Story behind Dhyanasetu
My Journey as a seeker and Identifier
My Childhood
I was born in a small, quiet village in Daswar, Uttar Pradesh—a place where even today, the simplest things like electricity and a steady water supply are hard to come by. Life in my village is slow and humble, with limited access to the conveniences that many people take for granted. But despite these challenges, my childhood there was filled with something far more valuable. Surrounded by fields and houses crafted from mud and wood, I found a sense of belonging and purpose that continues to shape my journey.
Growing up, my grandfather was my guide. He was a gentle wise soul, a man who carried the spirit of our culture and the wisdom of our ancestors. He showed me the richness in the simplicity of our life and taught me to see the world through a lens of respect and wonder. He would share stories of our heritage, tales of deities and sages, and introduce me to the rhythms of life that were so deeply intertwined with nature. My grandfather didn’t need books or fancy words; his presence and the stories he shared were more than enough. It was through him that I first encountered the depth of life and understood that there is something far beyond what we can touch and see.
In my little village, I learned to appreciate the things that can’t be bought. I grew up watching the sun rise and set, feeling the earth under my feet, and hearing the whispers of the trees. This place, with its bare essentials, became a canvas for my journey, planting seeds of curiosity and discovery.
Beginning of Inquiry
Since there were no schools in my village, I moved to the city so I could have a chance at a better education. But no matter how far I traveled or how much time passed, the village always called me back. Every year, without fail, I spend my summers with my grandfather, among familiar faces. Until I turned sixteen, I lived in two contrasting worlds—one foot in the city’s fast-paced hustle, the other in the quiet, timeless soil of my village.
In the city, I still remember the excitement when 4G internet launched, opening up a world of possibilities, yet back in the village, many still waited for the day when electricity would light their homes. On one side people were enjoying facebook and on the other hand, few people were still waiting for mobile networks. It was a very unique experience, growing in these two worlds. On one side, there was a hunger for more. And on the other, there was a simple joy, a quiet acceptance that what little they had was enough.
I saw people were moving so fast that they almost forgot the beauty of life. In this fast paced life, I always found a sense of freedom and joy, sitting and chatting with my grandfather. His presence speaks volumes. I could feel his quiet acceptance of life, his peace that came not from what he had, but from how he saw the world. He didn’t need to chase after happiness; he wore it like an old, comfortable coat, woven from years of simple, meaningful living. And as I was growing in two spectrum, these questions would begin to bubble up from somewhere deep inside me. “Where does this life truly fit? What is the source of joy?”

Journey Begins
As my curiosity grew, so did a deep sense of humility. More than video games or the latest gadgets, I found joy in sitting with the people of my village, sharing stories about city life and seeing the fascination light up their faces. There was something so, pure and beautiful, about the way they engaged with life. Small things—a good harvest, a cool breeze, or even a simple joke—brought such genuine excitement and happiness to their days. I began to see how their lives were woven with moments of gratitude and joy, and it taught me more than any classroom ever could.
They taught me that joy doesn’t come from the things we own; it comes from the moments we share, the connections we make, and the way we choose to see the world around us. I found myself wondering, “What is it about these small places that brings so much richness to their lives? Why, despite having so little by material standards, do these people seem to have everything that truly matters?”
This sense of wonder became a calling, a pull I couldn’t ignore. I realized that my place in the world was not only in seeking answers for myself but in understanding what is the definition of fulfillment for the people. Driven by this curiosity, I began my journey as a seeker, looking for places where people live with a sense of purpose, where they celebrate life not for what they have but for what they share. I sought out spaces where people celebrates life through culture, spirituality, and tradition, where people understood and practiced life beyond the material pursuits.
But during my journey, I lost my grandfather, it felt as if a guiding light had dimmed. He had been my compass, my connection to the roots and life I was trying to understand. His loss was deep, but it also placed a fire within me, a sense of responsibility to carry forward the wisdom he had passed. What began as a journey of curiosity became a serious pursuit, a mission to understand not only what life had to offer but also what I could offer to life.
I wanted to know what meaning I could bring to this society, what purpose I could fulfill that would honor the simplicity and richness of the life my grandfather had shown to me. I wanted to understand what lay beyond the endless chase for more—something deeper, something timeless. And so, with his memory as my guide, I set forth on a path of self-discovery and service, searching for a way to live that would make him proud and help others find the same joy and fulfilment I had glimpsed in the eyes of my village elders. This journey, one that had begun with curiosity, had now become a quest for purpose, a pursuit of something greater than myself.

Spirituality as a medium of Self-discovery

Exploring local heritage and tradition throughout India

Finding definition of joy
Rakesh makes a modest living as a boatman, earning around 500–800 rupees (approximately $6–$10) a day. Yet, when I watched him sing and laugh, surrounded by the simplicity of his life, I couldn’t help but feel that he is definitely richer than many corporate employees I know.

Service as medium of connectedness
The best way to connect with people and to understand the marginalized group is to be in their shoes and serve in whatever ways we can and that really worked for me. It involves activities like teaching their kids, educating them, and participating in their discussions and cultural practices.
A small gallery of my journey
I am deeply grateful to everyone who has helped, and continues to help, me on this journey. Without their support, my goal would have remained just an idea. Thank you for making it all possible.