My journey at Mantra started on February 13, 2023, as a Solution Design Lead. I was excited for the role since it encompassed elements of design and education, which are what I have been passionate about.
As I started my journey here, I was introduced to the different interesting projects my team was working on at the time – creating solution packages – and presenting them in our annual stepback event, Mantra Manthan. While I was starting to understand the ways of working of the organisation, with its multiple programs running in different geographies creating different types of impact, I was asked to review a few solution packages, create a few resources, and build an engagement corner for the Manthan gallery walk. Starting from there, it was such a thrilling journey through and through.
Within one month of joining, I got to go to Andhra Pradesh for my first field visit for a diagnostic study in the MJP schools. My first project on the ground, and my deeper learnings began since. From how to present myself for field visits to what to expect when on field, it was my first baby-step towards my growth in the organisation.
From there, it was all about designing projects, creating resources and implementing programmes at different capacities. Being a buddy for our programmes to support them in implementing the projects on ground, creating plans for experiences and thinking beyond our purview were all that defined my day-to-day tasks. May it be the urgent deliverables of the programmes or constantly asking “What else? What more?” the wheel was constantly running and that was what kept me going.
Another moving experience for me, in my journey, was when I had to visit Odisha to conduct the initial diagnostic study to understand the ground realities of the State tribal schools in different districts of Odisha. It was that need-sensing exercise that really moved the needle for me, providing the exposure to how interactions with the department officials can look like, how humbly we can ask the right questions to the school principals to get the necessary data for the study, or what direction to go in to get a programme running on ground. The structured process my experienced team followed was inspiring to see, while carrying a treasure trove of learnings back to my designing work.
From there, my process only got strengthened while designing structures to existing and new practices, and building projects for different programmes to adopt it. While putting together school improvement packages around parent sensitization and parent engagement, building resources and disseminating them for national level schemes like PM SHRI, creating engaging learning experiences for internal and external stakeholders, and designing extensive handouts, handbooks and videos for the successful implementation of programmes on ground, my learning curve shooted up from multiple angles.
The process of understanding the need entirely before beginning, conducting primary and secondary research to understand the current practices, ideating the end result, designing the imagination into reality, getting it reviewed by my peers, modifying it accordingly for it to finally be adopted by the programmes is an entire cycle by itself. And the nice part of this work flow is that it not only aids the process of designing solutions at the organisation but also for any kind of projects we work in life. Such is the beauty of having certain structures and rationale set before starting any initiative or project for the better good.
The best part through it all was how much freedom I had in terms of the creative exploration of possibilities, designs and the way you convey information to the intended audience. I was able to chisel my skills within that too by continuously learning new ways of presenting my work, while also learning from others through conducting orientation and knowledge exchange sessions within the organization. Speaking of orienting folks, that is another skill I have picked up decently well, creating spaces and experiences for a set of like-minded people and to also bring people who are slightly misaligned to a common consensus. It is all about having fun and learning the joys that people bring at different capacities.
Throughout this journey, having supportive team members and peers around the organisation was a huge plus point for this growth and exposure. While working with various members within and outside the organisation, learning the ways of working of these people provides the kind of perspective that no other course or workshop could offer. When the space is open for any kind of ideas, brainstorming on the same, and figuring out how it can be designed as a final product adds a lot of value to the way we work for the cause we began with. This holds a dear place in my heart for the rest of my life. Observing the leadership styles of your manager and aspiring to be such a kind of a person to another person is what boosted me to keep going.
With the bag full of learnings, experiences, and memories from the solution design team, I then craved for more exposure closer to the ground. That is when, after 2 years of being in the solution design team I moved to the Karnataka State programme where there would be a lot of close work with the Karnataka Education departments. This opened a new door to me in my career at Mantra and also my journey towards an all-round growth. While being a part of the same organisation it is fascinating to see the differences that every team holds in so many ways.
The programmes in Mantra majorly work extensively with the departments and the kind of people we meet there are another window to the world. Working in the programme also gives so much insight to the realities of the ground, to the children of this country, and the daily struggles and wins they experience constantly. And being a part of the work which can improve their learning experience from a micro level is empowering. While micro improvements lead bigger change across, working the system also comes with its own opportunities and challenges. The department works with a set structure and follows processes from many years and adding a slight tweak to this existing system also needs a strong rationale to drive it. The preparations one has to make to talk to a department official, the kind of learnings one learns from them is moving. As popularly said, change is the only constant feature, and flexibility and adaptability to any kind of situation becomes extremely important. Having the skill and knowledge on how to tackle ambiguity while also being driven by the change we wish to see is how things flow smoothly in programmes.
Creating a concept note of the projects we want to run in the state, carrying the supporting resources for the improvement, having a plan of action at all levels – state to student – with the org as a driving vehicle through it all, while also continuously monitoring and evaluating the change is how a basic programme functions in any geography. Through it all, building a strong rapport with the stakeholders while continuously aligning with their needs and existing structures becomes really important. We are also much accepted and appreciated when we bring something in line with whatever is working on ground, a +1 approach, instead of bringing a totally different initiative altogether.
Another major factor of running a programme at any level is DATA! This is what shows that change has been visible, at least for the short run. Collecting information by asking the right questions from different stakeholders, throughout the duration of the programme, across the entire state is what tells us the effectiveness of what we are trying to achieve. And how is this data used further? These analysed information, the numbers, is what tells the department officials about which districts are doing well, tells the funders about how the school improvement initiatives are performing on the ground, and how we should continue the way we are doing. And as a sense of fulfilment, these information also provides us with details on what is working on ground, what needs to change, and which direction do we head going forward, amongst other things.
I take pride in saying that I was able to get involved in such diverse experiences and opportunities throughout my time in the journey at Mantra. Now, as I move out of this organisation, I carry with me loads of memories, learnings, and a new lens of viewing this world outside. I feel like the oak tree who was nurtured continuously, in different weather conditions, providing me with the right kind of nourishment, ultimately making me stronger and brighter to face this world, while also pushing me to find my true purpose in my journey. I carry these experiences to shape many more lives going forward, while also focusing on my growth as a member of society and the world.
