My name is Peer, I am from Germany and currently working in Sristi village as a 11-months volunteer with the “Weltwärts”program.

I am living with my friend and co-long term volunteer Bjoern and other volunteers together in the so- called “Orange House”, not only experiencing the Indian culture, but many others from all around the world. It is amazing to get to know so many people from different continents, cooking together and playing games.

Our accommodation is just 4 kms from Sristi, so it is nice and relaxing to walk there during sunrise/sunset and it is a great way to start/end the day. Often, in the evening, I also help deliver the milk, drink a coffee with one of the staff and talk about all kinds of things. The moment you enter Sristi, you feel this amazing vibe of positive energy starting from Rajesh (one member) sprinting towards you, so he can be the first to hug you and carry your bag. There are a lot of very sweet members such as Arun, who is in charge of filling up everyone’s tea cup and refilling water bottles.

Sristi’s mission is to integrate mentally disabled people into the mainstream society by giving them a place to live, learn basic live skills and learn how to do eco-friendly farming on the surrounding land. It is a long way to go till we reached our goal of being self-sustaining, however it is growing exponentially.

The even more important part is seeing how the member’s personality changes during the time. From being introverted and not speaking at all, to having a full-on dance session with me and singing so loudly I can’t sleep after lunch, is quite an amazing change.

My job is mainly is to build up and take care of a 1 acre, 5-layer model agro forest, following Subhash Palekar’s Natural Farming philosophy. We even had the chance to attend 2 training programs – one was the 9-day training program Subhash Palekar had at Trichy, the other one was at a nearby farm. In addition, I try to help in as many ways as possible and initiate own projects as well. I couldn’t be luckier to be a volunteer here because your opinion is very valued, and you are able to work in sub-projects that fit your interests. Being there makes you want to contribute as much as possible, knowing everything you do is helping Sristi come closer to achieving their goal.

It is amazing how much I have learned here. On the one hand about agro-forestry, and sustainable agriculture, which has impacted and motivated me to try out such models in Germany, as well and, on the other hand, how important it is to have an inclusive and peaceful society. All the members deep down have such a good heart and try to contribute as much as possible in their range of possibilities.

The founder, Karthik is one of the nicest and friendliest people I have ever met. He and his vision are incredibly inspiring and motivate me to maybe start my own project at some point, but definitely to come back here after some time to see what has all changed and visit my friends I made at Sristi. Sristi has a place in my heart now.