Chandrakali Markam - A light of Change

Just like other women, born into a poor Adivasi family, Chandrakali Markam didn't have much choices to live until she took the charge of her own life and set an example in her community through the power of micro-enterprise. 

An Introduction

Dindori a small district of Madhya Pradesh bordering Bilaspur district of Chhattisgarh, is having a large area which is densely forested where one can find mobile network also with difficulty. Moreover Naxalites also pose a greater threat there. In spite of all these difficulties Chandrakali Markam is visiting many inaccessible and remote villages of the area with a motto to make the women of those areas self sufficient. 

Chandrakali belongs to a poor adivasi family of Agariya tribe in Barga, a small village in Dindori district of Madhya Pradesh. Just like other woman she was spending a marginalised ,powerless life with a little connection to the outer world till she joined a self help group run by an organisation "Pradaan" secretly.

Pointing to old days, she reminds" life was actually very hard those days. " She was married at the age of 11. It was just impossible to run the family on low wages of rupees 20 per day. In spite the fact that they had a small patch of land ,still it was left uncultivated because of lack of money to buy seeds. The men travelled for in search of work.

The start of change

Chandrakali left the school at the age of 11 after studying class five. When she protested that she will not leave the school, her father scolded her not to study as she is a girl. When she was 19 years old she joined a self help group secretly. This was the first step towards change. Gradually she started saving Rs 1 every week and also motivated other women for savings. 

The baby step

In year 2006,Chandrakali stepped in the field of poultry farming for landless families by making a Cooperative farm with governments assistance. In the earlier stage, 60 people joined the group. Today more than 500 women across 23 villages have joined this business under the expert guidance of Chandrakali. They are doing business with turnover in crores and were able to save 8 lakh rupees in 2019-20.

Chandrakali only knows how to put up signatures but she is running successfully the -poultry business. She has kept accountants and manager for managing the business and the whole business is being done in Hindi. She has even formed Federation by combining 507 self help groups across 23 villages.

Magic of attitude

Chandrakali is now working towards acknowledging the efforts of women farmers and rewarding them with proper wages." Although women farmers are doing more work than their male counterparts, still they are not acknowledged and given credit. " she says. For this purpose she has made one cooperative society with the name "Halchalit Mahila Kisan". She also advocates higher education for women of adivasi regions. To generate alternate sources of income , she motivates mushroom cultivation and kitchen garden also.

Awards

She bagged numerous awards for her excellence in the field of micro enterprise but the prominent one is women Exemplar award in the category of micro enterprise being awarded by confederation of Indian industries (CII) in 2020.

Chandrakali is the face of change in rising India amidst of all the factors  like poverty and lack of resources. She is a change maker not only for her community but for entire women as she dared to step out in outer world and made her identity.

 

The proto village of Andhra Pradesh

Tekulodu, a small village near Chillamatturoo in Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh is like a dream village for everyone who believe in village empowerment and decentralization for the good of nation. The village has made its identity as a proto village since 2014 as it is role a model showcasing self sufficiency in the field of food ,water, electricity, sanitation and education.

The models developed in Tekulodu  emphasizes on fulfilling all the basic needs along with maintaining the ecological balance which is a beautiful example of self sufficiency along with mutual sharing of resources.

Kalyan Akkipeddi, a name well known to every social entrepreneur in the country - a former engineer who quit his job to make a barren land an ideal village. The story itself sounds like dream come true. The village has gained immense popularity over a span of four years due to the vision of this young entrepreneur.

The  Stunning Story

About 120 km from Bengaluru, lies the village Tekulodu in Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh. The model of self-sufficiency along with ecological sustainability which the village presents surpasses the glory of many social movements. Since the village is a prototype of an ideal village hence it is named as proto village.

The proto village emphasizes on 9 basic elements or needs as a foundation for community development – food, shelter, water, healthcare, clothing, energy, education, trade, connectivity and disaster management - all in communion with nature. Sustainability and self-sufficiency is their main motto.

Kalyan Akkipeddi, inspired by the simple living of innocent tribal people, decided to took up this barren land for his social experiment. He purchased some land, a few kilometers from Tekulodu near his hometown and started doing organic farming on it. He chose one of the farmers as intern for this experiment.

Within a short span of time, the farmer witnessed a rise in income nearly 20 times of the previous income which inspired other farmers to work on this project. The farmers started using solar pumps for irrigating the fields along with practicing organic farming under the guidance of Kalyan Akkipeddi. The rainwater draining down earlier was now collected in small Ponds in low lying areas and stored for community use. Very soon village became popular as the prototype of a model village.

The Ideology of Village

The proto village has its roots deeply inserted in the field of community service and eradication of racial discrimination. The village has its own community kitchen in which both men and women cook the food without worrying about caste and creed. The women especially are so happy and satisfied here as they enjoy equal rights and opportunities and have ample time to learn something new of their choice.

The learning centre of the village is named after the Japanese philosophy of life called Ikigai. Ikigai emphasizes on earning livelihood which not only generates income but gives a sense of lifelong satisfaction. People here in the village are indulged in farming, poultry, soap making, furniture making and collection of forest produce. The level of satisfaction in the people here is so high that they never wish to migrate to cities for any luxuries.

Education as a Pillar

Tekulodu has a strong vision for education. Its quest for education can be seen from the fact that it has its own Wi-Fi network with the self made syllabus affiliated by IGCSE board with children studying there without being distributed in any specific class or standard. Education model of village relies on sharing of intellectual resources. The children here are experts in various subjects from coding to Japanese language only because of the fact that village welcomes many volunteers who live in village for some time and offer a kind of training or intellectual sharing to the children.

Employment

The village is self sufficient in terms of survival and meeting their own needs however Akkipeddi and his wife Shobhita are working on a three-stage plan called “Grammam Yojana” which will be implemented till 2024.The plan includes developing a Swadeshi or local brand by joining about 8000 women from nearby villages and generating employment by making soap and many food items. In this plan, women will be involved in each step and in every activity- right from horticulture, soap making and marketing food items.

Entertainment

The village has its own Open Theatre in which various cultural programs are being conducted at the village level periodically.

Very soon proto village is going to offer intern program for village youth to learn and implement the same in their villages as a part of Social entrepreneurship. What a miraculous and noble effort by a single man who not only transformed a village but the lives of people. Tekulodu  picturizes the real image of an ideal village in India.

 

The Little Entrepreneur – Anand Panchbhai

Yet another fascinating story to be mentioned from Chhattisgarh- outshining in the sky of startups.The name of the entrepreneur is Anand Panchbhai who is the alumni of IIT Bhilai 2017 batch. Anand laid the foundation of his company during his student life only. At present he is employing 25 people in his company out of which 20 are his juniors only.

An AI startup in health Sector

The story of Anand is really miraculous. During his student life in IIT Bhilai, Anand was determined to do something for the nation. He was determined to do something which can transform the lives of people on mass scale. He started his company Logy.AI through his pocket money with a thought that instead of working from someone else it is better to be self-employed. Through proper time management, he started his venture keeping time for studies as well. Apart from Anand, his two friends Priyajeet and Vinay also played an important role in laying the foundation of company.

AI in medicine and Health

Anand was deeply interested in research work based on artificial intelligence so he opted for the application of artificial intelligence in the field of medicine. His company Logy.AI works in the field of artificial intelligence and research based products, apps and devices. The Government of India along with state governments and various other companies are continuously approaching Anand's company for his valuable research, products and data in the field of medicine and health.

Valuable works

Industrial Research 

 The company got a big grant Biotechnology Industries Research Assistant Counselling in 2020 for industrial based research in the field of AI.

Malaria Detection

Anand’s  company has made a device through which one can detect problems like Malaria, dental problems and other diseases only in a nominal amount of rupees 15. This device is being used in naxalite areas of Bastar now.

Diagnosis of Cervical Cancer

In 2018 Anand and his team made an app and introduced a technique for detecting Cervical Cancer in women. IIIT Hyderabad made a grand to Anand for discovering this technique. Even Government of India has accepted this technique and ground level work has been started.

No words can explain these nobel efforts done for the welfare of humanity and society. We salute the spirit of generosity and innovation ultimately contributing to the well-being of the citizens of the country.

 

Entrepreneurs of Chhattisgarh

Who is not fond of chocolates? On the occasion of chocolate day, when sharing of chocolates is at the peak , who bothers that most of the chocolates contain excess sugar which is not good for health. The sugar free chocolates available in market have also added Chemicals and preservatives in them.

Ever thought of a sugar free chocolate made up of immunity booster herbs? If not, here is the moment to feel proud. Three youngsters of Raipur City - Gaurav Kumar, Amrit Nahar and Anand are together, making sugar free chocolates with natural herbs. Other than that, they are also making 50% sugar free candies. The uniqueness of the project is that they haven't used any chemicals to make these candies. For sweetness they are using Stevia which is multiple times sweeter than sugar.

The Journey of Herbal chocolates

For raw materials they have chosen suppliers from different regions of the country like cocoa powder is being ordered from Kerala and rest of the materials are purchased from farmers of various districts of Chhattisgarh like Bemetara ,Raipur and Bastar.

They stressed that these chocolates are not only immunity boosters but also helpful in increasing eyesight and memory. There startup JORCO has been funded by GEC Surat for further development.

Using herbs in chocolate

In a short talk Amrit told that they are using about 14 herbs like ashwagandha, Tulsi ,badi elaichi ,Giloy, Pippali, clove, cinnamon, mulethi, javitri, black pepper, nutmeg and Kasturi turmeric in making chocolate. It is an interesting recipe not only for children but for elderly and diabetic patients also.

Success story of making of herbal chocolate it is not so easy. The team is working on this project since 6 months and they finally succeeded to make the chocolate after 25 failures. The main problem in making chocolate was the sweetening agent. When dried stevia leaves were initially added along with cocoa powder, nuts, milk solids and green foods, the chocolate became bitter in taste. Then they  tried using stem and various parts of stevia plant and finally succeeded.

The chocolate is available in different flavours like Leechi, orange, herbs, Kacchi keri, mango and jaljeera. The story is in itself an example for all young entrepreneurs who wish to do something innovative as well as inspiring for society also.

 

The Women Carpenters of Manipur

 The Vibrant Carpenters of Manipur

Whenever we think of word carpentry the picture which immediately comes in mind is of a male dominated industry but what a beauty of the fact that women in Manipur are equally participating with their male counterparts to make furniture with equal ease and expertise. About 32 km from Imphal, the capital city of Manipur, the women in Kairembikok village of Thuobal district are taking up carpentry profession and breaking all kinds of stereotypes. The village is having a population of 1500 people and 80% of village women are working as carpenters here.

The courageous starting

Being a tough job, carpentry has always been forbidden for women. This chance was brought about by a kind and courageous person - Kangjam Inaboi, who runs a furniture unit in the village.  He tells that ever since when he started his furniture business she observed that there were a lot of unemployed women in the village. They were having no options for employment excluding the time of paddy harvest in fields. They were unable to support their family financially even when they wished.

The story started from a lady called Ahomsangbaam Radhamani who stepped out to Kangjam and ask for job in the factory. She started working with her carpenter husband in the factory. Within a week, 5-6 more women joined the factory and in today's scenario 80% of women are working in in this furniture unit. Hats off to the first step  taken by Radhamani as this was the desired action taken to initiate women employment in the village.

The positive Change

The women here are generally working in two shifts either between 7 to 10 am or 11 to 5 pm after getting freed from household work. The village is retaining its identity as unemployment hub as no one in the village is unemployed and due to working of both husband and wife, income has also doubled .A woman carpenter is earning 8000 to 10000 rupees per month raising the family income to about 20000 to 25000 per month.

Although many women have not got formal education but this work has filled them with a sense of pride and dignity. They also are able to pay their debts which they have taken from self-help group of village. Due to increase in income, they are now able to give better up bringing to their children. Every child of the village is now going to school and the village is totally addiction and drug free. They have admitted their children to boarding schools however previously it was impossible for them to admit their children in private schools.

Kangjam tells that these women have never thought that this profession is a man dominated profession. Sometimes the finishing touch given by them is even better than their male counterparts. It shows an inspiring picture of women empowerment in the small village of Manipur. An excellent example of willpower and determination shown by these women.

 Startup India - The shining Bastar

Those who get fueled up by innovations and entrepreneurship, Startup India is not a new name for them. But what about startups from a remote area like Bastar-Dantewada, from a small state like Chhattisgarh, revolutionizing the lives of many people at the mass level?

The story of Dennex

The story of  Dennex brand of Dantewada is a milestone in itself in a place which is known for Maoists and Naxalites. It reflects the true picture of progress of Startup India vision, full of hope and inspiration. Chhattisgarh first own brand of clothing has been introduced by setting up a garment factory in the haram village of Dantewada under the brand name Dennex means Dantewada next.

The clothes are being sewed in the factory by village women only. Once prepared , they will be sent in markets throughout the country. About 300 men and women from the village are working in the factory in two shifts.The program aims to provide employment to around 2,000 people.

In a small interview,Collector Deepak Soni told that he wish to make Dantewada, a garment hub. The employment is generated in systematic steps. In first stage training is imparted to new people.   In the second stage, the woman already expert in stitching are trained to make shirts, kurtas and masks.

Providing market

In order to provide a market to these products government has signed a MOU with many government and non-government organizations. It includes MOU for CRPF soldiers, MOU for uniform of NMDC staff and MOU with TRIFED and other garment companies.

Keeping a close eye on the response for Dennex factory in haram village of Dantewada, government aims to open new Dennex outlets at Bacheli, Dantewada and Barsoor also. There is a very inspiring atmosphere in Dantewada related to employment now a day. Apart from garments, handicraft and minor forest produce are also being manufactured here under the brand name Dennex.

Mahua processing hub of Bastar – Dantewada

Mahua, also known as honey flower or butter flower is a tropical tree of Indian origin. It is found largely in plains and forests of central and northern India. Largely found in Bastar, it is being used by tribes to make liquor.

Bastar so far known for Mahua , a flower used for making liquor,is now changing its identity. This change is brought about by Sangwari  Samooh, a  self-help group of women of Dantewada. It is a group of about 30 women which have together established Mahua processing hub in the naxal town Dantewada. They are preparing cookies, halwa, jelly, jam, chunks, Mahua  Kada ,tamarind sauce, jaggery powder and cashew powder here. The group aims to provide employment to about hundred women with increasing demand and supply.

Women associated with this group are too happy to be a part of it. The group has earned about 1.5 lacs in just one week .This innovation not only emerged as a financial support to them but boosted their self-confidence as an independent entrepreneur. The product demand is increasing day by day and helping them to improve their financial condition, giving their children a better upbringing and also spent on health issues.

 

Starts Up Of Chattisgarh

Unique Startup in Bastar - the unheard story

Ever heard of a startup investing in brooms ( jhadu) and which is generating a monthly income of 20 lakhs? The fact that these brooms are made in the most remote and geographically inaccessible area of Bastar district of Chattisgarh makes it even more interesting. Hardly a few of you may be knowing about Aboojhmaad area of Chattisgarh known for it's dense evergreen tropical forests. It is spread over 4000 square km in Chattisgarh covering Narayanpur, Bijapur and Dantewada district. It is the home to many indigenous tribes like Gond, Muria, Abujmaria and Halbaas. 

This region is rich in mineral deposits and a large amount of iron ore is being digged from Bailadila region of this area but the native people still remain isolated from the outside world. The Aboojhmaad is known for it's highly inaccessible nature with little or almost no presence of civil adminitration or government activities. 

Geographically also it is being separated by Indravati river from Bastar. In 2008, it was proposed to declare it as biosphere reserve by Government  of India: Because they these reasons, it is a major hub to naxalites  popularly known as Maoists.

 But the beauty lies somewhere else, hats off to the spirit of SDO Ashish Kotarwani who helped out the tribes in their startup by purchasing 900 quintals of jhadu from them. The story starts from Hitulwada village in the Orchha region near a river where the tribal women started their startup of making jhadu by a special kind of grass growing in this area called Tilgum in local language. Later on about hundred families this joined this small but unique venture.

 When the popularity of these jhadu increased, they were improvised even more by Mahila Swa Sahayata Samooh of Narayanpur district and the design was made even better. A MOU was signed by TRIFED to government and the product was sold countrywide especially in the capital city Delhi. A unique example of a beautiful startup from zero. Saluting the spirit and hard work of the tribals but more appreciable is the work done by government to generate employment for them and providing market to them for their welfare and living.

Another interesting Story

Yet another inspiring short story to be listen. This little state has some other significant startups also to be mentioned. Among top agricultural universities of country, stands the first agriculture university of Chattisgarh named Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya(IGKV).  The university has an incubation centre called "Raftaar Agribusiness Incubator" in which two startup programs namely Udbhav and Abhinav are run  in which selected startups are given chance to showcase there talent. The centre first provides training to the selected entrepreneurs for two months and then their plan is kept for proposal in front of central incubation committee. 

One can wonder how a fabric can be made through khas, a type of grass used in making cooling pads in room coolers  in summer. Ravikant Soni and Namrata Diwakar are two such people which are working on a project to make fabric from khas. 

As khas is popular for it's natural cooling property, the curtains made from it will be cooling the houses and lowering the room temperature during summer time. It will have its natural aroma and at the same time eco-friendly also. At present the thickness of the fabric is 3-5 mm which is to be furthur reduced. After preparing prototype, getting raw material for making fabric and making a machine for it was challenging as well. The plan also proposes making clothes from Khas. An awesome ecofriendly approach!