In the intricate puzzle of social change, sometimes the most powerful transformations begin with a single, courageous step forward. For one journalist, that step means creating a network of passionate individuals committed to making a tangible difference in their communities.

Drawing inspiration from remarkable changemakers she has profiled over the years, this writer is setting an unconventional goal for 2026: to 'adopt a nest' and inspire a dozen others to do the same. The concept goes beyond traditional New Year's resolutions, focusing instead on sustained, meaningful action.

Her motivation stems from extraordinary stories of individuals like Col Dr Rajinder Singh, who single-handedly established the Akal Drug De-Addiction Centre in Punjab. When asked if he ever felt demoralized working alone, Dr Rajinder's poetic response encapsulates her philosophy: "Mein akela hi chala tha jaanib-e-manzil. Log saath aate gaye aur karvaan banta gaya" (I had stepped alone towards the destination. People kept coming along, turning it into a caravan).

Another profound inspiration comes from Dr Taru Jindal, a Mumbai-based gynecologist who transformed healthcare practices at Bihar's Motihari District Hospital. Confronting systemic neglect, she didn't just expose problems but worked diligently to retrain medical staff in critical skills like safe childbirth, sterilization, and infection control.

The journalist sees these stories not as isolated incidents of heroism, but as blueprints for collective action. Her 2026 goal represents a deliberate shift from grand, unsustainable resolutions to focused, incremental change. By creating a 'nest' - a supportive community dedicated to specific social improvements - she hopes to demonstrate that individual efforts, when strategically aligned, can create substantial societal impact.

This approach challenges the traditional narrative of change, which often portrays transformation as the realm of exceptional individuals. Instead, her model suggests that meaningful progress emerges from consistent, collaborative efforts, where each participant brings unique skills and perspectives to address complex social challenges.

As she steps into 2026, her message is clear: You don't need to start a revolution to make a difference. Start small, stay consistent, and trust that others will join your journey, gradually turning your solo mission into a powerful collective movement.