kusumbi

Women empowerment in villages

September 27, 2023

Women’s empowerment is one of the important focus areas of Pancham. Women are a critical part of the development of villages.

  • Strengthen the Kusumbi women’s microfinancing groups.
  • Conduct leadership workshops for women
  • Increase participation in Panchayat ( Village governing body)
  • Connect with government officers
  • Skill development programs are arranged for women
  • Women are helming AgroMilet Women Farmer Company
  • Women have taken responsibility for spreading the use of eco-friendly chulas in the village.
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mutnur-water-reservoirMutnur

create water reservoir for farming & fisheries

September 27, 2023

 

The villagers, local NGO Rudya, and Maharashtra Foundation came together and decided to build a water reservoir. All required permissions were obtained from the local government bodies. The villagers contributed to the effort by doing the groundwork. They were paid under rojgar hami yojana.

The water reservoir is expected to provide several significant benefits to a Mutnur:

    1. Agriculture: Mutnur people rely on agriculture for their livelihoods. A water reservoir allows for the controlled release of water, enabling farmers to irrigate their crops year-round. This can lead to increased agricultural productivity, better crop yields, and reduced vulnerability to droughts.
    2. Livestock: Mutnur’s livestock will also benefit from the water reservoir. It will ensure a consistent supply of water for animals, which is essential for their health and well-being.
    3. Economic Opportunities: Improved access to water can open up economic opportunities for the community. Villagers can engage in activities such as fisheries
    4. Drought Mitigation: During periods of drought or water scarcity, a well-maintained reservoir can serve as a strategic reserve of water. It can be used to support the community until water sources are replenished.
    5. Mutnur Village Development Committee (VDC) will be responsible for the maintenance, proper water management practices, and equitable distribution of water resources.

 

 

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tribal children educationMutnur

Improve Education for Tribal Children

September 27, 2023

 

During the MF Board members’ visit to Mutnur in January 2022, it was observed that there was room for improvement in the quality of education provided at the primary school for tribal children.

In response to this need, Door Step Schools (DSS), a renowned NGO in India with a strong track record of innovative programs to enhance literacy among marginalized communities, took action. DSS extended both online and on-site training sessions to three dedicated volunteer teachers from the village. The primary focus of this training was to equip these teachers with effective methods for teaching mathematics and language skills to primary school children.

The impact of this training has been notably positive. Children who had previously dropped out of school have now returned to the classroom. Daily classes are being conducted, and there’s a noticeable increase in the students’ enthusiasm for learning. This transformation is a testament to the effectiveness of the training provided by DSS and its contribution to enhancing educational opportunities for the children of Mutnur.

 

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kusumbi

Pure Water

September 27, 2023

Two water ATMs are installed in the village as well as all shools in the village are provided with water filters.

The importance of pure drinking water and water ATMs (Automated Water Vending Machines) in villages cannot be overstated. Access to clean and safe drinking water is a fundamental human right and a crucial factor in public health and community development. Here are some key reasons why pure drinking water and water ATMs are vital in rural areas:

    1. Health Benefits: Clean and pure drinking water is essential for maintaining good health. Contaminated water can lead to waterborne diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and diarrhea, which are major causes of illness and death in many villages, especially among children and the elderly.
    2. Reduced Waterborne Diseases: The availability of water ATMs that dispense purified water can significantly reduce the incidence of waterborne diseases by providing a convenient and reliable source of safe drinking water.
    3. Improved Hygiene: Clean water is essential not only for drinking but also for maintaining proper hygiene. It is needed for cooking, cleaning, and personal hygiene. Access to clean water can help reduce the spread of diseases and improve overall sanitation in villages
    4. Community Well-being: Access to clean water fosters a sense of well-being and community development. When people have reliable access to safe drinking water, they are more likely to invest in their communities and work together for common goals.

 

 

 

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kusumbi fpokusumbi

Create Farmer Producer Organization

September 27, 2023

The Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) is a legally recognized entity comprising member farmers who collectively aim to provide comprehensive support and services to small-scale farmers. These services encompass various facets of agriculture, including technical assistance, marketing strategies, processing methods, and the provision of essential cultivation inputs. This contemporary approach is designed to ensure that producers receive optimal returns on their agricultural yields.

Maharashtra Foundation, the RSCD & AWARD helped Kusumbi women establish AgroMillet Women Farmer Producer Company, an FPO with a dedicated focus on cultivating Nachani. Their primary objectives are to secure competitive prices for their Nachani crops in the market, create value-added Nachani products, and effectively market them.

This project possesses the potential to serve as an economic catalyst within the village.

All formalities related to the company’s registration have been diligently completed, and women officials have been selected to lead the endeavor.

In 2022, designated as the International Year of Millets, Pancham played a pivotal role in assisting Kusumbi in declaring itself a “Nachani Gao” or Nachani Village. This declaration clearly communicated the village’s commitment to making Nachani their primary crop, thereby empowering Kusumbi farmers to negotiate better prices for their produce in the market.

A series of training programs were organized, featuring experts from renowned agricultural institutes. Additionally, 80 kilograms of improved Nachani seeds were distributed to the farmers to enhance their crop yields.

Pancham has pledged funding support for a bakery, further diversifying income sources.

The search for suitable land to establish a processing plant is currently underway.

It is anticipated that the FPO will become fully operational by the conclusion of 2023.

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AGM

Annual General Meeting July 2019

July 28, 2019

Annual General Meeting Sunday July, 28 2019

As required by the constitution, the Annual General Body Meeting will be held on Sunday, July 28, 2019. All members are invited to attend and participate in the meeting. The details of the meeting are as follows:

Place : Residence of Pradeep & Snehal Vaze
33 Rachael Drive, Morganville, NJ 07751
Date : Sunday, July 28th, 2019
Time : 2:00pm – 4:00pm

AGENDA

  • Approval of minutes of General Body Meeting 2018
  • President’s Report
  • Treasurer’s Report
  • Election/Introduction of Board of Directors/Ratification of Terms
  • Project Reports
    – Ongoing Projects and New Projects
    – New Jersey Annual Fundraising Event
    – Any other item with the permission of the chair

Members are requested to send RSVP to MF Secretary (secretary@maharashtrafoundation.org) or call (732) 979 1771 by July 15, 2019, to help us making arrangements.

We have TWO positions to serve on the Board of Directors (BoD) of MF for a three-year term beginning in August 2019. Members of the BoD are expected to contribute and participate in the volunteer work related to operations of MF, organizing fundraisers, maintaining accounts, updating mailing lists, updating the website and corresponding with recipient NGOs. It is also expected the BoD members attend monthly meetings. If you are interested in joining the board, please send your relevant Biodata by July 11, 2019 to vicepresident@maharashtrafoundation.org and secretary@maharashtrafoundation.org

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Event

Maharashtra Foundation Youth Day

March 9, 2019

Maharashtra Foundation held it’s Youth Day event at Modern College, Pune

Maharashtra Foundation’s vision is to bring social transformation to modern India through basic education, science, health care, empowering women and masses in general.

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Event

Social Service Literature Awards

January 24, 2019

Maharashtra Foundation Literature and Social Service Awards Ceremony was held at Bal Gandharva Hall in Pune on 27th Jan. 2019

This was the 25th year, a milestone for these awards. The elegant ceremony was held on January 27th at the Bal Gandharva hall in Pune. Actor, Director and social activist Amol Palekar was the chief guest and Baba Amte’s Anandwan was the winner of the main Lifetime Achievement award for social service. Shanta Gokhale, the eminent writer and translator was the winner of the Lifetime Achievement award in Marathi literature.

Marathi Press covered the event on the front pages and all Marathi channels showed select parts of the program on TV that night. This event was a treat for socially conscious people and the fans of Marathi literature. Eminent people like actor/director Mohan Agashe and the retired Chief Justice of Supreme Court, Hemant Gokhale were in the audience. The Mahrashtra Foundation President Ankush Karnik made a special trip to attend the ceremony. His speech about his vision for MF was well appreciated by the audience. Sunil Deshmukh, the inspiration behind these awards, talked about his thoughts and feelings behind establishing these awards.

“Maharashtra has led in social reform. We would like to honor the literary figures and social workers who swim against the current to establish a just and happy society, so the younger genera􀀂on can emulate such role models”, he said.

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