My School, E-School

By: Sudarshan Ramabadran

In order to curb drop out ratio and get to the root of identifying the reasons for student’s prolonged absence from schools, the Kutch primary education department has launched an initiative - My School, E-School.

The initiative which is into its third year running has contributed to principals having direct access to track the attendance details of their respective students and teachers. The project as a pilot was implemented 3 years back in Kidana girl’s primary school in Gandhidham taluka in Kutch. The school has a strength of 459 children and the school authorities feel that by keeping tab on the attendance of children on a regular basis has helped them identify dropouts.

“Students from families living below poverty line come here to study and it has taken immense efforts to go out to their houses and convince them of the benefits of education during the annual Shalapraveshotsav conducted by the Gujarat government. So now that we have the enrolment, it was our duty to contribute to retention as well.”, said Dilip Patel, Principal of the school.

My School, E-School

The modus operandi involved in ‘My School, E-School’ is quite simple, teachers are requested to fill in the attendance in a given format soon after they have taken the attendance in class manually. This process Dilip believed contributed to teachers as well as the principal to be in the know of the attendance of their class and in specific their own students.

“It is the responsibility of the respective class teacher to feed in their ensures we monitor the attendance of teachers as well. Once we have got the attendance details for a week, we check those students who have been regular absentees and manage to find out the reason with the help of their respective class teachers.”, explained Dilip Patel.

If on noticing cases where students have been regularly absent, the teachers reach out to the parents of the children as they have struck a rapport with them through Shala Praveshotsav.

“Recently we did have three students who did not come to school for more than 3 months, we reached out to their parents and convinced them how essential it is for their children to attend school. Since they were already aware of us as a result of Shalapraveshotsav, things were a lot easier. That is undoubtedly one of the advantages of this system that we immediately reach out to their parents if in case of prolonged absence from school as we are tracking day in day out.”, said Mansi Patel, a computer teacher in the school.

Neha Jane, an English teacher in the school said that they catch hold of at least 4-5 cases in a month, where teachers go and interact with their parents and persuade them to ensure children don’t miss regular school. A log in access is provided only to the principals as he or she can regularly monitor what the teachers are feeding in. Having obtained training to operate the software of ‘My school, e-school’ from the Kutch district primary education authorities, Dilip Patel has taken the responsibility to train all his teachers in the school.

“Teachers who have a hang of operating computers and are comfortable doing so lend their hand in training others.”, said Dilip.

Online Portal of My School, E-School

Dilip also explained that another interesting aspect of ‘My School, E-School’ is the fact that it also provides for infrastructure and other administrative details of the schools to be fed in. “I think it is one of the best ways to keep a record of what facilities the school has. It also provides the authorities with the knowledge of what is lacking in the school. For example, we may see that my school has an R.O. ( Reverse Osmosis ) plant, through this we can check if that particular plant is operational or no. The authorities will also be able to check if there are sufficient toilets in the school. All this is just made possible with the click of the mouse.”, he said.

Speaking about seeing visible results, Dilip Patel said that as a result of having an effective system like this school authorities are noticing reduction in drop out ratio. ‘My School, E-School’ has been implemented in 124 primary schools in Kutch by the district primary education authorities in partnership with corporate organisations like Adani, Wellspun and Care India who are willing to come forward and support the cause through their corporate social responsibility.

This article originally features in the book 'Good Governance : People's Voice which has been published by the Commissionerate of Information.

Clean Ambaji, Green Ambaji

 By: Sudarshan Ramabadran

Armed with the vision of Clean Ambaji, Green Ambaji; women of the Payal and Jay Ambe- Sakhi Mandal (self-help group) from below poverty line families are leading from the front in the form of change makers to contribute to an environmentally friendly Ambaji in Banaskantha.

Recognising the need to be sensitive towards the environment and laying emphasis on both solid and liquid waste management. The women have set out on an ardous task to collect waste from houses in over 7 colonies in the temple town of Ambaji.

Thanks to the efforts of these women, stray cattle, roads littered with garbage and overflowing gutters are soon becoming a past in Ambaji.

Payal & Jay Ambe Sakhi Mandal members collecting waste

Guided by Mission Mangalam, women of the Payal and Jay Ambe Sakhi Mandal have been brought together to form the Solid and Liquid waste management unit. In addition to collecting waste from the colonies, the women also gather and segregate waste from the Ambaji temple and the main market in the town.

Payal & Jay Ambe Sakhi Mandal members collecting waste from Ambaji temple and main market

“500 shops in the market have been given two dust bins, one in red and the other in green. We have explained to them that they ought to throw solid waste into the red one and the liquid waste into the green one.” said Bharti Chauhan a member of the group.

For most of the members of the group, this opportunity has come has a blessing in disguise. The opportunity has helped them get rid of uncertain times and pursue a steady income generating activity.

Earlier the women used to work in local Dharamsalas (rest houses) with undefined daily wages. Mission Mangalam has not only managed to bring them together for a purposeful objective but has succeeded in easing out their doubts by having a meaningful dialogue, helping them understand the importance of the activity.

“Prior to this, I was used to doing menial labour work with irregular payments. Sometimes if I had worked in 5 houses a day, I would get paid better. This also prompted me to be heavily dependent on my son for money. After having this dialogue with Mission Mangalam, we felt pursuing this will help us become independent and also contribute to the society at large.”, said Mangu Raval, a member of the project.

Creating awareness about Red and Green dustbins

Relentless hard work is visible as the women spend 8 hours a day in gathering and segregating solid, liquid waste and are earning Rs. 4,500 per month as a source of their livelihood.

Apart from earning, empowerment in their eyes is discernible. The women today are aware and are able to ascertain the cost per waste disposed. “If solid waste of one kilo gram is thrown outside a residence, then it can be worth Rs. 8. It depends on the quantity. This has taught us sensitivity towards managing waste.”, said Sharada Raval, another member of the group.

For some the experience has contributed to them coming out of their comfort zone to segregate waste and pursue this form of activity.

“Definitely, when I started I used to feel nauseatic on seeing waste, but with time I noticed, women like me are working hard to achieve an objective. I only felt inspired and was determined to give it my best.”, said Shanti Raval, a member of the group.

The women have also started reaching out to others in the nearby towns and villages to be part of the initiative. Manjula Rathod is an example, who travels 20 kilometres from Danta to be part of the project. “I was keen on what was being done, so I decided to come and see what these women were up to. Their hard work inspired me and I felt I could do this with them too.”, said Manjula.

Payal & Jay Ambe Sakhi Mandal members have made waste management a profitable business model

As India progresses on the path of development in this new age of resource scarcity and increasing population pressure leading to increased waste generation, the issue of waste management assumes critical importance. These women have importantly shown waste is gold and that proper waste management makes perfect business sense.

This article originally features in the book 'Good Governance : People's Voice which has been published by the Commissionerate of Information.

Innovative bracelets earn group a whopping order!

By: Sudarshan Ramabadran

Little did the Siddheshwari Sakhi Mandal (self-help group) in Patan realise that their talent will be recognised and put to optimum use. The group known for making handbracelets struck gold after bagging an order of delivering 10 lakh bracelets to the Swami Narayan Temple in Baroda by 2015 after participating in the Baroda’s Saras Mela (fair).

Much deserved are the women in the group who belong to the Parmar community (SC). Societal oppression from the upper class was a regular feature for them to deal with.

Having put in intense hours of labour work in agriculture, the group decided to move on by decisively stepping into making bracelets, japa mala (accessory used for chanting), and other accessories. They were ably trained by Manjula Vaghela, a member of the group. She brought together people who were genuinely interested to learn and formed the sakhi mandal.

Siddheshwari Sakhi Mandal members put considerable time in agriculture

“We set out to train and it took us nearly 6 months to gain confidence that we can indeed deliver the goods by making these accessories such as bracelets etc.”, explained Manjula

Having gained in confidence and with Mission Mangalam showing faith in their abilities by providing them with necessary market linkages, the group began to set up stalls in Patan district bus stand to showcase their skills. They even went to the extent of visiting nearby temples and setting up stalls.

“Yes there is travel, but we have learnt that this is part and parcel of managing your own livelihood, so we do not shy away from showcasing our products anywhere.” said Aruna Makwana another member of the group.

Mission Mangalam ensured that the group participates in the Saras melas across Gujarat, so that others can witness their talent.

“During the Saras Mela in Baroda, we had members from the Swami Narayan Temple come over and look out our work. They were impressed with our bracelets and have placed an order of 10 lakh such bracelets to be delivered to them before 2015.”, said Manjula with a beaming smile on her face.

The group on an average sells for Rs. 10,000 every month and during festive occasions such as Diwali and Shravan months; they sell close to Rs. 25,000 per month. All the members of the group earn a steady Rs. 3,000 per month to sustain their livelihood and have managed to balance their household work and profession.

Siddheshwari Sakhi Mandal members making bracelets and other accessories

“We give two-three hours soon after we have completed our household work in making these accessories. We have the support of our family.”, said Lakshmi Vaghela, another member of the group.

The group procures its raw materials from Ahmedabad and Manjula’s husband offers his support to the group by shuttling to and fro Ahmedabad to get them the required materials. Women in the group are happy that this mode of livelihood generation has given them an opportunity to work from home.

“It is convenient for us, as we can pursue this right from our houses.”, said Champa Vaghela, another member of the group.

Siddheshwari Sakhi Mandal is indeed an example of how Mission Mangalam has provided the group with successful and innovative marketing platforms for their produced materials.

In sync with one of Mission Mangalam’s core objectives, the group is also provided with opportunities to participate at various fairs at district and state level to showcase their products.

This article originally features in the book 'Good Governance : People's Voice which has been published by the Commissionerate of Information.

Bhavda walks the path of change

By: Sudarshan Ramabadran

Poor sanitation, immense scarcity of water and most importantly oppression from the society; this is exactly what an extremely backward Bhavda village in Ahmedabad district was known for.

With the advent of time self-belief and significant change in mind set has resulted in the village taking rapid strides to walk the path of change.

Bhavda houses 750 people belonging to the Other Backward Caste (OBC) and Schedule Caste(SC) communities. A tail end village, women had to walk 8 times a day covering 8 kilometres up and down per time to fetch their share of water. The walk was filled with strain and uncertainty as the women folk did not know if they would get water, as a result of the oppression they had to face coming from a backward community.

Bhavda women travel 8 km to fetch water 

“We used to be really unsure; sometimes we had to walk in the day and sometimes in the night. There was no respect for us, fights were a regular feature. All that which was on our mind was we had to ensure our children get water, our family gets water. Therefore we must walk.”, said Kasi Jamvat, now an Anganwadi worker in the village.

Just when things were looking miserable, Bhavda got its act together and decisively embarked upon the goal of ensuring water to every house.

Devanji, a resident in the village says the move was welcomed with a lot of resistance. “People were just not ready to change. It required a change in the mind set to believe that our village can get uninterrupted water.”, he said.

The Sector Reform Scheme (SRS) meant 10% of the contribution had to come from the village. Thus, it took 3 years for the village folks to understand how essential it was. This is where the dialogue between WASMO and the village helped people to know how managing your own water supply can benefit the community at large.

Dialogue between WASMO officials and villagers 

“The field workers of WASMO never gave up. They used to visit every house and understand the problems we faced. Sometimes they were welcomed, sometimes they were not, but this did not stop them from giving Bhavda a ray of hope to manage its own water requirements.”, added Meruji another resident of the village.

Youth in the village began to play an active role in making the people aware of how essential it was to have their own water resources and the responsibility which came with it.

Jan Bhagidari (people’s participation) was evident as things began to fall in place. The principal of the primary school in the village led from the front and donated for the cause as part of the village contribution to the scheme. As a result the Gram Panchayat and its Pani Samiti decided to implement the SRS.

Plan of Water supply line in Bhavda

Water Tank in Bhavda

Bhavda installed a tube well, a water tank with 50000 litres water supply, and a 1050 metres water supply line which ensured water reached every house. 

The transformation was beginning to show. “Women now engage themselves in embroidery as an income generating activity. Fights have stopped and we are giving ample quality time to our families as well. That is how important water is to us.”, said Kasi.

Youngsters in the village were also taken for exposure visits on how best to maintain what they have in place back home. Now Bhavda not only ensures water for every home, but for all those who are dependent on animal husbandry, water has become sufficient for even their animals as well. “Since installation, we have had no issues. Through this we not only have water at our homes, but have understood to use water judiciously. We have water for our animals as well.”, said a joyous Mohan who is into animal husbandry. 

WASMO leads to societal transformation

Thought tail end by nature, Bhavda is definitely one of the examples where societal transformation is discernible through the works of WASMO and also a case where involvement of the entire village has brought about a paradigm shift through community management of water resources.

This article originally features in the book 'Good Governance : People's Voice which has been published by the Commissionerate of Information

Photocopy - a new way of women emancipation

Introduction:

Women constitute a major segment of the rural society but are often not able to reap adequate benefits of progress due to lack of empowerment. It is being increasingly realized that the goal of poverty eradication cannot be achieved without the full and active participation of the woman in the process of development. Informal groups empower rural women to manage rural industries and make decisions collectively for their common economic interests. With this objective in view, a number of measures have been taken in the recent past, one of them is formation of Om Sai Sakhi Mandal (SHG) and its initiation of income generation activity.

Formation of SHG: Om Sai Sakhi Mandal (SHG) was formed in 2009 at Kalsar with fifteen women members. All members belonged to ST caste. Thirteen members had some education ranging between 1^st and 10^th class and two members studied till HSC.

In the beginning, members started saving with Rupees One hundred per month per person. Later, group underwent training on regular savings and credit, book keeping and importance of formation of SHG.  Soon group started meeting regularly and initiated internal lending. After six months, group had a savings of Rupees Nine thousand and also DRDA provided revolving fund of Rupees Five thousand.

 SHG member operating xerox machine

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 members with support from project staff explored the possibility of initiation of a business of photocopy at the block Panchayat office.

Block Panchayat office needs to travel around 500 meters to get the photocopied done. In a day at least 40 – 50 times peon use to visit the vendor to get the photocopy done, this was resulting a sheer waste of time. Moreover, important documents were misplaced in transit. Vendor also use to charge Rs. 1.5 per copy

In order to have a win – win situation, Block Project staff along with SHG members explored the possibility of having “Xerox Machine vendor in the block office premises. The group (Five members) started photocopy business at Block Panchayat Office.  Availing cash credit facility of Rs. one lakh under Mission Mangalam in the year 2012 generated initial capital required to purchase photocopy machine. Block office provided free space and electricity with a condition of having one photocopy print at Rs. 1.00

Group members had undergone the training on functioning of Photocopier machine. Soon after the training, the SHGs started attracting business with its speed and professionalism. Group started advertisement by handbill distribution into daily newspaper for their outside business. Group also started business of printout, CD writing etc…

Impact: The business of photocopy machine has certainly contributed to some addition to their household income in the sense that they could get gainful employment without moving from one place. Group has a turnover of Rupees three lakhs /year from Xerox activity alone which is a full time activity of women members. Profit is around 35 per cent.

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 service with much ease. They could now proudly proclaim themselves as small entrepreneurs who could succeed 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.

With the success of this model other government departments are willing to adopt the model. Vapi Municipality, Mamlatdar office, Pardi have already initiated the process to adopt the model.

Introduction:

Women constitute a major segment of the rural society but are often not able to reap adequate benefits of progress due to lack of empowerment. It is being increasingly realized that the goal of poverty eradication cannot be achieved without the full and active participation of the woman in the process of development. Informal groups empower rural women to manage rural industries and make decisions collectively for their common economic interests. With this objective in view, a number of measures have been taken in the recent past, one of them is formation of Om Sai Sakhi Mandal (SHG) and its initiation of income generation activity.

Formation of SHG: Om Sai Sakhi Mandal (SHG) was formed in 2009 at Kalsar with fifteen women members. All members belonged to ST caste. Thirteen members had some education ranging between 1^st and 10^th class and two members studied till HSC.

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. After six months, group had a savings of Rupees Nine thousand and also DRDA 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 members with support from project staff explored the possibility of initiation of a business of photo copy at the block Panchayat office.

Block Panchayat office needs to travel around 500 meters to get the photocopied done. In a day at least 40 – 50 times peon use to visit the vendor to get the photocopy done, this was resulting a sheer waste of time. Moreover, important documents were misplaced in transit. Vendor also use to charge Rs. 1.5 per copy

 In order to have a win – win situation, Block Project staff along with SHG members explored the possibility of having “Xerox Machine vendor in the block office premises. The group (Five members) started photocopy business at Block Panchayat Office. Initial capital required to purchase photo copy machine was generated by availing cash credit facility of Rs. one lakh under Mission Mangalam in the year 2012. Block office provided free space and electricity with a condition of having one photo copy print at Rs. 1.00

Group members had undergone the training on functioning of Photocopier machine. Soon after the training, the SHGs started attracting business with its speed and professionalism. Group started advertisement by handbill distribution into daily newspaper for their outside business. Group also started business of printout, CD writing etc…

 Impact: The business of photocopy machine has certainly contributed to some addition to their household income in the sense that they could get gainful employment without moving from one place. Group has a turnover of Rupees three lakhs /year from xerox activity alone which is a full time activity of women members. Profit is around 35 per cent.

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 service with much ease. They could now proudly proclaim themselves as small entrepreneurs who could succeed 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.

With the success of this model other government departments are willing to adopt the model. Vapi Municipality, Mamlatdar office, Pardi have already initiated the process to adopt the model.

Introduction:

Women constitute a major segment of the rural society but are often not able to reap adequate benefits of progress due to lack of empowerment. It is being increasingly realized that the goal of poverty eradication cannot be achieved without the full and active participation of the woman in the process of development. Informal groups empower rural women to manage rural industries and make decisions collectively for their common economic interests. With this objective in view, a number of measures have been taken in the recent past, one of them is formation of Om Sai Sakhi Mandal (SHG) and its initiation of income generation activity.

Formation of SHG: Om Sai Sakhi Mandal (SHG) was formed in 2009 at Kalsar with fifteen women members. All members belonged to ST caste. Thirteen members had some education ranging between 1^st and 10^th class and two members studied till HSC.

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. After six months, group had a savings of Rupees Nine thousand and also DRDA 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 members with support from project staff explored the possibility of initiation of a business of photo copy at the block Panchayat office.

Block Panchayat office needs to travel around 500 meters to get the photocopied done. In a day at least 40 – 50 times peon use to visit the vendor to get the photocopy done, this was resulting a sheer waste of time. Moreover, important documents were misplaced in transit. Vendor also use to charge Rs. 1.5 per copy

 In order to have a win – win situation, Block Project staff along with SHG members explored the possibility of having “Xerox Machine vendor in the block office premises. The group (Five members) started photocopy business at Block Panchayat Office. Initial capital required to purchase photo copy machine was generated by availing cash credit facility of Rs. one lakh under Mission Mangalam in the year 2012. Block office provided free space and electricity with a condition of having one photo copy print at Rs. 1.00

Group members had undergone the training on functioning of Photocopier machine. Soon after the training, the SHGs started attracting business with its speed and professionalism. Group started advertisement by handbill distribution into daily newspaper for their outside business. Group also started business of printout, CD writing etc…

 Impact: The business of photocopy machine has certainly contributed to some addition to their household income in the sense that they could get gainful employment without moving from one place. Group has a turnover of Rupees three lakhs /year from xerox activity alone which is a full time activity of women members. Profit is around 35 per cent.

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 service with much ease. They could now proudly proclaim themselves as small entrepreneurs who could succeed 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.

With the success of this model other government departments are willing to adopt the model. Vapi Municipality, Mamlatdar office, Pardi have already initiated the process to adopt the model.

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.”