A shift in my perception

Perception. Literally, it means the cognitive process of selecting and interpreting sensory information to understand the environment.

Yes, you read it right. There has been a shift in my perception. Lately, I have been observing things differently. Having lived in my village since birth, I used to perceive things through the lens of my limited knowledge. But now, the way I interpret the world has changed, and it has mesmerized me.

I attribute this transformation to the valuable books, newspapers, and blogs I have been reading, which have left a profound impact on me. Keywords and concepts now seem to appear before me as if they are floating. I can feel this shift in my perception. I have started sensing how things are dynamically connected, forming the very fabric of our existence.

I now see how these connections help communities evolve, sustain, and grow. I understand how they reshape the belief systems of people who remain disconnected from mainstream activities.

As I mentioned earlier, I live in a village situated near a hill and a sparse forest. There is a tribal community with about 20 to 30 households. Earlier, there was a school, a tube well, and a few basic amenities. However, electricity, sanitation facilities, and access to markets were missing. The community depended on agriculture for food and on the forest for sustenance and cooking fuel. Nature has always been central to their lives.

Recently, I observed significant changes. Electricity connections have been restored, new roads have been constructed, the school has been renovated with a well-developed playing area, proper sanitation facilities have been introduced, teachers are present, and a new solar-powered submersible system has been installed to provide drinking water.

I felt a sense of awe witnessing this development in a tribal community. Now, I can connect these changes with concepts like the Forest Rights Act, the role of PESA, and the impact of policies at the grassroots level.

This is the shift in my perception to see the world through newly acquired knowledge.