Where Rivers Meet the Ocean: My Journey at the Western Himalaya Vikalp Sangam

In this blog, Abhishek Khanna, representative of Jagori Rural Charitable Trust share his experience at the Uttarakhand Sangam in February 2025 in Devalsari.

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There are moments in life that feel less like events and more like turning points—silent, soulful transformations that reshape how we see the world, and ourselves in it. My experience at the Western Himalaya Vikalp Sangam (WHVS) in Dewalsari, Uttarakhand, was one such moment.

As a representative of Jagori Rural Charitable Trust, I had the honour of joining this gathering of diverse organizations, activists, thinkers, and community leaders. Each of us came from different corners of the region, like tributaries from distant hills—but the Sangam felt like we were all flowing toward one sacred ocean: a shared mission to heal, protect, and reimagine this Earth.It wasn’t just an event. It was a living, breathing ecosystem of ideas and emotions.

The way the event was curated—right from the selection of Dewalsari as the venue, nestled deep in the lap of the forest—was symbolic. We weren’t meeting in a hall or under fluorescent lights; we were embraced by ancient trees, crisp mountain air, and the silence of the woods that spoke louder than any microphone ever could.

The forest spoke through us

Nature wasn’t the backdrop; it was a participant in every conversation. Being surrounded by the forest had a subtle yet profound impact on our bodies and minds. Discussions felt clearer. Emotions felt lighter. Thoughts felt deeper. The forest taught us to listen—not just to each other, but to the Earth itself.

WHVS

Seeds of Collective Change

Every session—from grassroots interventions to policy dialogues—was like a mirror, reflecting both our challenges and our collective strength. The topics weren’t just discussed; they were lived, felt, questioned, and reimagined together. Whether it was regenerative agriculture, alternative education, eco-feminism, or community governance—each dialogue carried seeds of hope, resistance, and resilience.

Even the food we ate became part of this experience. Locally sourced, lovingly prepared, it wasn’t just nourishment for the body but a reminder of what sustainable, respectful living truly means. After every meal, my body felt lighter, my mind calmer—something no hotel buffet could ever achieve.

But perhaps what touched me the most was the human connection. The friendships I formed during WHVS didn’t feel ordinary. There was an honesty, a depth, and a sense of belonging that words struggle to hold. We weren’t just exchanging names—we were exchanging parts of ourselves. Stories. Struggles. Dreams.

It didn’t feel like networking. It felt like remembering—remembering that we’re not alone, that this work we do is part of something much larger than any one of us.

To the WHVS team, I offer my deepest gratitude. Your efforts in designing this experience, your warmth in hosting us, and your clarity in vision created something truly unforgettable. And to Jagori, my own organization, thank you for trusting me to carry this experience forward—not just as a participant, but as a co-traveler in this journey of transformation

New Vision

I return with more than just learnings. I return with renewed purpose. With commitment. With fire. With a dream to continue building spaces like this, where rivers of change can meet, merge, and become a vast ocean of possibility.

This experience has gifted me with a new vision—one that sees the interconnectedness of all things, where every small action ripples outward to create a larger shift. It's a vision that recognizes the power of communities, the wisdom of nature, and the importance of collective healing. I now understand that change doesn't happen in isolation; it happens when we unite, share, and nurture our shared dreams.

With this new vision, I am more determined than ever to contribute to a world that thrives on sustainability, equity, and compassion. It’s a vision where every effort counts, and where every individual has the power to spark transformation.

And as I carry this vision forward, I am filled with hope—knowing that together, we can shape a future that is brighter, more just, and brimming with possibility.