I am the first in my family to earn a Master’s degree, an achievement that carries both immense pride and deep responsibility. If my grandfather were here today, his eyes would shine with happiness, his hands resting on my shoulders with quiet pride. But he isn’t. That absence is something I carry with me every day. His dreams and his hopes for me live on through me, pushing me to turn this education into something meaningful. But I knew that in this fast-paced world, I needed to challenge myself and take multiple steps beyond my comfort zone.

After completing my education, I returned to Ladakh, craving the warmth of my family after years away. It was a homecoming filled with love but also with the quiet weight of expectation. As the eldest, I have always felt a deep sense of duty, but now, it is even stronger. My father, who spent his life serving in the Army, recently retired, marking the end of one journey and the beginning of mine. With his retirement came a shift—responsibilities that once belonged to him slowly became mine. It was no longer just about finding a job; it was about building a future for myself and my family. Stepping beyond the mountains of Ladakh, I sought opportunities outside, knowing that every step I take is not just for me but for those who have believed in me.

With a heart full of hopes and excitement, I travelled alone to Hyderabad to attend the interview. The recruitment process took longer than I expected, making the start of my career feel like an unpredictable ride. The uncertainty tested my patience and resilience, teaching me the value of adaptability. Due to the delay in the recruitment process, I was in severe self- doubt. Coming this far from home by myself, I had a huge financial burden. I had mental breakdowns, questioning my own choices and regretting taking this huge step without any plan. After rigorous interview sessions, finally, after three months of waiting, I received a joining letter.

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Joining Rythu Sadhikara Samastha (RySS) under the Andhra Pradesh Community-Managed Natural Farming (APCNF) program was a turning point in my journey. It is my first job, a significant step into the professional world, filled with excitement, responsibility, and challenges. I was placed in remote villages in Andhra Pradesh for my immersion program, a totally different environment with a language barrier. While my academic background in rural development gave me a foundation, the real-world dynamics of working with farmers, understanding their struggles, and driving change were entirely new experiences.

I had to quickly learn to bridge the gap between theory and practice, to listen, adapt, and earn the trust of the community. But the journey was far from easy. Navigating the complexities of grassroots development, facing financial and mental pressures, and adjusting to the demands of fieldwork tested my patience and resilience. There were moments of self-doubt when I questioned whether I was truly making a difference. Yet, through it all, I found strength in my fellow colleagues and the farming community. Their warmth, wisdom, and unwavering belief in natural farming kept me motivated. I learned invaluable lessons—not just about sustainable agriculture and value chains but also about perseverance, problem-solving, and the power of human connections.

For two months, I have been living with the Bhoomi Bharti family, and in this short time, they have become my lifelong friends and family. The love and care I have received from them have been overwhelming. Baparao Bhaiya and Lakshmi Ji treated me like their own sister, sharing their struggles and achievements with me. Their kindness moved me to tears more than once. From sharing meals to taking me along to family functions, they made me feel truly at home. I will cherish every moment spent with them and will always be grateful for their warmth and affection. The sense of safety and love they gave me is something I will treasure forever.

Community cooperation in natural farming is the strength of APCNF, and I have experienced it firsthand. Everyone I met took the time to help me understand, despite the language barrier. It was challenging to grasp their explanations at times, but they recognized my struggle and supported me with patience and special attention. Even on the hottest days, they shared practical knowledge with me, organized proper field visits, and took me on their bikes to see their fields. It is truly overwhelming to be surrounded by such a supportive and generous community. I feel incredibly grateful for their kindness and willingness to help me learn.

This experience shaped me, preparing me not just as a professional but as a person. It reinforced my commitment to working in the development sector and deepened my understanding of the challenges and possibilities within it. This journey is not just about a career. It is about honouring sacrifices, carrying forward a legacy, and proving that dreams—no matter how distant—are always worth chasing.

How can Ladakhi youth aspire to pursue a career in your field?

Ladakhi youth, with their deep-rooted love for their land, often seek job opportunities within Ladakh, even if it means settling for lower salaries or roles that don’t fully utilize their potential. Many pursue higher education in distant cities, carrying the dreams of their families, yet the longing for home and the warmth of familiar mountains often pulls them back. The struggle outside Ladakh—being away from loved ones, navigating a new world alone—can be overwhelming, making some lose hope and return before they truly explore their potential. But growth lies beyond the comfort zone. To achieve what you truly deserve, sometimes you must endure the solitude, embrace challenges, and trust that every hardship is shaping you into someone stronger. Home will always be there, but the world is vast, waiting for you to claim your place.

Your perspective on sustainable agricultural practices in the context of Ladakh?

Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem and harsh climatic conditions make sustainable agriculture not just an option but a necessity. Traditional farming in Ladakh has always been rooted in sustainability, with practices like organic manure use, water- efficient irrigation through glacial meltwater channels (zings), and community-managed land systems. However, with climate change reducing snowfall and glaciers receding, along with increasing dependence on imported food, Ladakh faces a crucial challenge in ensuring food security while preserving its environment.

Adopting sustainable agriculture in Ladakh means integrating traditional knowledge with modern ecological practices, such as natural farming, crop diversification, and the use of resilient indigenous seeds. Reviving local food systems, promoting farm-based livelihoods, and reducing reliance on chemical inputs can help maintain soil fertility and water conservation. With Ladakhi youth pursuing higher education, there is immense potential for innovative solutions, such as hydroponics, regenerative farming, and community-led seed banks, to strengthen sustainable agriculture. For Ladakh to thrive, it must embrace its agricultural roots while adapting to changing realities, ensuring that farming remains viable, ecological, and deeply connected to the land’s heritage.