by Abhilash John – founder of Khoj
India has the highest number of youths in the world. But Indian culture is known to be conservative. That means that it is, in general, clinging to traditional values and that it is averse to change. The socio-cultural upbringing, combined with the education system, plays a huge role in not letting us think out of the box. Children are overprotected and prevented from experiencing a free and adventurous childhood, and young persons are not encouraged to ask questions, have opinions, or go beyond the walls of certainty. KHOJ wants to change this narrative. KHOJ believes that when an individual comes out of their comfort zone challenging all the fears they have, is when they will develop the curiosity to learn and acquire new skills and grow in their life by setting new goals and aspirations.
KHOJ is currently running a one-month pilot project in Orissa, where a small number of youth volunteer at Janamangal, an NGO that was founded by Jyothsna Das, a 2013 kanthari graduate. The volunteers take part in adventurous and hands on activities that gives them the exposure they need to come out of their shells, build confidence, and explore paths that they wouldn’t have otherwise. One of the volunteers, Ijaz, wrote briefly about a touching experience involving two of his co-participants:
“There is something about communication. Even if you don’t know how to speak in what the other person is saying, we’d find out a way. Adithyan is weak in English and doesn’t understand Hindi and Smitha’s native language is Oriya, but she speaks Hindi, and she is trying to learn English. Seeing their conversation is so heart-warming.
With their time and moment, they’re teaching each other their respective languages as both of them are avid and enthusiastic seekers of learning.
Smitha wants to learn Malayalam too as she never got any exposure to outside her village, and she’d like to know more about our culture and language. She was restricted from speaking to boys by her parents growing up and, she would always hide from a conversation. She is coming out of her comfort zone. There is so much to life in here.
Adithyan never boarded a train alone or booked a ticket before. This was also his journey of coming out and breaking the barriers. Adithyan and Smitha are learning each other’s culture now and seeing them speak is something I definitely don’t want to miss.”
The journey to transformation is sprinkled with moments like these.
This pilot project tests the idea of KHOJ’s long-term vision: The Great Indian Treasure Hunt, an eight-month program for Indian youth aged 18 to 28, intending to allow youngsters to explore the world of social change, environmental solutions, and team experiences. The program aims to create innovators, social change makers, leaders, entrepreneurial minds, and professional team players—all in all, youngsters who do not fear failures and thus dare to take risks in their lives. To watch the founder Abhilash John talk about his dream visit: https://youtu.be/zWNzPG3cTvk . To know more about KHOJ in general visit: https://khojindia.in/
Ijaz is a writer and a storyteller. He was born and raised in Saudi Arabia and later moved to India for his higher studies. Through the Great Indian Treasure Hunt, he wants to experience and understand life in the rural parts of India and learn more about their culture. He believes that is a story here waiting for to discover and tell the world.
it’s amazing….