Conversations which brings life to the spaces and mind
Under a canopy of stars, atop a mountain, our circle of aspiring architects, led by the visionary Ar. Amol Deshmukh, delved into the essence of our craft. This wasn’t just another study tour; it was a pilgrimage of the mind. As the cool night air mingled with our discussions, I realized architecture is not confined to the lines on blueprints. It’s an odyssey of creating lives, of shaping experiences. Amol Sir’s wisdom transformed my perspective. Buildings are more than structures; they are the silent custodians of human stories. This mountain, under the vast sky, was our classroom, and the universe whispered its secrets. Group discussions here went beyond academics; they were about dreams, aspirations, and the architect’s role in society. I never dreamt of such an experience, yet here I was, learning the art of life through architecture.
In the midst of an architectural study tour, guided by the insightful Ar. Amol Deshmukh from Studio Adda, Nashik, I found my understanding of architecture evolving. It’s not merely about constructing spaces; it’s about crafting environments that breathe life into daily existence. As I listened intently to Amol Sir, his words painted pictures of buildings that held stories, walls that whispered histories, and designs that danced with life. He taught me that architecture is a canvas for humanity, where every line drawn is a potential memory, every space created a cradle for life’s myriad moments. This journey has been less about learning the technicalities and more about embracing the soul of architecture. It’s about touching lives, one space at a time.
Standing there, framed by the timeless grace of an old church, a serendipitous feeling washed over me. Networking, the art I never thought I’d master, has become as natural to me as breathing. With every new horizon I explore, I find myself weaving a tapestry of connections rich with diversity and warmth. The faces around me, from different corners of the world, have become chapters in my story, effortlessly. It’s the smiles, the shared moments, the stories exchanged in passing, that have built my global village. I’ve learned that sometimes, the most profound connections are not sought but beautifully stumbled upon. And as I stand here, amidst my international family, I realize I haven’t just been meeting people; I’ve been discovering worlds within them.
In the grand hall, alongside the future leaders of JCI’s Zone IX, I experienced a defining moment in my journey of growth. As one of the key organizers of this training, designed to empower the presidents of various chapters, I discovered the profound depths of management and administration. Each session was a mosaic of insights, a dance of ideas shared between the passionate and the visionary.
We delved into the art of effective communication, the nuances of strategic planning, and the grace of adaptive leadership. The learnings were immense, from orchestrating seamless events to fostering teamwork that transcends geographical boundaries. Every handshake, every collaborative project, honed my skills not just as an organizer but as a leader who now appreciates the subtle symphony of minds at work. This experience was more than an event—it was a masterclass in leadership.
Lying here, with the gentle hum of the hospital around me, I’m filled with an immense sense of peace. Today marks the eleventh time I’ve extended my arm, not just to give blood but to share life. Each drop flowing from me carries a whisper of hope to an unknown friend in need. The prick of the needle is trivial compared to the pulsing realization that life is precious, and to give a part of oneself is to affirm this beauty.
With every donation, I’m reminded of the simple power we hold—to give, to save, to care. It’s a silent solidarity, a bond with strangers who will never know my name, yet whose lives are now intertwined with mine. This is my pledge, my humble contribution to the river of life that connects us all.
Finding a Second Family: My Unforgettable Rotary Exchange in France
Life has these special moments where everything just fits, and you feel like you belong. That’s exactly what happened during my Rotary exchange trip to France. It was more than just swapping a piece of paper with the good folks at the Rotary Club of Chemellie—it was like we were connecting our lives and stories. I can still clearly recall that day, with the gentle French breeze around us as we all met up. Their welcoming smiles made me feel like I had known them for years, and I realized family can be found anywhere, even miles away from home.
What’s amazing about this exchange program is how it brings people together. Every handshake, shared dinner, or story we exchanged under the open skies of France brought us closer. Handing over that letterhead, it might have seemed small, but it felt like a big symbol of the trust and friendship we shared. I was so thankful in that moment, seeing firsthand how networking isn’t just business
it’s about forming real human bonds
– Sneha Taori
This trip wasn’t just about visiting new places; it was about really getting to know people. The Rotary Club members were so warm and kind, they were more than hosts—they became my protectors, my buddies, my French family. We’d talk about anything and everything, from simple jokes to big ideas about bringing the world together.
You could really feel the Rotary’s idea of putting others first in everything we did together. They were all about making a difference, which is something I believe in too. And in that common goal, we built a connection that lasted.
Embracing Connections: A Journey of Gratitude in Palanpur.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, its warm hues a tender backdrop to the white marbled temple in Palanpur, I stood there, amongst kindred spirits, with a heart brimming with gratitude. The Rotaract Club of Palanpur, with open arms and bright smiles, had just welcomed me, a member of the national rotary cultural exchange program, into their fold. In that beautiful moment of exchanging our club letterheads, I found something profound—a new family.
The power of networking is often spoken of in the context of professional growth, but here, beneath the saffron flag fluttering in the gentle evening breeze, it was about weaving the fabric of lasting friendships. I had arrived in Gujarat as Sneha, the cultural ambassador, eager to share and learn, but I found myself transformed, imbibing the essence of
‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’—the world is one family.
The days in Palanpur unfurled like the petals of their native marigolds—vibrant and warm. I was embraced not just by the Rotaract members but by the culture itself. Each street corner told a story, every shared meal was a tapestry of flavors, and the dances—oh, the dances! They were the heartbeat of Gujarat, and I found my rhythm in them. The language barrier dissolved in laughter and shared experiences. I learned that communication, at its core, is about connection, not just words.
With every shared project and every joint initiative, my network expanded, but more importantly, so did my heart. I found mentors, I found friends, I found a home away from home. The Rotaract Club of Palanpur showed me the power of community service—how giving back can enrich one’s own life manifold. As I bid goodbye, my feet were reluctant to leave the temple’s cool marble, a silent witness to the bonds formed. I carried with me not just memories but a promise—a promise of return, of continuing to nurture the relationships built, and of spreading the spirit of unity and fellowship I found here.
From the dust of Gujarat’s streets to the silken skies above, every bit of Palanpur is etched in my soul. To my new family in Palanpur, I owe a mosaic of emotions—thank you for teaching me that sometimes, you do not just make connections, you become part of a constellation, shining together in the vast expanse of humanity.
A Night to Remember: Celebrating Growth and Gratitude.
Last night, amidst the soft glow of ambient lights, I found myself in a moment of profound pride and reflection. Clasping the tangible recognitions of my journey with JCI—a global leadership and training organization—I was awash with gratitude. Each trophy mirrored the countless hours of self-development, the challenges embraced, and the personal milestones achieved.
Holding them close, I could see not just my reflection but the culmination of efforts and opportunities that JCI generously provided. It was a celebration of growth, a testament to the belief that every effort counts and every small step is a leap towards becoming a better leader, a better person. To those who have guided and supported me, my heart swells with appreciation. This isn’t just my victory; it’s ours.
There, amidst the hustle of service, I found the essence of human connection. As I wrapped my arms around her, the lines of age and circumstance blurred. Her laughter, rich and hearty, echoed the pure joy we felt. I realized, in that single embrace, that warmth does more than comfort the body—it heals the soul. We were two souls from different walks of life, yet in that moment, we shared something immeasurable. Her gratitude was a silent language we both understood, a reminder that the simplest acts of kindness are often the most profound. With a hug, we shared stories of struggle and strength, and I was reminded that in the service of others, we find the richest parts of ourselves.
Standing shoulder to shoulder with Alessandra Nirwan from Brazil, and the esteemed Director of Symbiosis School of Planning Architecture and Design, Nagpur, I realized the true strength of networking. I’ve always believed in reaching out, connecting dots, and building bridges. Being the mediator, the link that brought such inspiring minds together, filled me with pride. It is not every day that one steps out of their comfort zone to work alongside such experienced individuals, but I took that leap. Each conversation, each shared idea with them was a new learning, a new page in my book of experiences. I have learned that to grow, one must dare to step beyond the familiar, to engage with the world at large. Today, I stood with giants in my field, and I have never felt more grounded.
Today, with dirt under my nails and hope in my heart, I joined hands with the Rotaract Club of Nagpur Ishanya for a mission—a greener tomorrow. Behind the Lata Mangeshkar Hospital, we planted more than just saplings; we sowed the seeds of responsibility and nurturance. As we placed each bamboo and neem into the earth, we were planting future strongholds for a greener Nagpur. This initiative, The Green Drive, is our pledge to the city—a testament to our dedication to restore and cherish the environment. Witnessing the vibrant enthusiasm of my peers, I was moved by our collective promise to care for these trees, and in turn, for our future. With every plant, we whispered a hope for sustainability, for a world where nature thrives alongside us. We’re not just planting trees; we’re growing a legacy.
