Around 32 years ago, I had a memorable encounter outside my village office cum residence. A local street cleaner, slightly drunk, posed a thought-provoking question: “Is a 5-paise pottu (forehead sticker) more valuable or a 50 rupee chappal (footwear)?” Intrigued, I admitted my ignorance. He shared his perspective, playfully teasing me for while inferring that I might be educated, but he, a drunkard, had the answer. “Though the pottu costs just 5 paise, we place it on our foreheads. On the other hand, even though the chappal costs 50 rupees, we wear it beneath our feet.” This incident deeply impacted me, unveiling a deeper understanding of our cultural values. As a social worker in villages, I initially thought that I had much to teach. However, I learned countless human values by listening to and acknowledging the wisdom of ordinary people. One close friend, who never attended school, left me with a valuable lesson. During one of our exchanges in Tamil, he said, Maathi yosi (think differently) urging me to break free from conventional methods and biased mental frameworks for seeking solutions. This insight, stemming from an unassuming individual, has become a wellspring of wisdom. Our mutual learning continues, as he values my teachings while I find his perspective on intricate issues remarkably astute.
Learning – a mutual process
In rural areas, various individuals, from social workers and educators to religious figures and community leaders, are often seen as teachers. On the other hand, ordinary people like farmers, laborers, children, and youth are typically cast as learners. However, assuming exclusive teaching rights and expecting unquestioning agreement can lead to conflicts and strained relationships. While those striving for rural development have valuable qualities and resources, the people they aim to assist also possess intentions, insights, and resources of their own. For effective and comprehensive rural development, it is crucial to establish a harmonious synergy between these two groups. This involves recognizing the dual roles of both teacher and student, embracing a continuous process of mutual learning and growth. Successful outcomes in our development mission stem from respecting the contributions and capabilities of all stakeholders involved.
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