand, but by the duties they perform.
This Constitution Day as stated by our Hon’ble Prime Minister,  Shri. Narendra Modi, let us remember our duties and live by them. Jai Hind...

R.Vimala,  IAS,  

Resident Commissioner,  Maharashtra, 

Compassionate Civil Servant &

 PhD Scholar at IIT Bombay 

Reflections – A Journey Through FreedomA collection of Paintings by Vandana Krishna

Reflections – A Journey Through Freedom
A collection of Paintings by Vandana Krishna

Reflections is not just an exhibition—
it is a map of emotions,
a city seen through the eyes of a dreamer.
Vandana Krishna, a self-taught artist from Mumbai,
brings alive the restless, radiant heartbeat of the city—
where every road leads to a story,
and every window reveals a secret waiting to be found.
Drive along Marine Drive,
feel the salt on your skin and the wind on your face.
Walk barefoot At the Beach,
as waves whisper unspoken thoughts.
Take off above the buildings of Mumbai,
Be Together in the City at Sunset.
Just float between clouds and glass towers.
Or move through the City Grove in a Kaali-Peeli,
letting life blur into colours through a rain-soaked window.
For the bold—
there’s always an Auto ride,
zigzagging through narrow lanes of chance, into a City at Sunset.
Get anchored at an Old Harbour,
where time stands still.
Take an evening stroll in the Lost City,
or float weightless in a Still Night.
Rush past the glowing Traffic Lights with that Drizzle,
where the world becomes water and reflection.
After a long day,
take The leap into Freedom,
or fly off with My Parachute.
Taste that moment
when bravery defeats routine.
Be in the Storm,
yet hold your calm—
until you reach
the Windows to the Soul.
Because her art is not just canvas and paint—
it is a cry for Flying Free
from norms that confine us at home and work,
from cubicles and clock-towers,
from traffic jams and tangled thoughts.
We all seek that one window
through which we can breathe ourselves back to life.
Reflections invites you there.
Come discover your own meaning.
Leave with a piece of the journey—
and maybe, a piece of yourself.

R.Vimala, IAS, Resident Commissioner, Maharashtra, Compassionate Civil Servant and 

PhD Scholar at IIT Bombay 

Reflections — Painting Exhibition by Vandana Krishna
📍 India International Centre (IIC Annexe), New Delhi
📅 Till 30th November
🖼 All are welcome

Sawali : Sheltering shade of Love and Hope

Sawali : Sheltering shade of Love and Hope

Five months ago, when I had gone to Ahilyanagar for my research work on deserted women, I was introduced  to Shri. Nitesh Bansode, who has set up  Sawali , a home for orphans.  In Marathi , Sawali   means  shade  symbolising  comfort, care, and protection.

When Nitesh invited me to visit Sawali, I readily accepted, not realizing that the visit would touch my heart so deeply. The welcome at the gate was warm as all the kids had come out to receive me even though there was a drizzle.  Once inside I was  surrounded by children of different ages, smiling warmly, each carrying a story untold, yet radiating joy. We chatted like long lost friends, sang songs together and shared a simple but soulful meal. In that togetherness, something beautiful happened, a bond was formed. 

When I told them about my posting in Delhi , the children expressed their wish to visit Delhi. I spontaneously promised to make it happen. And a few months later, the promise turned into an unforgettable journey of discovery, learning, and love.

Twenty-six students, along with their caretakers and Nitesh, arrived in Delhi in the first week of November eyes wide with excitement and hearts open to the unknown. 

Their first place of visit was the National Science Museum where they were fascinated  by the scientific wonders and interactive displays. Discovering how science shapes everyday life was equally exciting for them as it was the first time they were experiencing such unique things. 

At the Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, they experienced the warmth of the community langar. Sitting cross-legged among hundreds, sharing a simple meal gave them a perspective to realise the true meaning of equality and service. 

It was evening by the time they reached  the India Gate. Under the twilight sky the children stood silently in front of the eternal flame and listened to the sacrifices made by soldiers in various wars. Many said they felt goosebumps  when they saw a martyr’s wife lay a wreath at the memorial making them realize the value of sacrifice and patriotism.

The next day began at the Rashtrapati Bhavan and it's grandeur left them awestruck. The vast halls, the art, the gardens was like stepping into a dream. Each one of them remembered seeing  Sahastrabahu Avlokiteshvara, the one thousand armed sculpture of Lord Buddha which was a gift from the Government of Vietnam to India’s second President, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. 

From there, they went to the Prime Ministers’ Museum, where the digital exhibits fascinated them. Clicking photographs “with” various prime ministers was one such marvel. 

The Gandhi Museum and Indira Gandhi Memorial evoked deep emotions as they  listened to stories of courage, simplicity, and dedication. No class room could have taught them better lessons . 

Day three was even more exciting as they explored the grandeur of Red Fort, the historic monument from where our Hon’ble Prime Minister addresses the nation every Independence Day. They said they felt very 'Khaas' as they walked from the Diwan-e-Aam into the Diwan-e-Khas.  

They loved their visit to the Dolls Museum, where miniature cultures of the world came alive. The colorful Dolls of various shapes delighted them, showing them how diverse and beautiful our world is.

The Akshardham Temple, a magnificent structure left them mesmerized. The Exhibition showcasing India’s culture and tradition, they said was an eye opener and very exciting. On the way, they also stopped at Birla Mandir, offering prayers with folded hands and shining eyes.

 Qutub Minar and the iron pillar are major attractions to each person  visiting Delhi and the kids too wanted to see it before leaving  Delhi. Perhaps their own dreams soared in their eyes as they looked up at the Qutb Minar. Later, at the serene Lotus Temple, they sat quietly in meditation  something they already practice at Sawali. In that vast hall of silence, their young minds seemed to connect with peace itself.

Each evening, we would gather to talk about their experiences of the day , their laughter, their amazement, their reflections. I had asked them to make a diary of their daily experiences and reading those would be great fun. Some of them made  creative drawings of their visit. Those evening conversations became a treasure trove of emotions for all of us. 

The trip concluded with an unforgettable evening at Maharashtra Sadan. The program began with the soulful rendition of the Maharashtra Geet, setting a tone of pride and belonging. What followed was sheer magic songs, dances, and heartfelt performances, all choreographed beautifully by an enthusiastic inmate Durga and anchored like a professional emcee by Sejal. 

The children’s confidence and grace moved everyone present. Their performances were not just entertainment , they were expressions of gratitude, courage, and hope. It was an evening that left every eye glistening and every heart full.

Sawali is is not just an orphanage. It is an abode of love, discipline, and dreams , a place where children are growing with care and compassion. It has touched the lives of about 1200  children till date and presently has about thirty five inmates who aspire to build a future of dignity and purpose.

Your contribution through donations, mentorship, or by sharing your skills and time would help these children to grow stronger, wiser, and happier. Sawali is not just a home but a Sheltering shade where every child learns that they too can reach the sky.

R.Vimala, IAS

Resident Commissioner,  Maharashtra  

Compassionate Civil Servant & 

PhD Scholar at IIT Bombay 

Maharashra at the India International Trade Fair 2025

Maharashra at the India International Trade Fair 2025 :
A Personal Journey Through IITF 2025  and an Invitation to Experience - Maharashtra Pavilion at Hall no.3 , Bharat Mandapam,  Pragati Maidan

Some journeys in life begin quietly, without us realising how deeply they will shape us and our lives. For me, the India International Trade Fair has been one such journey.
IITF is an epitome of glorious India becoming " Ek Bharat Shresth Bharat " under our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri.Narendra Modi's visionary leadership. 
As a young student, IITF's magnitude was sheer  magic. I still remember walking into Pragati Maidan for the first time with my brother and family, wide-eyed, excited, and mesmerised. The towering pavilions, the colours, the cultures, the crafts made every state a world of its own. I would wander through the stalls, collecting memories, stories, and sometimes a small handcrafted souvenir which was all that I could afford then. Of course that made me feel so rich, proud and connected to something magnificent, our nation.
I had never imagined then that the path ahead would lead me back here not as a young visitor, but as the Resident Commissioner of Maharashtra, entrusted with the responsibility and honour of presenting my state to the country and the world.
This year, at the inauguration of the 44th India International Trade Fair, standing beside the Hon’ble Minister for Industries, Shri.Uday Samant,  the Principal Secretary (Industries), Shri.P.Anbalgan,and the MD of MSSIDC,Shri. Vikas Pansare, I felt an emotion I cannot fully describe. It was pride, humility, nostalgia and a deep sense of gratitude all rolled into one.
Beyond doubts, the theme of “Ek Bharat: Shreshtha Bharat” resonates with  Maharashtra’s spirit.
In a year when twelve of our majestic forts received UNESCO recognition, our pavilion pays tribute to the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, from Jinji to Attock, with beautifully created miniature forts that bring history alive. It also brings out the glory of Marathi as a language which has recently received "abhijaat" status.
But the pavilion is more than just displays. It is emotion, identity and home of a vibrant, soulfully rooted, and ever-evolving Maharashtra all rolled into one.
Every corner of the Maharashtra Pavilion tells a story of our artisans, our women, our cooperatives, our tribal communities and our entrepreneurs. So on the one hand you can experience live weaving of Paithani Sarees by  master weavers creating the timeless Paithani, a piece of Maharashtrian heritage and  on the other you can buy authentic tribal products from Shabari Naturals of our Tribal department.  Chandrapur's bamboo products will attract you just like bees which  have enabled forest communities to collect pure golden honey under MSKVIB's Madhuban Honey.
The pavillion has interesting  art forms like Banjara Art or Aajibai's timeless Godhadi,  the handstitched quilt. Interacting with artists like Ranjana Jadhav a Banjara Tribal from Beed or Ruma Godhadi Artist can be a treat.
Also, the timeless grace of khadi, made by rural women and cooperatives supported by MSKVIB will surely enthrall you as much as the colourful kurtis. You can also get the taste of healthy food stuff as well as Maharashtra’s traditional dairy heritage with rich, pure, and nourishing gir cow ghee. For those wanting to adorn themselves there is a variety of beautiful traditional, silver and artificial jewelry. There are groups selling spices,  Kolhapuri Chappals, handcrafted footwear and decorative articles. Every purchase you make here supports a family, strengthens a community, and keeps a tradition alive.
The State Day on November 15 is dedicated to a special cultural performance by Shashank Kalyankar and his group which will take you through a soulful journey of  Maharashtrian folk music and dance.
If you are in Delhi between November 14 and 27, I warmly invite you to step into the Maharashtra Pavilion at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan.
Come, experience Maharashtra, its colours, grace, heritage and  innovation just like our Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri. Devendra Fadnavis. Meet our artisans, listen to their stories, taste our flavours and carry home something handcrafted, something meaningful, something made with love just like him.
Your visit, your appreciation, and your purchases will uplift communities across Maharashtra. So please come and be a part of our story  where heritage meets innovation, and pride meets progress.

R. Vimala, IAS,
Resident Commissioner, Maharashtra
Compassionate Civil Servant and
PhD Scholar at IIT Bombay 

Unity at the Feet of the Iron Man – A Journey to the Statue of Unity, Ekta Nagar

Unity at the Feet of the Iron Man – A Journey to the Statue of Unity, Ekta Nagar

The preamble of our Constitution includes three timeless words, Unity, Sovereignty, and Integrity.
In school, we began our morning prayer with the pledge,
“India is my country, and all Indians are my brothers and sisters.”
Those lines may have been routine back then. But as I stood before the Statue of Unity recently, their meaning came alive in my heart. Unity, something so simple to say, yet so difficult to uphold is the strength that has kept India standing tall through centuries.
India is one of the world’s oldest civilizations. From the Mauryas to the Guptas, from the Cholas to the Marathas, our country has seen the  courage and vision of great kings. Yet history also reminds us of our greatest weakness, disunity.
Many rulers did not lose and empires did not fall due powerful enemies but due to betrayal within. Prithviraj Chauhan, Siraj-ud-Daulah, the Marathas,  were defeated only when unity gave way to ego, rivalry, or deceit.
Time and again, India has paid the price because the people stood divided.
And that is why the words Unity and Integrity in our Constitution are not just ideals but warnings from history and promises for the future.
My visit to Kevadia was not just a sightseeing trip but a pilgrimage, to pay tribute to Sardar Vallabh bhai Patel, the leader whose vision enabled princely states in India to become one with our  nation.
And frankly, his towering 182 metres steel statue portraying his strength and determination made me look tiny, yet feel  deeply proud.
The statue is not just an engineering wonder but also symbol of  achievements made by collective efforts.
The Viewing Gallery at his chest level has breathtaking views of the Sardar Sarovar Dam, the Narmada River, and the Vindhya and Satpura ranges.
The museum at the base presents details about  his life, courage  diplomacy and his mission to unite 562 princely states into one India.
The statue transforms into a massive screen for the laser show in the  evening reflecting his spirit and sense of purpose.
Ekta Nagar, has other attractions for families with children like the Valley of Flowers, Butterfly Garden, and Arogya Van which show how nature and humans can live in harmony.
At night, the Unity Glow Garden lights up the surroundings in vibrant colours.
Travel is easy in free electric buses and eco-friendly transport which make Ekta Nagar India’s first e-city, a step towards a cleaner, greener future.
What fascinated me most was the fleet of bright pink e-rickshaws driven by local tribal women.These were not just vehicles but symbols of women  empowerment  providing dignity and opportunity for equal development. 
Having served as Deputy Commissioner (Rehabilitation) in Maharashtra for families of project affected persons, the visit gave me a perspective how development and compassion can go together, how people who sacrificed their homes and land find new beginnings.
Every year, on 31st October, India celebrates Rashtriya Ekta Diwas ,the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
On this day, the Prime Minister himself leads the nation in paying tribute to the Iron Man of India.
The Unity Parade, the floral tributes, and the Ekta Pledge, all serve to remind us that India’s strength lies not just in  uniformity, but in unity.
Sardar Patel’s had a very clear vision of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.”
He envisaged a nation where differences of language, faith, and culture would never become walls, but bridges.That message is more relevant  today because we cannot afford to forget the lessons of our past. Every act of division weakens the dream he built and each act of unity strengthens it.
In the evening, we visited the Narmada Ghat near the Shoolpaneshwar Temple to witness the Narmada Maha Aarti.
The priests, the lamps, the chants, and the shimmering river made it a moment of quiet peace. The lamps floating on the water were shining with the same  message that  unity is light, when we stand together, India shines brighter.
Standing there, with the Iron Man's silhouette in the background, I realized that India's strength does not lie in the steel, stone, or slogans but in our spirit to stay together  through differences, through challenges, through every storm.
Sardar Patel’s statue is not just a monument. It is a mirror showing us what we can achieve when we remain  united and what we would lose if we go apart. As if the Iron Man is echoing  across to generations :
“Stay united, stay strong, and never let history repeat itself.”

R. Vimala, IAS

Resident Commissioner, Maharashtra, 

Compassionate Civil Servant & PhD Scholar at IIT Bombay 

The quiet crisis: Have We Stopped Listening?

The quiet crisis: Have We Stopped Listening?

It is said that God gave us one mouth and two ears so we might listen twice as much as we speak. It’s a simple piece of wisdom yet somewhere along the way, we seem to have collectively forgotten it.

Listening is rapidly becoming a lost art along with genuine human connections.Go through your last few conversations in your mind. Chances are, they ended before they even truly began.You start to share something personal, something close to your heart and before you can finish the first sentence, the other person jumps in with , “Oh, I know exactly what you mean!”, “That happened to me too, only worse!”, “You should just do X, Y, and Z.”

And soon enough, your words are no longer yours. You stop mid-sentence, a half-smile on your face, the initial warmth draining away. You realize they weren't actually listening to you, they were simply waiting to speak. They weren't processing your words; they were composing their reply.This isn't just being rude; it’s a crisis of connection.

This epidemic of inattentiveness seems to be catching on quickly  everywhere. At times in offices , a colleague may  approach a manager to discuss an issue, but before he or she can speak or explain the situation, they are interrupted by the manager with a pre-packaged solution that may just not address the core problem. The colleague walks away feeling unheard and frustrated or hurt. 

 At home,  partners have monologues or talk at each other instead of talking with each other, escalating small disagreements into full-blown arguments. So many misunderstandings and so many frictions in relationships begin not from words said but from words never truly listened to.  

And then there is the rush to be right. We even see it on game shows with  contestants eager to prove themselves, buzzing in on the answer button too soon, missing the answer and losing only because they never truly listened to the question’s end.  

We seem to be doing this constantly in life. We are simply rushing, rushing to respond, to conclude, to be right, to get our point across and in that rush, we miss the crucial the wisdom that often lies in holding back our words just to listen.

Listening, I have come to realize, is not just a polite pause between your own sentences. It's a profound, active gesture.

It's an act of respect that says, “You matter enough for me to step outside myself and my world to be with you in your world for a moment.”  

In our fast-paced, opinion-driven world, this kind of true listening has become rare. And as it fades, so does genuine connection.

Imagine if we all agreed to slow down, hold back our response for a moment longer and truly listen ,not to reply, not to debate, but simply to understand. Perhaps fewer hearts would ache from the burden of being unheard because sometimes, what a person needs most is not advice, not a solution, and certainly not an interruption. All they need is a willing, quiet ear.

So just sit back and think , do you catch yourself always rushing to speak , say something, instead of consciously listening ?

In reality listening is so basic, that we forget that it is also a skill and yet, most of us imagine ourselves far better listeners than we are.  

How many of us have sat across with someone to pour out our feelings only to notice their eyes flicking to their phone, their posture drifting away, their attention somewhere else?

Nothing feels worse than being unheard by those we count on for understanding. 

To truly listen is more than just hearing words. In fact ,listening is so central, so woven into human existence, that when it’s missing, we notice its absence more than its presence. At times, instead of learning to manage our own emotionality to handle difficult conversations, we avoid them altogether. Paradoxically, these days we may have more ways to communicate but have lesser time for conversation which is like a dance of roles. To share a feeling, there must be one willing to talk and another open to hear. 

Today, our digital lives are also expressions of this yearning.  A photo or status, posted to social media, is a thread cast into the digital sea, hoping for others to bear witness. So when we  see  our stories met with silence, we feel the ache of being invisible, just as we would be if we were ignored in person.

Whether we speak face-to-face or through electronic communication, we are still giving voice to our need to be heard. Even what we call “reassurance” is not listening because to be listened to is the way we discover ourselves as understandable, even acceptable.  

We therfore deeply value those who listen, sometimes even love them because when they give us their attention, we feel momentarily whole.  

Sometimes our conversations don’t even rise to the level of dialogue they are monologues punctuated by silence. When we understand the healing force of true listening, we can become brave enough to hear what makes us uncomfortable.

But when we take the time to feel the emotion beneath another’s words to hear the pain beneath anger, the resentment behind avoidance, the vulnerability inside impatience we give ourselves the power to soothe the bitterness that probably divides us.

Being heard is a deep need which makes us feel taken seriously, expressed, validated, acknowledged, appreciated, cared for and connected to others. The receptive listener helps us clarify what we think and feel, nourishing our experience of self.  By confirming what is understandable in us, the listener affirms our shared humanity.  

When we are not listened to, we feel cut off, unappreciated, alone.No number of “likes,” hearts, or emojis will ever nourish you as fully as one moment of undivided listening. Being listened to is like food and drink to the heart. 

The seeds of such attentive listening are sown in our  childhood. Parents who listen make their children feel worthwhile and appreciated and help them build a secure self. Such children develop their own unique talents and ideals to approach relationships with confidence. Most of us can imagine a mother with smiling eyes listening enthusiastically to a child eagerly describing some triumph or a father comforting a sad-faced toddler crying over some minor tragedy. And we also know how bad it feels to watch a parent reduce a child to tears of humiliation for making a mistake. How early or how profoundly the quality of listening begins to shape their character may not be obvious but they do have an impact a child's psyche. 

Even infants thrive on attentive listening. A baby’s cries and smiles are calls to be heard and parental attunement is social nourishment. Parents constantly adjust, intuitively listening, as the child’s needs and skills grow. A child who has been truly listened to finds it natural to seek help; one who has not may become quiet and seek solace in silence instead of support.

We do grow out of childhood, but not out of this need to be taken seriously, to have our feelings honoured and be heard. The ability  to understand not only what is said, but what is felt is empathy and listening with attention can instil a sense of belonging by removing  thoughts of being isolated. So  whenever someone approaches us to share their thoughts we can offer our complete attention by keeping away distractions and holding back judgments. 

The power to heal, inspire, and uplift lives is there in every ear that chooses to listen. Let’s begin to listen not just with our ears, but with our hearts.

R.Vimala, IAS, 

Resident Commissione Maharashtra,

Compassionate Civil Servant and PhD Scholar at IIT Bombay