After completing a 10-day Vipassana meditation retreat at Dhamma Sikhara, I decided to take a detour into the serene hillsides of the Himalayas. Instead of indulging in typical tourist activities like shopping or sightseeing, I chose to go off the grid!
Nestled in the cradle of Kangra District in Himachal Pradesh lies a small, unassuming village called Tillu. While the village may seem hidden from the world, it is remarkably connected through Samta Tillu, a non-profit organization led by the inspiring Devyani Pushpa.
I still cherish the one day of hospitality and sincere love I received from the students there.
In Part I of the series, I explore the school, interact with the students, try to understand their lives, and see the world through their lens.
Having been educated in cities and private schools, we often take things for granted-like the luxury of studying 'exotic subjects.' (When introducing what I do to the students, I had to break down psychology into extremely simple terms to fit their understanding. Science education too is yet to fully reach the Himalayan hillsides.)
Samta Tillu’s passion for making a difference is truly commendable. Though the world may be blind to the village, the students’ sharp intellect and the volunteers’ dedication are nothing short of inspiring. From conducting workshops on gender sensitization to excelling in creative arts, these students are shining examples of what can be achieved with the right support.
A special shout-out to Babita Suryavanshi, who graciously gave me a tour of the school and the village, and even performed a traditional dance for us!
Wait, did I mention dance? Hold on for Part II of this series, where the excitement continues :D
To check their work-
Instagram: @samtatillu, @hopefindsamba, @dazed_himalayan