June 2025
Namaste, Dear Reader,
This blog is unlike anything I’ve written before. It’s not just a story – it’s an emotion, a memory, an experience that changed me. It’s about a journey that began in Rautahat and led me to the peaceful hills of Dhulikhel… but more than that, it led me back to myself.
A Journey from Rautahat to Dhulikhel: A Life-Changing Workshop Experience
My first trip from the flat plains of Rautahat to the serene hills of Dhulikhel marked the start of an incredible journey filled with learning and bonding. Eighteen women, including me, set off with excitement for a residential workshop.
As we travelled through winding roads, we soaked in the breath-taking views of green hills and flowing rivers, singing and laughing together. Upon arrival at Dhulikhel, I was in awe of the beautiful resort surrounded by natureand with stunning mountain views. The warmth of our welcome and the comfort of our rooms felt like a dream.
After freshening up, we enjoyed afternoon snacks and began our training session in a vibrant hall. The trainers encouraged us to embrace a positive mindset focused on learning and collaboration. Instead of introducing ourselves, we introduced our partners, sharing names, businesses, and our perspectives on life—a wonderful way to foster connection and understanding.
Our trainer guided us to discuss our expectations from the workshop, leading to a set of rules for our two days together with women from Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Rautahat. By the end of the first day, a list was compiled for those eager to share their transformative stories with WAWCAS, and the room buzzed with inspiration.
After sessions, we didn’t head straight to our rooms. Instead, we took photos, chatted, and formed new friendships. The evening featured a delicious dinner, dancing, and music under the stars, making us feel like we were celebrating rather than just learning.
The first day of the workshop was unforgettable, combining scenic travel, warm hospitality, meaningful learning, and joyful dancing. I’m truly grateful to be part of this journey with such inspiring women.
A Morning of New Beginnings – To Be Continued…
The day started beautifully with a peaceful breakfast in nature, lifting our spirits. We then gathered in the hall for another enriching training session, beginning with a warm welcome and a recap of the previous day’s discussions.
One of the highlights was hearing inspiring success stories from participants. I gathered my courage to share my journey, and it was moving to hear others’ experiences too.
Afterward, we split into groups for a creative activity to reflect on our lives before and after joining WAWCAS, focusing on personal, family, and economic changes. Our group chose to express this through drawing and painting, a process that took time but was profoundly meaningful, reflecting our growth and dreams.
Later, we presented our group work. While listening to other groups, I noted down important takeaways. I learned that:
- Unity brings success.
- The path might be different, the business might be different, but the goal remains the same.
- We all strive for self-dependence and future planning.
- A group should move forward with shared objectives.
- Knowledge is never-ending.
- Believing in ourselves is powerful.
- In a group, everyone is equal — we are the same.
We also played a team-building game called “Hand with Hand, We Together, Change It,” which helped us realize how deeply connected we are when we work as one.
This day brought so many insights that I promised to share everything I learned with my group and family. We discussed forming child groups, clubs, and collaborating with LNGOs, which opened up exciting future possibilities.
As the training concluded, we enjoyed each other’s company during a peaceful evening walk, sharing laughter and creating memories. Dinner with staff and participants from three districts turned into a joyful celebration filled with music. I danced freely, embracing the bond we’d built over just a few days.
The next morning came too soon, and after breakfast, we took group photos and said tearful goodbyes to our new friends. In just three days, we had formed deep connections, and I wished the training could last longer, knowing, however, that all good things must eventually end.
Hugging our friends tightly, exchanging phone numbers, and saying goodbye to our respected trainers was an emotional experience. As I sat in the car, ready to leave, my heart grew heavy, and tears welled up again. I was crying silently, feeling the weight of parting.
Deepak and Binod lifted my spirits with their stories and cheerful music during our journey. We visited the Dashainkali Temple, where we worshipped and captured memories. Upon returning home, I carried not just memories but a journey of emotions, learning, and friendship. I’m grateful to Deepak Sir for selecting me for this training, which was about personal growth rather than just business skills. I may not have brought home material gifts, but I returned with love, knowledge, and inspiration from amazing women running their own businesses, fuelling my motivation to succeed.
Sharing My Journey – Inspiring Hearts at Home and Groups
After returning from the workshop, I was eager to share my experience with my group. That evening, I recounted my journey—discussing the training sessions, inspiring stories from other women, and the supportive environment we enjoyed. I vividly described the fun activities, delicious food, and the beauty of the venue. The women listened intently, some expressing their desire to have participated. It was gratifying to see them inspired and hopeful about their own paths.
Later, I shared my experiences with my husband and family, detailing the travel, the amazing women I met, and the valuable lessons I learned. My husband’s supportive words touched me deeply; for the first time, I felt seen as an individual.
This journey made me realize that I am more than just a simple woman; I have a voice, my thoughts matter, my dreams are valid, and I am not alone.
Thank you, WAWCAS, for such a transformative program and for the unforgettable memories.
With warmest gratitude,
Salita Devi