We are always been
caught in our own daily life demanding for our internal growth and finding new
ways to live a comfortable life.
But finally I got an opportunity to come out of my nut shell and experience the life of villagers.
Sirasu a small
isolated village situated in the foothills of Himalayas with a population of
approx. 1500 people.
We started our
journey from Bharat Bhoomi Guest House at Rishikesh and took an hour to reach.
This village was located half way up the hill bordering the Ganga and is
accessible on foot after crossing the great river. We took a raw boat ride and
then walked 500 mtrs ahead uphill. The road was however uneven and full of ruts
but all of us was tuned in Garwali songs with full enthusiasm that we finally
reached our destination. Everything was so beautiful, air was cool and sun was
sparkling and shimmering in river water. Everything was green around me with so
much of freshness.
As we entered the
village we started calling people roaring our voice “Aao Aao Naatak Dekho…
Naatak Dekho…” The motive behind was to gather as many people as possible, share
dialogue, happiness, be with them,
understand them, exchange our thoughts and aware them about their rights,.
I was
astonished by seeing the attitude of villagers. They were so friendly, wearing
a broad smile on their face. Even a 60 year old granny was looking half an age
because of her everlasting smile. I felt so positive and encouraged with each
ones gesture.
Later
they took us for a walk, showing the village around, from huge fields to their
small houses, buffalos, cats and other pets…. They live in small houses, mostly
were kaccha houses. These houses have low roof, one door and no windows which serve
two rooms and one kitchen.
The
village is inhabited by farmer’s hard work, fighting for the basic needs by
planting organic farms, building guest houses, restroom, hotels, etc...These
men and women are the models of industry.
I have the privilege at
the moment of being part of a virtual conversation focusing on growth,
leadership and emergence in the context of change in communities. For
betterment of society everything that begins is with network, I went there to
experience their life but after knowing there difficulties I intentionally
shifted my interest for their welfare and that is how our discussion began.
They told us about the problems like how difficult is it for them to travel
from one place to another, specially at the times of medical emergency it is
just impossible to take someone at the doctor. Also women shared their concern
about not using sanitary just because they are too expensive for them.
Everything is built
on relationship. Keeping that in mind we started interacting with oneness of
mind solving their problems, coming up with alternative solutions, delivering
them about voting rights, women sanitization, Aasha workers, Janani Shishu
Suraksha Yojna, etc… in a form of nukadh natak which was enjoyed by everyone.
We assume that Villagers of Sirasu will try to implement the points for their
own betterment.
After the end of session they invited
us for a wedding that was happening the very same day in village. We started
dancing with them… ate sweets… Atlast it was time to say goodbye.Spending one day with them
was not sufficient, but at the same time it was valuable too. We were
able to treasure every heart
“We should act locally, connect regionally and
learn globally.”
