“Just try to be a good human”
Yeshwanth, a passionate advocate for social change, began his journey with Rubaroo in 2019. He’s currently pursuing a Master’s in International Relations and Diplomacy. In a world fraught with division and rife, Yeshwanth presents his nuanced understanding of social issues, and looks to understand all possible sides before taking a stand. Hence, he sits down with the Rubaroo team to reflect on his transformative journey of personal growth and community impact.
Exploring New Perspectives
Yeshwanth’s journey with Rubaroo began in 2019 upon the recommendation of his English professor. Initially hesitant, he took the plunge and immersed himself into Rubaroo’s programs, eagerly embracing opportunities, new thoughts, and ideas. From becoming a Jagrik to a Youth Champion, and then championing change by contributing to a change-making project, Yeshwanth completed a full circle of learning with Rubaroo. Emphasizing the importance of embracing new ideas, Yeshwanth shares, “irrespective of identities, interact with people who differ with your point of view and stop judging them.”
“I have strived to contribute in as many ways as possible. My time and experience had me encounter new thoughts and perspectives. I was no longer a person confined to an ideology. I started seeing things in a different light by digging more deeply and understanding why people are doing what they’re doing.”
Embracing Acceptance
A pivotal lesson Yeshwanth gleaned from his involvement with Rubaroo is the importance of acceptance. For too long, we’ve divided ourselves and clung onto identities, canceling each other out. “I started seeing things in a different light by digging more deeply and understanding why people are doing what they’re doing,” he shares. Rubaroo became a safe space for Yeshwanth to confront his biases and preconceptions, fostering a deep sense of empathy and understanding towards others.
“My biggest takeaway was learning to accept other people and their flaws and differences and not judge them for who they are. As a person, I’ve never taken things personally, be it praise or criticism, and it has helped me be calm in several conversations. I want to be nice to people and see how I can improve their lives.”
Cultivating Compassion
At the core of Yeshwanth’s journey is the value of compassion instilled by Rubaroo. “I want to be nice to people and see how I can improve their lives,” he asserts, embodying Rubaroo’s ethos of compassion in action. Whether engaging in dialogue with diverse communities or advocating for social justice, His commitment to understanding the root causes of social issues, such as the conflict between Palestine and Israel, underscores his dedication to promoting empathy and reconciliation.
Reflecting on Rubaroo’s broader impact, Yeshwanth emphaizes it’s transformative influence on communities. “Rubaroo is having an impact on communities. I’ve been to Youth Resource Centres and seen people from all walks of life participate in the activities, bringing positive change in their lives,” he shares.
Vision for Future
Looking ahead, Yeshwanth envisions a future where Rubaroo’s programs are integrated into educational curricula from an early age. “If given the opportunity, I’d like to work with kids and implement the Agaaz program with them from the school level,” he shares, underscoring the importance of cultivating compassionate citizenship from childhood.
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