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...."
Thursday, 30 January 2020
Au Revoir, Mahalakshmi Saras 2020.....
Au Revoir, Mahalakshmi Saras 2020.....
Mahalakshmi Saras, the annual exhibition and sale of products made by rural women entrepreneurs from the self help groups of the state rural livelihoods mission from all over the country and NABARD ended yesterday.
The 13 day extravganza stood out in its magnitude as it proudly displayed the various products made by women entrepreneurs in its 511 stalls.
Yes, the women from self help groups are known for the variety of papad, pickles, spices, masala they make. This certainly gives them recognition and an identity. And wouldn't life be dull without all these spices in our life ? And so Mahalakshmi Saras had a variety of masalas and spices from all corners of Maharashtra and the country. However, Ms. Vanita Trambake member of Priyadarshni SHG from Solapur took me by surprise when she conveyed her thanks and said that this would be the last time she came to Mahalakshmi Saras because this platform had established her as a brand and she no more needed our support. She represented the true spirit behind the exhibition which promotes marketing of the products made by SHGs. Ideally any SHG is allowed to participate only two times at the exhibition so that more and more groups get the opportunity to explore and understand the urban markets. They should then be ready to make it on their own. The entire cost of the exhibition including lodging, boarding, publicity, travel and transport along with space in the stalls and logistics at the venue is entirely borne by the government. The ideology behind this effort is exposure of the rural women entrepreneurs to urban markets twice in their life cycle so that they understand what sells and also providing a platform for the urban residents to purchase handmade rural products.
The women groups also practice organic farming so the varied grains like unpolished rice, dal, pulses are popular products for sale and attract many due to the their low residual chemical content. Staples like jaggery, honey, tamarind, ghee are absorbed quickly. The ready to eat foods like cookies, biscuits, including soya, bajra, ragi products,bhadang, chivda, baakarwadi are extremely popular . This year MSRLM made special efforts to introduce Nutri cookies in Ragi, Jowar and Bajra from Wardha, Solapur and Yavatmal in their Nutri Villa. These products had been made after taking technical support for research and design from the Krishi Vigyan Kendra of Amravati and Solapur and attracted a lot of customers. The noodles fortified with moringa - drumsticks leaves were a healthy alternative to the regular noodles. The papaya and fruit jam from Yavatmal stood out distinctly. However what stole everyone's hearts were the jaamun shots and the sitaphal( custard apple) rabdi from Gadhchiroli. Seeing women from the remotest villages of Gadhchiroli doing brisk business of these two unique consumables was heartening.
The livelihoods pavillion introduced the visitors to the phenomenal work being done by MSRLM. The strong pillars of social, financial and economic inclusion led them to sustainable livelihoods. These included over 10 lakh households practicing sustainable agriculture and animal husbandry and about ten thousand in the handlooms and handicrafts sector. The seed bank from Nandurbar having 125 varieties of seed of jowar and maize was an eye opener to the efforts being made by the mission to preserve agriculture. The pavillion of organic manure and vermi compost attracted people and specially children with its demonstration having live earthworms.
Mahalakshmi Saras, the annual exhibition and sale of products made by rural women entrepreneurs from the self help groups of the state rural livelihoods mission from all over the country and NABARD ended yesterday.
The 13 day extravganza stood out in its magnitude as it proudly displayed the various products made by women entrepreneurs in its 511 stalls.
Yes, the women from self help groups are known for the variety of papad, pickles, spices, masala they make. This certainly gives them recognition and an identity. And wouldn't life be dull without all these spices in our life ? And so Mahalakshmi Saras had a variety of masalas and spices from all corners of Maharashtra and the country. However, Ms. Vanita Trambake member of Priyadarshni SHG from Solapur took me by surprise when she conveyed her thanks and said that this would be the last time she came to Mahalakshmi Saras because this platform had established her as a brand and she no more needed our support. She represented the true spirit behind the exhibition which promotes marketing of the products made by SHGs. Ideally any SHG is allowed to participate only two times at the exhibition so that more and more groups get the opportunity to explore and understand the urban markets. They should then be ready to make it on their own. The entire cost of the exhibition including lodging, boarding, publicity, travel and transport along with space in the stalls and logistics at the venue is entirely borne by the government. The ideology behind this effort is exposure of the rural women entrepreneurs to urban markets twice in their life cycle so that they understand what sells and also providing a platform for the urban residents to purchase handmade rural products.
The women groups also practice organic farming so the varied grains like unpolished rice, dal, pulses are popular products for sale and attract many due to the their low residual chemical content. Staples like jaggery, honey, tamarind, ghee are absorbed quickly. The ready to eat foods like cookies, biscuits, including soya, bajra, ragi products,bhadang, chivda, baakarwadi are extremely popular . This year MSRLM made special efforts to introduce Nutri cookies in Ragi, Jowar and Bajra from Wardha, Solapur and Yavatmal in their Nutri Villa. These products had been made after taking technical support for research and design from the Krishi Vigyan Kendra of Amravati and Solapur and attracted a lot of customers. The noodles fortified with moringa - drumsticks leaves were a healthy alternative to the regular noodles. The papaya and fruit jam from Yavatmal stood out distinctly. However what stole everyone's hearts were the jaamun shots and the sitaphal( custard apple) rabdi from Gadhchiroli. Seeing women from the remotest villages of Gadhchiroli doing brisk business of these two unique consumables was heartening.
The livelihoods pavillion introduced the visitors to the phenomenal work being done by MSRLM. The strong pillars of social, financial and economic inclusion led them to sustainable livelihoods. These included over 10 lakh households practicing sustainable agriculture and animal husbandry and about ten thousand in the handlooms and handicrafts sector. The seed bank from Nandurbar having 125 varieties of seed of jowar and maize was an eye opener to the efforts being made by the mission to preserve agriculture. The pavillion of organic manure and vermi compost attracted people and specially children with its demonstration having live earthworms.
Some SHGs had dared to innovate and make new products, for example Hari Om SHG, from Gondiya district had manufactured LED bulbs with inbuilt batteries which would light up by itself during power cuts. Kavitha Dhamale , the SHG member was happy to market the same.
Asmita plus Sanitary napkins with super absorbency were competitively priced at Rs.100 for 5 packets with 8 Sanitary napkins in each pack. Having used them personally I could vouch for their quality against established brands like Whisper and Stayfree.
The rural skilling sector was amply represented by the beneficiaries of DDUGKY, the popular skilling program of rural skilling department of the Ministry of Rural Development. Youth between the age of 18 to 35 could benefit from this placement based program of rural skilling through private agencies.
In fact the exhibition was a one stop shop for purchase of goods from footwear, to clothes, readymade garments, sarees, shawls, stoles, exquisite jewellery, decorative articles, artefacts, paintings, woodwork , bamboo work, furniture, furnishings, gift items not only from Maharashtra but from the 29 states of our country. Such variety under one roof is unheard of elsewhere. So thousands of people thronged the exhibition and found it extremely useful.
In fact the exhibition was a one stop shop for purchase of goods from footwear, to clothes, readymade garments, sarees, shawls, stoles, exquisite jewellery, decorative articles, artefacts, paintings, woodwork , bamboo work, furniture, furnishings, gift items not only from Maharashtra but from the 29 states of our country. Such variety under one roof is unheard of elsewhere. So thousands of people thronged the exhibition and found it extremely useful.
They were particularly attracted to the food court which had 70 stalls serving mouthwatering delicacies from all over Maharashtra. They carried the distinct taste of various regions from where they came. So konkan was reflected in a variety of sea food like fish, prawns and crabs as also sol kadhi, Kolhapur was known for its tambdaa paandhraa rassa , Nagpur for its Saoji, Marathwada for its chicken and mutton, dahi dhapate, Solapur for its chutneys and gul poli, Jalgaon for its Bharit and Shev Bhaji. The vegetarians feasted on Puran Polis, modak, thaalipeeth, bhel, misal, bhaji. For the first time Rajma Chawal from Uttarakhand, Gujarati food ,Rajasthani food, were also introduced.
The highlight were fresh vegetables , chicken , fish and mutton provided by the Women led Farmer Producer Organization of Palghar which gave it a distinct taste. The eggs were also provided by the women who are a part of the Yellow revolution project of MSRLM.
With food to chew on entertainment was not behind as artists like Suresh Wadkar, Kailash Kher, Kalinathji Mishra, Avdhoot Gupte, Milind Ingle, Sanjeevani Bhelande and Dr. Rahul Joshi enthralled the audiences with their soul rendering performances.
The highlight were fresh vegetables , chicken , fish and mutton provided by the Women led Farmer Producer Organization of Palghar which gave it a distinct taste. The eggs were also provided by the women who are a part of the Yellow revolution project of MSRLM.
With food to chew on entertainment was not behind as artists like Suresh Wadkar, Kailash Kher, Kalinathji Mishra, Avdhoot Gupte, Milind Ingle, Sanjeevani Bhelande and Dr. Rahul Joshi enthralled the audiences with their soul rendering performances.
The pinnacle was the fashion show put together by the women of the SHGs displaying their own products. Walking confidently among them was a 75 year old lady speaking volumes about the transformation of women from being ordinary women to extraordinary achievers.
In short it was fun for shoppers with a variety to shop, food to eat and soul stirring music to unwind in the evenings.
The public conveniences like clean toilets and a play zone for children, trolleys for shopping and wheel chairs were add ons for families. So Mumbaikars, Navi Mumbaikars and the others including international visitors thronged to the exhibition. These of course included many regulars. Their repeated visits spoke highly about their satisfaction of the variety, quality, range and price of the products. That we were able to make business of about Rs. Fifteen crores in just thirteen days speaks volumes about the capabilities and capacities of women entrepreneurs. It also provides a glimpse of the efforts made by our team members to make this event a grand success.
As I left for home after making my last round in the exhibition, my heart missed a beat, the pavilions would be dismantled and only memories would last. However it was a solace to see the contended and satisfied faces of all the women entrepreneurs and stall owners. Each one was going home after doing good business, each one was happy with her own experience. It was the shoppers and the patrons who had made this possible. And of course to Goddess Mahalakshmi who had transformed herself into Goddess Dhanalakshmi and was going home with the women. I felt satiated and gratified and my head bowed in prayers for their everlasting prosperity. Mahalakshmi Saras, would surely be back again with gusto in January 2021. Till then Au revoir....
In short it was fun for shoppers with a variety to shop, food to eat and soul stirring music to unwind in the evenings.
The public conveniences like clean toilets and a play zone for children, trolleys for shopping and wheel chairs were add ons for families. So Mumbaikars, Navi Mumbaikars and the others including international visitors thronged to the exhibition. These of course included many regulars. Their repeated visits spoke highly about their satisfaction of the variety, quality, range and price of the products. That we were able to make business of about Rs. Fifteen crores in just thirteen days speaks volumes about the capabilities and capacities of women entrepreneurs. It also provides a glimpse of the efforts made by our team members to make this event a grand success.
As I left for home after making my last round in the exhibition, my heart missed a beat, the pavilions would be dismantled and only memories would last. However it was a solace to see the contended and satisfied faces of all the women entrepreneurs and stall owners. Each one was going home after doing good business, each one was happy with her own experience. It was the shoppers and the patrons who had made this possible. And of course to Goddess Mahalakshmi who had transformed herself into Goddess Dhanalakshmi and was going home with the women. I felt satiated and gratified and my head bowed in prayers for their everlasting prosperity. Mahalakshmi Saras, would surely be back again with gusto in January 2021. Till then Au revoir....
Wednesday, 15 January 2020
Mahalakshmi Saras 2020 at BKC, MMRDA Grounds, Bandra
Mahalakshmi Saras 2020 at BKC, MMRDA Grounds, Bandra
It's that time of the year in Mumbai when the mornings are pleasant, the breeze is cool. An air of expectation soon after the onset of the new year is also prevalent. In the midst of this celebratory mood arrives Mahalakshmi Saras, with the added sweetness from the villages of rural Maharashtra and India.
Yes, Mahalakshmi Saras is indeed the most awaited exhibition of products made by rural women entrepreneurs.
In it's seventeenth year now, the exhibition has grown from from strength to strength. Among the 511 stalls, it is the seventy food stalls which garner much attention and in fact are the most sought after for the variety of delicacies from rural Maharashtra. The meal rustled by women here includes the famous Zunka Bhakri, Thecha, Vangyache Bharit-( roasted-minced and spiced brinjals), Pooranpoliche Mande-( large Indian bread filled with sweet jaggery filling), Hurdaa- fresh jowar roasted and also its Bhakri- Indian bread, different varieties of Bhaji, Bhel, Kolhapuri Pandhra Tambda Rassa- ( spicy kolhapuri non-veg gravy) , Nagpur Saoji ( spicy veg or non-veg gravy), Marathwada Dahi Dhapate , Gavhaachi Kheer ( Wheat Kheer - sweet dish ), Konkan fish etc. In short it is a foodie's paradise.
The exhibition area is divided into handicrafts, handlooms, textiles, jewellery, art and craft, food items and food grains, health food, organic products, detergents, spices, masalas, paapd, footwear, bags, purses and home utility articles.
There is huge variety among silk and cotton sarees like Tusser silks, Paithanis, Irkal, Kantha, Chanderi, Kanjivaram, Manipuri, Pochampalli, Bandhani, Sambalpuri, Banarasi and host of other well-known fabrics. Dupattas and kurtis of different variety are available. Textiles from from different states to spruce up your wardrobe and ethnic accessories and jewellery to add to their beauty. A variety of footwear from Kolhapuri chappals to Mojdis and other types of footwear are available. So one can get dressed from head to toe with things purchased at Mahalakshmi Saras.
Among the food are a variety of grains produced by the women in their own fields. These include hand-pounded rice, black rice rich in proteins, unpolished dals, lentils, coarse grains, various types of flours. The spices from different districts are most sought after as also the turmeric. So there are a variety of Masalas like godaa masala, kala masala, dhaniya, jeera, dry ginger powder, chicken masala all made with a rural touch and difficult to get in Mumbai. The variety of chutneys like groundnut, till, kaarlyachi chutney, tamarind etc are mouthwatering. Different kinds of paapad, kurdaayaa, chips, fryums will be also be available. Soaps, detergents and phenyle are also made by women.
Health foods like ragi cookies, jowar, bajra and wheat cookies, soya products, roasted grains, honey are extremely popular.
Therefore the highlight of this year is the Nutri Villa packed with nutritious options like the ragi cookies and Jowar cookies from Palghar and Wardha , Sitafal rabdi ( Custard apple pulp ), Jamun shots, Ambadi juice from the jungles of Gadhchiroli , Pomegranate juice from Solapur.
Our 5000 plus cadre of Krishi Sakhis and Pashu Sakhis have transformed agriculture and animal husbandry and made them sustainable. They will take you to the next level when you enter the world of livelihoods this time. You will be able to see a demonstration of mushroom cultivation, a seed bank, hydroponic grass and bee cultivation.
Our efficient Banking Correspondent Sakhis or BC Sakhis will support you with all your banking needs and transactions. You could withdraw or deposit cash, open an account, transfer funds or take insurance while shopping or eating ar Mahalakshmi Saras.
The evenings are going to be fun filled with performances by many greats like Suresh Wadkar, Kailash Kher, Sanjivin Belande, Milind Ingle and Avadhoot Gupte. Swar Umed is a program with performances by singers of MSRLM.
Mahalakshmi Saras therefore is not just an exhibition it is a celebration of life. However beneath the celebration are struggles of women who have toiled hard to make it successful against all odds. Their welcoming smiles may hide their sorrows but each of their products reflect their devotion to their work.
P.S. The Mahalakshmi Saras will begin from 17th January 2020 and will end on 29th January 2020 at BKC, MMRDA Grounds, Bandra
It's that time of the year in Mumbai when the mornings are pleasant, the breeze is cool. An air of expectation soon after the onset of the new year is also prevalent. In the midst of this celebratory mood arrives Mahalakshmi Saras, with the added sweetness from the villages of rural Maharashtra and India.
Yes, Mahalakshmi Saras is indeed the most awaited exhibition of products made by rural women entrepreneurs.
In it's seventeenth year now, the exhibition has grown from from strength to strength. Among the 511 stalls, it is the seventy food stalls which garner much attention and in fact are the most sought after for the variety of delicacies from rural Maharashtra. The meal rustled by women here includes the famous Zunka Bhakri, Thecha, Vangyache Bharit-( roasted-minced and spiced brinjals), Pooranpoliche Mande-( large Indian bread filled with sweet jaggery filling), Hurdaa- fresh jowar roasted and also its Bhakri- Indian bread, different varieties of Bhaji, Bhel, Kolhapuri Pandhra Tambda Rassa- ( spicy kolhapuri non-veg gravy) , Nagpur Saoji ( spicy veg or non-veg gravy), Marathwada Dahi Dhapate , Gavhaachi Kheer ( Wheat Kheer - sweet dish ), Konkan fish etc. In short it is a foodie's paradise.
The exhibition area is divided into handicrafts, handlooms, textiles, jewellery, art and craft, food items and food grains, health food, organic products, detergents, spices, masalas, paapd, footwear, bags, purses and home utility articles.
There is huge variety among silk and cotton sarees like Tusser silks, Paithanis, Irkal, Kantha, Chanderi, Kanjivaram, Manipuri, Pochampalli, Bandhani, Sambalpuri, Banarasi and host of other well-known fabrics. Dupattas and kurtis of different variety are available. Textiles from from different states to spruce up your wardrobe and ethnic accessories and jewellery to add to their beauty. A variety of footwear from Kolhapuri chappals to Mojdis and other types of footwear are available. So one can get dressed from head to toe with things purchased at Mahalakshmi Saras.
Among the food are a variety of grains produced by the women in their own fields. These include hand-pounded rice, black rice rich in proteins, unpolished dals, lentils, coarse grains, various types of flours. The spices from different districts are most sought after as also the turmeric. So there are a variety of Masalas like godaa masala, kala masala, dhaniya, jeera, dry ginger powder, chicken masala all made with a rural touch and difficult to get in Mumbai. The variety of chutneys like groundnut, till, kaarlyachi chutney, tamarind etc are mouthwatering. Different kinds of paapad, kurdaayaa, chips, fryums will be also be available. Soaps, detergents and phenyle are also made by women.
Health foods like ragi cookies, jowar, bajra and wheat cookies, soya products, roasted grains, honey are extremely popular.
Therefore the highlight of this year is the Nutri Villa packed with nutritious options like the ragi cookies and Jowar cookies from Palghar and Wardha , Sitafal rabdi ( Custard apple pulp ), Jamun shots, Ambadi juice from the jungles of Gadhchiroli , Pomegranate juice from Solapur.
Our 5000 plus cadre of Krishi Sakhis and Pashu Sakhis have transformed agriculture and animal husbandry and made them sustainable. They will take you to the next level when you enter the world of livelihoods this time. You will be able to see a demonstration of mushroom cultivation, a seed bank, hydroponic grass and bee cultivation.
Our efficient Banking Correspondent Sakhis or BC Sakhis will support you with all your banking needs and transactions. You could withdraw or deposit cash, open an account, transfer funds or take insurance while shopping or eating ar Mahalakshmi Saras.
The evenings are going to be fun filled with performances by many greats like Suresh Wadkar, Kailash Kher, Sanjivin Belande, Milind Ingle and Avadhoot Gupte. Swar Umed is a program with performances by singers of MSRLM.
Mahalakshmi Saras therefore is not just an exhibition it is a celebration of life. However beneath the celebration are struggles of women who have toiled hard to make it successful against all odds. Their welcoming smiles may hide their sorrows but each of their products reflect their devotion to their work.
P.S. The Mahalakshmi Saras will begin from 17th January 2020 and will end on 29th January 2020 at BKC, MMRDA Grounds, Bandra
Tuesday, 31 December 2019
Time, a year gone by and years to come.....
Time and a A year gone by and years to come.....
Today is the last day of the year. Many would be celebrating, bringing in the new year with revelry, fun, music and dance. The night would certainly be young and one of abundance in food and drinks. People would be waiting for the clock to tick it's way towards the end of the year and then countdown would begin....ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five ,four, three, two, one....The new year would have rolled in with the din of new year wishes. Seconds would start ticking soon thereafter. Hadn't they ticked away last year?
Looking back on the year which has passed many of us wouldn't have noticed the seconds, minutes, hours, days and months passed by with us doing very little or nothing nor achieving anything.
Time is irreversible, we can never get back the moment which is lost. It is not even renewable like many sources of energy. Yet how many of us ponder on this fact.
Phrases about time are quite deceptive. At times we save time and at times we kill it. At times we have all the time in the world and at times we are unable to spare a minute. Yet time is fleeting, beyond our control, not going to wait for us come what may.
Our teachers in school have also taught us that ' Time and tide wait for no one'. However time is the single most important thing we tend to neglect. We often pay scant attention to the tasks to be done and procrastinate. These could be related to our family, health, work, friends or education.
Saint Kabir had wisely stated, " Kaal Kare So Aaj Kar, Aaj Kare So ab, Pal Mein Pralaya Hoyegi, Bahuri Karoge Kab" asking us to shed laziness and lethargy and do things which were to be done tomorrow immediately, actually now.
Ironically, non-valuers of time not realizing its worth reworded the adage as" Aaj kare so kal kar , kal kare so parson , itni jaldi kya hain jab jeena hain barson".Such people probably fail to understand that time is not in our hands and also time lost can never be regained.
One of the most important tips given to us during our recent training by Director, LBSNAA, Mr.Sanjeev Chopda centred around the importance of time and its effective management. He emphasized on managing time efficiently so that one could do more things and also find time for doing things one enjoyed. One should never lose sight of time and therefore it was important to plan days, weeks, months and years and be the masters of.time instead of regretting after losing it. Strangely, time is what we want most, but what we use worst.
As Stephen Covey has said, "The key is in not spending time, but in investing it." When we invest in something it becomes something important, a thing which we learn to value. We must therefore set our goals diligently and invest time towards achieving them.
Honestly, it seems just the other day, when we were young or that our children were running through the house, slamming doors, breaking windows, spilling water, making noise. We have grown and so have our kids. Time goes by so quickly just as the year which has and like many others which would hasten to it's end. The future is something which everyone reaches at the rate of 60 minutes an hour.
Yesterday's the past, tomorrow's the future, but today is a gift. That's why it's called the present.
We are all adept in unwrapping presents and savoring it .Wouldn't it be wonderful if we learnt to savour the gift of time and use it fruitfully?
Hope you catch the pulse of every second in the coming year and make it memorable.....
Today is the last day of the year. Many would be celebrating, bringing in the new year with revelry, fun, music and dance. The night would certainly be young and one of abundance in food and drinks. People would be waiting for the clock to tick it's way towards the end of the year and then countdown would begin....ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five ,four, three, two, one....The new year would have rolled in with the din of new year wishes. Seconds would start ticking soon thereafter. Hadn't they ticked away last year?
Looking back on the year which has passed many of us wouldn't have noticed the seconds, minutes, hours, days and months passed by with us doing very little or nothing nor achieving anything.
Time is irreversible, we can never get back the moment which is lost. It is not even renewable like many sources of energy. Yet how many of us ponder on this fact.
Phrases about time are quite deceptive. At times we save time and at times we kill it. At times we have all the time in the world and at times we are unable to spare a minute. Yet time is fleeting, beyond our control, not going to wait for us come what may.
Our teachers in school have also taught us that ' Time and tide wait for no one'. However time is the single most important thing we tend to neglect. We often pay scant attention to the tasks to be done and procrastinate. These could be related to our family, health, work, friends or education.
Saint Kabir had wisely stated, " Kaal Kare So Aaj Kar, Aaj Kare So ab, Pal Mein Pralaya Hoyegi, Bahuri Karoge Kab" asking us to shed laziness and lethargy and do things which were to be done tomorrow immediately, actually now.
Ironically, non-valuers of time not realizing its worth reworded the adage as" Aaj kare so kal kar , kal kare so parson , itni jaldi kya hain jab jeena hain barson".Such people probably fail to understand that time is not in our hands and also time lost can never be regained.
One of the most important tips given to us during our recent training by Director, LBSNAA, Mr.Sanjeev Chopda centred around the importance of time and its effective management. He emphasized on managing time efficiently so that one could do more things and also find time for doing things one enjoyed. One should never lose sight of time and therefore it was important to plan days, weeks, months and years and be the masters of.time instead of regretting after losing it. Strangely, time is what we want most, but what we use worst.
As Stephen Covey has said, "The key is in not spending time, but in investing it." When we invest in something it becomes something important, a thing which we learn to value. We must therefore set our goals diligently and invest time towards achieving them.
Honestly, it seems just the other day, when we were young or that our children were running through the house, slamming doors, breaking windows, spilling water, making noise. We have grown and so have our kids. Time goes by so quickly just as the year which has and like many others which would hasten to it's end. The future is something which everyone reaches at the rate of 60 minutes an hour.
Yesterday's the past, tomorrow's the future, but today is a gift. That's why it's called the present.
We are all adept in unwrapping presents and savoring it .Wouldn't it be wonderful if we learnt to savour the gift of time and use it fruitfully?
Hope you catch the pulse of every second in the coming year and make it memorable.....
Sunday, 29 December 2019
Organic magic at Bharwa Katal in Tehri Garhwal with SARG....
Organic magic at Bharwa Katal in Tehri Garhwal with SARG....
Exactly a week ago my lazy Sunday was transformed into a magical journey to the world of organic farming thanks to Ms.Binita Shah of SARG.
Organic farming and organic products are the buzz words for healthy living in modern times and are being propagated as an alternative to indiscriminate use of fertilizers and pesticides.
They emphasize on use of organic fertilizers like compost along with other methods like crop rotation , mixed cropping, biological pest control etc.
Three years ago the National Rural Livelihoods Mission designed the Mahila Kisan Shashaktikaran Pariyojana to enhance the productive participation of women in agriculture and create sustainable agricultural livelihood opportunities for women in agriculture. The program was designed in a manner to improve the skills of the women in management of Agriculture and recognize them as farmers. The country has more than 35 lakh women farmers including the 5 lakh women farmers in Maharashtra.
Adapting organic farming by farmers was the next logical step and NRLM has taken this bold step of creating over 1600 organic clusters.
Maharashtra will also be developing over 200 organic clusters. For this purpose it has identified technical agencies who will support the SHG women in following organic agricultural practices and get registered as organic clusters.
SARG with its branch at Dehradun is one of the technical support agencies. Ms.Binita Shah, its founder knew I was undergoing training in LBSNAA at Mussorie and had been regularly checking on when I could possibly visit one of the villages which they had adopted to undertake organic farming.
Seeing is believing and so sacrificing a trek with my colleagues and friends from LBSNAA to Nag Tibba and lunch at the Goat Village I set out out to Bharwa Katal, a quaint village in Tehri Garhwal.
The drive leading us to the village in the valley was splendid. The village was wondrous and a treat to the eyes with all its greenery. On way I also got the opportunity to see a "Gharat" a traditional water mill quite popular in this terrain. It was a learning to see the hydro energy being harnessed for running a flour mill. Winding our way through the picturesque mountains we reached Bharwa Katal and walked down to the village.
Trudging along the path , Mayank, the practitioner from SARG supporting organic farming in the village explained the various activities undertaken by the villagers. They showed me the compost pit designed with features which enabled multi-purpose support from making vermi compost, liquid compost etc which was long lasting and economical.
The potato plants, the wheat , the vegetables plants were lush green and soothing to the eyes.
Walking through the fields we reached the community centre where a group of women waited for intecating with us.
Sunita Negi , a villager and member of the PKVY team of SARG village committee was an epitome of confidence and joy. She was extremely forthcoming in sharing her views that initially they were very unsure and unhappy about adapting to organic farming. It was only due to the persistence and support from SARG they understood the value of organic farming. They were also happy to receive training from HESCO, Himalayan Environmental Studies and Conservation Organization through Department of Science and Technology under the Development of Integrated Model Village in Uttarakhand. They were now fully satisfied that they had switched over to organic farming as it had improved their own health. The village had eighteen houses, all of whom had adapted organic farming techniques and were very happy. Other ladies Sulochana Negi, Seema, Chamni and Sunita seconded her views.
Sunita Negi was particularly vocal about the efforts being made by the government to improve life in the villages. She was particularly joyful about the facilities for voting given to women voters. The support from JICA was also acknowledged. A young girl Sunita had taken to stitching and was earning well due to her skills in stitching.
As with women in MSRLM , I had an interaction with them on various schemes of financial inclusion like the PMBSY, PMJJY, APY etc and told them about the importance of insurance and other government schemes. The women and the community were getting support of Agriculture and other departments. They had even set up a poly house with the support of Agriculture Department.
SARG had also set up a weekly organic market on wednesdays at Dehradun where it was possible for producers to come and market their organic produce. The women of Bharwa Katal had been going there to sell their vegetables and produce. Looking at the variety of mouthwatering pickles, Ms Binita offered to have a table set up to sell pickles also.
The weekly organic market also had a organic cafe as well as a stage for performances.
There was nothing different between the women of Bharwa Katal and Maharashtra. Both were raring to go. The women in the hills had a tougher life maybe braving the cold.
Maharashtra had it's own issues with vagaries in nature. Yet what came through was the contentment, the desire of the women to have a goal and achieve it.
In Maharashtra or elsewhere , women had become an inseparable part of the economy especially in agriculture. Mainstreaming them into the whole gamut of Agriculture giving them specific rights including the right to ownernship of lands was one way forward. Involving them in organic farming , leading them to a healthy life was another way.
Lord Buddha has rightly said, " To keep the body in good health is a duty... otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear." What could be a better way to health than eating organic or residue -free food?
Exactly a week ago my lazy Sunday was transformed into a magical journey to the world of organic farming thanks to Ms.Binita Shah of SARG.
Organic farming and organic products are the buzz words for healthy living in modern times and are being propagated as an alternative to indiscriminate use of fertilizers and pesticides.
They emphasize on use of organic fertilizers like compost along with other methods like crop rotation , mixed cropping, biological pest control etc.
Three years ago the National Rural Livelihoods Mission designed the Mahila Kisan Shashaktikaran Pariyojana to enhance the productive participation of women in agriculture and create sustainable agricultural livelihood opportunities for women in agriculture. The program was designed in a manner to improve the skills of the women in management of Agriculture and recognize them as farmers. The country has more than 35 lakh women farmers including the 5 lakh women farmers in Maharashtra.
Adapting organic farming by farmers was the next logical step and NRLM has taken this bold step of creating over 1600 organic clusters.
Maharashtra will also be developing over 200 organic clusters. For this purpose it has identified technical agencies who will support the SHG women in following organic agricultural practices and get registered as organic clusters.
SARG with its branch at Dehradun is one of the technical support agencies. Ms.Binita Shah, its founder knew I was undergoing training in LBSNAA at Mussorie and had been regularly checking on when I could possibly visit one of the villages which they had adopted to undertake organic farming.
Seeing is believing and so sacrificing a trek with my colleagues and friends from LBSNAA to Nag Tibba and lunch at the Goat Village I set out out to Bharwa Katal, a quaint village in Tehri Garhwal.
The drive leading us to the village in the valley was splendid. The village was wondrous and a treat to the eyes with all its greenery. On way I also got the opportunity to see a "Gharat" a traditional water mill quite popular in this terrain. It was a learning to see the hydro energy being harnessed for running a flour mill. Winding our way through the picturesque mountains we reached Bharwa Katal and walked down to the village.
Trudging along the path , Mayank, the practitioner from SARG supporting organic farming in the village explained the various activities undertaken by the villagers. They showed me the compost pit designed with features which enabled multi-purpose support from making vermi compost, liquid compost etc which was long lasting and economical.
The potato plants, the wheat , the vegetables plants were lush green and soothing to the eyes.
Walking through the fields we reached the community centre where a group of women waited for intecating with us.
Sunita Negi , a villager and member of the PKVY team of SARG village committee was an epitome of confidence and joy. She was extremely forthcoming in sharing her views that initially they were very unsure and unhappy about adapting to organic farming. It was only due to the persistence and support from SARG they understood the value of organic farming. They were also happy to receive training from HESCO, Himalayan Environmental Studies and Conservation Organization through Department of Science and Technology under the Development of Integrated Model Village in Uttarakhand. They were now fully satisfied that they had switched over to organic farming as it had improved their own health. The village had eighteen houses, all of whom had adapted organic farming techniques and were very happy. Other ladies Sulochana Negi, Seema, Chamni and Sunita seconded her views.
Sunita Negi was particularly vocal about the efforts being made by the government to improve life in the villages. She was particularly joyful about the facilities for voting given to women voters. The support from JICA was also acknowledged. A young girl Sunita had taken to stitching and was earning well due to her skills in stitching.
As with women in MSRLM , I had an interaction with them on various schemes of financial inclusion like the PMBSY, PMJJY, APY etc and told them about the importance of insurance and other government schemes. The women and the community were getting support of Agriculture and other departments. They had even set up a poly house with the support of Agriculture Department.
SARG had also set up a weekly organic market on wednesdays at Dehradun where it was possible for producers to come and market their organic produce. The women of Bharwa Katal had been going there to sell their vegetables and produce. Looking at the variety of mouthwatering pickles, Ms Binita offered to have a table set up to sell pickles also.
The weekly organic market also had a organic cafe as well as a stage for performances.
There was nothing different between the women of Bharwa Katal and Maharashtra. Both were raring to go. The women in the hills had a tougher life maybe braving the cold.
Maharashtra had it's own issues with vagaries in nature. Yet what came through was the contentment, the desire of the women to have a goal and achieve it.
In Maharashtra or elsewhere , women had become an inseparable part of the economy especially in agriculture. Mainstreaming them into the whole gamut of Agriculture giving them specific rights including the right to ownernship of lands was one way forward. Involving them in organic farming , leading them to a healthy life was another way.
Lord Buddha has rightly said, " To keep the body in good health is a duty... otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear." What could be a better way to health than eating organic or residue -free food?
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