Mawii's room at Phunchanwg (bottom corner of the house)

In a small rented room at Seven Mile in Phunchawng lives a woman by the name of Mawii. She lives alone with bare minimum belongings. Mawii’s husband used to physically abuse her and his beatings increased gradually over a period of time. He used to leave her, go away for days a stretch and finally threatened to throw her out of the house. Fed up of the regular abuse, Mawii approached the Village Council (VC) for help and expressed the desire to move away and live separately, and claim some basic belongings as the husband refused to give her anything. The VC advised her to approach the CPC and she did so, though she did not know much about them at that time. The CPC organized a small meeting with Mawii where some VC members were also present, and they discussed the possibility of Mawii living by herself and working on other people’s land to earn her income.

The CPC members made a visit to Mawii’s residence and met her husband, who got a little apprehensive. Over a period of time, they made the husband aware of provisions of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, and educated him about the possible consequences of his abuse. The husband got scared and agreed to divide the belongings between them. The CPC made him sign a bond stating that both the parties had agreed to distribute their belongings and he will not bother her until there is mutual agreement to unite.

Says Ms. Rosangi, Chairperson of the Phunchawng CPC – “He had threatened to take away her poultry, in addition to not giving her any belonging, and refused to pay her taxi fare to Aizawl where her relatives live. But after we told him about the law, he left her poultry alone and also paid her fare!” Adds Mawii – “He also willingly gave me the television to keep, when the belongings were distributed.”

Ms. Rosangi - tea stall owner at the local bazaar and Chairperson of the CPC of Phunchawng

Mawii has some relatives at Aizawl which is about 15 km away from Phunchawng, but she was reluctant to stay with them for too long. She stayed in Ms. Rosangi’s house for some time till she moved to the rented room where she now stays. She now works as a daily labourer in agricultural fields and sells vegetables etc. to earn a living. The husband stays in the 10 mile area and has not disturbed her since. Reconciliation if any, will only happen if Mawii is also agreeable to it. Mawii is grateful to the CPC for having allowed her to free herself from her husband’s abuses and live her life independently on her own terms, without fear.

The CPCs meanwhile continue to address matters of child rights abuse and domestic violence and try to resolve some conflicts initially at the community level itself. If not resolved, they help the victims seek legal recourse through state mechanisms at Aizawl, with help from CPD. The role of the CPCs has been recognized and acknowledged by the Village Councils and the latter has extended cooperation to them in addressing issues of violence and abuse.

Traditional songs and musical instruments are slowly disappearing and many people have given up making these instruments. There remain only a few people who still possess this knowledge. Thus lamented Motra Molsom, an elderly Molsom from the Tuichlong village – “Before 1974, there still were some opportunities to showcase our culture. I myself led a cultural troupe to Delhi. But thereafter, the opportunities disappeared. After 1974,with the influx of refugee population, there began scarcity of food. In the struggle for food, culture was forgotten and it took a backseat. Our culture is now lost… Even the clothes that the women are wearing today are not made by us, but by ‘Bengalis’. We feel shy to go to cultural programmes as we do not have any dress of our own anymore. We need to preserve our culture and our customs regarding marriage, food, and indigenous health pratices etc., to show that we also belong to this State.”

Fr. Joseph writes about Krishna Manik Molsom from the same village and his evolution from a shy man lacking in confidence to a selected Radio artist -

“32 year old Krishna Manik hails from Tuichlong near Tuidu in Ampi area of Tripura. The village is very interior and he used to live with his wife and little son in his in-laws’ house. His only source of income was cutting bamboos from the jungle and selling them to people from Tuidu market who would buy them for generally a meagre price. With bamboo becoming scarce, life was getting difficult for Krishna and family. That was when in connection with our Motivation program for the Molsoms that we reached his village and discovered that Krishna was very talented in playing almost all the traditional musical instruments – chongpreng, sarinda, sumui and kham. We also found out that Krishna could make the instruments by carving wood. Krishna was selected to be on the training and then he was part of the musician team for the recording of the Molsom songs. We also presented Krishna to the Station Director of All India Radio. He took an audition and finding his talent, selected him as one of the radio artistes of Agartala. Krishna will get chance to play at regular intervals at the Agartala Radio station and get a modest fee for it too. Krishna has been inducted as a staff of Sampari Hukumu Bodol and resides now at Don Bosco Peace Centre where currently the office of Sampari Hukumu Bodol is located.”

We at FST are happy to be a part of such efforts and hope that similar success stories continue to emerge through the work of our partners!

Group Photo of FST Partners

Our collaboration with Resource Alliance for this workshop enabled Dr Sudeep Gadok, an international health and development expert and Gayatri Buragohain of Feminist Approach to Technology to come as key resource persons.

Although the theme of the workshop was Fundraising and Report Writing, the main focus of Dr Sudeep Gadok’s 2 day session was on Proposal writing.  Getting off to a fun start with icebreakers Dr Gadok traced the different aspects of project planning, design, and proposal writing. The sessions were interactive and lively with frequent interludes of games and group activities.

Adding elements of a good proposal

Group discussions!

Inputs on  Fundraising and   FST’s Reporting formats were also shared with partners by FST’s team.

The whispering game

Late evening screening of films on social issues triggered intense discussions and debates that went on way past dinner time !

Late evening film screening

Gayatri Buragohain’s session on Online Fundraising was also well received as partners learnt simple easy tips on how to blog, update their status on Facebook from remote locations and appreciate the power and potential of social media for fundraising and activism.  Participants were moved  by the short video appealing for support onfor a FAT project which can be seen from their website.

Gayatri's session

A brief slot was also given to Mr Mukut Choudhury  of IOT Infrastructure and Energy Services Ltd, to share their company’s plans on biogas and run of the river mini hydel projects in the region. Some of the participants were curious to know more about these plans and the implications for their communities. It was strongly felt that such programmes should have a provision for the communities to avail of the power and other benefits generated from such renewable energy resources.

Unfortunately, we were unable to arrange for an appropriate resource person to take a session on accessing Govt grants and schemes in spite of trying. We decided to explore that option separately at a later date.

Dr Jayanta Madhab, Chairperson FST, dropped in for a little while on Day 2 and Dr Monisha Behal joined in towards the end of Day 3. Feedback from the participants was mostly positive with some constructive criticism. Everyone agreed that the 3 day workshop had been a good learning and high energy experience for all.

They know a secret !

Nisha explaining the Elevator Speech

During a Session

Simulating Equality and Equal Opportunity

Group Photo

Foundation for Social Transformation: enabling north east India (FST) and North East Network ( NEN) together organised a 3 day Partners’ Workshop on Organisational Development  from the 5^th to the 7^th June 2009 at the Rural Research Training Centre (RRTC), Umran, Meghalaya. The objective was to provide

q     inputs from top quality resource persons with proven training experience on need based topics[1]

q     opportunity for meeting, networking, learning and sharing each others’ experiences and building alliances and solidarity in the partners’ programmes

q     exposure to good practices in rural development work from the model plots and farms for agriculture, horticulture, livestock, poultry etc at RRTC Umran

q     time and space for relaxation and introspection about potential for social transformation through ongoing and new projects and programmes.

A total of 34 persons including grantees, individual fellows and partners of FST and NEN and their staff members attended the workshop and participated enthusiastically and actively in the workshop, as evident from the intense discussions during the sessions, voluntary involvement in the logistics and arrangements, encouraging and honest feedback given by them at the end of the workshop. (Ref Annexure). The most popular were Jennifer Liang’s afternoon session on the continuum of NGO strategies ,  Mr. Anil Baranwal’s tips on FCRA and Income Tax and Nisha Purushottaman’s training on communication and documentation.

Late evening screenings of topical documentary films, slide shows and presentations of Individual Fellows were an additional attraction. Many heard Robes Nongbri, assisted by Mary describe his work on traditional medicines and plants in  Mawphlang,  see Ratumoni Das’ art work and listen to Babul Gogoi speak on potential for citizens’ journalism using common ICT devices like mobile phones etc.

A pre dinner recreation programme on the 6^th evening was a hit, with young dancers from the Ferrando Centre for Speech and Hearing stealing hearts as they danced and ‘signed’ songs and the melodious singing of the smart college students of Bethany Society inspired Rabiul to play the guitar as Mary, Samhita, Akole sang  along to be joined soon by Lamphrang with soulful Khasi love songs and Diana and Mawsdawngliani’s Mizo version of Ave Maria. A fitting finale was the Assamese contingent’s Bihu dance to music from Babul Gogoi’s computer.

New friends were made, addresses, emails and invitations exchanged. Ideas for marathons and fundraising contemplated !

CDs were collectively burned till late night on the last day ensuring that everyone returned with a copy of all the presentations, photographs and information shared during the workshop.

Accounting and Financial Management by Anil Baranwal from Account Aid, New Delhi

Communication and Documentation by Nisha Purushottaman from Institute of Fundraising and Philanthropy, Bangalore.

We collaborated with North East Network, Deccan Development Society and the Millets Network of India to hold a most interesting program – a NE Consultation on Millets on the 24th and 25th March at the ICAR Barapani Conference Hall.

We had little over 30  participants from 6 states of the region. What was interesting was that the participants cut across different sections of society and included, economists, agricultural scientists, nutritionists, farmers practising millet cultivation in Andhra Pradesh and Meghalaya and representatives of NGOs working directly and indirectly on natural resource management and food security linked issues.

At the end of the two days I think we were able to sense a small but significant shift in attitudes towards millets. There was an appreciation of its relevance and potential as a nutritious food that was and still is, part of the traditional food culture of the parts of the NE; an agreement of the need to study and understand why millets are slowly disappearing from the plates of the people;  an understanding of the versatility of this crop in adapting to climate change, grow quickly in harsh conditions and add to the food security of our region; a realisation of the need to advocate for inclusion of millets into the PDS and in the Mid Day Meal Schemes as well in the proposed National Food Security Act.

The participants agreed to take steps at different levels to revive interest and cultivation of this crop in the north east region. This will include research studies, writing articles and sharing information, p

A formal report is being drafted and will be formally pubished by DDS whose amazing Community Media Trust team documented the entire proceedings More information is available at the websites of DDS and MINI at www.milletindia.org, www.ddsindia.com .

Gayatri Buragohain of Feminist Approach to Technology (FAT) conducted the training. Her enthusiasm and eagenerness was infectious as she walked us through the different uses of computers , both online and offline in optimising our work.  We tried our hand at setting up Google Calendars and using Google Documents. W

We introspected about our current website and agreed that it needed a makeover really fast.  We learnt a little about content management systems and how to resize photographs and upload on blogs…. but I guess it will take a lot of practice before we become experts at it.

Till then we shall just keep on trying, as I am now….

It was with much excitement that I boarded the early morning Jan Shatabdi train on Saturday, the 30th Jan 2010. I was going to fabled Sadiya…. definitely hitting the road less travelled….
From Jorhat, along with Dr Jayanta Madhab, our Chairperson, we drove to Tinsukia. Early next morning we drove to the end of the AT Road reaching Saikhowaghat. On the advice of local people we “followed the leeks” testing our driver’s skills to the limit till we reached the Dholla Ghat, just in time to catch the morning ferry across the very blue waters of the river.

I was quite wide eyed and amazed to see how the single and double boats at the ferry carried buses, trucks and other heavy and light vehicles and passengers across. Not being used to this mode of travel we had tense moments as we boarded the ferry, although the local people seemed quite were unperturbed and deftly drove on and off the wooden planks and strips.

There was yet another stretch of 7-8 kms of very sandy char and shallow rivers and flimsy bridges to traverse before we reached Gumti Bil from where we got on to the potholed black top road to Chapakhowa. We overshot our destination and reached the Arunachal Pradesh border check gate before retracing our way back to the St Thomas School at Shantipur 4 village. We were met by Fr Abhay and Fr Thomas, Fr Mathai and Fr Felix, and found that our visit had coincided with their celebration of Don Bosco’s birthday and a special feast that day.

After freshening up we walked across to Karsang Takar (Rising Star) Centre located next door where we were greeted by Mr. Rajen Perme, Director, and the participants of their Lekop Silmel – a bi annual week long energizing programme and get together of past and present students and staff of Karsang Takars. After a sumptuous lunch of local cusine prepared by Indira Perme, wife of Rajen Perme in their traditional Mising home, we rejoined the Silmel.

Over almost 2 hours, the Takars shared their experiences. It was quite impressive to listen to the young boys and girls, who had joined the program as school dropouts, speaking with such self confidence , reflecting their positive attitudes and understanding of local issues. Some of them have gone back to school and completed various phases of their schooling. Some have gone on to join ICARD as field staff and supervisors whereby they actively mentor and support newer trainees.

In the evening, Dr Madhab and I were shown around the premises and taken for a short walk around the village. We visited the Gaon Bura and briefly chatted about the local situation – agriculture was the main occupation of the mostly Mising, Nepali and Tai Ahom people living in the area and some amount of multi cropping was being practiced. They acknowledged the qualitative change in their lives from the presence and programmes of the ICARD and the school in their midst. However communication and connectivity with the mainland of Assam is still a major problem. They spoke of a nearby area called Amarpur, which is still very underdeveloped, with no black topped roads in the area and little infrastructure and health and education facilities.

Reassembling in their hall again we had more formal interactions with the youths. Dr Madhab addressed the group and shared information about Joint Liability Groups (JLG), recommending the formation of JLGs and accessing of micro finance for initiating small sustainable livelihood activities for economic empowerment. He spoke at length about RGVNs efforts to promote Systemic Rice Intensification SRI, with support from SDTT, offering to arrange for training in SRI through the RGVN network.

I spoke about FST, sharing its vision of enabling north east India, and said the purpose of this visit was to come and see this exemplary model of youth development of ICARD, which is already being replicated by other groups like Pajhra and Sampari.

The Takars then presented a vibrant cultural programme to celebrate Don Bosco’s anniversary that showcased their creative and cultural talents as they danced, sang and enacted a powerful street play. We were quite dazzled by their abilities and appreciated ICARD efforts for encouraging use of traditional cultural practices to talk of social issues.

On Monday, the 1st Feb, after breakfast at Rajen Perme’s house we were taken for a brief visit to the nearby villages of New Tarani Gaon and Shantipur. We first saw the grounds of the soon-to-commence Non Formal Vocational Training Centre to be set up by DBYES nearby. This was a new initiative and would be offering training in carpentry and woodwork, motor repair, driving, sewing and tailoring.

At Tarani Gaon, we dropped in to the home of Gayatri (I CARD field supervisor) and met her parents. spending some time in their typical Mising house, which is built on stilts, with the traditional ‘5’ steps leading up to it. The house is basically a large long room made of cane and bamboo, with bamboo flooring. There is a hearth in the middle and the males tend to sit on the left side of the house, while the women folk and the kitchen equipment use the right side. They spend much of their time sitting around the hearth. Gayatri’s father spoke about the role played by ICARD in providing relief in times of distress such as malaria epidemics etc. Her mother is an ASHA worker and spoke about her work in maternal care etc. From the conversation with them it appeared that the NREGA and NRHM schemes are being implemented in letter and spirit in the area, with men getting their due wages and days of employment. We saw a number of NREGA project roads along the way and also found some unexpectedly good stretches of village road built and being built with the PMGSY and CM schemes.

As we bid our good byes to the warm and hospitable Karsang Takar team and St Thomas School staff we saluted the spirit and dedication of all of the people involved in working for the social development and building of precious human capital and resources of the indigenous communities in this remote and distant area.

Outward appearance/Scene

The site is crowded with people riding on boats, older people arriving on the shore with typical traditional dresses on holiday, people relaxing from the temple adjacent to the river, young people hanging out, children playing beside the river, washing and bathing in the river, street vendors selling varieties of things and people living besides the streets. The classical and modern music heard from a distance and the crows looking for a food.

Decorated ferry boats parked beside the river with boatmen around waiting for the passengers. These workers perform their daily routine on these boats, washing utensils, clothes and bathing inside the water.

Loud noise of the water flow is heard close by. The dirty water and the garbage dump close to the river, comes from the temple backyard. This temple sewage and waste water collects in the drains and flows into the water. Small children living close to the temple, play with the waste water and the garbage dump coming from the city.

The river serves as an important as lifeline for
people and is an important place for relaxation,spiritualism & economic purpose.
The contrast in life of the people can be seen in the park relaxing, interacting
with each other and meditating while others who cannot afford to sit
below the park, wander around, children, homeless people sit by the
riverside/mothers while taking care of their daily chores also take care
of the children who play around.

Its beauty and historical significance

Despite the crowded and dirty water and it’s surrounding, the river has its own beauty that lies in its legends. The river is the symbol of cultural and religious identity of India especially for the NE. Example can be seen in the painting of the battle of Saraighat near the temple.

Home for many

The Brahmaputra seem to be the home for many people like Mrs. Meena whose husband left her with three small children. For the three children, Brahmaputra site has been a home where they play, eat and sleep peacefully never experiencing the life of being in a decent house. It’s a home for mentally challenge and people without proper home. People who have compassion for the homeless distributing food and warm clothes to the people living close to the Brahmaputra

The Brahmaputra seem to be the home for many people like Mrs. Meena whose husband left her with three small children. For the three children Bramaputra site has been a home where they play, eat and sleep peacefully never experiencing the life of being in a decent house. It’s a home for mentally challenge and people without proper home. People who have compassion for the homeless distributing food and warm clothes to the people living close to the Brahmaputra

Source of livelihood for thousands

We can see Brahmaputra provides an opportunity for people to earn by providing boat rides, selling of coconuts, running a small shops, dhobi job, restaurant, fishing, etc. For these people the river is a life sustainer.

Group Members: Babul Gogoi, Doreen, Bhaskar, Lalit, Mamon, Moni, Gunjot

Old AT Road runs parallel and borders the Brahmaputra. It is a very busy road as it connects the city to the airport, railway station and major commercial hubs such as Pan Bazaar, Fancy Bazaar, etc.

Devalaya Setu is an overhead bridge that was built in 2007 on the Shuklashwar Temple intersection for pedestrians to cross the Old AT road to reach the other side to nearby shops, bus stops or the Shukleshwar Temple.

What we saw were a few children in the room watching TV, and most of the time, a few boys playing around with some dogs. It seemed that the only entertainment that the children had was the TV and the dogs.

The only source of water was a tube well, and the students have no separate hall for the dormitory or study. The warden remains with the students all through the day and night. He does the marketing for them.  

The  senior children wash the clothes and help the younger ones, as leaders. They help the others by organizing their work, like cleaning the campus and cooking. They have very plain meals, of  rice, vegetables and lentils. The children were happy, and they had a good fellowship among themselves.

They were handling the TV and VCD player on their own. They have very simple residence and facilities. Even the house is inexpensive, the roof made of bamboo and CI sheets.

The young children have classes in Mathematics, English and ethics taken by an experienced teacher, Bobita. They also have a counselor to assist in their growth.