Finding resonance

Every object has a natural frequency. When vibrations of that frequency occur near the object, the object comes alive(starts vibrating). It is a concept in physics that is useful in daily life. For example, Jawans are asked to avoid marching on bridges. If the frequency of the march matches with the natural frequency of the bridge then the bridge will start vibrating and might collapse even.

Resonance is important in development work. Ideas that are natural and spontaneous tend to resonate rather that ideas that are artificial and implanted on people. That is not to say that plans never work or resonate, but the plan needs to have an element of spontaneity, simplicity and needs to be somewhat natural in order to work.

That's why i think its important for planners and development workers to be in tune with the community, to understand the way the people's lives goes on and what kind of development will be natural to them and find resonance.

When we find resonance, we need not keep pushing things.. we initiate something and in response something happens and we take the next step and something more happens and that way we get sucked into the work. That's when you are not really trying too hard but just being yourself in the situation which you understand is not entirely in your control but feel part of the situation where people are just being themselves.