Lots of initials to begin with I'm afraid! Gram Nirman Kendra (GNK) supported by BOWL is part of a larger network - NBJK - which works in the North Indian states of Bihar and Jharkhand. A British charity called Action Village India (AVI) supports the work of NBJK and several other projects in India. Earlier this year I was able to join some AVI supporters, and a member of AVI staff, on a visit to NBJK. This included an opportunity to meet Mrs Putul Devi of GNK for the first time and see something of the group's work.
Some 14 groups at NBJK received money as part of a project funded by the UK National Lottery. Our visit to India was arranged to take place at the same time as an independent consultant was to carry out a formal evaluation of this project. This process is of course very important to ensure that money is being spent as outlined in the grant application, and that the project's objectives are being achieved. It is, too, a requirement of the funders. At NBJK's head office in Hazaribagh we met the evaluator and we were able to join him on some of his visits.
One of our group of supporters was a professional photographer and he took loads of excellent photos for use in publicity and educational material back in England. We all kept diaries. We paid for own airfares and gave a contribution to cover the cost of our keep and travel while in India.
We stayed with local group activists who were immensely kind and hospitable. Sanjeev Nayak, from NBJK staff, travelled with us and apart from organising our trip and making sure we got to all the places we were supposed to visit, also translated for the non-Hindi speakers (4 out of 5 of us I'm afraid) and answered our many questions. He was a wonderful guide and friend and insisted on inviting us to superb breakfasts in his family home whenever there was an opportunity. We didn't refuse!
The whole trip was an amazing experience and we all felt enormously privileged to be there. We met activists who worked with total dedication to improve the lives of the poor and marginalised. These activists worked from dawn till long after nightfall but seemed rewarded because they knew their work was making a difference. I think we were all impressed by the vision and commitment of these people.
Life in the villages we visited is no rural idyll. The roads are dreadful, there is no electricity, the schools are very overcrowded, health facilities are extremely limited and there is little access to them for most people because of the lack of transport. Those who own land and are in a position to employ others have all the power. Agricultural labourers just get paid by the day so they have no job security. We met women who'd had even the small amounts of land they did own and livestock, taken from them by force by local landowners. These women faced physical assault when they tried - peacefully - to recover their land. Local activists were working to get legal help for them.
I was able to visit Mrs Putul Devi and GNK. I'd read reports of the
group's activities and of Mrs Putul's life as an activist (see Making Life Better). It was great to meet her in
person and go to the villages where she works. What I noticed
particularly was what a very good relationship she had with all the
people in the villages. Everywhere we went she was warmly greeted as
people came to tell her their problems and seek her advice.
She is someone who definitely works with people not for people. Sadly
we only had a day or two there but it was enough to give me at least a
picture of the kind of work being done.
Another visit was to Sarvodaya Nagar, a large village community which had been started 40 years ago on land donated under a Gandhian land reform programme. Ramswaroop Bhai a local activist and tremendous enthusiast had encouraged a group of people from the so-called 'scheduled class' - who form the most disadvantaged group in Indian society - to settle there, and develop the land. Fruit trees were planted so people could make a living selling the fruit in the local town. The soil was improved, and wells dug and irrigation pumps purchased under government schemes.
We spent an inspirational evening sitting under the stars - which we all agreed appeared much brighter in India - listening to songs and hearing about the history of the place and how the villagers had fought to achieve a better life and overcome any obstacles on the way. In the morning we visited an excellent non-formal education centre for small children and then walked through the orchards and farmland seeing how this once very disadvantaged community had developed and prospered and meeting some of the residents. Ramswaroop had visited us in Barnes a few years ago, when he came to England to meet and talk to various supporters' groups. I'm sure we didn't give him half such an uplifting time.
The trouble with travellers is they tell you rather more than you want to know about their experiences. I'm afraid I'm no exception. One thing though that definitely is worth saying is that AVI is able to arrange for occasional small groups of interested people to accompany AVI staff when they visit projects in India. I think this provides an extremely interesting and worthwhile experience. Please contact me if you'd like more information on this.
Of course one can always ask 'Should I spend money on a visit, when that money could go directly to helping people in need?' I can only say that visiting projects in India changed my whole perspective on what's important in life. On a purely practical level it has helped me a lot when it comes to fundraising. It is good to be able to tell people exactly how money they give will be used and the difference it will make. It's also good to be able to provide feedback later on. I've been very impressed by people's generosity.
I know visits like this one to NBJK raise a number of issues. Obviously it does impose a burden on the organisation and the groups we stayed with. However many of the groups we visited are very isolated and actually quite appreciate having visitors from thousands of miles away because it makes them realise how much their work is valued. Rubbish - you may think. But if you would like to discuss this or any other issue please get in touch with Mary. One more thing - we had very good food throughout our trip and could get bottled water everywhere.