On 12th August 2023, Bikalpa, an Alternative, organized an interaction program with Ramesh Sayan and the closing ceremony program of “Bikalpa Fellowship 2022-23 “. The program was organized to engage and bring together all the bikalpa fellowship members. The program also helps to provide a platform for participants to engage with literature, share their insights, and develop their analytical skills. Around 42 Bikalpa Fellowship members attended the program.
The program commenced with a warm welcome to all participants by Mr. Basanta Adhikari and was further moderated by him. The guest speaker for the program included eminent speakers Ramesh Sayan (author of the book ‘Discrepancy ‘).
Seema Avas, and Dhiraj Rai. Following the welcome address, the participants had the opportunity of listening to Seema Avas, an acclaimed writer, gave the keynote lecture to kick off the event, where she emphasized the importance of reading and the impact of literature on personal growth and empathy. She described her experiences with the book and her thoughts about it. She also discussed the book’s themes, characters, and creative process behind writing the book.
After that, author Ramesh Sayan put his thoughts regarding the book. He said the book is about the story of Transgender people. He talked about the book’s fictional characters, who are transgender individuals and often have to face discrimination and stigma due to their gender identity. He also discussed systemic discrimination, societal prejudices, and a lack of understanding. In addition, he shared his perspectives on gender intersection and social change among the participants. He said there is also a vast gender identity crisis in our society. We have distinct challenges in expressing and identifying ourselves as transgender individuals. He also emphasized the importance of making laws accessible and underscored the insufficient government investments toward the genuine empowerment of transgender individuals. The audience also raised questions regarding the book to the author. All queries related to the book were addressed in the program by the author.
The program also included the Bikalpa Fellowship 2022-23 certificate distribution program. Bikalpa fellowship is a knowledge-based capacity-building program where youth from 19 wards were enrolled and engaged in various activities throughout the year. During the program, Mr. Basanta Adhikari shared about the activities and the year-long program organized by Bikalpa Fellowship Members. He shared his volunteerism experience, which helped encourage the participants to take advantage of the learning opportunities provided by Bikalpa. He also states that leadership is to take responsibility and urges fellow members to take the initiative for their leadership growth.
Bikalpa Fellowship members also shared their journey with Bikalpa and expressed their gratitude towards the program. They also expressed their appreciation for the program and its impact on their personal growth and aspirations. They said the opportunities, network, and exposure the Fellowship program provides have elevated them personally and professionally. Some participants mentioned that the significant learning of volunteering was that the program helped to hone their managerial skills and built volunteering as a habit to the community.
Participants also quotes their personal experiences regarding the program
Chrinjivi Shah resonates that while he came from a CA background study, where numbers, financial reports, and the solitude of endless books consumed his days, however, when he got associated with the bikalpa. The bikalpa program exposed him to a new way of thinking; he learned about liberty, freedom, and their importance in society. He also had an opportunity to socialize and learn to work with community people participating in different bikalpa programs.
Rakesh Shah shared that He came to know about bikalpa after participating in a one-day entrepreneurship workshop. After that, he has been a part of the different program of bikalpa. He said the program has helped him develop confidence and professional skills. Further, He added bikalpa fellowship has nurtured important aspects of service-based leadership and networking skills. It has also offered me opportunities to look at things from a new perspective.
Mandip Shah shared that The bikalpa fellowship program is a platform that has helped to expand knowledge through engaging in various social programs. The program has not only helped to enhance the capacity of youth but also polishes the youth to take ownership of it. Our conversations with different stakeholders in the program have helped us understand our government’s policy framework and work. Also, the community program has acquainted us with practical knowledge. This kind of program should be continued in the future.
Kalpana Ban expressed that she explored different opportunities after being involved in bikalpa. She participated in the Liberty Camp, Biklapa fellowship camp, and other activities organized by bikalpa. She said it is not just a platform; it is the ground that nourishes the seeds of self-transformation, helping one to grow. It is one of the best programs I have come across where the youth gets involved and takes a closer, hands-on experience of working closer to social issues and at the grass root level, starting from self.”
Ambica Rana shared that The fellowship program has helped her enhance her communication and Management skills. She said that being a management student, the engagement with bikalpa has also helped her develop her managerial skills. She also reflects on community engagement programs where she got an opportunity to interact with different stakeholders, which also helped to enhance her leadership quality.
Further, they also gave feedback on continuing such a program in the future. Mr Basanta Adhikari also had a vote of thanks to all the participants. Finally, the Program ended by taking the participants’ feedback and distributing certificates.
