MSRLM, Paani Foundation and Umed Satyamev Jayate Samrudh Gaon Spardha.....
MSRLM Umed works for the empowerment of women through self help groups and community based organizations. Social, financial, economic inclusion leading to sustainable livelihoods are the four pillars of the mission which have led to its phenomenal growth. Today the Mission has more than 4.2 lakh self help groups and over 48 lakh households associated with it. It has created over 17000 village organizations and over 600 cluster level federations. It has over 1500 prodcer groups, 15 FPOs and over 8000 enterprises. It has created over 12 lakh livelihoods in the fields of Agriculture, Animal husbandry, Fisheries, Food Processing, Handicrafts and Handlooms.
The Mission derives its it strength from Dashasutri, the ten cardinal principles which not only keeps the groups together but also instills a sense of discipline in them. It is the regular weekly meetings, savings, internal lending, repayment of loans, writing books of accounts which makes the SHGs prosper economically. The emphasis on health-nutrition and sanitation , education, participatory governance, right to entitlements leading to the most important principle of sustainable livelihoods provides them with a vision to develop comprehensively.
Some time during April 2019 one of my colleagues, Mr Nanaaware who has joined the Paani Foundation on his retirement contacted me with a request to collaborate with Paani Foundation by providing support to the Water Cup in 75 drought stricken blocks of Maharashtra. Since Paani Foundation was making efforts to motivate and chanelise people to vountarily undertake water conservation and water harvesting activies in drought stricken Maharashtra, MSRLM decided to collaborate with Pani Foundation.
More than 1000 members of the staff and cadre of MSRLM were trained and due to their combined efforts more than 5 lakh women participated in the campaign period of the Water Cup.
MSRLM was invited for the awards ceremony at Pune and was also felicitated by the Paani Foundation. It was during the awards ceremony the idea of collaborating for livelihoods and sustainable development with Paani Foundation occurred to me and I kept following up with Mr.Nanaware and Mr.Bhatkal.
A chance interaction with Mr.Amir Khan at the Mumbai airport on my journey to Delhi gave me an opportunity to show case the efforts being made by MSRLM to propagate sustainable livelihoods.
Working for water conservation singularly without a plan for the overall development and growth of the village was incomplete. I was able to drive home the point that it was important to work for sustainable livelihoods. The Paani Foundation took it's time to do their due diligence and homework.
Mr.Satyjit Bhatkal's visit to Mahalakshmi Saras 2020 and our further discussions enabled us to come up with a plan and from it emerged the " Umed Satyamev Jayate Samruddha Gaon Spardha".
Going beyond water conservation, this competition aims at transforming the ecology and economy of the villages and creating a movement in sustainable livelihoods.
The competition is a step forward in the Water Cup as it has set certain benchmarks. Only those villages which had attained at least 30 percent success during the water cup are eligible to participate in the Umed Satyamev Jayate Samruddha Gaon Spardha. So only 1130 villages in the 40 blocks of 18 districts can participate.
The competition will begin from 1st April 2020 and end with the awards in June 2021. In the period of one year apart from water conservation all men and women in the villages have to undertake soil conservation activities, water management, afforestation, fodder cultivation, soil health and preservation. The program emphasizes on creation of Self-help groups and undertaking income generating activities leading to sustainable development. The concept of Lakhpati Kisan is also an important aspect.
Capacity building is the strength of MSRLM and it will collaborate with Paani Foundation to build the capacities of SHGs and their households which will actively participate in the year long competition. These will include the SHGs, VOs, CLFs of MSRLM which will work towards making their villages prosperous and also get an opportunity to be a winner in the Umed Satyamev Jayate Samruddha Gaon Spardha.
The program kick-started with a video conference of the team members of both the organizations to understand each other and etch the way forward.
As individuals, we cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community. Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others.
Also real prosperity comes from everybody in the country working together in a growth mode. It comes as a result of people's own initiative and efforts. As Rush Limbaugh has stated, "Prosperity, if it comes from the government, is not prosperity. It's an existence or a subsistence or whatever, but it isn't prosperity."
It is therefore important that the people work towards their own prosperity. MSRLM Umed just does that by facilitating sustainable livelihoods. I hope that the changing face of Paani Foundation and MSRLM 's Umed Satyamev Jayate Samruddha Gaon Spardha will facilitate transformation of many villages and lead them to neverending prosperity.
Wednesday 19 February 2020
Thursday 6 February 2020
6th February and Amma....
6th Februray and Amma....
I got up today morning and remembered the date, 6th February, the day on which our mother left for Vaikuntham. Two years, 730 days, 17520 hours, 10,51,200 minutes , 63072000 seconds without her. Initially these included moments of pain, anguish, sadness and suffering which got transformed into a perpetual sense of loss. In absence of her touch, words and presence feelings of helplessness would often seep in. At times it would be difficult to hold back my tears. Each experience thawed the pain, the anguish , the suffering and the sadness. Time of course is unstoppable and continued to elapse yet the void left behind in my life due to my mother's demise is still unfilled.
Today morning too, I missed her so much. Accepting the fact that she is no more is difficult even now. Unknowingly her thoughts creep in and I often feel that she is just around and will just bounce back.
This morning, I lingered on the bed thinking of her and my day ahead which would be full of activity. How much time would I be actually devoting to her memory? Was this day going to pass off like the others with things happening but with her surely on my mind? Or would I be able to spend time looking back and dwelling fondly on memories associated with her?
My earliest memories of my mother was when one day I returned home from school and did not find her home. She had gone to the market and returned home shortly only to find me howling. I settled down as soon as she chided me in her no-nonsensical manner. She was always like that, extremely forthright and unassuming but in that one moment I realised that she was the pillar on which our family rested. Simple, kind and generous she believed in giving more than receiving. We owe our existence to the several sacrifices made by her. Every person who came in touch with her would certainly experience her generosity.
I always wonder how a woman from the remotest village in Tamilnadu managed to live and be comfortable in a city totally different from her village. More astonishing was her ability to communicate in Hindi with ease despite the fact that she had spent over twenty-five years in Tamilnadu and had never spoken the language. Yes , she was very intelligent which is why she knew much of our religious literature by rote and could chant them with ease. An ethereal beauty, Amma, was certainly different in every way.
Her peaceful transition into Vaikutham is reminiscent of the fact that she was a noble soul. Her premonition and the visuals of various God's in her last days reflected as if all Gods were beckoning her. Her peaceful demeanor in death also stood out.
Today, I am able to think of Amma without anguish or pain and with feelings of gratitude, love and affection. She not only encouraged me in performing my duties diligently but has also been proud of my work. She may not be there with me physically but mentally she is always there goading me to put in the very best in every single thing I do. That is what mother's are for , to love unconditionally and support unflinchingly.
6th February's may come and go but her special memories will always remain just like the legacy of her love.
I got up today morning and remembered the date, 6th February, the day on which our mother left for Vaikuntham. Two years, 730 days, 17520 hours, 10,51,200 minutes , 63072000 seconds without her. Initially these included moments of pain, anguish, sadness and suffering which got transformed into a perpetual sense of loss. In absence of her touch, words and presence feelings of helplessness would often seep in. At times it would be difficult to hold back my tears. Each experience thawed the pain, the anguish , the suffering and the sadness. Time of course is unstoppable and continued to elapse yet the void left behind in my life due to my mother's demise is still unfilled.
Today morning too, I missed her so much. Accepting the fact that she is no more is difficult even now. Unknowingly her thoughts creep in and I often feel that she is just around and will just bounce back.
This morning, I lingered on the bed thinking of her and my day ahead which would be full of activity. How much time would I be actually devoting to her memory? Was this day going to pass off like the others with things happening but with her surely on my mind? Or would I be able to spend time looking back and dwelling fondly on memories associated with her?
My earliest memories of my mother was when one day I returned home from school and did not find her home. She had gone to the market and returned home shortly only to find me howling. I settled down as soon as she chided me in her no-nonsensical manner. She was always like that, extremely forthright and unassuming but in that one moment I realised that she was the pillar on which our family rested. Simple, kind and generous she believed in giving more than receiving. We owe our existence to the several sacrifices made by her. Every person who came in touch with her would certainly experience her generosity.
I always wonder how a woman from the remotest village in Tamilnadu managed to live and be comfortable in a city totally different from her village. More astonishing was her ability to communicate in Hindi with ease despite the fact that she had spent over twenty-five years in Tamilnadu and had never spoken the language. Yes , she was very intelligent which is why she knew much of our religious literature by rote and could chant them with ease. An ethereal beauty, Amma, was certainly different in every way.
Her peaceful transition into Vaikutham is reminiscent of the fact that she was a noble soul. Her premonition and the visuals of various God's in her last days reflected as if all Gods were beckoning her. Her peaceful demeanor in death also stood out.
Today, I am able to think of Amma without anguish or pain and with feelings of gratitude, love and affection. She not only encouraged me in performing my duties diligently but has also been proud of my work. She may not be there with me physically but mentally she is always there goading me to put in the very best in every single thing I do. That is what mother's are for , to love unconditionally and support unflinchingly.
6th February's may come and go but her special memories will always remain just like the legacy of her love.
Wednesday 5 February 2020
Memories of a legend : Pandit Bhimsen Joshi Smruti Samaroh 2020 by GSB Sabha, Mulund and soul stirring music.....
Memories of a legend : Pandit Bhimsen Joshi Smruti Samaroh 2020 by GSB Sabha, Mulund and soul stirring music.....
Pandit Bhimsen Joshi is synonymous with Hindustani classical music and as the doyen of the Kirana gharana. For those unfamiliar with this genre of music it would suffice to remember " Mile Sur Mera Tumhara" the famous song on national integration which was seamlessly presented by renowned singers and magically composed by none other than Bhimsen Joshi.
This Bharat Ratna needs no introduction as he is a name to reckon in India and abroad. His demise in 2011 left a void in the world of music. Music lovers all over the world celebrate his birthday in different ways.
The GSB Sabha, Mulund, has been organising Pandit Bhimsen Joshi Smruti Samaroh to pay homage to the legend. On this occasion a prominent musician associated with Panditji is recognized for his or her contribution to Music and is felicitated with an award. The GSB Sabha had chosen Pandit Ravindra Yavagal , renowned tabla soloist and sensitive accompanist for the award in 2020.
An upcoming artist also gets the opportunity to perform at the forum. Vibha Nayak was definitely the chosen one in more than one way since her invocation to Karveer Nivasi transported us to the spiritual world.
Indulging in meditation, Dhyan and immersing oneself in music Kirtan, Abhang are different ways to reach God. It's power is so enduring that Saint poets like Sant Namdev and Sant Tukaram and Sant Eknath transformed society. Vitthal was the favourite deity who absolved all his devotees. Wasn't He the one who made Sant Namdev's search for the mortal remains of Sant Chokha Mela easy by saying that finding his bones would be easy as they too would be chanting the name of the Lord.
Pandit Bhimsen Joshi is synonymous with Hindustani classical music and as the doyen of the Kirana gharana. For those unfamiliar with this genre of music it would suffice to remember " Mile Sur Mera Tumhara" the famous song on national integration which was seamlessly presented by renowned singers and magically composed by none other than Bhimsen Joshi.
This Bharat Ratna needs no introduction as he is a name to reckon in India and abroad. His demise in 2011 left a void in the world of music. Music lovers all over the world celebrate his birthday in different ways.
The GSB Sabha, Mulund, has been organising Pandit Bhimsen Joshi Smruti Samaroh to pay homage to the legend. On this occasion a prominent musician associated with Panditji is recognized for his or her contribution to Music and is felicitated with an award. The GSB Sabha had chosen Pandit Ravindra Yavagal , renowned tabla soloist and sensitive accompanist for the award in 2020.
An upcoming artist also gets the opportunity to perform at the forum. Vibha Nayak was definitely the chosen one in more than one way since her invocation to Karveer Nivasi transported us to the spiritual world.
Indulging in meditation, Dhyan and immersing oneself in music Kirtan, Abhang are different ways to reach God. It's power is so enduring that Saint poets like Sant Namdev and Sant Tukaram and Sant Eknath transformed society. Vitthal was the favourite deity who absolved all his devotees. Wasn't He the one who made Sant Namdev's search for the mortal remains of Sant Chokha Mela easy by saying that finding his bones would be easy as they too would be chanting the name of the Lord.
Faith and belief are like electricity, you cannot see the current or electricity but you can see in the light. Spirituality is beyond language, how else could one find God even in deserts ? Bolava Vithal Pahaava Vithal was the incantation.
Pandit Bhimsen Joshi also manifested Lord Vithala through his Abhangas. Pandharpur was never at a distance as one could immediately etch out Lord Vithala in Panditji’s abhangas. His singing had such a magical power . No wonder he is revered as ‘Swara Bhaskara’ , which means ‘the Sun of Music’.
Shri. Ravindra Yawagal , renowned soloist ( Tabla ) percussionist has performed with stalwarts including Bhimsen Joshi, Gangubai Hangal. He had the fortune to be performing along with Pandit Bhimsen in the Mysore Palace when he was just eighteen years of age. His fingers moved adeptly in rhythmic consonance and transported us to a different world. His felicitation at the Pandit Bhimsen Joshi Smruti Puraskar Samaroh was befitting his stature.
The icing on the cake were the renderings by Pandit Shaunak Abhisheki, the able descendant of Pandit Jitendra Abhisheki. His father and Pandit Bhimsen Joshi were of the same generation and had high regard for each other.
In 1991 when he was accompanying his father at the famous Sawai Gandharva Festival at Pune, Pandit Bhimsen Joshi exhorted that he should be performing next year. And sure enough he was given the opportunity to perform. Shaunak found his performance was wanting and shared his agony with Panditji. He has never forgotten the advice received from him. One may possess a sea of knowledge but displaying it all would drive the wind out of it. Knowledge would be useful only when it had the sharpness of the sword said Pandit Bhimsen Joshi.
No wonder Shaunak with his dedication, ( Sadhana ) had conquered eons in the field of music. His renderings were soul stirring and immersed us in colors of joy, just like the Abhang, " Abir Gulaal udhadit rang"
One has to blessed to be a part of such mesmerizing music which makes you one with God. It was our dear neighbor, Mr.Baliga, the President of the GSB Sabha, Mulund who had made this possible.
The grand finale of the program was the Bhairavi "Sarvātmakā Sarveshwarā' " written by revered Marathi poet V. V. Shirwadkar alias Kusumāgraj and immortalized by Shounak's father Pandit Jitendra Abhisheki. As we invoked the supreme being for the enlightenment and upliftment of our souls by the wise, the one whom all mortals worship seeking His mercy and enlightenment through values combined with the ability to do good and see good as well as the courage to live virtuously, I felt one with God. After all " Mazhe Maaher Pandhari...."
Pandit Bhimsen Joshi also manifested Lord Vithala through his Abhangas. Pandharpur was never at a distance as one could immediately etch out Lord Vithala in Panditji’s abhangas. His singing had such a magical power . No wonder he is revered as ‘Swara Bhaskara’ , which means ‘the Sun of Music’.
Shri. Ravindra Yawagal , renowned soloist ( Tabla ) percussionist has performed with stalwarts including Bhimsen Joshi, Gangubai Hangal. He had the fortune to be performing along with Pandit Bhimsen in the Mysore Palace when he was just eighteen years of age. His fingers moved adeptly in rhythmic consonance and transported us to a different world. His felicitation at the Pandit Bhimsen Joshi Smruti Puraskar Samaroh was befitting his stature.
The icing on the cake were the renderings by Pandit Shaunak Abhisheki, the able descendant of Pandit Jitendra Abhisheki. His father and Pandit Bhimsen Joshi were of the same generation and had high regard for each other.
In 1991 when he was accompanying his father at the famous Sawai Gandharva Festival at Pune, Pandit Bhimsen Joshi exhorted that he should be performing next year. And sure enough he was given the opportunity to perform. Shaunak found his performance was wanting and shared his agony with Panditji. He has never forgotten the advice received from him. One may possess a sea of knowledge but displaying it all would drive the wind out of it. Knowledge would be useful only when it had the sharpness of the sword said Pandit Bhimsen Joshi.
No wonder Shaunak with his dedication, ( Sadhana ) had conquered eons in the field of music. His renderings were soul stirring and immersed us in colors of joy, just like the Abhang, " Abir Gulaal udhadit rang"
One has to blessed to be a part of such mesmerizing music which makes you one with God. It was our dear neighbor, Mr.Baliga, the President of the GSB Sabha, Mulund who had made this possible.
The grand finale of the program was the Bhairavi "Sarvātmakā Sarveshwarā' " written by revered Marathi poet V. V. Shirwadkar alias Kusumāgraj and immortalized by Shounak's father Pandit Jitendra Abhisheki. As we invoked the supreme being for the enlightenment and upliftment of our souls by the wise, the one whom all mortals worship seeking His mercy and enlightenment through values combined with the ability to do good and see good as well as the courage to live virtuously, I felt one with God. After all " Mazhe Maaher Pandhari...."
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