May 2025
Namaskar from Suna Kasai,
Starting this month, we decided to begin our training at 7:30 a.m. sharp. However, as of now, two or three members haven’t arrived yet—perhaps they forgot that the time had been changed. According to our group norms, whoever arrives late has to pay a fine of 20 rupees. Honestly, I was quite excited to see how much we would collect in fines today!
By 7:40 a.m., we began the session with a review. Meera then informed us that we would begin with a game. The moment I heard the word game, my energy just lifted up—I felt like a child again, full of excitement!
Meera scattered a few chocolates on the floor and said, “When I say Go, you must quickly try to pick up a chocolate.” But there weren’t enough chocolates for everyone. As soon as she said Go, we jumped in eagerly. I managed to grab one, but many others couldn’t get any.
Afterward, Meera asked us, “How do you feel?”
I replied, “Happy!” because I had secured a chocolate.
But others shared that they felt disappointed, frustrated, even a bit angry because they didn’t get any.
From there, a beautiful discussion unfolded—about conflict and how it arises.
We expressed that when resources are not distributed equally, people feel left out or ignored, and that can lead to arguments and conflicts.
Someone shared, “At home, when I’m hurt deeply and it becomes unbearable, that’s when I raise my voice—and that’s when conflict begins.” Another added, “In the community, if we don’t show mutual respect, that also becomes the starting point of conflict.”
We could all relate to so many real-life examples—from our homes, our communities, even among friends—where misunderstandings or feelings of unfairness lead to tension.
Then Meera divided us into groups and asked us to discuss the causes of conflict within groups. After the group work, she beautifully explained that conflict is not always negative. In fact, conflict can be a catalyst for change.
“If you don’t raise your voice,” she said, “how will change ever take place?”
That line stayed with me.
We enjoyed the session thoroughly—it was not just informative, but very emotional and eye-opening. We ended by making a plan for how we would handle conflicts constructively if and when they arise in our lives.
It was such a powerful and meaningful start to the day.
We laughed, we reflected, we learned—and most importantly, we understood each other a little more deeply.