Bundelkhand Diary
 

 This was my third visit to Bundelkhand TARAgram, and yet the experience was as rich as it was new.
After a whole night’s travel followed by a day-long planning meeting for the SDC - Sustainable Civil Society Initiatives to Address Global Environmental Challenges Project, it was expected that the instincts would be to resign to my room for a good slumber. But I managed to surprise myself with my readiness to opt for the option of a field visit to the Gaushala.

I find the Gaushala model to be one of the best integrated practices initiated by Development Alternatives. My opinion is not just based on my love for animals and the satisfaction of seeing some stray cattle being cared for, but the scope for the mutually beneficial relationship that the model establishes between these cattle and the community. Efficient dung management technologies and renewable energy utilisation through biogas plants enable setting up of micro-enterprises that, in turn, provide profitable green livelihood opportunities for the marginalised community, especially women. I feel certain that the cattle in the Gaushala are assured of a lifelong care as the model is based not on charity but on a sustainable symbiotic bond.

The scorching heat of Bundelkhand did not impede my enthusiasm to visit two of the Arghyam Water project villages in Tikamgarh district, Pipra and Bamhori Sheetal and Mador where eco-buildings have been constructed under the habitat project. Apart from the enriching experience of interacting with the rural community for regular project-related features, I had some unique experiences, some pleasant and some not so pleasurable.

One beautiful experience was to witness the birth of life as a cow gave birth to her calf in a warm comfortable corner in the village of Mador. I was fascinated to see the instincts of motherhood and the self confidence of the just born calf that made its efforts to respond to its mother’s warmth.

In contrast to this heart-warming incident in Mador, I was unable to sustain my admiration for a gorgeous stray peacock who had been long been adopted as a pet by the villagers in Pipra. My attempts to establish a friendly union with any form of species did not quite yield the expected results. I found myself at the receiving end of a random violent attack by the peacock that scored a few goals on my back with its legs and talons. The community members, however, advocated on behalf of their pet peacock, explaining that he must have rightly got deceived by my peacock-blue dress and mistaken me as one of his own kind. Well, I had not much to say to defend that argument.

This visit to Bundelkhand was surely action filled, both in terms of professional endeavours and personal activities. I found this field visit very energising and motivating, as it helped re-thread the link between the work done in the Delhi head quarter’s office and its relevance to the grassroots community.   q


Malini Trivedi
mtrivedi@devalt.org


Back to Contents

    Donation Home

Contact Us

About Us