20th Sodhyatra:The Richness in the Scarcity
From Purulia and Patamda to Bankura,
Date - Feb 10,2008
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Given the enthusiasm of one of the youngest HBN collaborator and SCAI coordinator, Jaydeep Mandal, the entire logistics of Shodh Yatra fell in place though a very close network of volunteers of DRCSC having many initiatives in the region; Basudha- an NGO having a collection of 540 traditional rice varieties, Social Upliftment Trust, a grassroots organisation and volunteers1 of SCAI. There were professors from China, students from European universities and journalist from Switzerland besides farmers, volunteers, students and professionals from all over the country walking together from three places in Purulia and Jharkhand. They finally met at Bhagabandh to walk together to conclude the physical yatra at Basudha. But then the inner journey may have continued further for many of them. Some of them were deeply impressed by the standards of sanitation among Santhal tribals in Purulia; their aesthetics and willingness to share knowledge. Gujarati farmers could not resist expressing a feeling that many farm implements from Saurashtra could be used there; similarly, the lack of water conservation efforts by state and civil society groups (except service centre) also appeared a bit strange to the Yatris. read more...
