CYSD

Tucked away in the picturesque village of Tendulipadar, amidst the rolling hills of Odisha’s Koraput district, Lachama Karlia emerges as a guiding light for her community. Despite the village’s serene exterior, it grapples with bureaucratic hurdles and a lack of basic amenities. But within this backdrop, Lachama, at just 26 years old, embodies resilience and determination, serving as a catalyst for change.

Driven by a desire to uplift her fellow villagers, Lachama embarked on a mission to navigate the complexities of government schemes, particularly for the most vulnerable members of society. As the first graduate from Tendulipadar, she felt a deep responsibility to ensure that her people were not deprived of the assistance they were entitled to.

With meticulous attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to community welfare, Lachama collaborated with the Panchayat Executive Officer to help eligible villagers access old age and widow pensions. Her proactive approach involved assisting villagers in collecting necessary documents, such as Aadhaar cards, ration cards, and bank passbooks, and submitting them to the Panchayat Office.

Lachama’s impact extends beyond paperwork; it’s about restoring dignity and ensuring no one is left behind. She recounts the plight of widows like Sashi Panasputia, Moti Panasputia, and Rama Mathapadia, who were denied pensions for years due to their lack of awareness about government schemes. Through Lachama’s intervention, these deserving individuals finally received the benefits they were entitled to, bringing tangible relief and empowerment to the community.

Her journey epitomises the transformative power of grassroots activism and the resilience of individuals committed to effecting change. In a village where progress seemed elusive, Lachama’s determination and compassion have ignited a spark of hope, illuminating the path towards a brighter future for Tendulipadar and its inhabitants.

Monalisa Sahoo, a 19-year-old resident of Dhirkuti slum in Bhubaneswar, had aspirations of pursuing higher education after passing her matriculation exams in 2021. However, her plans were put on hold due to her father’s declining health, as he was the family’s sole provider. Despite this setback, an opportunity arose for Monalisa to contribute to her community. She eagerly enrolled in a three-month training program for General Duty Assistance (GDA), overcoming initial struggles with English instructions through determination and even acquiring basic computer skills during the training.

Initially reserved, Monalisa found her confidence when she was introduced as a Paramedic at a community gathering, organised by the Urban Health Project team of CYSD. This moment of self-discovery allowed her to tap into her inner strength and value. She began actively engaging with her community, visiting homes to encourage health monitoring and guide individuals to seek medical assistance when necessary. Her efforts not only boosted her own confidence but also fostered a culture of health consciousness within the community.

Motivating community members to monitor their health, utilise the nearby community health centre (CHC) for medical support, and adhere to medication routines presented challenges. However, Monalisa now takes pride in witnessing families willingly participate in immunisation drives and regular health check-ups. They have become advocates themselves, spreading awareness to their neighbours and contributing to the overall well-being of the community.

During her interactions with adolescent girls, Monalisa addressed topics like anaemia, early marriage, and menstrual hygiene. Many girls were initially shy and uninformed about menstruation, prompting Monalisa to provide education and support. Through her efforts, girls gained confidence and adopted healthier practices, such as proper nutrition and iron supplementation.

A pivotal moment for Monalisa occurred during a routine check-up with a pregnant woman and her elderly mother-in-law. Sensing the older woman’s discomfort, Monalisa convinced her to check her blood pressure, revealing a concerning reading. Urging her to seek medical attention, the woman later returned healthy, grateful for Monalisa’s intervention. This experience underscored the importance of timely healthcare and empowered Monalisa to continue her community service despite personal loss.

Monalisa’s resilience and dedication amidst adversity are inspiring. Despite facing the loss of her father, she remains committed to her community, even considering pursuing further education. Her journey exemplifies the transformative impact of community service on personal growth and healing.

Health Paramedics like Monalisa introduced through a Community-Led Participatory Learning Approach (CLPLA) have revolutionised community health practices. Their stories, along with those of other dedicated individuals, highlight the triumph of the human spirit over adversity. From shattered dreams to renewed aspirations, these narratives reflect resilience, compassion, and a commitment to collective well-being.

As these local Health Champions continue to nurture both community health and their personal aspirations, their impact extends far beyond Dhirkuti and Sikharachandi slums. Their journey stands as a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives in fostering lasting positive change and collective empowerment.

In the remote village of Tallur, nestled within Odisha’s Koraput district, Luku Darua has emerged as a beacon of hope amid daunting challenges. Surrounded by Maoist-infested territories and threatened by the forest mafia, Luku and his fellow villagers embarked on a mission to protect their ancestral forests. Armed only with water bottles and sticks, they formed the Forest Protection Group, determined to safeguard their precious natural resources.

Despite facing adversity, Luku, a 21-year-old student pursuing his education in the Maoist-dominated Malkangiri district, took on the mantle of leadership. Recognising the symbiotic relationship between the forest and their community’s livelihood, he rallied the villagers to join him in the fight against deforestation.

Their journey was not without challenges. Convincing apprehensive villagers to confront the timber mafia required patience and perseverance. Yet, Luku’s unwavering commitment and vision for a sustainable future resonated with his community. Together, they imposed stringent penalties for unauthorised tree felling and collaborated with local authorities to push back against encroachment.

Luku’s story exemplifies the power of grassroots activism and community mobilisation in the face of adversity. As he prepares to graduate, he creates a legacy of environmental activism and empowerment, inspiring future generations to cherish and protect their natural heritage.

CYSD is dedicated to fostering equitable and inclusive decision-making at the grassroots level by grooming young community leaders as change-makers. These leaders are trained to harness the strength of Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) to address critical challenges faced by backward communities. Through constant mentoring and support, they become catalysts for positive change within their communities.

During the CYSD Annual Summit-2024, a “Young Community Leadership Camp” was organized for 35 select young leaders from seven tribal operational districts of Odisha. The camp aimed to analyse successful strategies, identify developmental needs, and refine the community leadership program based on feedback from these leaders.

The camp consisted of two components: Learning Sessions and Deliberation Sessions. Learning sessions covered topics such as the basics of the Indian Constitution and the Common Service Centre (CSC) operations. Deliberation sessions deepened the understanding of successful strategies, issues, challenges, and evolving needs.

The young leaders discussed various challenges they face, both in their work and personal capacity. These challenges included the lack of precise information on government programs, difficulty in translating vision into actionable plans, and struggles with family acceptance and work-life balance.

The young leaders identified evolving needs in knowledge, skills, and cognitive competency. These included knowledge about the community and government programs, leadership skills, conflict resolution, emotional maturity, and gender sensitization.

Key action plans for young community leaders included the identification of personal support groups, setting milestones for objectives, and leveraging Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) for community-led monitoring of government services.

Participants expressed gratitude for the summit, highlighting the opportunity to share experiences, learn from peers, and gain insights into constitutional rights. They felt proud to contribute to community development and safeguard constitutional values through their work.

The Young Community Leadership Camp organized by CYSD marks a significant step towards nurturing a new generation of empowered leaders. With a focus on addressing challenges, refining skills, and fostering collaboration, these young leaders are poised to drive positive change and uphold the principles of equity and inclusion in their communities.

The 42nd Foundation Day Lecture was delivered by *Shri Satya S Tripathi, the Secretary General of Global Alliance for a Sustainable Planet (GASP). Reflecting on his own journey, Shri Tripathi emphasised the importance of being driven by values rather than wealth or privilege. He expressed gratitude for the opportunities to represent his culture and community on the global stage, challenging the notion of labels while recognising the significance of his achievements as an Odia.

His remarks resonated with humility and a profound sense of responsibility as he prepared to address the audience. With a focus on preparing Odisha for the challenges of 2036, he emphasised the need for collective action and innovative solutions to address the looming climate crisis.

In his address, he emphasised the historical significance of Odia culture, dating back to the Kalinga War in 262 BCE, where Kalinga remained unconquered. He highlighted the transformative power of the land, citing Emperor Ashoka’s change of heart following the war. The speaker urged the audience to recognise their roles as change-makers, guiding people towards positive transformations.

Shifting focus from problems to solutions, he addressed the global challenge of climate change, emphasising the interconnectedness of science, policy, and politics. He lamented the moral landscape of carbon emissions, where industrialised nations disproportionately contribute to global warming. He used the analogy of meal consumption to illustrate the disparity in carbon footprints between developed and developing countries, highlighting the unfair burden placed on nations like India.

He continued by highlighting the moral complexities surrounding climate action, particularly in the context of international negotiations and carbon emissions. He criticised the imbalance in responsibility between developed and developing nations, emphasising the unfair burden placed on countries like India. He illustrated this disparity using the analogy of a village with rich and poor households, where despite moral objections, practical necessity often requires cooperation with those in power.

Moving to the specifics of Odisha, he discussed the evolving carbon market and its potential impact on the state. He explained the concept of scope three emissions and how they will be factored into carbon pricing in the future. He cited examples of successful carbon reduction strategies, such as the Delhi Metro’s regenerative braking system, and highlighted the economic implications of carbon pricing for industries like natural farming in Odisha.

The lecture delved into the intricate details of carbon avoidance, mitigation, and sequestration, particularly in natural farming practices. He emphasised the importance of covering land throughout the year to retain moisture, thus reducing the need for irrigation and subsequent carbon emissions associated with electricity generation. He highlighted the potential benefits of transitioning to natural farming in Odisha, where vast cropland could sequester significant amounts of carbon annually, leading to improved prosperity for farmers.

Expanding his focus to the broader challenges faced by Odisha, he addressed the state’s carbon emissions and the implications of climate change on its coastal regions and agricultural productivity. He underscored the need for holistic solutions and emphasised the importance of community engagement in conservation efforts, citing successful projects in Indonesia as examples of collaborative, private-sector-led initiatives.

He concluded with a call to action, urging individuals to take responsibility for driving change and highlighting the potential for innovative solutions to address complex environmental issues. He emphasised the role of community-driven initiatives, such as the Master Farmer program, in promoting sustainable practices and empowering local farmers.

He emphasised the transformative impact of natural farming practices, particularly in improving public health and reducing the prevalence of diseases linked to chemical-based agriculture. He highlighted the success of bio-villages in Odisha and advocated for the recognition and financial compensation of women farmers for their contributions to carbon sequestration and societal well-being.

Addressing the need for behavioural and psychological changes, he stressed the urgency of acknowledging and addressing the accelerating degradation of the Earth’s ecosystem. He cited alarming trends such as the rapid melting of Arctic ice and the Himalayan cryosphere, emphasising the dire consequences for sea levels, water availability, and human civilization. He urged individuals to question consumption patterns and embrace sustainability, underscoring the importance of humility and collective action in safeguarding the planet for future generations.

He underscored the urgency of halting destructive practices and embracing sustainable living to preserve Earth’s ecosystems. He recounted a meeting in the early 1980s where concerns about ecological degradation were raised, warning of dire consequences if natural resources were not managed responsibly.

Addressing a query about pricing carbon in agricultural and coastal areas, he shared insights from a recent visit to Uttar Kanada district in Karnataka. There, efforts are underway to protect biodiverse wetlands by planting mangrove trees. Mangrove carbon, valued for its role in adaptation and carbon sequestration, offers multiple benefits in mitigating sea-level rise and minimising damage from natural disasters like tsunamis. He highlighted the potential for similar initiatives in Odisha, leveraging partnerships with global corporations to fund mangrove restoration projects.

Satya Tripathi’s Foundation Day lecture emphasised collective action and innovative solutions to combat climate change in Odisha. He highlighted the transformative impact of natural farming and urged recognition and compensation for women farmers. Tripathi underscored the urgency of addressing ecological degradation and advocated for sustainable living. His insights on pricing carbon and mangrove restoration projects offered practical pathways for environmental conservation.

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(*) The Speaker, Satya S Tripathy is a distinguished development economist, lawyer, and change-maker with over four decades of experience. With a rich international background, including key roles at the UN as former Assistant Secretary General and Head of Environment Management Group, he brings valuable insights to the table. He has been instrumental in various initiatives, from post-war human rights investigations to facilitating climate finance partnerships. Despite encountering numerous change-makers worldwide, he stands out for his unwavering passion and dedication, especially in amplifying the voices of the marginalised. Currently, he is the Chancellor of KISS University, Odisha.

Odisha’s present fertility rate is just 1.8 and it is expected to further reduce to 1.2 in 2036. This apart in three districts – Rayagada, Nabarangpur and Kandhamal — the demographic transition will be higher that is expected to exceed two, indicating a significant regional inequality in demographic transition by 2036, said noted educationist, Professor Amitabh Kundu at the Odisha Vikash Conclave 2023 organised on 7^th December by CYSD in partnership with UNFPA.

Addressing the inaugural session of the Odisha Vikash Conclave 2023, Professor Kundu said government policies and schemes need to be aligned to tackle the challenges posed by demographic transition, with a greater emphasis on social security support. Demographic transition in Odisha, according to experts, began in 1992-93. The population growth rate in the state was below 10 per cent during the last decade (2011-2021). It has consistently declined compared to the national level. Previously, Odisha’s population, representing 4 per cent of India’s total, has now reduced to 3.5 per cent.

As the state’s aging population is projected to reach 17 per cent by 2036, the state has a unique opportunity to harness the potential arising from demographic transition, observed Shri Jagadananda, a noted social scientist and Co-founder of CYSD. “This dividend can be tapped in two ways: first, the Gender Dividend, which involves utilizing the untapped potential of the aging female population; and second, the Silver Dividend, which entails leveraging the knowledge and expertise of older individuals,” he added. Dr. R Balakrishnan, Chief Advisor at the Office of the Chief Minister, Odisha, mentioned that the state budget outlay has leaped from Rs 1 crore in 1936 to Rs 2 lakh crore now, indicating steady economic progress in the state. He underscored that Odisha’s development model is equity-based and inclusive, striving to reach the last mile individuals. Such a development model needs to be adopted nationwide. He promised to take forward the recommendations of the OVC to the appropriate level to transform them into action.

Ms. Andrea Wojnar, Country Head of the United Nations UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund), underscored that UNFPA will continue to support in conducting intensive research on new themes related to demography and development in India.

The OVC-2023 opening session was participated by 400 delegates comprising civil society leaders, government officials, think tanks, representatives from corporate houses, academicians, researchers, CBO leaders, PRI representatives and media representatives. The opening session was followed by six different thematic sessions and way forward sessions.

Akshay Kumar Sahoo
Deccan Chronicle.

The Odisha Vikash Conclave 2023, themed “Demography and Development,” commenced with a Dialogue on “Building Resilient Gram Panchayat,” on 6^th December. The experts joining the deliberation called for strengthening the gram panchayats frameworks in Odisha for holistic development of the State.

Participating at the OVC- 2023, the experts drawn from international bodies, the Union government and State government, pointed out that the gram panchayats play a pivotal role in advancing the human development agenda of the Union and State governments at the village level.

“The level of development in a village is evident through the facilities that it provides to enrich human life and sustain the surrounding environment,” said Shri Jagadananda, Social Scientist and Co-founder of CYSD.

Shri Surendra Nath Tripathi, Director General of Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), Government of India, said gram panchayats, as institutions of self-government, need to be developed as institutions of local self- governance as was the case before the Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act.

He underlined the need for an inclusive approach in the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) system to ensure that the last-mile individuals are covered under social security.Emphasising on the need to check distressed migration to ensure rural prosperity, Shri Anshuman Karol, Lead Governance and Climate Action, Society for Participatory Research in Asia (PRIA), stated that Panchayats play a pivotal role in planning and structuring employment in villages to reduce migration.

The formulation of Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDP) presents a unique opportunity for panchayats to align their strategies with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), said CYSD Programme Director – Basant Kumar Nayak.Ms. Itishree Kanungo, another expert from Mahashakti Foundation, stressed on the need of women empowerment, mostly in rural pockets to tackle the challenges posed by the changing demographic pattern.

Shri Karunakar Patnaik, a retired Indian Administrative Officer and present Chairman of IIPA-Odisha, shed light on the role of panchayats in allocating land to the landless and preventing the fraudulent practices in the sale of tribal land. Sarpanches and people’s representatives from 73 panchayats in backward districts such as Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Koraput, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Balangir, Bargarh, and Malkangiri joining the event discussed on the challenges faced by people in their respective villages. These challenges encompass poverty, lack of access to healthcare facilities, absence of universal health coverage, poor road connectivity, exclusion of eligible individuals from government social security schemes, insufficient irrigation and drinking water facilities, inadequate sanitation, absence of essential documents, and faulty documents hindering access to government benefits, they mentioned. They also formulated strategies to address these challenges.

Tavasarua villagers, mostly farmers, rely on agriculture for their livelihood.  Owing to insufficient water for traditional paddy cultivation they face huge challenges. But, with the intervention of Odisha Millets Mission for promotion of millets in tribal regions like Kendujhar district, the farmers of Tavasarua in Saharapada Tahasil of the district could see new hope and success in agriculture despite limited rainfall.

Janardhan Nayak is a hardened and prominent farmer in Tavasarua village with over 4 decades of experience. His family, comprising three members, primarily relies on income from agriculture sources. But, limited access to water for traditional paddy cultivation and unpredictable weather conditions, making agriculture more vulnerable. Motivated by the implementing agency CYSD and Odisha Millet Mission, Janardhan, as the first attempt, decided to take a leap into millet cultivation.

Janardhan possesses 7.5 acres of land, from which he cultivated paddy in 3 acres and vegetable in 1 acre. Understanding that millet crops require less water and are resilient to challenging conditions, he allocated two acres of land for Ragi millet cultivation in the last Kharif of 2023 applying the SMI method.

By adopting millet cultivation, Janardhan improved his agricultural yield and ensured a more stable income source. Ragi millets being known for their resilience and lower water requirements, make them ideal for this region. Janardhan also diversified his crops by cultivating paddy, millets and vegetables, reducing the risk of crop failure.

Other farmers in Tavasarua are closely observing Janardhan’s progress with millet cultivation. The village is excited about the potential of millets which will provide a more sustainable and reliable source of income. Janardhan’s journey into millet cultivation represents a promising new chapter for Tavasarua. While the millet crops are not yet matured, the shift towards more resilient and water-efficient farming practices is a step in the right direction. The community’s confidence and willingness to adapt to new agricultural methods highlight the potential for a brighter and more sustainable future for the village. “I am thankful to the Odisha Millets Mission and CYSD for inspiring me to cultivate millets and providing ample technical knowhow to this effect”, said Janardhan with full of cheerfulness.

In the lush landscapes of Kashipur Block in Rayagada district of Odisha, a transformative episode unfolded in the life of Kamala Majhi, a 45-year-old tribal farmer from Mati Maa Producers Group, Bariaguda village. Traditionally engaged in cultivating crops like Ragi, Maize, Nizer, paddy, and minor millets, Kamala embraced a new opportunity brought forth by the intervention of CYSD-UANAT (Utkal’s Action for Agricultural Transformation) Project for cultivation of monsoon potatoes. Shift from traditional forest based livelihoods to agriculture was further encouraged by CYSD’s initiative to promote cash crops, particularly vegetable cultivation throughout the year.

After getting involved in a village-level community mobilization meeting organized by CYSD, Kamala decided to take up the challenge of cultivating monsoon potato in her sloppy land. Although it was her first attempt, the guidance provided by the CYSD expert team increased her apprehensions.

In 2023, around 285 farmers, including Kamala Majhi, received support from the Horticulture Department with the facilitation of CYSD to cultivate monsoon potatoes. Kamala, along with her husband Danar Majhi, received agri-inputs support like, 100 Kg potato seeds along with organic fertilizer and field bonding assistance to develop her sloppy degraded land. With proper seed treatment, preparation of bio-fertilizer and land development, Kamala implanted the potato seeds in July, overcoming challenges posed by continuous rain and soil erosion that affected other farmers in her village.

Despite the adverse weather conditions, Kamala’s strategic approach, combined with the benefits of sloping land and adherence to good agricultural practices, resulted in successful harvest. She yielded around 347 Kg of potatoes and set an example for other members of Mati Maa Producer Group and neighboring villages.

Kamala’s financial gain from monsoon potato cultivation was substantial. With an investment of Rs. 3,230, including the support from horticulture department, she generated an income of Rs. 10,400 by selling 347 Kg of potatoes at Rs. 30 per Kg in the Dongasil Haat and near Farm Gate and kept 20 Kg small size potato for family consumption.  After deducting the investment, Kamala made a profit of Rs. 7180 in just four months. This income not only improved the household’s economic status but also ensured her family’s food security.

The members of Mati Maa Producer Group including Kamala, expressed their appreciation for the initiative taken jointly by the UANAT project of CYSD and Horticulture Department. “I see this intervention as a successful model which can be replicated in other villages and the model has good potential to uplift the trial population’s livelihood”, said the Deputy Director, Horticulture, Rayagada.

In the heart of Kashipur Block, Kamala Majhi’s journey from a traditional crop cultivation to monsoon potato cultivation signifies resilience, adaptability, and the positive impact of strategic interventions on tribal livelihoods. “Kamala’s success story will continue to inspire and ignite hope for a brighter and more sustainable future in Kashipur Block”, added the DDH.

Costly chemical input in agriculture can be seen as one of the reasons why so many conventional farmers are becoming indebted. Organic farmers protect themselves from this by producing their own inputs from organic matter. CYSD staff members involved in Odisha Millets Mission (OMM) programme have undertaken an intensive research and revealed that organic input can reduce the input expenditure cost of farmers.

Damayanti Behera, one of the women farmers from Ghantiadar village in Jarak GP of Thakurmunda Block in Mayurbhanj district experimented with organic input in her farm land and got desired benefits.

When Damayanti was asked about the results of bio-pesticide use instead of chemical pesticides, she replied that application of bio-pesticide has effectively controlled pests without damaging the soil and saved my input cost by 50%.  This indicates the significant financial benefits of such techniques.

In the initial stage of bio-pesticide preparation, one of the Community Resource Person, Purnima Behera, conducted a training on Non-Pesticide Management (NPM) for the farmers. Then on a trial basis she prepared some bio-pesticide products like Agneyastra, Nimastra, Handikhata and sold them in her own locality including Damayanti.  She was advised by Purnima to apply the products in millet and vegetable fields. “I have been applying bio-pesticide and bio-manures for the last one and a half years. While comparing the input cost, I realized that I have saved around Rs. 20,000/- in 2022 against Rs. 50,000/- invested on input cost in 2020 and even before that, shared Damayanti”.

On realization of the actual value of this product, Demayanti eagerly wanted to know more about the product and the process of preparation and sought the technical guidance of Purnima, a master trainer in NPM.  Knowing Damayanti’s interest in NPM, Purnima offered her training. Last year, Damayanti prepared 200 Ltr. Agneyastra for application in her own land and sold the surplus products.

Being a trained person on NPM and user of related products, Damayanti wants to set up a NPM hub in her own locality and supply the products to her SHG members and to other locations as well.

CYSD OMM Project team is exploring the possibility of helping Damayanti establish a bio-pesticide input centre in convergence with the Mission Shakti for sustainability.