Sunny’s Journey with Nada Young India Network

 

Testimony by Sunny Kumar Suryavanshi, Peer Leader & State Convenor, Nada Young India Network

The Masrotu Tribe of Village Charda
I belong to the Masrotu tribe of Village Charda, nestled at an elevation of 2500 meters in District Chamba, Himachal Pradesh. Our tribe has a proud history of nearly 300 years, tracing our roots back to the Bharmour region. Led by our ancestor Dumanu, we migrated to Charda following the pastoral routes to Lahaul-Spiti, where we eventually settled and continued the age-old tradition of sheep and goat rearing.

Today, with a small population of around 200, the tribe still upholds its cultural values and deep connection to the land, although modern education and digital advancements have yet to fully reach our community. Only a few of us have had the opportunity to pursue higher education — I am grateful to be among them.

My Personal Journey
I am Sunny Kumar Suryavanshi, 24 years old, a postgraduate in History, and a proud resident of Tehsil Churah in the aspirational district of Chamba, Himachal Pradesh. From the beginning, I was drawn to Nada India Foundation’s vision of building a healthier and more empowered future for youth. That’s what inspired me to become a part of this mission.

As the State Convenor of the Nada Young India Network (NYIN), my role was to activate and strengthen the youth network across Himachal Pradesh. Despite the challenging geography and limited communication infrastructure, I successfully mobilized youth in districts such as Chamba, Kangra, Shimla, Hamirpur, and Mandi.

What kept us going was the unique community-based approach of Nada India Foundation. Rather than being discouraged by obstacles, we found creative ways to connect and act. My core belief is that any unique challenge can be addressed when we are physically and mentally strong, and I’ve always approached my work with a problem-solving mindset.

What I Learned
One of the most inspiring aspects of working with Nada India Foundation has been the consistent guidance and mentorship from the top leadership. I’ve learned:

• The importance of eliminating root causes of social problems rather than applying temporary solutions.

• How to collaborate with administrative officials and politicians effectively.

• The power of presenting one’s views clearly and confidently to young people and community members.

• The value of discipline, teamwork, and timely support from organizational leaders.

I’ve worked with many voluntary organizations, but my time with Nada India Foundation stands out. It helped me grow — not just as a youth leader, but as a community mobilizer and advocate for good health and social justice.

Conclusion
My journey with Nada Young India Network is not just a chapter in my life — it is a lifelong commitment. What I’ve learned here will continue to guide me, whether in my personal life or in service to my community through any platform. I remain dedicated to the vision of a healthier, empowered India — starting with my own tribe and village.

Thank you.

Sunny Kumar Suryavanshi
District Chamba,
Himachal Pradesh