The
urban middle class from the city of Pune reacted well to the appeal made in the
last report. Over 100 people from all walks of life gathered at the central
flag hoisting venue. These included professionals, students and senior
citizens. They were all armed with letters they had written to the President of
India. These letters outlined clearly
the issues that the people felt dearest to them. Bad roads, traffic, pollution,
education etc were all covered. The most heartening feature was that many
had elected to write their own letters giving the standard format suggested a
complete miss. At the venue some of the other gathered citizens were most
curious as to the activities of this motley group. When told of the reason,
most (another 100+) signed the letters as a show of solidarity. Though the
administration had made no arrangements to receive the letters and acknowledge
them (in spite of having been informed well in advance), the Divisional
Commissioner of Pune division accepted the letters and agreed to forward them
to the office of the President of India.
100
people may not sound much but one must remember that this was the first time
that most of these people were coming together for a cause. This show of civic
action is heartening and augurs well for the future. That most of the people
gathering were youngsters under the age of 30 years was even better.
In the
meanwhile the Dushkaal Hatawu : Manoos Jagawu had their 26th meeting
yesterday. A large number of issues were discussed including the Padayatra
progress, follow-up mechanisms, fund raising for future action, assessment
results and management of the process.
The
assessment team continues to find appalling conditions in the villages where
issues of people are being studied. Waghdarwadi is the first village on the
Padayatra route in Nanded district. This is a small village with a population
of around 1300. Most people in the village belong to one community. The village
is active and united. However, the people are increasingly becoming dispirited
and disillusioned with government. Here is a snapshot of why this is happening…
People
blame the apathy and faulty government policies for their plight. They are
right to a certain extent. They were never involved in the design of any of the
‘development’ projects in the supply driven system of work. They feel no
involvement in the development projects in the village. This is a classic case
of a potentially prosperous and self sustaining community being ruined by silly
and unplanned interventions.
All
is not lost yet reports the team. People are willing to bend their backs and
contribute if they see a way out. It is for us to respond now. The
Padayatra will reach here today (27th January)… Watch this space for
a report on what happens in the deliberations.
The MAHARASHTRA
VIKAS NIDHI (MAHARASHTRA DEVELOPMENT FUND) awaits contributions from all of
you… Watch this space for further updates. Do also watch the blog at www.greenearthconsulting.org/padayatraprogress.htm.
grnearth@vsnl.com, 020-25466103,
09422521703
Dushkaal
Hatawu : Manoos Jagawu
(Eradicate
Drought : Save Humanity)
January 27,
2006