Life at AKRSP-Sayla: Immersion & Growth (1993)
Day Two: Settling In
The second day began with further introductions and familiarizing myself with the campus. V.B. Patel, a seasoned Program Assistant, became my reluctant guide. Having aspired to become a Program Officer (PO) himself, his frustration at reporting to a newcomer like me was palpable. Still, he walked me through files, procedures, and my workspace with grudging professionalism.
Meanwhile, I bonded quickly with Ghanshyam, a tech-savvy colleague assisting the Project Coordinator (PC). His ease with computers drew me in, sparking an instant camaraderie.
The highlight came when I met Ms. Shilpa Vasavda, a fellow PO—sharp, articulate, and brimming with charisma. By evening, she invited me to observe a Village Institution (VI) meeting, my first taste of grassroots governance.
Into the Field
At 7:30 PM, we set off for Chotila (33 km from Sayla), then another 15 km to a remote village. Along the way, we picked up Ramesh, the Chotila-based PO, and reached the meeting site. For five hours, I watched Shilpa lead discussions with villagers—negotiating, educating, and inspiring. Her command of the room left me awestruck. By midnight, the meeting wrapped, and we dropped off colleagues before returning to Sayla at 2:00 AM.
Midnight Fuel
Starving, we stopped at Maraj, a dimly lit, unassuming roadside eatery near our bungalows. Though far from luxurious, the warm meal tasted like heaven after the day’s marathon.
A New Chapter: Village Immersion
The next morning, Rajeshbhai informed me of AKRSP’s induction policy: all new POs must live in a village for three months during probation. I agreed eagerly and relocated to Dhandhalpur, a hamlet 20 km away.
Rustic Living
I shared a rented room with T.T. Mehta in a widow’s home (rent: ₹100/month). Two other staffers—Rekha Aghara (Community Organizer) and Shanta Patel (Program Assistant)—lodged nearby, alongside Jani, a witty PA. The catch? No toilet. My daily routine involved treks to the bushes—a small price for authenticity.
On the Ground
My Rajdoot motorcycle became my lifeline. T.T., Jani, and I rode together to dam sites, while Rekha and Shanta zipped around on their M-80. I oversaw the Dhamrashla Percolation Tank, a major earthen dam project, while Jani managed the Sokhda reservoir. Shanta’s engineering prowess kept Dhamrashla on track, and fortnightly meetings with Rekha deepened my understanding of community dynamics.
Reflections
AKRSP’s blend of professionalism and grassroots participation fascinated me. Mornings began with T.T.’s chai, followed by site visits by 7:30 AM. The dam’s surrounding bushes? My makeshift latrine—proof that adaptability fuels growth.
Those three months were a masterclass in rural development. From gender-sensitive planning to Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) techniques, every day brought revelations—stories I’ll share in upcoming posts.
