May 28th 2011,
Dear Birds,
Description of village..
Problems affecting the 600 weaver families in village:
Survey/Verification result of 17 beneficary families :
Other points:
Regards,
Harishsahasra-foundation.blogspot.
1. Forwarded the info. to CSR wing in my office and also in my ex-office and another ex-colleague who moved to another company. She is from VJA.
2. I got response from my CSR that we can discuss on this issue. We are meeting tomorrow. Once I get a clear picture, I will meet my ex-company officials and discuss with them as well. I am hopeful that I can get support from them as well.
3. Our volunteer Harish felt that we can spend time on pursuing this issue with govt. and see to that this is done as early as possible by putting pressure on govt. collectively. This way the issue will be addressed as whatever we plan to give would not be enough. He volunteered to spare his time with us to go round the concerned depts.
4. Discussed with Satyavati garu this morning. Collector can take a call at this hour of need but there is no swift action from his end. Based on the rough estimate, it would cost around Rs. 1,20,000 for giving 20 kgs of rice, 1 kg of Dal and 1 packet of oil for 400 families. She suggested that it would be good if some of us can go and access the situation at the ground level. Govt. has to give Rs. 2000 for family to repair their handloom/weaving tools.
5. One volunteer from BHUMIKA can accompany us if we are planning to go. One of my colleagues expressed his interest to come with us. My sister has introduced a volunteer who stays in VJA. His name is Karthik. Our volunteer Vani is in VJA only and she can join us too. We have Sri Sastri garu and his team. Though they might not come with us due to their age, they can offer their support to us.
6. Spoke with Gaurishankar garu also. Usually they do this collection drive in the last week of December. He told that he will pass the information of all the people who expressed their interest to give clothes. They are the regular donors. But we need to collect from them. He also gave the number of one Mr. Ramakrishna of Vijayawada who runs an NGO, ALERT. I spoke with him as well. He said he will also collect the clothes and any other material but before that he will also try to find the ground level info. I gave Lokanatha Rao's number to him.
So far this is the volunteer list who expressed to come with us if we plan to go on this weekend (if we go, we start on Sat'day morning and return by Sunday night):
1. Prasanthi
2. Pavan Bharadwaj
3. Sudheer Dandu
4. BHUMIKA volunteer
(from Hyd)
5. Karthik
6. Vani
(from VJA)
The reason that I insist on going this weekend is... I want to hand over the systems in Sastri gari's office asap and as we have this work also, we can complete both these tasks. Some of us can go now and others can go during distribution. Anyway this plan is still tentative and depends on the info. we get in these three days.
Pavan and I visited the village and were there around 3 hours and visited some houses and spoke with the representatives of different cooperatives.
Village Details
The village, Kappaladoddi, is around 3 kms from Gudur. We can board any bus going to Machilipatnam/Bandar and get down at Gudur. We have buses (though not frequent) and sharing autos to Kappaladoddi.
The place is very calm, green and it was actually a pleasant trip to this place from Gudur. There are 745 families in the entire village. Most of them are weavers. Some work as labourers and do other work as well in addition to weaving, kind of part time weavers.
There are three colonies (Malleswara Colony, Nehru Colony, Bhagat Singh Colony ) which are in the low lying areas and five cooperatives. All are friendly with each other and work together to sort out their problems, when required.
Main Problem
Overall the impression was good. The village is more or less clean and neat compared to other places. The only problem is the weather and the rain. The water is stagnant at some places and till it dries they are borne to diseases.
Water got stored in the pits where the looms were set up. All the yarn got damaged and it is a huge loss for them. They have no other option but to stand in that water and work and this results in water related problems.
Main Request
Their request is for food to sustain themselves for some days. They are asking for 20 kg of rice, 1 kg of Dal and a blanket.
Our Proposal
On Wednesday Sudarsan garu and I spoke with Lokanatha Rao. Sudarsan garu gave a wonderful idea. Donors will give money and in return they will get sarees. It would not be like a donation but an advance payment. This way whoever can contribute... can own up a loom and pay for the repair (it ranges from 3000 to 5000 depending on the damage). We will get sarees worth Rs. 500 each for the amount., say after 6 months. Pavan and I tried to sell this idea as much as we can. They told us that they will discuss among themselves and get back to us.
About the Damage
They pooled money and taken the video of the damage during 2008 floods. They told us that this time water level is even more higher. They are preparing the list of the most needy families (200) who are in dire need of support. They gave the CD to me of the video but it got broken. They are going to courier the CD along with the list.
We have taken some photos and will upload them soon.
Other Observations:
1. There are some people who got operated under Arogyasree Scheme (including Lokanatha Rao) and they know Chakradhar garu of TeluguOne Foundation who offered financial support to them.
2. An 18 yr old boy is suffering with Cerebral Palsy and the family has spent around Rs. 50,000 but they were told that there would not be any hope for this boy to stand and walk on his own. We took his details and want to refer this case to Dr. A.K. Purohit of NIMS. Dr. Sundar also knows another couple who are working in Neurology Department.
3. Lokanatha Rao cannot weave due to open heart surgery and he requested us for any job. He asked us to give him support to start a petty shop or anything of that sort or work of an attender etc.,
4. As for them, we are the first ones from NGOs who visited them. So far no NGO visited their place and enquired about their plight.
My take on this visit:
If we all can work together, we can definitely pool up the required money (Rs. 1, 20,000) and address their request. In fact, I am trying to raise fund through my CSR and if that works out, we can get support at least for 30 families through my company. We will go and give directly.
Satyavati garu is trying to help them by following up for the support from govt. We can think of other ways on helping them and one of them would obviously be explaining the villagers about RTI and make them file RTI petitions.
Another Important Point
This is where probably we can help them. Asu workers are not being considered as Cheneta workers and these people are being deprived of even this very little help that Cheneta workers receive from the govt. As you all know, weaving is not a one step process and it is in fact the last one. Asu is the second stage (if I remember properly). Without this work, there would not be the required raw material for weaving.
If we are interested, we can raise funds and then plan for a weekend visit to this place. One day we can plan for distribution and the next day, we can visit Repalle and meet MCA (Medical and Cultural Association) members. All of them are above 60 years and are trying to develop their village.
Cost Estimate:
20 kgs of rice - 400 rs. (@20 rs. per kg)
1 kg dal - 50 rs.
1 kg oil - 50 rs.
1 blanket - 95 rs.
If we consider the transportation cost (even from VJA), it might be around Rs. 650 for family. The overall requirement would be Rs. 1, 20,000 to Rs. 1,30,000.
No response from my colleagues yet in this regard. But in INFOR, there is a good progress. Hopefully they will contribute some amount but not decided yet.
I got the CD also now. Will pass this to Pavan Bharadwaj and he will upload that to YouTube.
Pl. let me know if there is any update from your front about the funding.
Till now we received an amount of Rs 40,000/-.
Greetings from Bhumika Women's Collective!
The event will bemostlycompleted by sunday evening.
Hi All
The Kappaldoddi rice distribution event was a great success.
Me, Lakshman, Ranganath and Manoj Reached vijaywada on saturday morning. We started at 9am to the village and reached there by 10.30 am. Before going to the village we went to the nearest police station and informed the SI about the next days event. Mr Abraham(SI) responded very positively and appreciated us for the work that we are doing for the villagers. He siad he would send his men on the next day to see that event goes smoothly.
We reached society office and as discussed before Mr. Lokanathan has prepared the list of beneficieries. We sat with him and rechecked the list, made tokens for all the people, stamped and signed them. At 12.30pm we visited each house and distributed the tokens and completed the exercise at around 7.30pm. On the way we met the Sarpanch and MPTC chairman and few other people who were ex Sarpanch and MPTC Chairman.
The Societies president and secretary, loknathan and few other villagers were present with us through out the process of distributing tokens which helped us in completing the exercise easily. After this we reached society office and discussed the events that are going to take place next day.
All the volunteers reached vijayawada by 11.00 pm and Mr lakshman has started back to hyderabad as he has to attend office next day. He was in no mood to go back but he has no option but to attend office next day. On Sunday morning Chintu and Harish reached Vja by 8.00 am, we started to village at 9.00am and reached there by 10.45 where two volunteers from Bhumika women welfare association Mrs Sharma & Padmaja madam were waiting for us.
There was a small introduction speech given by madam and lokanadhan explained villagers the purpose of our visit followed by speeches from village heads. We started the distribution at 11.45am and it went on smoothly and completed by 1.30pm.
There were minor issues from some villagers that were taken care by president and sarpanch. After the event we all visited few homes and seen how they work and visited one place where there is a BIG AASU some tool they use. Every one were very excited during this visit to homes. All the villagers were very supportive and helped us conduct this event very successfully.
We thank all the volunteers who joined us in this event and to all the people who were helping us in the back ground giving valuable suggestion and tips that made this event Sussessful.
- Hide quoted text -
Thanks to Satyavati madam for taking the initiative and posting the issue to this group and thanks to all those kind hearted people who came farward and helped us raise enough funds. At last one more successful event from BOSF this shows the commitment of the groups and there willing to help the needy. You can find the events pics in the following link. http://picasaweb.google.com/p.pavan.bharadwaj/Machlipatnam?authkey=Gv1sRgCImKgb-8ndP_Vg#
We visited kapaldoddi village (gudur mandal,krishna dist) and conducted a survey/verification in 17 families who recieved support from Amma,Sahasra and Serve the needy..Volunteers particpated are Raghu garu,myself Harish and Kiran
Description of village..
- Kapaldoddi is a cheneta weaver village which make cotton sarees,starting from sewing the thread to making sarees.
- With a population of 7000 from 800 houses..Village constitute 25 rich weaving families out of total 600 weaving families.
- Rest 575 weaving families fall under below middle class,poor and below poverty line...
- Other 200 families work in agriculture,run small hotels at neary by towns,labour in building works
Problems affecting the 600 weaver families in village:
- Every rainy season, rain water submerge the entire village to four feet level and even enter in to homes destroying the weaving machines (maggams).After the rainy season,ground water emerges in to "weaving machines built with mud platform".
- This happens for 30 days to 40 days.During summer season thread could not survive the excess heat and it tear in to bits..
Total four months they suffer without work, And another 4 months they work with no proper results due to prolems of excess heat which tear the threads and ground water emerging after rainy season.Just four months they have proper conditions to work..
On a average all these families earn 100 rs to 250 rs per day
Project support : Loknatha rao who is one senior weaver in the village who lost his son and daughter in law( they left the world as they could not sustain the financial pressure they faced in weaver industry) is handling the support provided. As we know he contacted bhumika team during rainy season and we bosf groups provide rice support. Later we groups started a livelihood support initially to 17 families sugegested by Loknanth Rao.Every month each family is paying 100 to 200 rs as an installment to the amount given. The amount is with Loknantha rao and would not touched by us rather it would be spent to the villagers again. To ensure the dignity of weavers we accepted this project model suggested by Loknantha rao garu..75000 rs is given to the these 17 weaver families and 9000 rs is spent on giving spinning wheels (ratnalu) to 15 old women in the village.
Raghu garu,Myself and Kiran survyed each house of 17 families who recieved support from us. We alone went to each homes.
We tried to evaluate their feedback on help received,their financial status,family details..17 families have spent the amount received in different ways..
- Five families built cement structures to stop water entering which are destroying maggams
- Three families repaired the weaving machines destroyed during rainy season
- Six families cleared some amount of their pending loans...
- One family saved the money for a future use to buy a better weaving machine (maggam)
- Two families spent the amount for health reasons
All these families conveyed their thanks for the support.And requested to increase the support and assured to repay the amount in installment to Loknantha rao garu.which will be spent again on the village. They were happy for the support we given,since every month they have to take loans from micro finance organizations with 3 to 10 % interest.Out of 17 familes six families work under master weaver Ramesh who assists Loknantha Rao garu. Though Ramesh is a master weaver he has a soft concern for poor weavers working under him. As we know he is the person putting his efforts and resources along with loknantha rao garu in helping the weavers..As a first pilot project Amma,Sahasra and Serve the needy supported the 17 families...
Out of 17 families which are supported, 9 families are under below poverty line, 6 families fall under below middle class and 2 families are under middle class.We marked the families as "poor,below middle class,middle class" based on the living conditions like own house,rental house,house/huts on govt land,number of kids,serious health problems,amount they earn. Below middle class and middle class does not mean they are in better position they are little good than other weavers..They get same income like other weavers.
We asked loknantha rao and his team to register a chenta weavers protection organization so that they can stand as a communication point,authentication to NGOS like us...He asked few from all of us to be part of his organization. I asked him to keep the org independent and said we would stay as a mediators and continue our support and requested him to join other trusted and prominent villagers in to his organization so as to increase the base of org in village. Based on the support NGOS provide,we asked him to take up the entire village like he took a particular section of familes for initial help .
On a whole other than 25 rich weaving families rest 575 weaving families in kapaladoddi need support for their weaving work.
It is our duty to develop this village,they deserve and need our support. If we achieve in it we can move in to another weaver's village in same mandal...Obviously no proper support mechanism from the government is not helping....
It is our duty to develop this village,they deserve and need our support. If we achieve in it we can move in to another weaver's village in same mandal...Obviously no proper support mechanism from the government is not helping....
Other points:
- Education cases are identified secially a weaver named gangiah has two girl kids lives in a rental hut. These girl kids need help. In 15 days we would receive list of 10 fa miles which need education support. They are under verification.
- The key local person loknanth rao who is heading the help from Ngo's to village has undergone a major kidney operation and is not in a position to work on his weaving machine.Doctors advised him to take rest. It would be better if we can protect him first so that he can protect the other families since he is the only contact we can trust and assign tasks.His past record in fighting with govt with concentration on village replicate the same. Prashanthi,Pavan,Girish and many of us know his dedication...
- One sincere request - though we can trust loknath rao and his team it is always better to provide the support by directly going their which we are doing right from day one.If we face any challenges in identifying volunteers we all groups interested in kapaladoddi village projects can employ a poor person train him for the tasks. Sahasra would like contribute some part of his salary.
- Let us be slow and steady in offering our support. Let us Monitor and verify each support provided. Loknanth rao is a reliable person. He is taking responsibility. That's a good sign...An RTI need to be filed to get the comlete details about this village..
Kindly post your queries and suggestions here.
Please reach me (9849365677), chintu Girish (9866933582) and AMMA Srinivas (9177999263) for any kind of clarifications.
Harishsahasra-foundation.blogspot.
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6th December, 2010 – Request Received from Bhumika Women's Collective!!
Dear బిర్ద్స్, ప్రశాంతి గారికి
Greetings from Bhumika Women's Collective!!
ఈరోజు భూమిక హెల్ప్ line కు చేనేత కార్మికుడు , లోక్నాద్ రావు, కప్పల దొడ్డి గ్రా||, గూడూరు మా ||, కృష్ణ జిల్లా నుండి కాల్ చేసి వారి గ్రామంలో వున్నా సమస్యలను చెప్పి సహాయాన్ని అడిగారు.
వారి సమస్యలు : గత 4నెలలుగా విపరీతమయిన వర్షాల కారణంగా చేనేత గుంటలలో నీరు చేరింది, అందువలన వారు తినడానికి తిండి లేక , ఉండడానికి ఇల్లు లేక , కట్టుకోవడానికి బట్టలు కూడా లేక పోవడంతో అక్కడ ప్రజలు నానా అవస్తలు పడుతున్నారు.. ఆ గ్రామా మొత్తం జనాభా 2500 , అందులు చేనేత ఆధారిత కుటుంబాలు 500 , మగ్గాలు 700 .
ఈ 4 నెలలో ప్రభుత్వం సహాయం కుటుంబానికి 20 కెజీల బియ్యం మాత్రమే . ఈ గ్రామం వారు MLA మరియు కలెక్టర్ ను ఎన్నో సార్లు కలిసారు, పిటీషన్లు కూడా ఈచ్చారు, కానీ ప్రయోజనం లేదు. ఆడవారు పసి పిల్లలుతో చాల అవస్తలు పడుతున్నారు. ఇప్పటికే చాలా మంది ఆత్మహత్యలకు పాల్పడుతున్నారు. కాబట్టి మనం స్పందించాల్సిన సమయం వచ్చింది.
కాబట్టి వారి సమస్యలను మనం అర్ధం చేసుకుని సహనుభుతితో ఆలోచిద్దాం. వారికి మన సహాయ సహకారాలను అందచేద్దాం.
వీరికి సహాయం చేయాలనుకునే వారు మరియు ఇంక సమాచారికి భూమికను సంప్రదించగలరు.
మానవత హృదయంతో ఆలోచిద్దాం మన తోటి మనుషులకు సహాయం చేద్దాం.
సహనుభుతితో ఉన్నవారికి ఈ విషయాన్నీ పంపండి.
థాంక్స్
సత్యవతి కొడవీటి
భూమిక వుమెన్స్ కల్లెక్టివు
9618771565
8th December, 2010 – Update from Prasanthi
This is the update so far:
1. Forwarded the info. to CSR wing in my office and also in my ex-office and another ex-colleague who moved to another company. She is from VJA.
2. I got response from my CSR that we can discuss on this issue. We are meeting tomorrow. Once I get a clear picture, I will meet my ex-company officials and discuss with them as well. I am hopeful that I can get support from them as well.
3. Our volunteer Harish felt that we can spend time on pursuing this issue with govt. and see to that this is done as early as possible by putting pressure on govt. collectively. This way the issue will be addressed as whatever we plan to give would not be enough. He volunteered to spare his time with us to go round the concerned depts.
4. Discussed with Satyavati garu this morning. Collector can take a call at this hour of need but there is no swift action from his end. Based on the rough estimate, it would cost around Rs. 1,20,000 for giving 20 kgs of rice, 1 kg of Dal and 1 packet of oil for 400 families. She suggested that it would be good if some of us can go and access the situation at the ground level. Govt. has to give Rs. 2000 for family to repair their handloom/weaving tools.
5. One volunteer from BHUMIKA can accompany us if we are planning to go. One of my colleagues expressed his interest to come with us. My sister has introduced a volunteer who stays in VJA. His name is Karthik. Our volunteer Vani is in VJA only and she can join us too. We have Sri Sastri garu and his team. Though they might not come with us due to their age, they can offer their support to us.
6. Spoke with Gaurishankar garu also. Usually they do this collection drive in the last week of December. He told that he will pass the information of all the people who expressed their interest to give clothes. They are the regular donors. But we need to collect from them. He also gave the number of one Mr. Ramakrishna of Vijayawada who runs an NGO, ALERT. I spoke with him as well. He said he will also collect the clothes and any other material but before that he will also try to find the ground level info. I gave Lokanatha Rao's number to him.
So far this is the volunteer list who expressed to come with us if we plan to go on this weekend (if we go, we start on Sat'day morning and return by Sunday night):
1. Prasanthi
2. Pavan Bharadwaj
3. Sudheer Dandu
4. BHUMIKA volunteer
(from Hyd)
5. Karthik
6. Vani
(from VJA)
The reason that I insist on going this weekend is... I want to hand over the systems in Sastri gari's office asap and as we have this work also, we can complete both these tasks. Some of us can go now and others can go during distribution. Anyway this plan is still tentative and depends on the info. we get in these three days.
14th December, 2010 – Update from Prasanthi
Village Details
The village, Kappaladoddi, is around 3 kms from Gudur. We can board any bus going to Machilipatnam/Bandar and get down at Gudur. We have buses (though not frequent) and sharing autos to Kappaladoddi.
The place is very calm, green and it was actually a pleasant trip to this place from Gudur. There are 745 families in the entire village. Most of them are weavers. Some work as labourers and do other work as well in addition to weaving, kind of part time weavers.
There are three colonies (Malleswara Colony, Nehru Colony, Bhagat Singh Colony ) which are in the low lying areas and five cooperatives. All are friendly with each other and work together to sort out their problems, when required.
Main Problem
Overall the impression was good. The village is more or less clean and neat compared to other places. The only problem is the weather and the rain. The water is stagnant at some places and till it dries they are borne to diseases.
Water got stored in the pits where the looms were set up. All the yarn got damaged and it is a huge loss for them. They have no other option but to stand in that water and work and this results in water related problems.
Main Request
Their request is for food to sustain themselves for some days. They are asking for 20 kg of rice, 1 kg of Dal and a blanket.
Our Proposal
On Wednesday Sudarsan garu and I spoke with Lokanatha Rao. Sudarsan garu gave a wonderful idea. Donors will give money and in return they will get sarees. It would not be like a donation but an advance payment. This way whoever can contribute... can own up a loom and pay for the repair (it ranges from 3000 to 5000 depending on the damage). We will get sarees worth Rs. 500 each for the amount., say after 6 months. Pavan and I tried to sell this idea as much as we can. They told us that they will discuss among themselves and get back to us.
About the Damage
They pooled money and taken the video of the damage during 2008 floods. They told us that this time water level is even more higher. They are preparing the list of the most needy families (200) who are in dire need of support. They gave the CD to me of the video but it got broken. They are going to courier the CD along with the list.
We have taken some photos and will upload them soon.
Other Observations:
1. There are some people who got operated under Arogyasree Scheme (including Lokanatha Rao) and they know Chakradhar garu of TeluguOne Foundation who offered financial support to them.
2. An 18 yr old boy is suffering with Cerebral Palsy and the family has spent around Rs. 50,000 but they were told that there would not be any hope for this boy to stand and walk on his own. We took his details and want to refer this case to Dr. A.K. Purohit of NIMS. Dr. Sundar also knows another couple who are working in Neurology Department.
3. Lokanatha Rao cannot weave due to open heart surgery and he requested us for any job. He asked us to give him support to start a petty shop or anything of that sort or work of an attender etc.,
4. As for them, we are the first ones from NGOs who visited them. So far no NGO visited their place and enquired about their plight.
My take on this visit:
If we all can work together, we can definitely pool up the required money (Rs. 1, 20,000) and address their request. In fact, I am trying to raise fund through my CSR and if that works out, we can get support at least for 30 families through my company. We will go and give directly.
Satyavati garu is trying to help them by following up for the support from govt. We can think of other ways on helping them and one of them would obviously be explaining the villagers about RTI and make them file RTI petitions.
Another Important Point
This is where probably we can help them. Asu workers are not being considered as Cheneta workers and these people are being deprived of even this very little help that Cheneta workers receive from the govt. As you all know, weaving is not a one step process and it is in fact the last one. Asu is the second stage (if I remember properly). Without this work, there would not be the required raw material for weaving.
If we are interested, we can raise funds and then plan for a weekend visit to this place. One day we can plan for distribution and the next day, we can visit Repalle and meet MCA (Medical and Cultural Association) members. All of them are above 60 years and are trying to develop their village.
Cost Estimate:
20 kgs of rice - 400 rs. (@20 rs. per kg)
1 kg dal - 50 rs.
1 kg oil - 50 rs.
1 blanket - 95 rs.
If we consider the transportation cost (even from VJA), it might be around Rs. 650 for family. The overall requirement would be Rs. 1, 20,000 to Rs. 1,30,000.
17th December, 2010 – Update from Prasanthi
Hi Friends,
No response from my colleagues yet in this regard. But in INFOR, there is a good progress. Hopefully they will contribute some amount but not decided yet.
I got the CD also now. Will pass this to Pavan Bharadwaj and he will upload that to YouTube.
Pl. let me know if there is any update from your front about the funding.
17th December, 2010 – Response from Chintu, SERVE THE NEEDY
We serve the needy organisation ready to donate 15-20 K for this cause.we are also trying to
collect the fund from different sources.we will update the information as soon as possible.
6th January, 2011 – Update from Prasanthi
There is no progress either in my company or in Infor. The villager gave a call to me a few times. I told him that we could not raise funds and we cannot come there without help to at least 50 people. I want to play the video sent by them during our monthly meeting this Sunday.
Let me know your thoughts on helping these people. They got only 2000 rs. from govt.
7th January, 2011 – Response from Gouri Shankar, Share A Service
Few days back two people approached to share a service to help something in the form of money or service , may be the little , shall be useful in some form .I spoke to them and explained about BOSF .Please mail the details bout this project to them .Here with enclosed their contact no.s
Mr.Venkat 9848239848 email:mvenkat18@gmail.com
Mr.Chandrashekar 9491547640 :email :khatri.chakri@gmail.com
19th January, 2011 – Updates from Pavan Bharadwaj
Till now we received an amount of Rs 40,000/-.
Today morning i received the call from loknath rao he sadi that after they had discussion with the village heads. They wanted us to donate 350 balnkets to the families. They said that helping only a few people might cause trouble among them. He said that they can list out the families and the distribution will go smoothly but he thinks later on it might create trouble in their communities. So they wanted us to donate a blanket to each family.
We are planning to do this event on this weekend only. An suggestions regarding this are welcome.
19th January, 2011 – Updates from from Bhumika Women's Collective!!
Dear Birds
Happy to know that you have collected 40000/.
We from Bhumika have also collected Rs 15000/-
Pl inform us when are you planning to go to that villege.
One person Bhumika will also join you.
satyavati kondaveeti
coordinator
bhumika helpline for women in distress
1800 425 2908
Happy to know that you have collected 40000/.
We from Bhumika have also collected Rs 15000/-
Pl inform us when are you planning to go to that villege.
One person Bhumika will also join you.
satyavati kondaveeti
coordinator
bhumika helpline for women in distress
1800 425 2908
20th January, 2011 – Updates from Prasanthi
There are many twists and turns in this case. Looking forward for your suggestions.
Lokanatha Rao, right from approaching BHUMIKA Helpline to talking to us initially before and after our visit, requested us for 20 kg. rice for each family, who are in need. As per them there are around 750 families in four colonies. When we expressed our helplessness in getting support for all the families and we can only try for 100 families, they requested for rice only. They were not interested in any help or support through which they can quickly stand back on their own.
So we tried to offer help to 200 families with the second weekend of Feb as target date. We have had couple of discussions with Lokanatha Rao on procuring rice in the best manner possible. Once he got confidence that we are going to help them, he got back with a new proposal of one blanket to 350 families citing the possible strife in the village if help is offered only to particular families.
This new stand puzzled me as they constantly assured us that there would not be any problem even if we help 100 families. Going back on their word in this regard surprised me.
Lakshman discussed with many people on different ways of procuring rice, the cost and also with a reporter who belongs to the village and has good idea of the situation there. He also supported our idea of offering support for repairing the looms rather than giving rice and blankets. This made me wonder about setting up an RO plant which would be between 1.5 lakh to 2 lakhs. But was not sure if they accept it or if there is any need in the first place.
(Personally I am against RO plants. In the meeting on SEZs, a farmer explained about their plight of buying water, which is a natural resource and a basic amenity. Aren't we drinking water for decades together? Why the concept of selling a natural resource!! This changed my view on these plants.)
So what would be the best option to help them which benefits all the families of these colonies?
Education and Health are good, in the sense, schools are working fine and hospitals as well. Medical camps are being organized and some of them got operated through Arogyasree. They also say that they have no problem for market as well as they have regular customers. (most of them are wage workers, so they take the yarn from the master weaver or financier and sell the sarees to them only. they are not supposed to sell their work to outsiders, anyone other than the financier or master weaver from whom they got the yarn or money)
As we gave them word, we will end up giving blankets (if no feasible solution is offered) in the third weekend of this month.
Pavan spoke to another person for the list of 100 needy families and other ways/requirements we can help/provide.
Friday, 21st Jan, is the last day for suggestions. We also need volunteers to visit the village for distribution.
Please find the URL with some photos of the village:
http://picasaweb.google.com/prasanthi.uppalapati/KappaladoddiVillage#
21st January, 2011 – Updates from Pavan Bharadwaj
I have called tMr lokanadh and other heads in the village and confirmed the program. They have agrred to make a list of most needy two hunded families. The first hundred are those who are staying in rented houses and daily workers.
I have called a rice dealer in the village and he said he would pack the rice bags of 20Kg each (200 Nos). and deliver it by sunday morning.
I and one of my friend will start from here on friday night and rerach the place by saturday. We will talk to the villagers about the program and also with the rice dealer. We have pooled eniouhg funds to donate rice for 200 families. If we can pool more funds we can also donate oil to those people. We still have one week with us so lets wait and see if we can pool more funds towards this.
24th January, 2011 – Updates from Prasanthi
Dear Birds,
Greetings!!
We need volunteers for this task. The volunteers list is tentative so far depending on the day of the actual distribution. We have two proposals: Distributing on Saturday or Sunday!
Depending on the availability of volunteers, we can plan.
This is my idea:
1. To get the list of 200 beneficiaries through post/courier by Wednesday. Prepare the 200 coupons with their names.
2. To talk to MRO or any concerned official and see to that we get the required protection
3. To talk to the villagers and zero in on a closed place (all 4 sides) wherein we can distribute as in a Ration shop (to avoid grabbing of items)
4. To talk to the rice vendor and ask him to arrange for the packets in this location by Saturday morning.
5. Distribution should be for three hours maximum (if all goes well). Even if we start by 9 am, we can close by 12 pm. Have lunch and start for Hyderabad so that we can reach by 10 pm.
1. To get the list of 200 beneficiaries through post/courier by Wednesday. Prepare the 200 coupons with their names.
2. To talk to MRO or any concerned official and see to that we get the required protection
3. To talk to the villagers and zero in on a closed place (all 4 sides) wherein we can distribute as in a Ration shop (to avoid grabbing of items)
4. To talk to the rice vendor and ask him to arrange for the packets in this location by Saturday morning.
5. Distribution should be for three hours maximum (if all goes well). Even if we start by 9 am, we can close by 12 pm. Have lunch and start for Hyderabad so that we can reach by 10 pm.
Note: Volunteers will have to come on their own and bear their expenses for food and travel.
My view:
If we can get enough volunteers for Saturday(29th Jan), better to coordinate and complete the distribution on Saturday itself.
Awaiting a positive response and also suggestions.
24t h January, 2011 – Updates from Pavan Bharadwaj
Hi All
As decided before the distribution will take place on sunday as some of the members have to attend their duties on saturay.
Me lakshman and praveen(My friend) Will be leavng on friday night and reach their by saturday. We need to talk to the villagers and to the rice mill owner and get the things packed. So tha the distribution ca take place on sunday. we need atleast one day to do all the things.
So i request the volunteers who wish to come please block their dates on sunday.
As decided before the distribution will take place on sunday as some of the members have to attend their duties on saturay.
Me lakshman and praveen(My friend) Will be leavng on friday night and reach their by saturday. We need to talk to the villagers and to the rice mill owner and get the things packed. So tha the distribution ca take place on sunday. we need atleast one day to do all the things.
So i request the volunteers who wish to come please block their dates on sunday.
24t h January, 2011 – Updates from Bhumika
Dear Friends,
Greetings from Bhumika Women's Collective!
This is to inform you that we received a cheque of Rs. 25,000/- from Mr. Venkat and Bhumika collected Rs. 15,000/- for the cause at Kappala Doddi and from our organization one volunteer would accompany you all. Kindly let me know how, where and whom we should hand over the said amount?
Look forward for your response.
Regards,
K. Satyavati
Chief Functionary
Bhumika Women's Collective
Look forward for your response.
Regards,
K. Satyavati
Chief Functionary
Bhumika Women's Collective
24t h January, 2011 – Updates from Santosh Kumar, HOPE FOR THE NEEDY
Hi friends.
It is really a nice initiative.
I have just now read this email and also thought of helping you people some how. I even spoke to pavan.
As you people are donating rice bags, I think providing pickle packets along with that can make instant food for them.
If it is comfortable with you guys then on behalf of our org HOPE - for needy would like to donate some amount.
Waiting for your reply.
Thank you
Hi friends..
I dint get any reply from any one of you regarding the help we want to do.
Anyways we have decided to provide 100kgs of pickle, 500gms each to each family. So, total 200 families.
Please let us know is it fine so that we can give order
25th January, 2011 – Updates from Prasanthi
Hi Santosh,
Please do not get disappointed if you do not receive reply immediately. Please give some time. If a reply is urgent to take things forward, talk to the concerned volunteer directly. We try to approve and reply mails as early as possible. Request you and others as well to give 24 hours to 36 hours of time for a response.
Coming to adding pickle, that is good. Definitely we can give. Please talk to Pavan and coordinate.
Harish,
Getting the media to write about the problem of Kappaladoddi villagers, precisely the weavers and even among them the Asu workers is a good idea. But to invite them to cover the distribution, I would suggest to think twice. We are offering help to 200 families among the 750 in the four colonies. There is no guarantee that they understand our intention in the right spirit. People who do not receive help might complain. (Those complaints might not be on us but on the people who didn't suggest their names).
We can take photos and give a write up to all the Dailies. Whoever likes it will publish. Later we can request them to visit the village, talk to the villagers and write the story. Anyway, BHUMIKA is the part of this contribution and the entire process so I think they will cover.
Santosh, Harish and Others,
As it might be a hush-hush affair to coordinate things from here and then to wrap up the distribution on one day, it has been decided that it would be good to consider two days for the trip. The actual distribution would be on Sunday. Pavan, Lakshman and whoever can manage to go on Saturday, will go there, talk to rice dealer with whom we got confirmation for distribution and arrange for the packets. They also will talk to concerned officials and inform about the plan with the guidance from BHUMIKA. The volunteers who visit the village on Saturday will see to that everything is ready and in order for proper distribution on Sunday.
Coming to approximate expenses of the trip, it would be:
In Volvo, the ticket is around Rs. 350 to VJA. From VJA to Machilipatnam, it would be around Rs. 40. From Gudur to Kappaladoddi, it would be around 15 rs. For food, it might cost Rs. 100 per day. The tentative amount would be 500 rs. to 600 rs. per person to visit the place. The same would be for return journey. If we can manage to get tickets on train (most unlikely), the amount would b lesser.
So on an average, it would be 1000 rs to 1100 rs.
25t h January, 2011 – Updates from Pavan Bharadwaj
As mentioned in the previous mail we have decided to conduct event on Sunday i.e. 30th jan timings are not yet confirmed.
One batch is starting on friday night and rest of the people are starting on saturday night. The people whoa re starting on saturday night can co-ordinate with chintu or Harish as they are also starting on saturday night.
The event will bemostlycompleted by sunday evening.
Intrested volunteers can contact me.
The people who confirmed their participation till now are
Pavan Bharadwaj
Praveen Kumar
Lakshman
Chintu
Harish
One volunteer from Bhumika
28th December, 2010 – Response from Chintu, SERVE THE NEEDY
Hi Birds,
As for our shedule today One team Started from Hyderbad to Vijaywada.
Tommorow morning they are going to reach vijaywada and they will do all the arrangements for sunday distribution program.
Tommorow Night Me & Harish starting from Hyderbad.Intrested people can join with us.
Sunday Morning Around 9AM the whole team will start from Vijaywada to Koppaladoddi Village.
29th January, 2011 – Updates from from Bhumika Women's Collective!!
Dear Chintu
Today I talked to MRO Gudur Mr. Murthy.
I informed him about our pro and requested him to help us by debuting RI at the time of distribution.
He accepted my request.
I informed him about our pro and requested him to help us by debuting RI at the time of distribution.
He accepted my request.
I also talked to Loknadha Rao garu.
He is very happy.
Bhumika volunteer Padmaja will join you from Guntur.
I gave her Pavan mobile No.
I gave her Pavan mobile No.
All the best to you all.
29th January, 2011 – Updates from AMMA Srinivas
Hi Birds,
Today Pavan, Ranganadh, Manoj Kumar & Laxman has reached the village and completed all the ground work.
They have distributed TOKENs to all the 200 families for whom tomorrow distribution will be done. They are about to reach Vijayawada in 15 minutes.
They will again turn to Kappaladoddi along with new volunteers Chintu, Harish tomorrow at 7AM.
Interested can call to 8885551950,9948798072,9885613697,
Thanks for their efforts.
31st January, 2011 –Updates from Pavan Bharadwaj
Hi All
The Kappaldoddi rice distribution event was a great success.
Me, Lakshman, Ranganath and Manoj Reached vijaywada on saturday morning. We started at 9am to the village and reached there by 10.30 am. Before going to the village we went to the nearest police station and informed the SI about the next days event. Mr Abraham(SI) responded very positively and appreciated us for the work that we are doing for the villagers. He siad he would send his men on the next day to see that event goes smoothly.
We reached society office and as discussed before Mr. Lokanathan has prepared the list of beneficieries. We sat with him and rechecked the list, made tokens for all the people, stamped and signed them. At 12.30pm we visited each house and distributed the tokens and completed the exercise at around 7.30pm. On the way we met the Sarpanch and MPTC chairman and few other people who were ex Sarpanch and MPTC Chairman.
The Societies president and secretary, loknathan and few other villagers were present with us through out the process of distributing tokens which helped us in completing the exercise easily. After this we reached society office and discussed the events that are going to take place next day.
All the volunteers reached vijayawada by 11.00 pm and Mr lakshman has started back to hyderabad as he has to attend office next day. He was in no mood to go back but he has no option but to attend office next day. On Sunday morning Chintu and Harish reached Vja by 8.00 am, we started to village at 9.00am and reached there by 10.45 where two volunteers from Bhumika women welfare association Mrs Sharma & Padmaja madam were waiting for us.
There was a small introduction speech given by madam and lokanadhan explained villagers the purpose of our visit followed by speeches from village heads. We started the distribution at 11.45am and it went on smoothly and completed by 1.30pm.
There were minor issues from some villagers that were taken care by president and sarpanch. After the event we all visited few homes and seen how they work and visited one place where there is a BIG AASU some tool they use. Every one were very excited during this visit to homes. All the villagers were very supportive and helped us conduct this event very successfully.
We thank all the volunteers who joined us in this event and to all the people who were helping us in the back ground giving valuable suggestion and tips that made this event Sussessful.
- Hide quoted text -
Thanks to Satyavati madam for taking the initiative and posting the issue to this group and thanks to all those kind hearted people who came farward and helped us raise enough funds. At last one more successful event from BOSF this shows the commitment of the groups and there willing to help the needy. You can find the events pics in the following link. http://picasaweb.google.com/p.pavan.bharadwaj/Machlipatnam?authkey=Gv1sRgCImKgb-8ndP_Vg#
I request all the volunteers who attended the event please share their experince with the group
We have distributed 20ksg Rice, Half Kg dal and half kg Pickle that was offered by santhosh.
ప్రియమైన మిత్రులందరికీ
BOSF సంస్థ తరుపున ధన్యవాదములు , నిన్న జరిగిన కార్యక్రమం చాల బాగా జరిగింది.నిన్నటి groceries distribution కార్యక్రమానికి ప్రత్యక్షంగా,పరోక్షంగా సహాయ సహకారాలు అందించిన ప్రతి ఒక్కరికి ధన్యవాదములు. నిన్నటి కార్యక్రమం అంత చాల ఉత్సాహంగా,చక్కటి ప్రణాళిక తో చాల సులువుగా జరిగిపోయింది.నిన్నటి కార్యక్రమానికి మొన్ననే ఒక బృందం వెళ్లి అందరి పేర్లు నమోదు చేసుకొని,వాళ్ళకు
tokens ఇచ్చి,వాటికీ అనుగుణంగానే ధాన్యం ను ప్యాక్ చేయించడం జరిగింది. నిన్నటి కార్యక్రమం విశేషాలు :
(1 ) ఉదయం 9 .00 గంటలకు విజయవాడ నుచి ప్రారంబమై సుమారు 11 గంటలకు కప్పలదొడ్డి గ్రామానికి చేరుకున్నాము.
(2) గ్రామస్తులు ఎంతో ప్రేమ,అప్యయతాలతో మాకు స్వాగతం పలికారు.tokens తీసుకున్న గ్రామస్తులు అప్పటికీ వేదిక దగ్గరికి వచ్చి మంచి క్రమ పద్దితిలో నిలబడ్డారు.
(3 ) కార్యక్రమం ప్రారంబానికి ముందు BOSF కి ఈ గ్రామం గురుంచి ఎలా తెలిసింది,ఎందుకు ఈ గ్రామానికి సహాయం చేయడానికి వచ్చాము అన్న అంశం గురుంచి BOSF ప్రతినిధులు చాల చక్కగా వివరించారు.
(4 ) 11 :45 -1 .30 వరకు ధాన్యం,పప్పు,చట్ని పాకెట్స్ అందరికి ఇవ్వడం జరిగింది.అందరు వాళ్ళకు ఇచిన tokens తెచ్చుకొని ధాన్యం తీసుకోని సంతకాలు చేయడం జరిగింది.
(5 ) కార్యక్రమం అయిపోయాక గ్రామంలో తిరుగుతూ వాళ్ళు మగ్గాలు వేయడం మరియు అవి పని చేసే విదానాన్ని తెలుసుకున్నాం.
(6 ) అలాగే గ్రామంలో బాగా ఇబ్బంది పడుతున్న నాలుగు కుటుంబాలను కలుసుకొని వాళ్ళ సమస్యలు అడిగి తెలుసుకొని వాటిని రాసుకోవడం జరిగింది.
(7 ) గ్రామస్తులు ,ఇంకా గ్రామా పెద్దలు అందరు BOSF సభ్యులను,దానిలో పని చేసే వివిధ సంస్థలకు ,కార్యక్రమానికి వచ్చిన అందరికి కృతజ్ఞతలు తెలిపారు.
(8 ) గ్రామస్తులు ఇంకా వాళ్ళ గ్రామానికి మల్లి వచ్చి ఇంకా ఇబ్బంది పడుతున్న వాళ్ళని,ఆర్థికంగా వెనకబడి చదువుకోలేకపోతున్న విద్యార్థులను చదివించాలని మనవి చేసారు.
(9 ) సభ్యుల మద్య మంచి సమన్వయము,కార్యక్రమం నిర్వించడానికి ముందీ ఇక్కడికి వచ్చి వాళ్ళ సమస్యలు తెలుసుకొని వాటిలో మనము ఏమి చేయగలమో మరియు ఎలా చేయగలమో పక్క ప్రణాళిక వేసుకోవడం వలన కార్యక్రమం అంత చాల సులువుగా జరిగిపోయింది. ఇ కార్యక్రమాన్ని విజయవంతంగా పూర్తి చేయడానికి సహకరించిన ప్రతి ఒక్కరకి కృతజ్ఞతలు.ముందు ముందు మనము ఇలగే మంచి సమన్వయం తో చాల కార్యక్రమాలు చేస్తూ చాలామంది జీవితాల్లో వెలుగును నింపుదాం. ఇట్లు
BOSF సంస్థ తరుపున ధన్యవాదములు , నిన్న జరిగిన కార్యక్రమం చాల బాగా జరిగింది.నిన్నటి groceries distribution కార్యక్రమానికి ప్రత్యక్షంగా,పరోక్షంగా సహాయ సహకారాలు అందించిన ప్రతి ఒక్కరికి ధన్యవాదములు. నిన్నటి కార్యక్రమం అంత చాల ఉత్సాహంగా,చక్కటి ప్రణాళిక తో చాల సులువుగా జరిగిపోయింది.నిన్నటి కార్యక్రమానికి మొన్ననే ఒక బృందం వెళ్లి అందరి పేర్లు నమోదు చేసుకొని,వాళ్ళకు
tokens ఇచ్చి,వాటికీ అనుగుణంగానే ధాన్యం ను ప్యాక్ చేయించడం జరిగింది. నిన్నటి కార్యక్రమం విశేషాలు :
(1 ) ఉదయం 9 .00 గంటలకు విజయవాడ నుచి ప్రారంబమై సుమారు 11 గంటలకు కప్పలదొడ్డి గ్రామానికి చేరుకున్నాము.
(2) గ్రామస్తులు ఎంతో ప్రేమ,అప్యయతాలతో మాకు స్వాగతం పలికారు.tokens తీసుకున్న గ్రామస్తులు అప్పటికీ వేదిక దగ్గరికి వచ్చి మంచి క్రమ పద్దితిలో నిలబడ్డారు.
(3 ) కార్యక్రమం ప్రారంబానికి ముందు BOSF కి ఈ గ్రామం గురుంచి ఎలా తెలిసింది,ఎందుకు ఈ గ్రామానికి సహాయం చేయడానికి వచ్చాము అన్న అంశం గురుంచి BOSF ప్రతినిధులు చాల చక్కగా వివరించారు.
(4 ) 11 :45 -1 .30 వరకు ధాన్యం,పప్పు,చట్ని పాకెట్స్ అందరికి ఇవ్వడం జరిగింది.అందరు వాళ్ళకు ఇచిన tokens తెచ్చుకొని ధాన్యం తీసుకోని సంతకాలు చేయడం జరిగింది.
(5 ) కార్యక్రమం అయిపోయాక గ్రామంలో తిరుగుతూ వాళ్ళు మగ్గాలు వేయడం మరియు అవి పని చేసే విదానాన్ని తెలుసుకున్నాం.
(6 ) అలాగే గ్రామంలో బాగా ఇబ్బంది పడుతున్న నాలుగు కుటుంబాలను కలుసుకొని వాళ్ళ సమస్యలు అడిగి తెలుసుకొని వాటిని రాసుకోవడం జరిగింది.
(7 ) గ్రామస్తులు ,ఇంకా గ్రామా పెద్దలు అందరు BOSF సభ్యులను,దానిలో పని చేసే వివిధ సంస్థలకు ,కార్యక్రమానికి వచ్చిన అందరికి కృతజ్ఞతలు తెలిపారు.
(8 ) గ్రామస్తులు ఇంకా వాళ్ళ గ్రామానికి మల్లి వచ్చి ఇంకా ఇబ్బంది పడుతున్న వాళ్ళని,ఆర్థికంగా వెనకబడి చదువుకోలేకపోతున్న విద్యార్థులను చదివించాలని మనవి చేసారు.
(9 ) సభ్యుల మద్య మంచి సమన్వయము,కార్యక్రమం నిర్వించడానికి ముందీ ఇక్కడికి వచ్చి వాళ్ళ సమస్యలు తెలుసుకొని వాటిలో మనము ఏమి చేయగలమో మరియు ఎలా చేయగలమో పక్క ప్రణాళిక వేసుకోవడం వలన కార్యక్రమం అంత చాల సులువుగా జరిగిపోయింది. ఇ కార్యక్రమాన్ని విజయవంతంగా పూర్తి చేయడానికి సహకరించిన ప్రతి ఒక్కరకి కృతజ్ఞతలు.ముందు ముందు మనము ఇలగే మంచి సమన్వయం తో చాల కార్యక్రమాలు చేస్తూ చాలామంది జీవితాల్లో వెలుగును నింపుదాం. ఇట్లు
BOSF Coordinating Team
31st January, 2011 – Updates from Prasanthi
Kudos to the team on making this event a great success. Satyavati garu for her guidance and continuous support, Pavan for taking the responsibility right from the beginning till the end, Chintu, Lakshman, Sreenivas, Harish, Santosh, Keerthi, Friends of Pavan and everyone involved .... peru perunaa amdarikee dhanyavaadaalu.
This afternoon Lokanatha Rao garu gave a call and thanked each one of us. When I asked him about their willingness for RO plant, he said that one Mr. Ramesh (with whom Pavan and I spoke in our initial visit) is interested to take up this project and willing to give his land (it seems he wants to take the ownership and maintain). I said we will look into this matter.
Also we have seen the case of a boy with spinal problem. Wanted to see if we can do anything about this case as we have very good doctors in NIMS in Neuro Surgery. Also Dr. Sundar, M.D., Ayurveda successfully treated many spinal injury cases. If this boy (14 years) can be cured, that would be a welcome relief to the family.
Last but not the least and also a significant issue being the problem of Asu workers. Some of us wanted to highlight the issue through media. Not just for Kappaladoddi villagers but Aasu workers all over AP will be benefitted if we can put consistent efforts on this issue.
We need to understand the following:
1. Not considering Asu workers as weavers, is this the issue pertaining to AP only or
the same in the entire country.
2. What is the basis for this decision? Why is that these workers are not being considered as weavers?
3. What is the opinion of Co-operatives and other organizations of Weavers and activists who are working for them?
Request volunteers who are interested in this issue to take an active role. Once we get answers to these basic questions, we can think of organizing a panel discussion and submit the request to govt. Simultaneously we can plan the ways to highlight the issue and bring these points to the attention of media and people.
From the media front, we have the support of Satyavati garu and Usha garu.
Looking forward for a positive response.
1st February, 2011 –Sudarshan Garu
Just wanted to know, if the weavers are interested in coming out of the clutches of loans etc.
is this mooted about we helping them sell thier product till they recover all loans ? Giving loans to them and recover them in kind( their products)?
Best regards
Sudarshan
