Success Story

Mahesh Galia, one of the Samaj Shilpis from Gallia village has been instrumental in starting a rural library, The Ramgarh Farmers Federation, a youth group for cultural activities, a Village Education Committee to improve schools and a Mahila Mangal Dal. A Gramkosh (Fund for Village development) has been formed by contributions, rental from temple properties and other services. He has also become a farming expert in Ramgarh block of district Nainital. As an expert and researcher, Mahesh has developed Richa red variety of apple that has become very popular. On the basis of his nursery and technical expertise, Mahesh is economically self-sufficient. He has trained 12 youths with him. Thus this team can continue community development work without any outside support
 

To develop, train and support a cadre of indigenous social workers (Samaj Shilpis) as catalysts for rural transformation

The role of Samaj Shilpis
- To organize people, strengthen local institutions like the Panchayats, Mahila Mangal Dals, Van Panchayats, etc.
- Disseminate useful information on different development schemes and other livelihood issues.
- To help villagers to establish linkages with different government. and voluntary institutions and research establishments.
- To motivate villagers for self help by forming self help groups, Gramkosh etc. and start developmental activities with or without any outside support.
- To work as a pressure group on different departments and raise the local social issues.

Total support: $ 6000

IFA visits:
November, 2003
RIM President, Dr. Sudarshan spoke to IFA members in 2002

Contact Person:
Dr. Sudarshan, President
sidhunaik@eth.net
Puran Barthwal (PSI)
psiddoon@sancharnet.in