Updates from India: Chair Reports on Village Upliftment Program

Earlier this year, Village Upliftment (VU) Chair Dilip Parikh visited India to observe some of the projects supported by Share & Care and its members. He traveled with his wife and fellow SCF member, Jayu Parikh, to four villages, meeting 12 Lokmitras supported by the VU Signature Program. See photos from their many conversations, and check out videos submitted by a few of the Lokmitras (“friends of the people”) they met along the way.

From the Narsinghapura Village

Translated Transcript:

Hello, my name is Pankaj and I work as Lokamitra in Bhojiapura and Narasimhapura village. Geeta Ben is from Narsinghapura village.
Hi, my name is Geeta Ben. My son had to undergo an operation. Immediately Pankajbhai pours out our ration card and Ayushman card. And the operation was done immediately. My boy is fine and an immediate operation was done. We didn't even have a card, they also gave us the ration card, the election card, and other things
Where did you get the surgery done?
We did it at Jaideep Hospital in Naranpura.
How is the boy now?
Yes, he’s good

From the Village of Lilapur

Translated Transcript:

Hello hello, I am a Lokamitra in Bharvard Vas. So how do you feel about me working as a Lokamitra in Bharvard Vas?
Looks very nice.
OK, and how is it with the boys at the center we work at?
That is the best of the best
Then everything we do for water for this yard is correct?
Everything is good for that service. Everything that happens, happens for the best.
Do you think anything else should be done after that?
All this is like doing service, the boys do all the work of watering the plants, tie strings, and do everything well.
Boys are doing a great job.
Yes they are
It would be better if we all get together and do it.
Yes, it would be better if we all get together and do it

From the Waghjipura Village

Translated Transcript:

Hello, my name is Anil, and I work as a Lokmitra in the village of Waghjipur, located in the Kapdwanj district. I would like to discuss how to store rainwater into the ground to increase the water level. I have a farmer friend named Pravinsingh Bhalu Singh, who has conducted experiments at his house. I would like to know his response:
Hello, Anilbhai, our village friend. He approached me and mentioned that Pravinbhai has a water store project. I asked him what the benefits would be. He explained that we should collect and utilize the rainwater that falls by storing it in the ground. He suggested digging or boring a hole for this purpose. I inquired if we could use the existing borehole. He said yes we can, but he informed me that the costs of using pipes and other materials have increased. I replied saying that it's not a problem, and if it's beneficial, we should proceed. We took some measurements, and since my house is closer, we decided to use four to five pipes. We connected them to use the existing borehole, which was already dug up to a certain depth. Anilbhai accompanied me, and said “I will assist you in the process.” We dug a trench and laid the pipes, ensuring that the roof water flows directly into the borehole. Additionally, I installed a water tank on the roof. If the water level becomes too high, it will now flow directly into the drain. Initially, I had stopped using this borehole, but now I have started using it again, and the water supply is much higher than that of the previous borehole. After about 15 minutes, the water flow decreases briefly but then starts again. The previous borehole used to provide less water, but this new one delivers a sufficient amount in approximately 10 to 11 minutes. After it reaches full capacity, I turn it off, and if I need water again, I can simply restart it. Therefore, I have benefited from this improvement. If you share this with others, please let them know about the advantages. Within 10 to 15 minutes, I have access to an abundant water supply. If all the villagers follow the same approach, everyone will benefit.