RCHR Shines A Light On Villages Project Aashayein Heads To Rural India
Two days, six villages, 30 RCHRites, over 200 villagers and uncountable memories. We, at the Rotaract Club of HR College (RCHR), undertook our first village visit of the 36th year under our project Aashyein – Adopt a Village. The objective of the trip was to inspect one village that requires the building of a well, inaugurate two wells made in
the 35th year and light up two villages with solar powered lights.
The trip took place over November 12th and 13 th, 2021. The group consisted of six directors, the Aashyein core committee of five members, a handful of senior members and junior members all set to experience what Aashyein is all about.
The first stop was at the village of Khandarmal, a small hamlet in central Maharashtra with 122 residents. This village was experiencing a water crisis that made everyday living a challenge.
The crisis forced made to purchase water tanks which cost them Rs 1700 and lasted only about three days, making it unfeasible. A neighbouring village allowed access to their potable water through a makeshift tank but on the
condition that it was used for drinking. If used for irrigation or any other activity, the supply would be cut off. The village, although untouched by Covid, was thus heavily impacted on the economic front. The only two occupations
the villagers had were farming and labour; with a water shortage on one side and lockdown restrictions on the other, this village and its residents had no way out. Some depended on cattle rearing but because of the absence of any streetlights, the cattle were prey to tiger and leopard attacks.
Out of all the villagers, there was only one member who was a graduate. He went by the name of Nitin and studied at three different institutions to complete his graduation. His education came at a subsidised rate, but it came at the cost of him having to always be on the move, switching institutions.
Later in the evening, we visited the villages of Dholdara and Shendewadi in the village of Jambut. By the time we arrived, it was already late at night and because the village did not have access to electricity there was zero visibility. Despite the pitch-black surroundings, the residents navigate around the village easily, using the star lit sky.
The Aashyein team had arranged for solar-powered lights in association with Litres of Light, an organisation focused on creating a sustainable environment. Members divided themselves into pairs and personally went to houses and installed lights. The villagers were taught and instructed on how to use and maintain the light and how it uses solar energy to power itself.
We only realise the value of things until they are not around; this trip was a humbling experience for the HR students because the idea of being able to live in such conditions was simply unfathomable. As the day came to an end, they were exhausted but the blessings and smiles they received made every second worth it.
Team Aashyein headed to their point-ofcontact Rajaramji’s residence for the night.
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