Nari Adalat

 Redefining Social Justice through Women Empowerment

by Madhurima Mallik

Not very long ago, our cook Rekha used to come accompanied by a shy, pretty teenage girl, her niece Kajal. While helping her aunt with the kitchen chores she would take an occasional peep at the television, evidently enamoured by the shiny sari clad bejeweled protagonists of our daily soaps. It wasn't hard to tell that she harboured sweet dreams of marital bliss, of escape from the rigours of the monotonous domestic work she part took in.  One day, Rekha broke the news of Kajal's grand wedding to us. She couldn't stop singing paeans of the doting husband Kajal had found for herself.

Less than two months later, grim-faced, she asked my mother for a day off saying that she had to pay a visit to Kajal's in-laws. She brought the girl back home. Kajal had been subjected to acute physical and mental torture for dowry.

Our history is replete with incidents where women have suffered in silence. Sadly, such stories have never made the headlines and have been easily forgotten after evoking momentary sympathy.

In modern times while laws have striven for an egalitarian society, gender equality remains difficult to achieve. This might be contested, by stating that more and more women are standing up for their rights. But such cases are rare restricted only to the educated.

However, while sifting through documents for scripting an advertisement, I came across a news story on Nari Adalats and how their remarkable success in Gujarat is being lauded nationwide. As I read on I realized that Gujarat is leading the nation in women's emancipation too. It has been continuously taking proactive steps to ensure social and legal justice for women throughout the state.

Modeled on the Lok Adalat concept, Nari Adalats are block level autonomous tribunals of women operated by them for addressing their grievances. These bodies are supported by Mahila Samakhyas of each district. 42 of them have been sanctioned throughout the state with the oldest ones in Vadodara district which started in 1995.

Eager to witness the process of law reaching out to a common woman, I met the District Project Co-ordinator, Parulben Pandya, of the Mahila Samakya in Vadodara district. She told me, “Earlier, the Mahila Samakyas had representatives (CRPs- Cluster Resource Persons) visiting each village interacting with the women and discussing their problems. They motivated 5 women from each village to form a sangh and these sanghs from all the villages in a block came together to form a federation which started conducting the Nari Adalats. The sangh members were given three months of legal training towards this.” 

Loaded with this much information and accompanied by a CRP (Ketalben) and a camera person, I reached the Waghodia Taluka Panchayat, to attend its weekly 12 to 4 Nari Adalat hearing. On the first floor of the old building, huddled together in a circle were around 30 women of all age groups including 2 infants. Sighting the familiar Ketalben the group erupted into cheerful cries of greeting and queries about the new person, that being me. A register was quickly pulled out to record my attendance and other necessary details. A loud and confident voice asked me for an introduction assuring they would let me participate in the proceedings which would follow later. 

The first case was a fresh one I was told. A young girl with a wailing infant stepped in.  Rashmi, was a Rajput girl from Jambuwada. She was married early because of an ailing mother and financial troubles. Soon after the wedding her husband started threatening to kill her. He sold her stree-dhan(belongings she had brought with her from her parental house) and has been absconding for three days with their one year old daughter. The adalat members comforted the weeping Rashmi and decided to issue a notice to her husband. I was curious about what would happen if he chose to ignore it. “Some of us will go to his house and ask him to appear at the Adalat. If he still refuses the police will co-ordinate with us. ” was the united reply. In any case if the second party refuses to respond after repeated reminders, some members of the Adalat go with policemen from the local thana to make sure that both the parties are heard. Accordingly, they arrive at a consensus, I was informed.

The second case was, to my surprise an appeal by a man Mukeshbhai, for child custody. The seemingly flustered man showed pictures of his four year old daughter in his wallet. He said his ex-wife was refusing to let him meet his daughter for the last 7 months. They had got a divorce on the condition that the mother would let the father meet his child every two months, failing which the custody could be contested. The Adalat members listened with rapt attention almost sympathizing with the man's story. Suddenly, one of them sitting close to the petitioner pointed out, “Are you sure you can take care of a 4 year old with your meager income?” The enraged man went on the defensive, now hurling abuses at the estranged wife and saying, “What I do with my child is my business alone, I do not want to educate her beyond primary school as she would follow in her mother's footsteps. I would make her look after my aging parents; you just get me my daughter.” I shifted at my spot feeling uncomfortable with the tension in the air. To my utter delight, far from being intimidated, the women around me did not as much as flinch. Their composure was comforting. They simply said, “Start an account for your daughter with the federation and deposit a monthly sum of `1,000, if you agree we take your case further. Your time is up for today.”

By this time I wanted to pay a visit to the police station having spotted it in the same campus before. A couple of members enthusiastically escorted me. At the station the Assistant Sub-Inspector, I.S. Pandav, greeted us warmly. “They have shouldered half of our burden; crime against women has reduced by more than 50% in the locality ever since the behens of Nari Adalats have taken up the onus.” said ASI Pandav, full of admiration for these gritty women.

Back at the adalat, the members had by then, successfully counseled a couple into reconciliation. I asked if they would keep a tab and check if the matter was fully resolved. They told me each case was allotted a follow-up period of two years and the members personally went and checked if all was well. I further asked what if that was not the case and the matter had worsened in the meantime.  “We are not here to give out punishments. If a matter needs more than discussion and counseling, we hand it over to the court of law” I was told. The best part is that the contesting parties pay a nominal amount of `251 (only if they can afford to), while filing a case and that is all they have to pay. This money goes to the Nari Adalat fund and is used to sponsor the trips the members need during follow-ups.

All this while I was so engrossed in the proceedings, I did not feel time pass by. Amidst hugs, farewell and invites to visit again, I left the building premises overwhelmed by this simple mechanism of empowerment. A striking example of the innate ability of women to manage kitchen to court with equal élan, I pondered. Watching these champions of social equality, I was confident that justice could finally be brought to Kajal.

In Conversation with Jay Vasavada

On Gujarat and Youth

The youth of this country have to let go of the past, take on the challenges of the present and envision a better future” said  Jay Vasavada, a leading Gujarati writer, on the ideal outlook for young people. Known for his fresh writing style and public speaking skills, Jay Vasavada has authored articles on many subjects such as culture, science, literature, politics, spirituality, religion, cinema, education, economy, motivation, environment, philosophy, management, relationships, etc. The former management lecturer has also authored several books and there probably isn't any subject which Mr. Vasavda hasn't touched upon. He is however best known for his highly researched articles on literature and his insightful cinema reviews. He is also a wonderful orator and has anchored several television shows like “Priya Gujarati”, “Samvad” and “Ashwad”. He trains people in public speaking and his motivational lectures are hugely popular among Gujarati youths. Mr. Vasavda plays such a crucial role in generating public opinion that in 2010, he was honoured by Government of Gujarat on Independence Day for his outstanding contribution to the field of writing. 

Tell us about how your journey begun in the field of writing.

Well, my story begins at the age of 19. I had participated in an essay writing competition organised by a leading newspaper and managed to secure the first place in the event. This encouraged me to meet the resident editor of the paper. During our conversation, the editor asked me what my father did for a living. I replied that he was a Professor of Gujarati Language. As soon as the editor heard it, he said that it was obvious that I won the event because my father was a Gujarati professor. This infuriated me as I wasn't given enough credit, and so I proposed a challenge. I told him that he could give me any topic and I would write about it.  He asked me to write an article on Nehru, which I did. He liked it and published it in the next day's edition. I soon began writing regularly for local editions. The editor of the daily liked my work and offered me a regular column in the paper. 

Instead of traditional schooling your primary education happened at home. What do you think are the benefits of such unconventional education?
Usually, the best years of childhood are destroyed in school and curriculum. It does not leave space for creativity. My education was never 'information-oriented' but 'knowledge-oriented'.

 My parents gave huge importance to practical knowledge. For instance, I was personally shown an actual steam engine before the engine's principle was introduced to me. 

Education is your favourite area of interest. What are your views on the state of contemporary education?
We must accept that there are some problems in our education system. It is a matter of genuine concern; though we receive education, we still perform poorly in values and ethics. Education should be all-encompassing. Practical approach to learning must be encouraged. Peer-pressure and competitiveness are the nemeses of our education system today. Many youth commit suicide due to these issues. They throw the gift of education away without even opening the cover!

Why your articles and books are mainly focused on youth?
The choice is not intentional. I love the younger generation because it is more transparent and intelligent.  Also, my interests are similar to that of the  younger generation. Cinema, science, sports, travel, fiction and romance  are subjects which interest me. I candidly express my thoughts, feelings, ideas through my articles and lectures, and the young love it, because they could relate to it.

You have been motivating people for years. What motivates you?
My source of motivation lies in my upbringing. My parents raised me unconventionally. I was given the freedom to make mistakes which taught me a lot. Literature and cinema have remained important sources of inspiration for me. The real legacy of India is in knowledge of science, ethics and arts - a combination that propels life. I believe that inspiration works as an igniting force in life, but if there is no spark within you, then it will not create any effect. Thinking is a continuous and ever changing process. It is necessary to constantly re-educate the mind.

What is your take on Gujarati literature?
Affection for literature has always been a part of Gujarati culture and the young generation too is fond of reading. We have many great pieces of literature which are comparable to prominent international works. Well-known literary personalities like Javerchand Meghani, K.M.Munshi, Chandrakant Bakshi, Pannalal Patel, Ramesh Parekh and many more have given their valuable contribution to Gujarati literature. But we have to make some reforms in contemporary literature. Authors today tend to become Upadeshaks. There are no new faces in Gujarati literature.  New talent is not allowed to bloom.  It is important to note that an author with a rural background can also produce good literature. Our authors need to refine themselves. 

What is your opinion of the Modern Gujarat?

If we evaluate the leadership and governance of Gujarat, the state has made great progress in the past ten years. Last two elections were won with the agenda of development in the backdrop. Such an agenda is ultimately beneficial to the people. The government and the administration work together in Gujarat, thereby ensuring progress. 

Vibrant Gujarat, an event organised by the state presents the modern face of Gujarat to the world. Programs like Vanche Gujarat inspire people to do positive things. I am assured that Gujarat has a bright future.

You have been felicitated by the Gujarat government for your contribution to the field of writing. Share your experience with us.

It is really a matter of pride to get such respect and recognition from your own state.  I was also invited to USA in 2010 for the Swarnim Gujarat event. It was an interesting and delightful experience.

Mata ni Pachedi - Gujarat's Sacred Fabric Tradition

    Art has always been indebted to religion for inspiration. Be it sculptors, painters, musicians or playwrights; all have toyed with religious ideas and themes in their forms of artistic expression. Abraham Lincoln had said “The highest art is always the most religious, and the greatest artist is always a devout person.” I came to face this truth in an obscure dingy lane of Ahmedabad.

  

Walking through, flashes of red, white and black with the overwhelming image of a female goddess, past a vivid graffiti on a mud canvas we reached the humble dwelling of Manubhai Chunilal Chitara -- winner of the 2004 National Award for craftsmanship. Manubhai is a member of one of the few Devi Pujak families which continue to breathe life into a dying art form. Inside his little workshop a bed-sheet was being block-printed with the similar patterns of red and white that we encountered earlier.

“We also reproduce the traditional maroon-black and white patterns of Mata-ni-Pachedi using the block-printing technique to cut cost”, he said nonchalantly spreading out a rectangular piece of fabric; our first sample of the iconic textile tradition of Gujarat.

     With celestial motifs of the sun and moon at its corners, which are “indicative of continuity”, the cloth depicted a multi-coloured, hand-painted animated figure of the Goddess Shakti, the female facet of the divine. 

Aptly called “Eye barfi” by a colleague, this sacred textile was a spectacular display of natural colours and stunning refinement. The exquisite piece of narrative art was finely detailed with leaves and flowers. “Conventionally, the goddess is placed at the centre of the pachedi within a wide monochrome border (colloquially lassa patti). The themes are enthused by episodes from epics on the Goddess.” informed Manu Bhai. 

“The chadarvo or pachedi is offered as a token of gratitude to the Goddess for answered prayers. Devotees from villages pour in to buy the pachedis during Navratri and after the harvesting season”, we were told by Sanjaybhai Chitara, Manubhai’s son, who was also awarded a National Award in 2000. 

              Mata ni Pachedi dates back to almost 300 years. It was a rendering of veneration by the once nomadic Waghri community, now the Devi Pujaks, for the Goddess. They had a functional purpose as they were used to erect temporary shrines.

 

The modern day manifestations of the art have colors other than the traditional maroon-black and white, as with passing time these pieces have surpassed their religious and functional purpose turning into priced acquisition for art connoisseurs. These modern variations also give space for artistic freedom, as the artists can experiment with different icons and their placement. Like, we were shown a pachedi which was a colorful artist’s interpretation of the tree of life. Purists may ridicule this development but probably it was mandatory for Manubhai and his extended family, who have taken up the mantle to retract the art that has been passed on to them as heirloom, from the brink of extinction. They exhibit their jewels at two annual fairs; Surajkund Mela in Faridabad and the Delhi Haat December fair. “We also conduct workshops for NID and NIFT students” said Sanjay bhai who told us that they have diversified into silk scarves and sarees. “We want our legacy to live and thus have modified our art over time to make its presence widely known.” he said. Under the expert mentorship of five national award-winning craftsmen in the family the toddlers are also fast picking up the craft. The scrolls are also bought as wall pieces which sell at prices fixed according to the size and the intricacy of the hand-work. “A particular piece was auctioned at Rs.4 lakh”, we were told.

 

       Mata-ni-Pachedi adorns various national and international museums. Recently, the state government placed the highest order in monetary terms, with these swindling craftsmen in a bid to give this sacred vernacular art a much-deserved impetus.  The pachedi that was made adorns the walls of the State Legislative Assembly in Gandhinagar.

Pleased with my purchase of a beautiful scarf and two traditional table-spread sized scrolls, I walked out wondering how accurately it was said that art is collaboration between God and the artist. Manubhai ascertained this divine intervention when he said, “Our forefathers have been painting and I have followed with no formal training. When I sit to paint I am guided.”

Toy and Furniture making gives power to Women

Introduction: One of the powerful approaches to women empowerment and rural entrepreneurship is the formation of Self Help Groups (SHGs). This strategy has fetched noticeable results not only in India and Bangladesh but world over. SHGs are self-governed, with decisions about production and marketing taken collectively, although the group leader is responsible for identifying potential marketing centers and consumers. Informal groups empower rural women to manage rural industries and make decisions collectively for their common economic interests. The success rate of SHG women entrepreneur‟s is enhanced through proper training programs. This success story throws light on how effective training and regular follow up have impact on the life of Shree Sadguru Sakhi Mandal (SHG) of Sukhesh village of Pardi block of Valsad district of Gujarat.

Formation of SHG: Shree Sadguru Sakhi Mandal (SHG) was formed on 9th November, 2010 at Devji Faliya, Sukhesh with ten women members. Ten members belonged to ST caste. Seven members had some education ranging between 5^th and 9^th class and three member studied till first year of graduation course.

In the beginning, members started saving with Rupees One hundred per month per person. Group undergone training on regular savings and credit, book keeping and importance of formation of SHG.  Soon group started meeting regularly and initiated internal lending which helped them to become supportive to their family. After six months, group had a savings of Rupees Six thousand and also cleared the grading by bank. DRDA further provided revolving fund of Rupees Five thousand

Initiation of Income Generation Activity: After continuous savings and regular meetings among the members, group decided to start some kind of entrepreneur activity to earn money to support their family.  Group on its own had taken an initiative to start an entreprenueal activity on part time basis of “toy and furniture making”. However group was unable market the produce because of poor finishing.

Naynaben Rameshbhai Rohit – the leader was of belief to attain the success in the entrepreneur activity, training on production and marketing activity will play an important role. Group together demanded the training on toy and furniture making. Soon after the training, the SHGs started attracting business with its unique design and professionalism. Group started purchases designer magazine to understand the trend in the market. They also visited various exhibitions at the district and state level. To expand the business and increased business need, bank provided cash credit facility of Rs. one lakh under Mission Mangalam in the year 2012.

Presently, group is equipped to undertake big orders and demand a premium for its unique designed product. The group started distribution of their products in major markets which includes Vapi and Surat market. The defective products are sold in local haat. Furniture is mainly supplied based on orders specific to the client’s needs. Showrooms have also started placing orders in recent times.

Impact: The manufacturing of furniture has certainly contributed to some addition to their household income in the sense that they could get gainful employment without moving from their village. Group has a turnover of Rupees three lakhs /month from furniture activity alone which is a part time activity of women members. The group become sustainable through this entrepreneur activity which uplifted their economic and social standard of living. It has also increased the self-confidence of members and boosted their self-esteem to some extent. They could now interact with the strangers, meet the officials to get the orders and market their products with much ease. They could now proudly proclaim themselves as small entrepreneurs who could succeeded in their collective venture and stand as a model to other rural women interested to pursue such activities.

Success Factors: The success factors behind this collective venture include right aptitude for the task, adequate training, guidance to purchase the necessary equipment and raw material, provision of credit, encouragement of the officials, and sound leadership. Above all, the group cohesiveness and solidarity and their self-management skills contributed to the success of this group activity.

Temple waste becomes a catalyst for entrepreneurial activity

Becharaji or Bahucharaji (Gujarati: બેચરાજી કે બહુચરાજી) is a small town and taluka place in Mehsana district.  It is situated in northern part of Gujarat. It is a very popular religious place of Hindu religion. The livelihood of this area is depend upon contract labor and small scale business because Becharaji taluka has less fertile soil and the soil is saline and semi-black. So agriculture and animal husbandry is not chief livelihood activity for Becharaji like other blocks of Mehsana District.

649 Self Help Groups have been formed in Becharaji Block. They are with credit linkage of 421.77 lakhs. The SHG women initiated to use their sanctioned credit in Repaying Debt, School/College Education fees, Social events and small scale scattered business. But there was not any group activity started in Becharaji for livelihood creation.

The Temple of Bahucharaji Mata is located in mid Becharaji town. Thousands of followers are visiting the temple daily. They are worshiping Bahucharaji Mata with offering Coconut, flowers, flags, saries etc., which converts into waste after worship and temple trust was having serious concern of its daily disposal. Temple authority and District authority including District Development Officer, Director DRDA, Prant Officer, Mission Mangalam staff, Training provider organization sat together and designed sustainable livelihood activity for SHG women and proper dispose of temple waste.

2 Months ago, 80 women oriented to initiate small scale entrepreneurial business and they have been committed to provide all kind of assistance from MISSION MANGALAM machineries to take a stand. The following actions have been taken to create SHG Entrepreneurial Unit “Best from Waste”:

·        2 or 3 orientation meetings conducted with 80 SHG women.

·   One Exposure visit conducted of Nandanvan Trainer Organization to check the project potential and implementation strategy.

·         70 SHG women have been groomed with 10 days training facilitated by RSETI.

·    NANDANVAN Organization has been appointed to provide training and further initial market linkage.

·        The SHG women learnt wide range of articles such as Ganeshji’s statue, Zumar, wall pieces, etc from coconut coir and coconut.

·        The women initiated to make statue of Ganeshji in different sizes from 3 inches to 10 feet. 50 women enthusiastically engaged in this activity.

·        Master Trainer Group of 15 women have been developed for sustainable future and growth of the project.

·        We premise to uniform these SHG women in Federation.

·       Under joint efforts of SGSY Gram Haat fund and Becharaji Temple Trust, 2 shops in “Bala Bechar Complex” have been allocated to SHGs as marketing unit.    

·        This SHG unit started to get big orders of Ganeshji’s statues not only locally but also from the other districts.

SHG women started to earn healthy (minimum Rs. 100/- to Rs. 150/- per day initially and more depend upon their capacity) at their doorsteps.