I grew up in Ratnagiri’s Dapoli village. My parents, who are farmers, still work the land back there. I first came to Bombay at the age of 17, to study and for better opportunities. My father harboured the archetypical Indian dream – he wanted to see his son to be an engineer. But I had other plans. Much to their horror, I declared that I was going to be a scribe. My family, fixated on engineering as the most presitigious occupation, was outraged. A farmer’s family with no literary inclinations, he was convinced that I could not write, never mind make a living out of it. But I had been writing for my school magazine. In college, I was involved in various literary events and discussions, and was also writing reports on college events. I grew more confident of a career in journalism and saw my ambition through. My sister too supported me. I went to journalism school, and was soon writing on business and youth, which got me noticed and landed me a job with an ad agency as a senior image manager.
PUKAR has been my stress buster. I found PUKAR when I was in college. I was craving for an opportunity to get noticed then, and chanced upon an article that mentioned the organization. I went along as an audience to PUKAR’s youth fellowship graduation ceremony, and never left. From YFP to Action Research has been a natural transition for me, and I continue my association with PUKAR as it gives me a break from the stuffy formal atmosphere at work. Here I can freely express myself, have a laugh, and build unique relationships.
