“I’m a Durga!”
An interview with team member Thejaswini after 8 years (and more) with Durga
- How did your journey with Durga begin? How has your role evolved over the past 8 years at Durga?
“I feel really proud of my journey. I started part-time with impact measurement, then moved on to working in admin and accounts. After that, I became a co-facilitator, then a facilitator, an assistant coordinator, and now I’m the coordinator of our work with men. Today, I manage a team, and looking back, I can see how Durga has evolved as an organization while providing me with many valuable learnings.
In the beginning, I was unaware of the sector, but now I’m working with women, BBMP workers, traffic police, been part of radio shows, and done interviews! I’ve gained so much exposure through these experiences. I’ve also had the opportunity to work with Rural India Support Trust and engage with school students through them. That was a pivotal moment when I truly felt growth in my work. I feel really happy about it.”
- What does Durga’s mission mean to you?
“Wherever I look at public spaces, I envision gender-just spaces where women can freely occupy, enjoy, and be themselves. Our work is expanding across Bangalore, and it feels to me like we are contributing to a global cause. The Active Bystander Intervention program makes me proud and feels like a dream come true.”
- What has been the most significant learning experience for you during your time here?
“I feel like I have gained courage, knowledge, and skills around the issue at every stage of my journey here. At one point, we were just a three-member team, and now we’ve grown! Priya’s flexibility and the nourishment she has given to my role—and to me personally—have made a big difference. In the communities, people remember my name and the conversations we’ve had, and that is deeply meaningful to me.”
- In what ways has Durga changed or grown since you joined?
“Durga has grown significantly over time. The way we conduct our work and the structure we have now are very different from what they used to be. I feel like a lot has changed. Programmatically, we’ve expanded to work with various kinds of communities. In terms of quality, our delivery has improved by incorporating feedback from the people we serve.”
- What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced while working at Durga, and how did you overcome them?
“Each group we worked with initially felt experimental, especially for me. Asking, ‘How do we achieve the best outcomes?’ has been my approach to overcoming challenges and finding the right path. My colleagues have always stood by me throughout this journey.”
- What keeps you motivated and committed to Durga after 8 years?
I don’t know, I’m a Durga! That’s it!
- What opportunities do you see for Durga in the coming years?
“I would like to see us collaborating with larger organizations and expanding our work. There’s a spark that Durga ignites, and it’s this spark that keeps us going. I am hopeful that many opportunities are on their way for Durga.”
- What’s your dream with respect to gender-justice?
“Everyone is happy and free to do whatever they want, without judgment. They can go wherever they wish to go. Each Durga is an inspiration for others—that’s how I see Durga. Every woman can occupy spaces in life freely and without fear.”
- Anything else you’d like to share?
“I feel immense gratitude towards the organization and Priya for the 4Es – experiences, exposure, experiments, and enjoyment through the years.”
