The Joys of Rest, Reconnection and Family Time

Sharanappa Barsi
Sabbatical Dates: 1st January 2025 - 30 April 2025

I, Sharanappa Barsi, have been working in the social development sector for
the past 30 years. I was selected for the Sabbatical Leave Programme
supported by the Cocoon Initiative and availed my sabbatical from 1 January
2025 to 30 April 2025. This report presents a summary of my sabbatical
experiences, activities, learning, rejuvenation, and outcomes.

Purpose of the Sabbatical
The primary intention of the sabbatical was to:
 Rest and rejuvenate after decades of continuous service,
 Focus on personal wellbeing,
 Strengthen family bonds,
 Reflect on organizational development and future strategies, and
 Visit places of healing, meditation, and personal renewal.

Activities Undertaken
Rest and Family Planning (First Two Months)
 Spent quality time at home to rest and recover.
 Held discussions with second-line leadership of Sadhana Raichur to ensure
smooth functioning during my absence.
 Planned and delegated organizational tasks effectively.

Visits to Relatives and Cultural Participation
 Visited relatives in Mangalore, Raichur, Mysore, Gulbarga and other
locations.
 Participated in family gatherings, festivals, religious activities, and cultural
programmes.
 Strengthened family and community relationships.

Out-of-State Travel for Healing & Wellbeing
 Travelled to Kerala, Delhi, Pune, and Goa for rejuvenation, healing, and
meditation.
 Interacted with religious leaders, counsellors, and wellbeing practitioners.
 Focused on mental and spiritual renewal.
 My wife and daughter accompanied me throughout due to my diabetic and
cardiac health conditions, ensuring proper care.

Personal Experiences
 Achieved peace of mind and emotional balance.
 Enjoyed time with my wife, daughter, children, grandchildren, and
relatives.
 Participated in communal harmony programmes, festivals, and jathras.
 Faced no major difficulties, except challenges in getting train and bus
tickets during festival seasons due to heavy rush.

Reflections and Learning
The sabbatical helped me regain mental strength, clarity, and inner peace.
I developed renewed commitment towards ethical, sustainable personal and
organizational development.

I returned with a calmer, more focused, and strengthened mindset to continue
my leadership responsibilities.

Unfortunately, soon after the sabbatical, I faced a personal loss when my elder
brother passed away due to lung cancer at the age of 63. This caused emotional
distress for about two months, but I resumed responsibilities as the head of the
family.

Support to Peers
 I encouraged close friends and senior leaders to apply for sabbatical
support.
 Many showed interest and were happy about this opportunity.