By P Ramar (Sabbatical from 15th April 2024 to 15th July 2024)

The Sabbatical program is completely new to us. Only wealthy millionaires can afford to relax. My sincere thanks to COCOON for changing this situation and bringing such a thought that people who are simply doing social work can take a break. The rest day program was an unforgettable experience in my life. First education, then work in private institutions, marriage, then family burden, then social work agency. I had to do continuous work to develop this company, and I lived in such an environment.

On this rest day, I was able to put it all aside and live with ease in mind and body. I completed all the preparations before leaving for the rest day. After doing the necessary help at home and making all arrangements for the company, I left without any difficulty in my mind.

I travelled to the city as part of my sabbatical. Everything had to be taken care of while staying in a new place. People in the city were seen living in an active and mechanistic way. One person struggles to earn food; another person struggles to raise money, from small street vendors to multi- crore businessmen. It has been seen that the excellent way of life in the village has completely decayed in the city. I realized that love, kindness, compassion, etc. have shrunk in the city. If there is a danger in the villages, everyone immediately runs to help. If a person is lying down with hunger, they will give him food. But here they go as if unseen. We don't just eat healthy food here. I was able to see eating foods that are harmful to the human body and environment. 

Many people living in the city have moved towards the city due to lack of facilities, joblessness, and oppression in the villages. It was seen that they are self-employed on a small scale, doing auto rickshaws, wage jobs, and leading their daily lives. I was able to meet many people and listen to their experiences. Here too, I could see that our Indian country does not have the idea that the wealthy should help the poor and live by sharing what they can with others. I felt there was a lack of security for people to live freely. We realized that the life we live in villages is better and better than this. Cities are running solely on the economy. Villages are not like that and are running on high human values like love, unity, and sharing. Although we have heard it before, I have learned that it is true while living it. Students, youths, and the general public speak respectfully, show respect, and obey. City life requires a lot of money. It is a daily struggle to earn this. In our villages, we live happily and peacefully with what we have. City life is about paying more and living with fewer amenities.

During my Sabbatical...
I planned my day off very well. I wake up at 5 in the morning, meditate, listen to devotional songs, listen to the opinions of important thinkers on YouTube, and read the daily newspapers. Then in the morning, I enjoy walking, yoga practice, Pranic healing, and meeting friends and relatives. I went to computer class in the evening. Apart from these, I visited some towns and enjoyed the important tourist spots. I also visited Tarangambadi, Karaikal, Thanjavur, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam , and Trichy. I got more time to read books. I finished reading 8 books in Sabbatical period.

1. WHEN WE THRIVE, OUR WORLD THRIVES - Dr Connie K. Chung,
2. Best Administrator - Sriram,
3. Mind Relax, Please - Swami Sugabothananda,
4. Dear Students - Irayanpu IAS,
5. 101 Ways to Self-Development - Prem P. Bhalla,
6. Mathurubhagan - Prof. Perumal Murugan,
7. Time Management and Business Success - C.S. Devanathan,
8. The World Behind You - Nambikkai Nambi.

All the books gave me a sense of freshness, self-confidence, and youthfulness. I got clarity to the extent of giving many exercises. And every day I met someone from student to senior citizen and got to know their lifestyle, their youth struggles, current status, and future plans. I also shared with them about myself.

Apart from this, house parties, going to the homes of the sick to inquire about their well-being, and visiting friends and family who are receiving treatment in the hospital gave me many pleasant and varied experiences. Also, I got freshness, self-confidence, and the ability to carry out social work better. There's no doubt that the holidays were great.

Sweet memories...
I was the only one staying alone on the rest day. I ate at the restaurant for three whole times, except for the times when I attended the functions. I remembered that even if we eat delicious food at a high price, it is no substitute for the simple food we eat at home. It was seen that some were craving food and some were not able to eat even from food, and for that they were practicing walking. I saw and realized in the city that some people are looking for money for living and some people are collecting crores of money to raise their status further.

I was born in a small village, grew up, lived, socialized with, and worked with ordinary, simple people with little income and running their families. I found such people living more in Chennai city. Even today we see people who are struggling for food, even though many schemes have been planned by charitable organizations and the government. People who are neglected and left alone by their families are not found in villages; we see more in cities.

Everyone's point of view is different; my lives, my family background—these things keep me thinking like this whenever and wherever I go.

On my rest day, when I go to different places, I meet and talk to people like this. All of them came from villages and settled here in Chennai to spend their lives and educate their children. Every day they are struggling with their lives. Sick husband, low income, children in good school, not able to make him study.

The thought that we should be respectful when all our relatives go from here to town in our hometown, the memories of many families who have met like this, remain in my heart. To be specific, my student who settled in Chennai has two children; her husband has cancer; he is working in a car mechanic shop while he is receiving treatment; he is working in a mechanic shop with a small amount of money; he is spending money on many things, such as house rent, children's education, medicine, and so on. Always popping up.

My struggle...
Life is a struggle, but family, love, work, relationships make everything easier. Carrying the Neighbour’s baby every evening, enjoying playing with the school children, and talking to friends are what I thought I was missing out on. However, the rest day was good for the body and mind.

New Life...
The sabbatical helped me come back to work with a new zest and energy. The employee next to me gained the necessary energy to manage the organization effectively. If it were very agreeable for me to move to another CSR program and the second-level person who was running the Madurai program alone for that three-month period is now fully appointed to run the project, then it is absolutely true that I owe a lot of thanks to Cocoon, Dasra. There is no doubt that the level of interest that was there when the organization was started is now newly born. I have learned to operate computers well, and I know all things related to social media these days. Also, in the future, I had the idea to plan and implement a plan for small businesses on roadsides in Chennai. My rest day was very helpful for all such activities.

Family and friends' thoughts...
While applying for sabbatical, receiving financial assistance, and preparing for sabbatical, I interacted with family, relatives, and friends. Everyone was very much amazed at such a plan, as I felt the boundless joy of all. Our auditor was also surprised that I had not heard of him. They wished that this rest day would be good for you and also thanked all our family, friends, and relatives who are helping this project. They said that it is a chance that God has given you who are without rest. My friends in Chennai requested that I come home. Some came to see me, and everyone was happy.

My suggestion...
This COCOON project is satisfied, please continue this program. New learning’s, staying place and visited place close observation and reading books. We express our heartfelt gratitude to all the souls who helped us get and benefit from this project.

By Dr Dhatatrreya (Sabbatical from 15th January 2024 - 15th April 2024)

The word sabbatical was used regularly in PSU sector, for the first time I saw an advertisement for sabbatical to those who work/ head a voluntary organization and they are ready to compensate with financial assistance if he/she got selected. In my 23 years of experience, forget about sabbatical nobody cared about holidays, thanks to The Cocoon Initiative led by Vishal Ji, for providing me the 1st opportunity.

In an interview, Vishal Ji wanted me to go on a minimum of 3-months' vacation which, I thought will be difficult. However, at the end I agreed, after having discussion with my senior team members and family.

Indeed, it is a wonderful experience overall. The major changes which I came across in my life is that my son who always used to miss me, enjoyed my 3 months stay with him. The major positive changes which I gained officially from the sabbatical are as follows: -

• My team handled every situation in my absence - They showed not only the second line but, the youngsters are also capable of running the organization, and a few team members proved that they can also lead the branches of the organization.
• The only question raised by the funding agencies was, “what happened to Dr. Dhatatrreya? Why is he not responding? We need him.” This experience shows that it is not the only organization, which is depended on the funding agencies, but the funding agencies don’t want to talk to anyone other than the founder. I think cocoon initiative should create awareness among funding agency also.

The changes in my personal life are as follows: -

• Considerably my weight reduced by 6 kg.
• Haphazard food habit is contained, and I am able to control the wrong food habits.
• Travelled with my family to relative’s place and attended social programs for the first time in two decades.

Negative Impacts:

• I had a habit of wake at 4:00 am and strictly going to bed at 10:00 pm
• In last 40 years I Never watched T.V or Movies in the theatres, but in these three months, at least nine movies and regular television become a habit. Yes, now I go to bed at 12:30 am (midnight) and wake up at 7:00 am this is bad but wonderful

I don’t know if it’s good or bad, but Vishal Ji your initiative changed our overall perspective. Not only me, but for all of us, we will make a policy within this framework that at least a month of sabbatical for all team members without any fail from our organization. as these changes gives tremendous energy, and the body gets rejuvenated.

I, joined by my family members and team specially my son, thank Vishal Talreja ji and team Dasra for showing a new way of life within the setup.

In the fast-paced world of social sector leadership, the need for constant innovation, strategic thinking, and empathetic decision-making is paramount. However, amidst the pressures of addressing complex social issues and navigating organizational challenges, the well-being of leaders often takes a back seat. This neglect can lead to burnout, diminished creativity, and ultimately, hindered impact. Recognizing this, there's a growing acknowledgment of the necessity for sabbaticals – extended periods of time away from work – to rejuvenate, reflect, and recharge social sector leaders. Let's delve into why sabbaticals are crucial for the sustainability and effectiveness of social sector leadership.

Replenishing Passion and Purpose: Social sector leaders are driven by a deep-rooted passion for creating positive change. However, the relentless demands of their roles can gradually erode this passion, leaving them feeling depleted and disconnected from their purpose. Sabbaticals offer an opportunity to step back from the day-to-day grind, reignite their enthusiasm, and reconnect with the values that initially inspired them. Whether it's traveling to gain fresh perspectives, engaging in creative pursuits, or simply spending quality time with loved ones, sabbaticals allow leaders to rekindle their sense of purpose and return to their work with renewed vigor.

Fostering Personal Growth and Development: Leadership in the social sector requires continuous learning and personal growth. Yet, amidst the constant demands of the job, opportunities for self-reflection and development often take a backseat. Sabbaticals provide a dedicated space for leaders to invest in their own growth, whether through pursuing further education, exploring new interests, or embarking on personal development journeys. By investing in themselves, leaders not only enhance their own effectiveness but also bring fresh perspectives and insights back to their organizations, driving innovation and growth.

Preventing Burnout and Promoting Well-being: The prevalence of burnout among social sector leaders is a well-documented issue. The relentless pressure to achieve results, coupled with the emotional toll of addressing societal challenges, can quickly lead to exhaustion and disillusionment. Sabbaticals serve as a vital antidote to burnout, allowing leaders to step away from the intensity of their roles and prioritize their well-being. Whether it's disconnecting from technology, engaging in mindfulness practices, or simply enjoying moments of leisure, sabbaticals provide an essential opportunity for leaders to recharge and replenish their energy reserves.

Stimulating Creativity and Innovation: Innovation lies at the heart of effective social sector leadership. However, creativity and innovation thrive in environments that allow for experimentation, risk-taking, and unconventional thinking. Sabbaticals offer leaders the freedom to explore new ideas, experiment with different approaches, and gain inspiration from diverse experiences. Whether it's immersing themselves in nature, exploring other cultures, or collaborating with experts from different fields, sabbaticals provide fertile ground for cultivating fresh perspectives and driving innovative solutions to complex social problems.

Building Resilient and Adaptive Leadership: The ability to navigate uncertainty and adapt to change is essential for effective leadership in the social sector. Sabbaticals play a crucial role in building resilient leaders who can weather challenges and thrive in dynamic environments. By stepping away from their roles, leaders gain valuable perspective, resilience, and adaptability, enabling them to return to their work with a renewed sense of purpose and resilience.

​In conclusion, sabbaticals are not a luxury but a necessity for social sector leaders. By prioritizing their well-being, personal growth, and creativity, sabbaticals enable leaders to sustain their impact over the long term. As organizations and funders recognize the importance of supporting sabbatical opportunities, we can foster a culture of leadership that is not only effective but also sustainable and resilient in addressing the world's most pressing social challenges.