By Jam Jesuits, May 1, 2012

O C I organized one day training programme for the farmers of the Mundigodo GP on April 30, 2012 at Sunagaon village. The enthusiastic farmers were invited to attend the training. Altogether 89 farmers (including 30 women) turned up for the training.  Our Resource Persons were Mr. Congress Gauda, District Agriculture Officer (DAO), Balliguda, Mr Kali Charan Patro, Agronomist, Balligida and Mr. Braja Bihari Pattnaik, Agriculture Overseer, Mundigodo. Mr. Ullash our field staff did all the ground work to arrange the training programme.

The resource persons spoke on the government provisions for the farmers explaining government projects on agricultural activities like open well, power tiller, small check dams etc. They also emphasized the need to increase production by using vermin-culture compost and other fertilizer after soil test and recommended by the agriculture department. Special focus was given to the provisions given for the farmers of Kandhamal district for cultivation other than paddy like turmeric, maize and mustard. There is high subsidy for these seeds. Other facilities too are provided so that there is increase in production. Apart from these, they also emphasized on making “Kisan Credit Card” and “Farmers’ Sangh or Club”. These will bring in more benefit to the farmers. The farmers have shown keen interest on these things and we hope, they will go for them.

Our purpose of organizing this training was to have a direct interaction with the officers of agriculture department and learn about the different schemes on agriculture and clarify if they have any doubt. A lot of interaction has taken place between them. The farmers now have more clarity on the schemes and how to go about availing them. We felt we have done the job well bringing both the parties together for interaction.

We hope now that the farmers will take lead in availing the schemes which will help them prosper.

By Jam Jesuits, May 1, 2012

O C I organized a Two Day Training Programme for the PRI members of Mundigodo GP from April 25 to 26, 2012 at Sesargaon village. 39 participants attended the training. It was meant for the newly elected PRI members but we also invited the old members and some other active members in the GP. Our Resource Persons, Mr. Sarada Charan B’Singh, Mr. Amir Nayak, Mr. Utkal Nidhi Nayak and Mr. Biprocharan Nayak were from Jana Vikas, an Archdiocesan social work organization, based at K. Nuagaon, Kandhamal district. Mr. Ullash our field staff has been the mentor in motivating all PRI members to attend this training programme.

They highlighted on the history and development of PRI system especially the 3 tier system. They emphasized on the roles and responsibilities of the PRI members. An interaction method was used for the training. Participants took active part by bringing different problems faced by them in their work. Action songs were used to create interest among them while giving input on the subject matter. They were divided into three groups to identify issues and concerns and were asked to find solutions to the same. All members were involved in this progress. One issue on water problem was taken for the detailed analysis and how to solve the problem. The process was taken so that PRI members can use similar method to solve other problems they face.

O C I’s intension firstly was to empower them with the knowledge of their power given by the government of Odisha so that the development of the GP is actualized in an effective way. Secondly, there need to be cordial interaction among the old and new members so that all of the work towards the development of the GP. We felt that the training has stirred their mind towards their responsibility. We hope now that things will move fast in actualizing developmental projects of the government in the GP and it will benefit every person of the Panchayat.

This was our first attempt to bring all PRI members together for training. Now we have already moved to cover the whole GP in our programme. It was an exciting experience to be with them these two days. All I can say is that the training was good. Let us wait for the good result to come.

O C I is growing in extending its services to all people in the Panchayat. Great venture indeed.

By Jam Jesuits, April 9, 2012

O C I Tumudibandha organized a Shanti – Sadbhavana volleyball tournament. It was meant for all the villages of our operational area. 8 teams registered themselves to participate in the tournament.

The opening ceremony was held on March 27, 2012. Fr. Gyan inaugurated the tournament and spoke on the purpose of having the tournament; namely, to deepen the friendly relationship among the players and the villagers and to promote the game in the area. There was a lot of enthusiasm among the players as they took part in the tournament.

The final match was played on April4, 2012 between Kurtipada and Dagrigaon villages. Kurtipada team defeated Dagrigaon team and became the champion of the tournament. The Sarpanch of Mundigodo GP distributed the prizes. The tournament concluded not only with prize distribution but also snacks were given to all the players and sweets were distributed to the audience.

What did we achieve with this tournament? It brought all the players together for the matches each day. There was a lot of interaction taking place everyday. It helped in deepening their fraternal bond. There was a lot of cooperation in organizing and conducting the tournament by the volunteers and the villagers. It was very visible that there was no caste or creed feeling among the players and the villagers. It was also an occasion for the O C I staff to become more familiar with the players and the villagers. Our relationship with the people has grown. We feel that we are very much accepted by them.

In deed we had good time with all the people. People are hoping that we will continue to have such tournament in future. Mr. Ullash our Field Coordinator did everything possible to organize and conduct the tournament successfully.

Great work indeed. Keep going.

By Jam Jesuits, March 14, 2012

O C I Tumudibandha organized the International Women’s Day celebration at Rugudipali village of Mundigodo GP, Tumudibandha Block on March 8, 2012. It was a well attended programme by women of SHG members and other women from nearby villages. There were more than 170 women and a handful of men who participated in the programme.

“Women’s Health” and “Women’s Right” was the theme to mark the occasion. Our Chief guests were Ms. Ranubala Mohanty from SAMONAYA Trust, Mundigodo, Ms. Madhabi Dei, A N M, Sunagaon, Ms. Anita Kanhar, A N M, Mundigodo and Mr. Rukhya Raj Nayak, Coordinator Sunagaon P H C.

Mr. Ullash, our Field Coordinator gave a warm welcome to the guests and the participants. He also explained the proceedings of the day to the gathering. Then followed the series of speeches by the guests. All these were geared towards creating awareness among the women on the theme of the day. Fr. Gyan gave a brief history on the celebration of International Women’s Day every year. He also highlighted the importance of the celebration; namely,

1. The need to recognize and appreciate the achievements by women all over the world

2. Highlighted the gender inequality in the society and related issues

3. Appeal to reach women’s full potentials

Ms. Ranubala Mohanty spoke on the “Women’s Right.” She began her speech saying, “Jaha sunibe, karjyare parinat karantu” (What you hear today, put them into action). She emphasized on the Mothers’ role and place in the family and the society by saying, “Maa pujaniya otonti” (Mother is venerable). Then she highlighted the different laws protecting women’s rights. Ms. Madhabi Dei, A N M Sunagaon explained the government schemes related to women’s health like, “Janani Surakhya”, “Mamta Yojna”, “Matru Gruha”, “Kishori Balika Yojna”, “Gaon Kalyan Samiti” etc. She explained about the Pre-Natal and Post- Natal care and appealed the women to avail the facilities provided for their welfare. Mr. Rukhya Raj Nayak, Coordinator, Sunagaon P H C spoke on what are the facilities at the P H C in Sunagaon. All three spoke well explaining different programmes and provisions that are available for the women’s development.

It was amazing to see women attentively listening for about two and half hours without noise. The topics and its presentation fully captured the minds and hearts of every one. It came to our minds that if such numbers of women demand their rights, it will be given to them. The strength of the women was very much visible. The need to keep alive Naari Shakti (women’s strength) is the task ahead for all of us.

The seriousness of the sessions was broken by fun and frolic. The slogans “Mahila Diwas Zindabad Zindabad” and “Mahila Diwas ki Jai” cheered us all. The SHG groups presented entertaining songs. Thereafter there were two sport items for the women; one needle and thread race and second spoon race. These items brought in lots of Masti (joy) to every one. The winners were presented with prizes and the rest were given consolation prize.

“Thumps up” to Mr. Ullash and the volunteers who motivated the women and made arrangements for today’s successful programme. The Rugudipali villagers were all out to help us in preparing meals for the participants. The programme ended with “Bhoji” at 3.30 PM.

A great and holy day indeed for all women.

“Hum aapke saath hein”. (We are with you)