We have some exciting news and updates on many of the projects and programmes that PRASAD Chikitsa is championing in the Tansa Valley in Maharashtra.
Members of the international Prasad entities had the privilege to visit these projects in person when went to India this spring. We were amazed at the progress and changes since the last trip 3 years earlier. Each day, we travelled through the Valley and spoke with some of the children in the schools, the women from the Self-Help Groups, the farmers, the dentists, doctors, teachers, ophthalmologists and general staff, and each one was filled to the brim with enthusiasm and love for their work. It was so tangible that at times we were speechless in awe of their dedication.
This newsletter will give a few examples of how your donations have made such a huge impact on so many lives, both physically and mentally.
As most of you are aware, the women’s Self-Help Groups started more than 12 years ago, and has been increasing in number over the years. The increase has also been seen in the amount that members are now able to contribute to the fund. For example, one of the groups we spoke with initially paid 25 rupees (about 22 cents) per month, now due to their successful business enterprises they are currently contributing up to 400 rps (about 3,5€) per month. As these groups have progressed, so too the women have gained in confidence, have learnt how to plan projects, handle banking and keep records, and run small businesses successfully.
Women’s Self-Help Group success stories
We met one lady who had bought a tractor through the group funds!! She had come to realise that many of the surrounding farmers were limited in crop production by the fact that all tilling of the soil, removal of rocks and weeds etc., was done manually and usually just by the farmer alone. So, after due diligence and the approval from the group, she bought the tractor and hired it out to various farmers for their specific needs. What a bold enterprise! The broad smile on her face showed us that she is a winner.
Another lady in the group had also been enterprising and seen a need in her community. She bought about 70 plastic chairs, and she too now hires them out for celebrations, weddings, parties, and local festivities. We just loved hearing these success stories from this enthusiastic group. Well done ladies.
When mentioning enthusiasm, we have to include one of the several farmers we visited. He greeted us with a huge smile and infectious delight that his small farm was selected as one for us to visit, for it is his pride and joy.
Although almost 80 years old he sprang around like a 20-year-old, showing that, after receiving expert advice from our PRASAD Chikitsa team on how to make the most from his land, he was now growing so many different crops that he no longer had to buy any food.
He had become totally self-sufficient in feeding his now strong and healthy family of six, plus was able to sell the surplus produce and flowers in the local markets.
It is always a special joy to visit the schools
The children are always neatly dressed, respectful, keen to learn, and proud yet humble to show their achievements.
We visited a school where the traditional Warli Art was being taught, and what amazed us here was the fully focused attention of the children on the work in front of them.They looked around the whole class and there was not a drip of paint on the desks, nor the children’s uniforms, and no mistakes on the artwork. All were perfect, and by children so young. We were very impressed.
Warli Art has been heritage listed by the Indian Government, which means that it is also now another career option for children with an aptitude for this art form.
Through PRASAD Australia, 20 students to each receive a 4-year scholarship, and funds to build a dedicated and purpose-built training centre which would be used for students and Self-Help Groups.
We were excited to see this now taking shape, with the footings poured, slab and pier reinforcing in place and building team forging ahead. Since we went there last time, the walls are now erected, plaster is going on, and roofing under way. The completion is now due around end of the summer. What a difference generosity can make to so many people for many years into the future.
This difference applies to all donations for all the PRASAD Chikitsa projects and programs. Without your generous support none of this would be possible. We felt the extreme gratitude from all the recipients of assistance, in all the branches of service that PRASAD Chikitsa offer and implement.
Nothing goes to waste, every euro helps.
With many of the projects now expanding and reaching more of those people who need support, we too need to expand our outreach to new donors so that this great work may continue.
With gratitude,
The PRASAD Europe team
