As I entered my fifth week at Sangath, I was reminded of the proverb, “The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.” This quote perfectly encapsulates my work on the scoping review—a process that, though incremental, involves meticulous attention to each detail to achieve a larger goal. My focus this week was on finalizing the analysis of selected campaigns and developing the public engagement strategy for It's Ok to Talk.

Despite steady progress, I encountered challenges in collaborating with the Public Engagement Officer, whose personal issues affected their contributions. Addressing this situation required a delicate balance of sensitivity and problem-solving. I communicate my needs and expectations clearly, ensuring that deadlines are met while remaining considerate of their circumstances. This experience was a valuable exercise in conflict resolution and highlighted the importance of blending empathy with assertiveness to maintain progress toward our shared objectives.

Considering my final week was approaching, it became crucial to finalize and present the scoping review findings and public engagement strategy to my PI. I took proactive steps to ensure all deliverables were completed on time, even if it meant taking on additional responsibilities to support my colleague’s incomplete tasks. This experience underscored a key leadership skill: managing expectations while fostering a collaborative and supportive environment.

This week also provided a deep dive into community-based participatory research and its practical applications. I had the opportunity to attend a co-design workshop at the Sanskriti Kendra Museum, an inspiring setting that blends art with nature. A co-design workshop is a collaborative process where researchers and participants work together to develop solutions. This approach is integral to participatory research, as it emphasizes ethical leadership by involving community members in the research process. The goal is to ensure that interventions are grounded in the real-world experiences of those affected, rather than being imposed from the outside.

My involvement in planning and facilitating the workshop was a valuable learning experience. I helped develop stimuli materials and managed various aspects of the workshop, including participant engagement and discussion facilitation. Through this, I learned about the importance of making research enjoyable and engaging. Traditional research often feels extractive, especially in marginalized communities, but the workshop's interactive nature challenged this norm. It reinforced the idea that research should be a collaborative and dynamic process that values participants’ input and keeps them actively involved.

I also gained insights into how to effectively communicate complex issues, such as behavioral activation and problem-solving, to a diverse audience. Making intricate concepts accessible is crucial in ensuring that all participants can contribute meaningfully. This approach not only enhances the quality of the research but also respects the participants' time and efforts.

The success of the co-design workshop was a testament to the power of community-based participatory research. Hearing participants share their ideas and collaborate on developing interventions demonstrating the effectiveness of involving the community in the research process. Their contributions were invaluable, providing rich insights that will shape future interventions. This experience reinforced my understanding of how ethical leadership and community engagement are pivotal in creating impactful and relevant research.

As my internship at Sangath nears its end, I find myself reflecting on the profound lessons in leadership, collaboration, and participatory research that this experience has offered. I look forward to my final week.