The city of Shillong has been one of the important tourist destinations in the north-east. The capital of Meghalaya, it lies on the eastern part of the state. It is often referred to as the “ Scotland of the East” due to its striking similarity with the Scottish highlands. The city derives its name from “Leishyllong”—the Superpower or God who is believed to reside on the Shillong peak, overlooking the city. Shillong’s undulating terrain is a constant source of attraction for tourists from both home and abroad. While the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo tribes add colour to this hilly city, the three-day “Discover Yourself” Workshop held here on March 21, 22 and 23, 2006 added a fresh flavour to the lives of the participants. The nearest airport and railhead is Guwahati in Assam. The Guwahati–Shillong Road connects the two cities. Pineapple plantations and pine trees on both sides line the road. The Workshop at Guwahati was held on March 18, 19 and 20, 2006.

Some of the participants share their thoughts here after the Workshop.

Sanam: Through the workshop, I learnt many valuable things. I learnt to live my life purely like it is said in Ben Jonson’s poem, “The Noble Nature”, which says that it is better to have a short life like a lily flower which blooms only for a day, but spreads its fragnance everywhere, rather than live a long life like an oak and fall at last like a leafless and useless log of dry wood. I have learnt to be patient, calm, truthful and trustworthy. I understood the meaning of relationships and the divine law that “sow the seeds without expecting the results”, because patience brings its rewards. I learnt to believe in Allah, to do my duty and jobs sincerely with determination. Above all, I learnt to believe in one God.

Alimullah: From my participation in the workshop, a new “me” has emerged. Like every other human being, I too was over-burdened with past worries and future fears, but in the workshop, the barren rock was chiselled marvelously into a confident and responsible person. I could breathe fresh air of renewed interest in life and an inspired determination to serve people. The workshop and its excellent coach, Mr Sadath, gave me a new direction and view, that the person who can make a difference to my life is me and myself.

Syeda: The “Discover Yourself” Workshop opened my eyes to the true positive spirit of a leader. I learnt that being a good human being means listening to other’s point of view too. I felt committed to work for the welfare of the society at large, apart from the community. The workshop motivated me to work towards a concrete goal in life.

Parveen: I feel like a different person after going through the sessions at the workshop. Forgiving is a very crucial aspect of life. We often forget how important it is to listen to people. But the workshop brought out the virtues of being a good listener. My life seems so simple and light now.

Hazarika: The workshop stimulated the dark and dormant aspects in the brain. It definitely ignited the thought process in the right direction. The workshop brought out the meaning of being good human beings in the real sense of the term.

Makbul Karim: I learnt many new positive aspects in the workshop which I will imbibe in my life. I take responsibility for my life and many changed attitudes will help me modify my life accordingly.

Raunaq: I really discovered myself through the workshop. It has changed my lifestyle for the better. Knowing myself was very important. In the workshop, I was able to look within and reflect and realise that I can help myself and others too in every sphere of life.

Zaheeda: This workshop should be held in every city as people ought to realise and reflect on what they are doing with their lives. It is a sort of a mirror about the self. I do find myself to be a changed person after the workshop.

Benazir: The workshop helped me discover myself. I am a changed person now, feeling like a child, full of innocence and love for everybody. I have discarded all seeds of ego, pride and selfishness. I learnt to let go of the past. I am now a person who listens to other people by getting into their world. I have become much more confident, patient, forgiving and loving. I have realised that life is simple if we follow the simple rules of our great religion-Islam.

Ziauddin: In a nutshell I can say that the workshop transformed me into a loving human being, all set to help others. The art of forgiving others is another important take-away from the workshop. What is the past? -it is gone, so why fret and fume over it. Just be in the present.

Masfia: The workshop is very beneficial for the young and the old. It has cleared my mind of many doubts. Cutting across age bar, the workshop has touched the hearts of all who were part of it.

Fazlee: I changed myself after attending the workshop. I have acquired many positive aspects like being truthful, affectionate and a kind human being. This workshop should he held often for students as they are young and need a direction to their lives.

Najma: The workshop gave me a clear message that “our life is beautiful” and it is up to us to make the best of it. Many positive changes have come into my life and personality.

Sakiya Khan: My experiences in the workshop helped me tackle many day-to day events in a right way. Islam and its application in our daily lives was excellently linked by the coach. The workshop served as a good retreat and reflection into our lives.

Workshop Diary