When Gaurav Sansare, a student from the College of Social Work, Nirmala Niketan, arrived in Dangbira, Jharkhand, he carried with him an academic understanding of development, complete of structured models, theories of community engagement, and a belief in planned interventions. As part of his field placement with Caritas India’s Khushaal Bachpan program, Gaurav expected to witness textbook practices in action. What he discovered instead was something far more transformative.

“I expected to witness a direct application of the theories and models studied in social work, particularly regarding community engagement and child protection,” he shared. “But in the field, I saw it is not so simple. It takes time, and it depends a lot on people’s culture, trust, daily work, and local problems.”

Gaurav’s experience in the villages challenged many of his assumptions. While development theory often outlines linear processes and structured outcomes, he saw how poverty, cultural dynamics, and survival needs could influence even the best-laid plans. One of his most striking observations was seeing children drop out of school, not from a lack of interest in learning, but to collect tendu patta in the forest to support their families.

“This made me realize that development work has to match the real life and needs of the people,” he reflected. “Not just what we learn in theory.”

During his internship, Gaurav engaged closely with the Khushaal Bachpan team and community members. He was particularly inspired by the local Caritas staff, many of whom came from the same villages they now serve. Their persistence and deep-rooted connection with the people profoundly impacted him.

“Witnessing the commitment of local Caritas staff who had grown into community leaders changed my view,” Gaurav said. “Despite limited resources, their deep connection and continuous presence were far more impactful than any external intervention.”

Gaurav also observed Khushaal Bachpan’s tangible impact on the lives of children and families. He noted how awareness around child rights, education, and protection was gradually growing. Girls were participating more confidently in school and in community forums, and children’s councils were becoming more active in some villages. One story that stood out to him was of a young mentor who initially lacked confidence but, with steady encouragement, began leading group sessions and managing documentation. Gaurav said, “Her transformation showed how consistent support and a nurturing environment can unlock someone’s true potential.”

He appreciated how the program paid special attention to children transitioning beyond class 8, when many are at risk of dropping out. The provision of boarding facilities and support for open schooling had opened new doors for many students. For those interested in vocational education, Khushaal Bachpan also created avenues for skill development. “All these efforts work together to support children’s education and career growth,” Gaurav emphasized.

But it wasn’t just the professional insights that shaped Gaurav’s journey. His experience also brought moments of emotional vulnerability and learning. He recalled incidents that revealed both the physical and emotional risks of working in remote areas, like the shock of encountering a snake in the kitchen or witnessing a sudden outburst from a local youth. Yet, these moments were balanced by the care shown by the community, especially village elders and leaders, who stood by the interns when they needed support.

“The people were kind and welcoming, and they treated us like part of their community even though we were outsiders,” he said. “Their warmth and strength, even when facing difficulties, taught me a lot.”

Reflecting on his time in Dangbira, Gaurav believes empowerment isn’t just about providing resources—building relationships, earning trust, and walking with communities at their own pace. “The ability to listen deeply and build trust gradually is something I will carry forward,” he said. “Development is not about doing things for people. It’s about doing things with them.”

As Caritas India continues to scale and deepen its Khushaal Bachpan interventions across tribal regions, reflections like Gaurav’s offer powerful validation of our people-led approach. His story is not just a student’s field report but a testament to the transformative potential of inclusive, grassroots development.

Gaurav encourages other students to volunteer with programs like Khushaal Bachpan, calling it a deeply enriching experience that bridges the gap between theory and lived reality. “It helps students grow personally and professionally by teaching them what it really means to be a social worker,” he concluded.

Through stories like Gaurav’s, we are reminded that change begins not just in strategy rooms or policy papers, but in the hearts and hands of those who choose to listen, walk alongside, and believe in the strength of communities.