Rural Empowerment and development

It is a term with a history of its own. It has been and it still is the Battle cry of Ministers of many remote rural regions of our country. This Battle cry has been tested time and again and came out victorious even against Caste-politics in the recent Bihar Polls which was by far considered the hub of communal and criminal violence. Where we were so eager to see a Nitish Kumar smile and take oath while Lalu-jii sulked and cursed many a soul on National TV ; we forgot the faces of the farmers who ended their lives in the face of mounting financial crisis. It was the hot topic of many workplace grapevines.

Development became the new Mallika Shehrawat and faded out as fast as it came to notice. Even Mallika’s steamy scenes remained in people’s minds for a longer time than that. The Battle cry which echoed on every street a few weeks back , now had died down as the one who punched in the Ballot is now turned away by a hefty 6’4’’ Guard from Punjab from the doors of the one who promised him his due yet again.

The Indian population is not dumb……it practices what the prophets and scriptures have laid down, and that is to place your trust in the almighty and further some say that the almighty resides within the mortal. But they were written a couple of millennia ago. If we compare it to our Newspapers and draw an analogy…….well yesterday’s paper and the ones before it are only good for INR 5 per Kg. Then why do we trust and follow something that is so old that even if someone immortal did write it at some point of time , He’d have forgotten about it already and is calling the priests / fathers / moulana etc to revise his draft. But they are so busy preaching and whatnot, that no one is there to pick up the receiver.

On the other hand something like actually employing people gainfully at grassroots levels is to be commended. It seems like a movement/organization dedicated to its values and is as authentic as AMUL and Lijjat papad etc , which empowered women with an income to actually speak their mind ; in a society weighed down by chauvinism ; which praised Indira on one hand but burnt the Bahus on the other.

India has been a land of arts and crafts right from 2500 B.C . The Harappans were excellent potters, and the finest carpenters in that period throughout the globe. They lived in properly sanitized housings with drainage and soak pits in a part of the Timeline when the others lived by the dirty lakes/ponds full of their wastes. But such prosperity was not to be……..as they were invaded and enslaved by the Barbaric tribes who just had better weapons than the peaceful Harappan folk. Now their existence is reduced to mere symbols in the religion of their supposed masters ; possibly imbibed over the course of history. The world today is caught up in a similar scenario.

Only the pick-axes have been changed to wall-street and Dalal Street while the Horses/camels have transformed into Internet and Globalization.

 

[Swaswati Borpuzari]

Rural empowerment and development are critical components in the holistic growth of any nation, addressing the unique challenges and opportunities that rural areas present. These regions often face significant barriers to progress, including limited access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities, as well as inadequate infrastructure. However, targeted initiatives and policies can significantly transform rural landscapes, fostering a sustainable and inclusive development trajectory. One of the key strategies is to enhance infrastructure, such as roads, telecommunications, and water systems, which not only improve the quality of life for residents but also facilitate better market access and connectivity to urban centers. Education plays a pivotal role in rural empowerment, and investments in this sector can lead to a more skilled and informed population, capable of driving innovation and entrepreneurship. Additionally, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and supporting local industries can boost rural economies, creating jobs and increasing incomes. Community participation is another essential element, as it ensures that development projects are aligned with the needs and aspirations of the rural population, fostering a sense of ownership and commitment. Empowering women and marginalized groups is also crucial, as it helps to address social inequalities and harness the full potential of the community. By focusing on these areas, governments and organizations can create a robust framework for rural development that enhances economic resilience, social cohesion, and environmental sustainability.

 

[Dhruv Bindhani]

It is a term with a history of its own. It has been and it still is the Battle cry of Ministers of many remote rural regions of our country. This Battle cry has been tested time and again and came out victorious even against Caste-politics in the recent Bihar Polls which was by far considered the hub of communal and criminal violence. Where we were so eager to see a Nitish Kumar smile and take oath while Lalu-jii sulked and cursed many a soul on National TV ; we forgot the faces of the farmers who ended their lives in the face of mounting financial crisis. It was the hot topic of many workplace grapevines.

Development became the new Mallika Shehrawat and faded out as fast as it came to notice. Even Mallika’s steamy scenes remained in people’s minds for a longer time than that. The Battle cry which echoed on every street a few weeks back , now had died down as the one who punched in the Ballot is now turned away by a hefty 6’4’’ Guard from Punjab from the doors of the one who promised him his due yet again.

The Indian population is not dumb……it practices what the prophets and scriptures have laid down, and that is to place your trust in the almighty and further some say that the almighty resides within the mortal. But they were written a couple of millennia ago. If we compare it to our Newspapers and draw an analogy…….well yesterday’s paper and the ones before it are only good for INR 5 per Kg. Then why do we trust and follow something that is so old that even if someone immortal did write it at some point of time , He’d have forgotten about it already and is calling the priests / fathers / moulana etc to revise his draft. But they are so busy preaching and whatnot, that no one is there to pick up the receiver.

On the other hand something like actually employing people gainfully at grassroots levels is to be commended. It seems like a movement/organization dedicated to its values and is as authentic as AMUL and Lijjat papad etc , which empowered women with an income to actually speak their mind ; in a society weighed down by chauvinism ; which praised Indira on one hand but burnt the Bahus on the other.

India has been a land of arts and crafts right from 2500 B.C . The Harappans were excellent potters, and the finest carpenters in that period throughout the globe. They lived in properly sanitized housings with drainage and soak pits in a part of the Timeline when the others lived by the dirty lakes/ponds full of their wastes. But such prosperity was not to be……..as they were invaded and enslaved by the Barbaric tribes who just had better weapons than the peaceful Harappan folk. Now their existence is reduced to mere symbols in the religion of their supposed masters ; possibly imbibed over the course of history. The world today is caught up in a similar scenario.

Only the pick-axes have been changed to wall-street and Dalal Street while the Horses/camels have transformed into Internet and Globalization.

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