“I never had a Muslim friend before.”
Embarking on the journey of self-discovery and community engagement is akin to stepping into unchartered territory. For Ritikha, it was a journey filled with twists and turns, unexpected encounters and moments that shaped her. Let’s hear this story from the person herself, Ritikha, an IT professional and a 2017 Youth Champion.
Finding My Voice and Breaking Barriers
This journey began in 2017, during the first year of my undergraduate studies when a simple message in my college WhatsApp group introduced me to Rubaroo’s Agaaz-e-Baatcheet program. Little did I know that a single message would begin a transformative journey of self-discovery, personal growth and meaningful connections. I was curious and wanted to know more. So, I applied to the program, and the next thing I knew, I got a call for the orientation workshop dates.
As an introvert, socializing didn’t come naturally to me. The idea of interaction with a large group of people was daunting. However, the promise of learning about interfaith intrigued me, so I decided to attend the orientation workshop. Before Rubaroo, I never had a Muslim friend. Yet, here I was, making connections and building friendships that transcended religious and cultural boundaries. I found a safe space to explore different cultures and perspectives as I realized there’s no right or wrong.
Empowering Leadership and Ownership
While I took my time to ease up with people, the activities were fun, and then working in a group to implement the Social Action Project (SAP) was a fruitful experience. I learned the importance of ownership and leadership in personal and professional endeavours. The SAP provided me with a platform to collaborate with others, implement ideas, and make a tangible impact in our community. It instilled a sense of responsibility and empowerment that has carried over into every aspect of my life.
Gratitude and Looking Ahead
As I look back on my journey with Rubaroo, I’m grateful for the friendships forged, the skills gained, and the invaluable experiences that have shaped me into who I am today. I want to thank the Rubaroo family for creating a supportive environment where I could be my authentic self and grow personally and professionally.
Lastly, I believe every young person should utilize the opportunity facilitated by Rubaroo and make newer and healthier connections.
About The Author
