Kumar Rathod’s captivating stories, “A Woman’s Struggle for Family” and “The Rhythms of Tradition: A Dhol Player’s Legacy”, have been selected for publication in Humans of CaL for the 2024-25 academic year.
As part of the Story Project for City as Lab—a Project-Based Learning initiative that encourages school children across India to conduct original, authentic research about the cities they live in—Kumar embarked on a journey to highlight the narratives of underappreciated individuals within his village.
Based on the theme Chronicles of Unconventional Careers, Kumar focused on the lives of a dhol player (dholwalla), a butcher, and a woman entrepreneur who makes rotis. Despite their pivotal roles in society, they often face societal neglect and are undervalued. Through his writing, Kumar seeks to share their stories, affirming their importance and advocating for their respect and inclusion.
Reflecting on the process, Kumar shares: “This is the first time I’ve interviewed people and written their stories. I had to sit with each person and listen to their experiences, some shared peacefully, while others were more intense. It was a process of deep respect, and I felt that everything was captured thoughtfully and with care.”
Sanjana Rathod, a 20-year-old student pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce from Lingeri Konappa Women’s Degree College in Yadgir, Karnataka, has been a part of ZF since 2022.
In August 2023, Sanjana began an internship as a translator with the Adhyayan Foundation, an NGO dedicated to providing high-quality education to every child in India, regardless of socio-economic status, location, or circumstances. Her internship, which lasted until February 2024, marked a significant milestone—she became not only the first ZF student but also the first person from her village to secure such an opportunity.
Impressed by her commitment and dedication, the Adhyayan Foundation extended her internship for an additional period from October 2024 to March 2025.
Additionally, from October 17-20, 2024, Sanjana volunteered at Swa Taleem Foundation, an international non-profit organization focused on providing holistic quality education and advancing gender equality through education. During her time there, she assisted with various sessions aimed at empowering girls and ensuring they have the opportunity to thrive.
