Reconnecting with Family

By Dr K Nireekshana Rao (Sabbatical from 1st April 2024 to 30th June 2024)
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When I came to know about the sabbatical support posted in Catalyst 2030 by Vishal sir, I feel so happy. In the beginning I have a doubt about the sabbatical support to an individual’s who are dedicated their time for the welfare and development of the needy communities in the society. But when it comes true there is no limit for my joy. My sincere thanks to Vishal sir and Dasra for identified me for the Cocoon initiative. 

Sincerely speaking I don’t have any idea/planning about the sabbatical. When I had discussions with Vishal sir I got a clear picture of my sabbatical.

Activity: Major steps involved in sabbatical are.

1. Spending sufficient time in the home by reading books and watching TV and movies to keep my mind away from the regular work involved since last 30 years.
2. Visiting other places along with all my family members which is not possible when I am in the NGO work.
3. Spending good time with my childhood friends and classmates who are retired.

 
Most of the days I spend my time in my house and meeting with my local friends. I was completely away from my professional work. Spend time for planning the tours along with my children. They extended their time whenever necessary for me in making arrangements and preparing other logistics.
 
As a first external visit, we planned a four-day visit to Mysore, Ooty and Coimbatore. Luckily, I got a call from university that they announced Doctorate for me in social service. It is coincident that at the same time Dasra released the budget. I have utilized this opportunity and got the doctorate. Otherwise even though they announced Doctorate, I am not able travel to get it. So, all my family members attended the Doctorate function and visited the historical and other places.
 
Our second external visit is to Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Again, my children arranged travel and accommodation bookings and others for all the 6 members. We spend 3 days in the islands and visited all the places by small boats, ships and enjoyed altogether we spend 6 days in the second tour.
 
Third external tour is designed by me and for me alone to Bangalore. I visited my childhood and classmates who are staying at Bangalore along with their children. I spend 8 days in Bangalore from 22nd June to 30th June. Three of my friends are retired from their jobs. It is really a good time for me to spend 8 days with my friends. Visited many places in Bangalore.
 
There are more memories in my sabbatical. Getting doctorate is a dream for me. Visiting Andaman jail and the place where the great leader Subhash Chandra Bose spend some days at the time of freedom fight. Accompanying of my whole family members in all my external tours which I never thought of it.

I did not struggle during my sabbatical because Dasra never say no to any of my requests. They only desired my peaceful sabbatical.

I realized the importance of sabbatical which will help us to rejuvenation our energy to involve more actively in the developmental activities. Realized to provide sabbatical (one week to 10 days) to other senior staff in the organization to make them reequip their energy.
 
My colleagues and my family members are so happy. Then never thought of this type of support. My other NGO friends, neighbors and friends discussing among themselves how all the family members visiting the faraway places and who is behind it. They often asked me. I said about the cocoon initiative by Dasra. But they have their own doubts about the financial support.

My wife is suffering with neurological problem for 3 years. We spend lot of amount for her treatment. Finally, she was referred to a homeopathy specialist. MRI for brain and spine and other tests was conducted and now using medicines. I also undergone necessary tests.    
 
The initiative is very good and necessary for the personnel engaged in the NGO sector. Budget flexibility is very good and needed. Unforeseen head in Budget is required.