Sewa Kaushal Vikas Kendra – Uttrakhand

Distribution of  2000 Seed Kits – 14 Variety of Seeds

With an aim to double the income of farmers by 2022 as part of the NewIndia mission, Sewa International Uttarakhand is working along with Ministry of Agriculture & Farmer’s Welfare, Govt of India also to help in economic self-sufficiency through its farming initiatives under the project of Sewa Krishi. This project provides from time to time agricultural inputs to stay updated with new techniques/seeds in the market and empowering the lives of both women & men.

The event was executed from 29th March to 11 April 2018, where 2000 Seed Kits were distributed among the members of SHG (Self Help Groups) of the districts Chamoli and Rudraprayag. The kit included high-yielding seeds of 14 different varieties, according to the soil types, farming area and needs/interest of the farmers. These seeds are given at a significant discount to the farmers and later recovered on successful harvest to make it a Sustainable Model.

Small Measures, Consistent Effort – Nursery Development

Sewa International, Uttarakhand organized a farmer training event farmer at the Narayankoti cluster of district Rudraprayag on 17 April 2018. The training session was facilitated by Sewa team members, Shri. Mayank Nautiyal (Agri-expert) & Shri. Suraj (Field Supervisor). The training focused on seed sowing and nursery management. Around 15 farmers benefited from this training.  Time & again, Sewa International organizes such training sessions to make the local farming community aware of advancements in agricultural technology & newer farmer schemes that are formulated to make farming as easy and productive as possible.

 Leadership Training for NGO Sector at SVYM, Mysore

Sewa International organized a 7 days ‘Training on Leadership & Tools for the NGO Sector’ along with Exposure Trip to SYVM projects, from 4-10 April 2018 at Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement(SVYM) campus in Mysore, for its various project leaders and coordinators.

This included 20 participants from Sewa International projects in Uttarakhand, Kashi, Pune, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Tripura and Delhi. During the training, participants learned about leadership skills, communication skills, report writing, project management, monitoring & evaluation, time management, work-life balance and many other relevant topics. Distinguished faculty to deliver the training included Dr. R. Balasubramaniam, Dr.(Flt.Lt.)M.A.Balasubramanya, Dr. M.R.Seetharaman, who were also founding members of SVYM, and other qualified trainers, who ensured that entire team gained a lot from the experience. Training was very well received as for most of the team, this was first time to get exposure to such focussed professional trainings relating to NGO work. Early morning yoga classes ensured freshness throughout the day despite hectic schedule which started from 6 am everyday till late in the evening.

Overall, it was a great experience for the whole team to learn in a collaborative environment, know about other projects team members and know about the workings of an NGO.

“Go Organic”

SI federation “Sewa Jakh Raja Utpadak Sangh” of the Narayankoti cluster received organic manure and bio-pesticides in an event planned on 23 April 2018, which proved to be beneficial to our 32 farmers. The event was organized in association with the Department Of Agriculture and the manure, along with bio-pesticides were provided absolutely free of cost. This was possible by actively engaging with the local state unit of Dept of Agriculture with our ‘Go Organic’ program. The reduction and replacement of harmful chemical fertilizers was the main concern that the ‘Go Organic’ endeavor is based on.

Continued use of chemical fertilizers has depleted the natural goodness and quality of soils, whereas natural fertilizers have a clinically proven list of benefits to back their use soil enrichment and crop production.

TOILET AND HYGIENE PROJECT FOR A GIRL CHILD

Sewa International is committed to Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, through its efforts in the area of sanitation, hygiene, and in spreading awareness about its importance. Our cleanliness drives are always popular and especially important is our drive against Open Defecation, as it puts the health of masses in grave danger, forcing them to bear not only unsanitary, unclean living conditions but also exposing them to dangerous health ailments and diseases caused by germs like E.Coli (which is found in excrement). As part of our “Toilet and Hygiene Project for Girl Child“ project, Sewa is rigorously engaged in conducting field surveys to identify and fill the impending gaps in places where such drives are the need of the hour.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS –

• Renovation of Existing toilets and need analysis in 10 schools – Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
• Agra visit for cleanliness drive – Uttar Pradesh.
• Installation of New Bio Toilet models – Chunar in Mirzapur District, Uttar Pradesh.
•  Renovation of Existing toilets at Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

In the first phase of the “Renovation of Existing Toilets” program in Lucknow, around 30 schools have been identified of being in need for toilet repair work. The schools have been shortlisted on the basis of the number of students enrolled in the school and the conditions of the existing toilets. Some schools are in need of minor toilet repair work, like door replacement, wall repair, door lock repair  etc, whereas other schools have been observed to be in need of major toilet repair work like roof replacement, sewage blockage etc.

Sewa International’s main goal with regards to the toilet installation project is to make that sure no school lacks in providing basic sanitation convenience in a safe and hygienic manner to its students.

Installation of new ‘Bio-Toilet’ Model at Chunar, Mirzapur District, Uttar Pradesh

‘Bio-Toilet’ is an innovative technology for disposal of solid human waste in an eco – friendly, economical and hygienic manner. It reduces solid human waste to Biogas and water, with the help of a Bacterial Inoculum (Bacteria or fungi injected into compost to start biological action).

Advantages of Bio- Toilets –

Generates colorless, odorless inflammable bio gas, hence gas can be used as an alternative for cooking gas.

Disposal of Human waste in an absolute Eco Friendly manner.

Generates clear odorless water full of nutrients and minerals, hence water can be used for irrigation purposes.

Keeping in mind the various environmental benefits of ‘Bio-Toilets’ and in continuation of the ‘Swachh Abhiyan’ of the Bharat society, Sewa International has completed installation of 3 Bio-Toilets in Chunar, Uttar Pradesh. The complete installation process of the toilets took two weeks and an execution plan of installing another 32 units is forecasted by June’ 2018.

Agra visit, Uttar Pradesh

Sewa team visited various slum areas in Agra to assess the living conditions and sanitation needs there. Cleanliness, health, and primary education drives have been carried out in many of these slum areas to spread awareness among schools, villages, and people. Also, an action plan has been formulated, post the jeopardizing exposure to heavy rainfall observed in these areas on April 11th, 2018, to help the people adversely affected by the heavy downpour. It was observed that many children were affected and the ‘jhuggies’ or makeshift dwellings of the people living in these slums were found to be in a dire state. There was suffering due to loss of dwellings and belongings.

The Essence Of Humanity – Sewa USA Volunteers“What is the essence of life? To serve others and to do good.”

Sewa International takes immense pride in the commendable support and outstanding efforts put into our various causes by our family of Sewa USA volunteers, whom we can never thank enough. Especially worthy of mention is the effort and dedication displayed by Sewa USA volunteers in the well-being of the environment. We all take from nature in abundance, but very few give back to nature. Our volunteers at Sewa Houston, United States, were seen celebrating International Earth Day at the Discovery Green Park, Houston. They invested their valuable time in spreading awareness about environmental issues among the folks of our ever-growing global and local communities. They also encouraged the local people to take consciously care about the environment in order to save energy and promote awareness activities about environmental issues. The kind of measures are absolutely essential to ensure the continuation of our natural resources and preservation of the environment for the coming generations.

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Celebrations of New Year BOISU with Bru Community

On 14th April 2018, Sewa International and the Bru Tribes of Tripura celebrated their New Year, Boisu, along with the Bru Tribal Development Society. In the evening, the Bru community gathered together for a celebration in Naisinghpara, Ashapara, and Hazachera camps. This auspicious gathering was simply a reflection of the progressive journey of the people in the Bru tribal community. The scenes were absolutely majestic, full of joy and happiness that spread in the air like a gush of new hopes and dreams, as the beautiful sounds of traditional music filled the air, making the local children and elders dance to the tunes of the Bru folk heritage, displaying the warmth and happiness that filled their hearts.The local inhabitants and the children from the nearby Sewa tuition centres played traditional games like yakhrom, waa susamo, waa dumlao mo, swoi thung and swai thung mo. The event ended on a positive note with words of encouragement and motivation by the Sewa team members. Witnessing the zeal and energy of these groups, was indeed an inspiring experience both for the Brus and for all the Sewa workers.

Excellence In Service – HT Woman Award For Ms. Monika Singh

Ms. Monika Singh, an employee of Sewa International, under Sewa International’s ‘TOILET & HYGIENE PROJECT FOR THE GIRL CHILD’, was awarded the Judge’s Choice award by Hindustan Times Woman Of the Year Awards. Her outstanding work of taking the responsibility and successfully installing 22 high-quality steel toilets in rural as well as urban areas of Lucknow City, in schools for underprivileged children, is not only worthy of this recognition but also a benefactor of our immense gratitude. Her contribution in the hygiene project is especially significant as none of these schools had ever had a toilet installed in them before, hence she has been instrumental in creating a sanitized and hygienic environment for these children.

Sewa Sandesh  March 2018 Celebrations of Fyunli Kauthig International Women’s Day in Uttarakhand Sewa International celebrated 'Fyunli Kauthig', a celebration of enduring free spirit of Uttarakhand Women, on the occasion of ‘International Women’s day’ on March 8, 2018 at Gaucher grounds in Chamoli. Sewa International celebrates Fyunli Kauthig every year, to pay tribute to the spirit of being a woman, to show acts of courage and determination by ordinary women to set extraordinary examples for their country & communities. This auspicious celebration was simply a reflection on the progressing journey of the people in Devbhoomi. The chief guest of the program was H’ble Dr. Rajini Sarin, International Coordinator of Indian Medical Association. Being a woman herself, she encouraged the audience and all the women to have faith in themselves, consider themselves equal to man and move ahead in all aspects with no fear. The event was graced with the other distinguished guests including, Shri Mukesh Negi (President of Municipality of Gaucher), Smt Vinita Devi, Shri Prahlad Puspwaan and Shri Nishant Aggarwal (Sewa International). More than 3000 women from faraway villages, many of them starting as early as 4 am in the morning, ensured their presence before the event at 11 am. Teams of women belonging to various SHGs, Sewa Kaushal programs, PMKK centres; demonstrated their acting/demonstrative skills in the fields of agri-livelihood, tourism, knitting, healthcare, digital literacy and skill development, via informative skits. A competition of tug-of-war added energy to the mix with many teams participating in the event. To showcase the native culture of Uttarakhand, various teams performed beautiful dance and song sequences, which were enjoyed by the audience thoroughly.  It’s incredible and unbelievable that a woman plays various roles and that too with love and full enthusiasm. To encourage her to showcase her extraordinary strength and help her nurture that power, Sewa International felicitated the local women from Uttarakhand on this Women’s International Day.  Selected women achievers were honored for adding value to their communities in their respective areas of work - Smt. Nathi Devi (Health Area, Ringi, Tapovan), Smt. Baishakhi Devi (Health, Narayankoti), Smt Darshani Rawat (Health, Phata Guptakashi), Dr.Kavita Bhatt (Literature, Kalimath, Kotma), Ms. Geetika (Poetry/literature, Lambgondi), Smt. Beena Maithani (Education, Gaucher), Smt. Amara  Devi (Folk and Culture,Ukhimath), Smt Poonam Rawat (Mass & Communication,  Bhanaj), Ms. Archana Bahuguna (Social Work, Khumera) and Smt Kavita Rana (Technology, Ukhimath).  Every Celebration must bring with it, the euphoria of triumph and possibility for a future that is not just visible, but also bright. “Fyunli Kauthig” is the first step towards this and as the day spread the Dusk, “Fyunli Kauthig” bids goodbye to everyone with a promise to meet next year, bigger and better….. Weaving Dreams Inauguration and PMKVY Certificate Distribution at Khakchangpara Camp, Tripura Sewa International has been consistently working towards providing succor to the Bru Refugees Tribes through its initiatives in education and skill development by organizing various training and sustainable programmes to create better opportunities for growth in North Tripura. Sewa International PMKVY centre at Khakchangpara Camp was formally inaugurated on 18th March 2018, in the august presence of Shri M.K.Singla (MHA(IS) Special Secretary), Shri Animesh DebVarma(DC, Kanchanpur) and dignitaries from Assam Rifles. The event also witnessed the Certificate Distribution to successful candidates of the first batch of PMKVY training in Self-Employed Tailor program, completed at Ashapara Camp. Shri Singla appreciated the efforts of Sewa International for the forgotten communities of Bru Tribes, and expressed his full support for the future endeavors in the region. The feelings were echoed by the dignitaries at the event. The event was very well received and new trainees promised to give their best to complete the training for a promising future. ‘FOOD FOR HEALTH’ On 11th March 2018, Sewa International Family Services Bay Area team, arranged the second workshop on ‘Food for Health’ with an objective to spread understanding and awareness about the choice of food and eating habits one develops in daily lifestyle. Ms. Kamini Kelkar, a clinical dietician at Kaiser Permanente Hospital in Santa Clara managed the seminar, held at the Village Square Library Hall in Evergreen, San Jose CA. Starting at 10 am, with a brief introduction to Sewa International and its projects around the welfare and the development of the society, Ms. Kelkar enthusiastically provided education on the mindful eating habits and its direct relevance to the balanced nutrition. She emphasized to support it with regular physical activities to look after a compound balance of healthy mind and body. Ms. Kamini Kelkar explained how ‘Fad Diets’ were dangerous and may promise of weight loss or other health advantages without backing by solid science, and in many cases are characterized by highly restrictive or unusual food choices. Also, different props and visual presentations were used on nutrition pyramids, cooking techniques, portion sizes to help the audience connect with the seriousness of the topic. Continuous two hours session kept the participants engaged and inspired with an effective learning. Sewa International’s efforts and support were appreciated at the end of the session with a humble request for a similar workshop focusing on children’s health. Envisioning the Future Greenhouse For Better Farming Farmers in the remote villages of Kashi, were informed on the benefits of GreenHouse and it was installed by the agricultural team of Sewa International Kashi, to improve the cultivation of vegetables and to get rid of them from harmful effects and viruses. Dr. Nagendra Rai (IIVR, Varanasi) provided instructions on the installation of the net and its usage. The farmers listened with great interest as Dr. Nagendra Rai spoke to them about the benefits of a greenhouse net. A greenhouse is a framed or inflated structure cured with a transparent or translucent material in which vegetables or flower crops can be grown under controlled climatic conditions of at least a partially controlled environment. Greenhouse technology provides a controlled and favourable environment for crops to grow in all seasons. The technology saves crops from cold in winter, from heat in summer and from the rainsin the monsoon. Initiatives like these by SI, keeps the farmers informed with up to the date of the latest techniques, technologies, and in return help them with information to make agriculture sustainable. Kisan Sangoshthi Sewa International Kashi organized Kisan Sangoshthi, meeting of farmers with Senior Agri-scientists, aimed at spreading awareness about agricultural insights, organic farming, and latest technology. The meeting focused on extremely important topics such as vegetable farming and information on improving produce variety, weed control, nutrient and water management, pest and disease management, post-harvest management, processing and seed production. The farmers were also educated on the importance of self-health care for a good health and the other primary factors associated and related to it.   Enabling Sanitation: Transforming Lives Sewa International is dedicated towards Swacch Bharat Abhiyan. Every year SI analyzes the cleanliness and toilet conditions of the states in dire need of the movement. It is for the support to poor people for affordable, safe and sustainable access to water and sanitation. The big cities of Uttar Pradesh like Varanasi, Kanpur, and Agra are notorious for lack of sanitation. During the visit to Sewalasarai, a slum area in Agra was found with a large population with no toilets in the area. A mobile toilet with six toilet units having a capacity of 3000 liters of water was identified in terrible condition and couldn’t be used in any way. SI took an initiative to educate the people here on the importance of sanitation before it provides any toilets to use. Among a population of 2000, 900 kids were seen in market areas for wages instead of schools. Also, for the next five months, Sewa employee, Smt. Monica will be visiting this slum for several hygiene awareness programs and get the children admitted to the local government schools. The task will require considerable effort to bring changes and awareness in the slum. Moving to Lucknow, as per the analysis, approximately 50% of schools had toilets but in a dysfunctional state. 23 toilets were installed in schools and the students have taken the responsibility for its cleaning after use. The efforts are appreciated by the teachers and SI will be now working on the repairing and maintenance of the existing toilets to make them functional for everyone’s use with local support for maintenance. The continuous efforts to the movement in Chunar located in Mirzapur District are progressing with the construction of 6 toilets around the Chunar fort and 29 toilets will be constructed in Chunar for the benefit of over 500 families. SI will also be providing 15 toilets in Jaunpur, UP to help the sanitation situation there. Road to Progress – Straight from Japan  Sewa International Uttarakhand welcomed Shri Takumi Kunitake from Japan International Cooperation Agency(JICA) on March 17, 2018, who was on a personal visit to experience first-hand socio-economic conditions of rural Uttarakhand. Between 17-20 March, he stayed in the homstays in Rudraprayag district and conducted field visits for interactions with farmers and local villagers’ to educate himself first-hand, on the current socio-economic conditions through the very people living in real situations. In his own words, "This trip provided me of opportunities to listen to people without any restriction, observe and participate people's lives, and eat authentic Indian food. This experience helps me a lot for my professional works, and I will do my best to improve the quality of projects/programmes I am responsible for based on the experience I acquired in Uttarakhand." Sewa International would like to thank Shri Takumi for his kind words of appreciation and look forward for a greater association in the near future. Contact us; Plot No. 49, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg, New Delhi - 110002 +91-11-43007650 | contact@sewainternational.org | www.sewainternational.org