Rehabilitation of Rural Communities in India

Dear Change Maker,

The Covid-19 situation is tough, but we in Seva Mandir believe humanity is an overpowering force that can conquer the toughest of scenarios and coldest of hearts. The pandemic has created an unprecedented situation which has impacted every section of the society, but the migrants and small farmer communities had to pay a lot in this crisis. Livelihood loss was not only seen in the urban areas, but the rural areas also suffered its impact. It has created serious implications on the lives and livelihood of the people.

With the lockdown and the new normal suspending all forms of work, most underdeveloped regions in our working area now face penury and deprivation. 

From the start of the Covid-19 lockdown in India, Seva Mandir began relief efforts to support families who were most in need in Udaipur and Rajsamand districts. Seva Mandir’s focus is now on developing and implementing long-term relief for communities and individuals through its livelihood interventions.

Here is a case of how our programme has supported Paru and her family succeeds in dealing with this pandemic situation-

Paru, a middle-aged woman; resides in Paba village in south Rajasthan. She, along with her husband and the family of 6 are solely dependent on traditional farming for leading their lives. Earlier, they were cultivating some seasonal vegetables and crops but were not able to make any income since it would get consumed in the family. In 2019, Paru got associated with our Women’s Empowerment program and cultivated marigold flowers. She earned Rs. 25,000 ($337) in the very first year of her involvement.

During the pandemic in 2020, this money that she made proved to be a vital source to run her household. This year, she has again taken up floriculture and she has already sold flowers worth Rs. 16,000 ($215) till October 2020. Now that she has learned the art of floriculture by undergoing rigorous capacity building trainings under the intervention, she can sustain this earning in the coming years and can look forward to a better future for her children.

She exclaims- “Being traditional farmers for ages, I have never ever earned this much! I have now started dreaming of my children being educated by these earnings and lead a better life.”

Seva Mandir is building the capacity of individuals, families and communities to adapt to the new normal and continue in leading their own development. We are committed to continuing to serve the communities we work with, and we know you will be too.

As per research, when we help someone, our feel-good hormone and brain activity increases. We are impacting society by doing what we are good at. In this way, we lose the feeling of isolation and feel involved in the good cause. We gain confidence with a sense of pride and integrity. Our anger, stress, and anxiousness reduce with this noble work of helping people in need, will stay away.

When you are a part of something bigger, which is about helping underprivileged people, always gives satisfaction. It feels good to be a catalyst in the process of uplifting people and making this society better.

To reiterate our statement where we started – we do believe in humanity and generosity in YOU to carry forward this noble vision of ours to help aiding rural communities during the Covid-19 scenario.

Thank you, and sending our best wishes for yours and your family and friends safety.

Regards

Atul Lekhra and the Seva Mandir team

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