#DoCCDiaries: Fagun Mela, a journey of revelation

When the three of us, Palaparthy Aditya Sai Srikanth, Shashvat Chand Shahi and I (Godwin Dbritto), first received the assignment to collaborate with Jatan Sansthan, Rajasthan, our enthusiasm was at its peak. Jatan Sansthan is a grassroots voluntary organisation (NGO) working on the issues of rep. health, nutrition, education, life skills, gender and local governance for adolescents, youth, children and women in the rural population of Southern Rajasthan. We were all excited about our first visit to the NGO and eager to understand what our month-long Development of Corporate Citizenship (DoCC) rural internship programme would entail.

One of the interesting stories of our fieldwork I recollect was the ‘Fagun Mela’, organised by Jatan Sanstha in collaboration with the Railmagra District Administration in Rajasamand.

The event was an explosion of colour and laughter, with over 900 young girls and more than 100 Anganwadi workers coming together to celebrate, learn, and grow. The Mela created a unique platform for the participating adolescent girls and Anganwadi workers to showcase their talents and engage in activities that promoted mutual learning and awareness.

The air was filled with cheers as girls and women participated in fun competitions like ‘Rassikasaa,’ (Tug of War) ‘Matki Daur,’ ‘Jalebi Daur,’ ‘Tyre Race,’ and ‘Nisan Lagao aur Inam Pao.’ (Hoopla ring game). There was even a ‘Selfie Point’ that became a hub of some cheerful and joyous moments. The spirit of camaraderie and friendship was infectious as participants cheered for one another, displaying a sense of community and togetherness. Beyond the games and races, the Mela had a more profound purpose. Various stalls were set up to inform the attendees about government initiatives like ‘RKSK,’ ‘Rajeevika,’ ‘Cyber Police Thana,’ ‘Hinsa Par Prahar,’ ‘Childline,’ ‘Mahila Suraksha and Salah Kendra,’ ‘Child Marriage,’ and ‘Access to Justice Program.’

These stalls were designed to educate and empower adolescent girls and Anganwadi workers and make them aware of the resources and help available to them. One of the most unique attractions was the ‘Letter Writing’ stall, where both the girls and the Anganwadi workers wrote letters to their favourite celebrities and leaders. This stall was particularly popular, allowing participants to express their dreams and desires in a tangible way. The energy at the event was dynamic, with the district magistrate and other government officials making appearances, adding credibility and significance to the Mela.

The “Fagun Mela” was more than just a festival—it was a celebration of empowerment, learning, and progress. It served as a stage for Jatan Sansthan to highlight its initiatives, showcasing the collective power of community-driven change. For everyone who attended, it was a day filled with joy, knowledge, and a sense of fellowship and community building, leaving a lasting impact on their hearts and minds. We also thoroughly enjoyed this event and learned a lot about the rural community and its social values. Our special thanks to SPJIMR DoCC for giving us this unique opportunity to experience social immersion and rural life in India.

Development of Corporate Citizenship (DoCC) initiative over 30 years ago, seeing civil society as a vital learning tool. Mandatory for all, DoCC cultivates awareness and empathy for societal issues through social internships across India and South Asia. Participants apply management skills in real-world settings, fostering reflection and learning.

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