How does Ubuntu, I am because you are, animate our shared humanity?
The question lingered in my mind as I boarded a dusty jeep in Bahawalpur, bound for the vast Cholistan Desert. I promised myself I would find the answer not in theory, but in moments lived under relentless sun and endless sky.
St. Dominic’s Church: Foundations of Empathy
At St. Dominic’s Church, Father Younas Shehzad welcomed us with stories of peaceful coexistence among Christian, Muslim, and Hindu neighbors. Sunlight through stained glass warmed the room as villagers’ tales of shared crops and prayers revealed that empathy grows when we open our hearts to one another.
Noor Mahal: Generosity Carved in Stone
In Noor Mahal’s ornate halls, legends of rulers distributing grain during drought and feeding wandering travelers showed me that true leadership uplifts the vulnerable. The marble columns seemed to whisper that generosity is the foundation of strong communities.
Sunrise Meditation in the Dunes: Collective Breath
Before dawn, we climbed a towering dune for meditation. The sky was painted in velvet colors, the morning was still quiet, broken only by our collective inhale. As shafts of light gilded the sands, every breath united us in calm presence and belonging.
Campfire Circle Under the Stars: Stories Woven in Flame
Night fell, and our campfire crackled to life. Passing the talking stick, each voice added a thread to our communal tapestry. I spoke of home; others shared dreams of peace and learning. In that circle, Ubuntu, defined as the belief that our identities and destinies are intertwined, became a lived promise.
Sandcastle Collaboration: Building on Shifting Sands
Laughter rose during our sandcastle race. The shifting terrain demanded teamwork: one sculpted wall, another dug moats, a third found firmer ground. When our fortress stood, imperfect but resilient. I realized mutual support can lift us, even on unstable ground.
Team Salamti in Action
Team Salamti, named for “well-being,” quietly coordinated water breaks, cheered exhausted trekkers, and maintained our camp. Their daily kindness proved that Ubuntu is not just an idea but a practice of collective care.
Echoes of Legacy at Derawar Fort
Standing beneath Derawar Fort’s ancient walls, I felt the legacy of countless builders and traders whose cooperation created lasting marvels. At the nearby Royal Graveyard, silent tombstones marked lives dedicated to community service, reminding me that Ubuntu spans generations.
Whether in a church, a palace, or beneath desert stars, Ubuntu lives in every shared breath and every helping hand. To experience it, look for deserts in your lifetime of hardship or misunderstanding, and bring Ubuntu there. Share a meal with someone different from you.
Offer support in spaces weighed down by stress. Together, in these small acts, we reveal that “I am because you are.”
Below, I’m sharing a video link of my fellowship journey.
Pelican 🤝 Fellowship: