The July retreat week at Dakshin Foundation was nothing short of a rejuvenating and insightful experience, bringing together the diverse and passionate team that drives the organisation’s mission. This year marked a significant change as the retreat, traditionally a single or two-day event, was transformed into a week-long journey of learning, connection, and fun. As teammates gathered under one roof, some meeting in person for the first time after months of working remotely, there was a palpable sense of excitement in the air. A week-long programme ensured that every participant walked away with new skills and a renewed sense of connection to Dakshin’s shared goals.

Kicking off with an engaging ice-breaker session led by Anu Priya and Debangini, the atmosphere was instantly energised as everyone got to step out of their daily work roles and see each other in a new light. Laughter echoed through the hall as colleagues participated in fun activities, breaking down barriers and setting the tone for the rest of the week.

Workshops like ‘Finesse Your Finance’ by the accounts team, ‘The Write Vision’ by Debangini and ‘Refining Field Station Operations’ by Nayana were cleverly crafted to blend learning with practical application, ensuring that even the most mundane aspects of work were tackled with enthusiasm as well as offering hands-on activities that clarified complex concepts. Meanwhile, Tanmay’s ‘Excel With Excel’ workshop transformed what could have been a dry subject into an engaging and essential skill-building opportunity. But it wasn’t all work and no play. The evenings were reserved for dinners, where everyone got a chance to unwind, share stories, and enjoy delicious food together, further solidifying the sense of community. These moments of relaxation were just as valuable as the workshops, providing the perfect balance between learning and bonding.

One of the week’s highlights was the ‘Effective Writing’ workshop led by Karthik Ramaswamy, an external resource person. His session went beyond mere writing techniques; it was an exploration into the art of storytelling and the power of words to convey the essence of Dakshin’s mission. Participants left feeling inspired and eager to apply these insights to their work. The retreat, as described by the Dakshinites, was a much-needed break that brought everyone closer.

From Praveen’s deep dive into remote sensing and GIS along with the Internal Committee’s and Child Protection Committee’s crucial training sessions on POSH and child protection respectively, every effort was made to ensure that the week was both informative and empowering. Their hard work paid off, as the retreat not only fostered learning but also rekindled a shared sense of purpose. As the week came to a close, there was a collective feeling of fulfilment. The retreat had succeeded in not just bringing people together physically but in uniting them in spirit, reminding everyone of the importance of Dakshin’s mission and the strength of the community behind it.

Yashi Soni and Spandanaa Gosu interned with the Communications team from July to August 2024.