Fellows-Jul 2005 - Mission 2007

M.S. SwaminathanResearch Foundation3rd Cross Street, Institutional AreaTaramani, Chennai - 600 113, INDIATel: +91-44-2254 1229, 2254 1698Fax: +91-44-2254 1319nva-coordinators@mssrf.res.inchairman@mssrf.res.inwww.mssrf.orgD i r e c t o r y o f N V A F e l l o w s Volume - 1 Jul 2005 - Feb 2007

Directory of NVA FellowsProfiles and Core CompetenciesVolume - 1(Jul 2005 - Feb 2007)M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

M S SwaminathanResearch Foundation3rd Cross Street, Institutional AreaTaramani, Chennai - 600 113, INDIATel: +91-44-2254 1229, 2254 1698Fax: +91-44-2254 1319nva-coordinators@mssrf.res.inchairman@mssrf.res.inwww.mssrf.orgDesign and Printing by: AMM Screens, Chennai.

NVA FELLOWSForewordJamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity (NVA) hasheld so far three convocations where 176 women and 193 men wereinducted as Fellows of the Academy. The first two convocations wereaddressed by H E the President of India Dr A P J Abdul Kalam. Thefourth convocation of NVA is being held at the Tamil Nadu AgriculturalUniversity, Coimbatore on 17 Feb 2007. At this convocation, forty womenand forty-nine men will be inducted as Fellows. The present publicationprovides information on the experience and expertise of the new Fellows.A perusal of this publication will show how rich rural India is in talent,entrepreneurship and spirit of innovation. Apart from social prestige,NVA has provided them with an opportunity for giving full expression totheir talents and to their commitment for rural uplift.The Fellows of NVA constitute an effective “Team India for a NewIndia”, where urban and rural areas will prosper together and wherethere is social inclusion in technology access. The Fellows of the NVAwill help to bridge the growing urban-rural digital divide. They will helpto make our country a truly knowledge society, where knowledge helpsto improve the quality of life of the poorest of the poor.I wish to record our gratitude to Smt Tara Gandhi for leading a team forthe selection of Fellows based on merit, and to Mr Senthilkumaran andhis devoted colleagues for the trouble they have taken to compile thispublication with care and love.M S SwaminathanPresidentJamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural ProsperityJAMSETJI TATA NATIONAL VIRTUAL ACADEMY (NVA) FOR RURAL PROSPERITY 3

NVA FELLOWSPREFACEIt is a matter of pride that the National Virtual Academy (NVA) now hasover 450 Fellows hailing from villages of 20 States all over the country.Their occupations are as varied as farming, fishery, teaching, health work,small business, handicraft and many others. In the midst of this diversity,the common bond shared by all the Fellows is their strong commitmentto the cause of social upliftment and sustainable rural development.Each of these remarkable women and men have taken initiatives for thewelfare of their village. Using the tools of information and communicationtechnology, they share their own skills or communicate useful informationand valuable knowledge for the benefit of the local community.This directory aims to serve both as a documentation of the work of theNVA Fellows and as a resource book. It contains a profile of each Fellowgiving their location and personal details, as well as an account of theirwork and special expertise. Based on these profiles and on separateskill-mapping exercises that have been carried out by the NVA team forFellows in different regions, a list of Competencies has been preparedand categorized under major topics. These in turn have been furtherdivided into sub-heads, depending upon the specializations found withineach topic. Keywords have been allocated to each Fellow for thepurpose of easy access and to facilitate identification of Fellows withcompetency in any of the listed topics or sub-heads.NVA Fellows undergo periodic training and capacity building to upgradetheir existing skills or to acquire new expertise. They will thus be enabledto serve as resource-persons at workshops, seminars, training coursesor hands-on demonstrations for their own peers or for the benefit ofscientists, students and professionals. As envisioned by ProfessorM.S.Swaminathan, NVA Fellows can become master trainers or‘grassroots academicians’ who serve as agents of transformation in ruralIndia through such lateral and vertical transfer of knowledge. It is ourhope that a wide range of organizations and individuals find thispublication useful for the purpose.Tara GandhiAdvisor, NVAM S Swaminathan Research FoundationJamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 5

Participatory KnowledgeManagement Workshopssupported byAadrsha Welfare Society, HyderabadAction for Food Production (AFPRO),HyderabadCollege of Engineering and Technology,NagpurDepartment of Forest, Govt. of OrissaGandhigram Trust, DindigulGlobal Knowledge Partnership (GKP)Gujarat Vidyapeeth, AhmedabadInternational Crops Research Institute forthe Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT),HyderabadITC – IBD, Hyderabadn-logue Communications Pvt Limited,GujaratOneworld South Asia, New DelhiPolymer Educational Society, NelloreDr. N. K. Sanghi , Advisor, WatershedSupport Services and Activities Network,SecunderabadMr. M. Selvakumar, Rajasthan StateAgriculture and Marketing Board(RSAMB), ChttorgarhTARAhaat, GujaratTata Consultancy Services, ChennaiTelecentre.orgUttan Trust, AhmedabadVidhya Bhawan Krishi Vigyan Kendra(KVK), UdaipurNVA Fellows ProgrammeSupported bySir Dorabji Tata TrustTata Education TrustInternational Development Research Centre(IDRC)Swiss Agency for Development andCooperation (SDC)Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)MicrosoftMission 2007

NVA FELLOWSContentsFellows fromAndhra Pradesh ....................................................... 17-43Assam ..................................................................... 44-62Chhattisgarh............................................................ 63-64Delhi..............................................................................65Gujarat .................................................................... 66-99Haryana ............................................................... 100-101Himachal Pradesh ........................................................102Jammu & Kashmir................................................ 103-105Jharkhand............................................................ 106-107Karnataka ............................................................ 108-110Madhya Pradesh .................................................. 111-115Maharashtra ........................................................ 116-126Orissa .................................................................. 127-129Pondicherry ......................................................... 130-153Punjab ................................................................. 154-155Rajasthan............................................................. 156-173Tamil Nadu .......................................................... 174-211Uttar Pradesh....................................................... 212-224Uttaranchal.......................................................... 225-228West Bengal ........................................................ 229-230Index of core competencies ........................................................ 231-255List of Main Topics for Fellows’ Competency Keywords .......................256Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 7

NVA FELLOWSAssam52. Mr Abdul Mokit (Jan-2006) .................. 4453. Mr Amal Sarma (Aug-2006) ................. 4454. Mr Amitt Attreya (Jan-2006) ................ 4455. Ms Anjana Neog (Aug-2006)................ 4556. Mr AnwarHussain Chowdhury (Jul-2005) ............ 4557. Mr Arnab Gogoi (Jan-2006) ................. 4558. Mr Arun Bora (Jul-2005) ...................... 4659. Mr Arup Goswami (Jan-2006) .............. 4660. Mr Ashok Kumar Nath (Jan-2006) ........ 4661. Mr Atul Chutia (Jan-2006).................... 4762. Mr Bijoy Kr Nath (Aug-2006) ............... 4763. Ms Bijoya Bharali (Aug-2006) .............. 4764. Mr Bimal Pradhan (Jan-2006) .............. 4865. Mr Debendra Hazarika (Aug-2006) ...... 4866. Ms Deepanjali Brahma (Jan-2006) ....... 4867. Mr Dhruba Jyoti Sarmah (Jan-2006) ..... 4968. Mr Dipen Kanwor (Aug-2006) .............. 4969. Ms Geeta Magar (Aug-2006) ............... 4970. Mr Gobin Saikia (Jan-2006).................. 4971. Mr Golam MohammedChoudury (Jan-2006)............................ 5072. Ms Indrani Dowerah (Aug-2006) ......... 5073. Mr Jadumani Borah (Jan-2006) ............ 5074. Ms Jesminara Begum (Jan-2006) ......... 5175. Ms Jhuma Neog (Jan-2006) ................. 5176. Ms Jinti Deka (Jan-2006) ...................... 5177. Mr Jyoti Gogoi (Jan-2006).................... 5278. Ms Kabita Saikia (Jan-2006)................. 5279. Ms Kakoli Nath (Jan-2006) ................... 5280. Ms Kamala Borah (Aug-2006).............. 5281. Mr Khaybor Ali Ahmed (Jan-2006) ....... 5382. Ms Mafida Begum Saikia (Aug-2006) .. 5383. Ms Malabika Sut (Aug-2006) ............... 5384. Ms Manikha Gogoi (Jan-2006) ............. 5485. Mr Manish Sil (Jan-2006) ..................... 5486. Ms Manjeeta Kashyap (Jan-2006) ........ 5487. Mr Mintu Mahanta (Jan-2006)............. 5588. Mr Nikhilesh Das (Jan-2006) ................ 5589. Mr Nila Gogoi (Aug-2006) ................... 5590. Mr Nirmal Singh (Aug-2006) ................ 5591. Mr Pannalal Bhattacharjee (Aug-2006) 5692. Ms Papori Kumai (Jan-2006) ................ 5693. Mr Phanidhar Gogoi (Jan-2006) ........... 5694. Ms Pinaki Doss (Jan-2006) ................... 5795. Mr Pranab Kumar Choudry. (Jan-2006) 5796. Mr Pranab Saikia (Jan-2006) ................ 5797. Mr Rabizul HaqueLaskar (Jan-2006)................................. 5798. Mr Rajib Lochan Borah (Jan-2006) ....... 5899. Ms Rajoshree Das (Jan-2006) ............... 58100. Mr Raju Teron (Jan-2006) ..................... 58101. Mr Randip Gogoi (Jan-2006) ................ 59102. Ms Reema Bardoloi (Aug-2006) ........... 59103. Ms Rehana Shaji (Aug-2006) ............... 59104. Ms Ruli Buragohain (Jan-2006) ............ 60105. Ms Rupjyoti Borah (Aug-2006) ............ 60106. Ms Sabita Devi (Aug-2006) .................. 60107. Mr Saurabh Das (Jul-2005) .................. 61108. Mr Tankeswer Saikia (Jan-2006) ........... 61109. Ms Tilottama Hazarika (Aug-2006) ...... 61110. Ms Tutumoni Gam (Jan-2006) .............. 62111. Mr Upen Horo (Jan-2006) .................... 62112. Mr Vaskar Narayan Misra (Jan-2006) ... 62Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 9

NVA FELLOWS150. Ms LeelabenManajibhai Rathod (Jul-2005) .............. 81151. Ms MadhubenDineshbhai Soni (Feb-2007) ................. 82152. Ms MadhubenHarjivanbhai Makwana (Jul-2005) ....... 82153. Mr ManasiyaHifjurbhai Raheman (Jan-2006)............ 83154. Ms MayabenMahendrakumar Patel (Jul-2005) ......... 83155. Ms MeenabaParamshing Jadeja (Feb-2007) ............. 84156. Ms MeenabenVishnubhai Rathava (Jul-2005) ............ 84157. Ms MeetabenKantilal Solanki (Jul-2005) ................... 85158. Ms NandubenGovindbhai Bariya (Feb-2007) ............. 85159. Ms NirmalabenJayantibhai Parmar (Jul-2005) .............. 86160. Ms NirmalabenJekabhai Parmar (Jul-2005) .................. 86161. Ms NirubenVikramsingh Chauhan (Jul-2005) ......... 87162. Ms NitabenAmrutbhai Chaudhari (Jul-2005) .......... 87163. Ms PalubenManajibhai Jadav (Jul-2005) ................ 88164. Ms PinabenJivanbhai Rathava (Jul-2005) ............... 88165. Ms PoonambenDalpatbhai Vaghela (Jul-2005) ............. 89166. Ms PushpabenFakirbhai Suthar (Jul-2005) .................. 89167. Ms PushpabenJayantibhai Parmar (Jul-2005) .............. 90168. Mr Rajubhai Patel (Jan-2006) .............. 90169. Mr RakeshJayantibhai Suthar (Jan-2006) .............. 91170. Ms RamilabenArvindbhai Parmar (Jul-2005) .............. 91171. Ms RamilabenAshokbhai Gohel (Jul-2005) ................. 92172. Ms RamilabenIndravadanbhai Makvana (Feb-2007) .. 92173. Ms RamilabenRobinbhai Khristi (Feb-2007) ............... 93174. Ms RatanbenHarilal Gadia (Jul-2005) ....................... 93175. Ms SaritabenMukeshbhai Rathava (Jul-2005) ........... 94176. Ms SarojbenNatubhai Gohel (Jul-2005) ................... 94177. Ms ShobhanabenDhirubhai Vadhela (Jul-2005) ............... 95178. Ms SumitrabenAmaratbhai Parmar (Jul-2005) ............. 95179. Ms Suryaba Madhuji Jadeja (Feb-2007) 96180. Ms UrmilabenVinodkumar Nayak (Jul-2005) .............. 96181. Ms Ushmaben Mevada (Jan-2006)....... 97182. Mr Vimal Shastry (Jul-2005) ................. 97183. Ms VimalabenBhanuprasad Chavada (Jul-2005) ........ 97184. Ms VinabenRajubhai Rathava (Jul-2005) ................ 98185. Mr YagneshKishorchandra Rindani (Jan-2006) ....... 98Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 11

NVA FELLOWS287. Ms G Syamalavathy (Aug-2006) ........ 151288. Ms Thamizhmani (Aug-2006) ............. 151289. Ms D Usharani (Jul-2005)................... 151290. Ms K Vijaya (Aug-2006) ..................... 152291. Ms Vimala Periandy (Aug-2006) ......... 152PUNJAB292. Ms Karamjit Kaur(Jan-2006) .............. 154293. Mr Manmohan Singh Bhari (Jul-2005) 154RAJASTHAN294. Mr Ashok Sharma (Feb-2007)............. 156295. Mr Bhagirath Saran (Jan-2006) .......... 156296. Mr Chandan Singh (Jul-2005) ............ 157297. Ms Dhapu Kumari (Feb-2007) ............ 157298. Mr Durjan Ram Poonar (Feb-2007) .... 157299. Mr Ghisu Lal Jat (Feb-2007) ............... 158300. Ms Goga Rajput (Feb-2007) ............... 158301. Mr Habib Khan (Jan-2006) ................. 158302. Mr HanumanPrasad Nagar (Feb-2007) ................... 159303. Mr Harchand Legha (Jan-2006) .......... 159304. Mr Hari Singh Gurjar (Jan-2006) ........ 160305. Mr Jagdish Prasad Soni (Feb-2007) .... 160306. Mr Jayanti Lal Sutar (Jan-2006).......... 160307. Mr Kamlesh Kumar Daiya (Feb-2007). 161308. Mr Karna Ram Poonar (Jul-2005) ....... 161309. Mr Laxmichand Dhoriya (Feb-2007) ... 162310. Mr Lumbha Ram Depan (Feb-2007) ... 162311. Mr MahendraKumar Sharma (Feb-2007) ................. 163312. Mr Mahendra Singh (Jul-2005) .......... 163313. Mr Mangej Kumar (Jan-2006) ............ 163314. Ms Meera Suthar (Feb-2007) ............. 164315. Mr MohanKumar Kumavat (Feb-2007) ............... 164316. Mr Mohan Patidar(Jan-2006) ............. 164317. Mr Mohar Singh Sikarwar (Feb-2007) 165318. Ms Murti Bishnoi (Feb-2007) ............. 165319. Mr Narayan Ram (Jan-2006) .............. 165320. Mr Narayan Singh (Feb-2007) ............ 166321. Mr Narsingh Singh (Jul-2005) ............ 166322. Ms Nisha Chauhan (Feb-2007) ........... 167323. Mr Pawan Kumar (Jul-2005)............... 167324. Mr Pira Ram Dehati (Jan-2006) .......... 167325. Ms Pushpa Vishnoi (Jan-2006) ........... 168326. Mr Rajesh Punia (Jul-2005) ................ 168327. Mr Raj Kumar Singh Arya (Feb-2007) . 169328. Mr Rambabu Patidar (Feb-2007) ........ 169329. Mr Rambaksh Bhakar (Jan-2006) ....... 169330. Mr Ramesh Chand Sharma (Feb-2007)170331. Mr Ramnivash Prajapat (Jan-2006) .... 170332. Mr Rau Ram Meghwal (Jan-2006) ..... 171333. Mr Santosh Kumar Tyagi (Jan-2006)... 171334. Mr Shivraj Meena (Feb-2007) ............ 171335. Mr Shyam Sunder Patidar (Feb-2007). 172336. Ms Sushila Bana (Feb-2007)............... 172337. Mr Tarachand Malav (Jan-(2006) ....... 173TAMIL NADU338. Mr E Altrin (Jan-2006) ........................ 174339. Ms Amalorpavamary (Jul-2005) ......... 174340. Mr A Annadurai (Feb-2007) ................ 175341. Mr N Arun (Jan-2006) ........................ 175342. Mr Arunkumar (Jul-2005) ................... 17614 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWS343. Ms E Arunmoli (Aug-2006)................. 176344. Mr H Bagadoor (Jul-2005).................. 176345. Ms Bagavathi Ammal (Jan-2006) ....... 177346. Ms K Baladevi (Aug-2006) ................. 178347. Ms M Banumathi (Jan-2006).............. 178348. Ms Barathisala (Jul-2005) .................. 179349. Ms Bhavani Ganesan (Jul-2005)......... 179350. Ms Bhavani Elango (Jul-2005)............ 179351. Mr Chandrasekar (Jul-2005)............... 180352. Mr S Cinnathambi (Feb-2007) ............ 180353. Mr K David (Jul 2005) ........................ 181354. Mr G S Dhanapathy (Aug- 2006)........ 181355. Mr V Dheenadayalan (Jul-2005) ......... 182356. Mr Elango (Jul-2005) ......................... 182357. Mr Gnanakulandhai (Jul-2005) .......... 183358. Ms R Gnanasundari (Jul-2005) ........... 183359. Mr P IrudhayarajDuraisingam (Aug-2006) .................... 184360. Ms M Jeya (Jan-2006) ........................ 184361. Mr John Nelson (Jul-2005) ................. 185362. Mr S T Justin (Feb-2007)..................... 185363. Ms Kalaivani Rajendran (Jul-2005)..... 186364. Ms Kanagavalli Rajendran (Jul-2005) . 186365. Ms KasthuriChandrasekaran (Jan-2006) ............... 187366. Ms Kavitha (Jul-2005) ........................ 188367. Mr S Karuppasamy (Aug-2006) .......... 188368. Mr S Lenin (Aug-2006) ....................... 188369. Mr B Logidasan (Jan-2006) ................ 189370. Mr T Mahadevan (Jul-2005) ............... 189371. Ms S Mahamayee (Aug-2006)............ 189372. Mr C Manikandan (Aug-2006) ........... 190373. Mr Manimaran (Jan-2006) ................. 190374. Mr R Maniyan (Jul-2005) ................... 191375. Ms K Mariammal (Feb-2007) ............. 191376. Mr T Mesiyan (Feb-2007) ................... 191377. Mr R Murugan (Jan-2006).................. 192378. Ms Murugaveni (Jul-2005) ................. 192379. Mr K P Murugesh (Jan-2006) ............. 193380. Ms R Muthumari (Aug-2006) ............. 193381. Mr R Nalla Senapathi (Jul-2005) ........ 193382. Ms A Neelaveni (Jul-2005) ................. 194383. Ms K Parameswari (Jan-2006) ............ 194384. Ms Parasakthi (Jul-2005).................... 195385. Mr P Prabhakaran (Feb-2007) ............ 195386. Ms P Preetha (Jul-2005) ..................... 196387. Ms Rajeswari Karthikeyan (Jul-2005) . 196388. Mr S Rajakumar (Feb-2007) ............... 197389. Mr S Rajkumar (Jan-2006) ................. 197390. Ms S Ramuthai (Jul-2005) .................. 197391. Mr Ravikumar (Jul-2005) ................... 198392. Ms Revathi Selvaraj (Jan-2006) .......... 198393. Ms Sagaya Shalini (Jul-2005) ............. 199394. Mr R V Sampath Kumar (Jan-2006) .... 199395. Ms V Seethalakshmi (Aug-2006) ........ 200396. Mr J Senthil Kumar (Jul-2005) ............ 200397. Mr V Sethuramalingam (Aug-2006) ... 201398. Mr L Settu (Aug-2006) ....................... 201399. Ms B Shanthi (Feb-2007).................... 202400. Ms M Shanthi (Jan-2006) ................... 202401. Mr C Sivakumar (Jan-2006)................ 202402. Mr K Sivakumar (Feb-2007) ............... 203403. Ms N Sridevi (Jul-2005) ...................... 203Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 15

NVA FELLOWS404. Ms T Sudha (Jul-2005)........................ 204405. Ms Suganya (Jul-2005)....................... 204406. Ms K Suguna (Jan-2006) .................... 205407. Mr J Sundar (Aug-2006) ..................... 205408. Mr P Suresh Babu (Jan-2006) ............. 206409. Ms V Tamil Selvi (Jan-2006) ................ 206410. Mr P Thangasamy (Aug-2006)............ 206411. Ms R Thenmoli (Aug-2006)................. 207412. Ms M Thilagavathy (Feb-2007) ........... 208413. Mr S Thinakarasamy (Jul-2005) .......... 208414. Mr G Thiyagarajan (Jul-2005) ............. 209415. Ms K Vasamalli (Jul-2005) .................. 209416. Mr Velmurugan (Jul-2005) ................. 210417. Ms V Vijayalakshmi (Jan-2006)........... 210418. Ms S B Yoganandhi (Jul-2005)............ 211UTTAR PRADESH419. Mr Ajit Singh (Jan-2006) .................... 212420. Mr Akhilesh Kumar Singh (Jan-2006) . 212421. Mr Ashok Singh (Feb-2007) ................ 212422. Mr Ashutosh Dixit (Feb-2007) ............ 213423. Mr Dheerendra Raj Singh (Feb-2007) . 213424. Mr Devendra Dutt Mishra (Jan-2006) 214425. Mr Jay Singh (Jan-2006) ..................... 214426. Mr Jitendra Narayan Singh (Feb-2007)214427. Mr Jitendra Singh (Jan-2006) ............. 215428. Mr Manoj Kumarr Tripathi (Jan-2006) 215429. Mr Manoj Kumar Dixit (Jan-2006) ...... 215430. Mr Pradeep Mishra (Feb-2007) .......... 216431. Mr Pradeep Singh (Jan-2006) ............. 216432. Ms Priti Parmar (Jul-2005) ................. 216433. Mr Raghavendra Mishra (Feb-2007) .. 217434. Mr Rajendra Mishra (Jan-2006) ......... 218435. Mr Ramdayal Verma (Jan-2006) ......... 218436. Mr Ravindra Pal Singh (Jan-2006) ...... 218437. Mr Ritesh Katiyar (Jan-2006) ............. 219438. Ms Rajmani Parmar (Jul-2005) ........... 219439. Mr Sanjay Dubey (Jan-2006) .............. 220440. Mr Sanjay Kumar Pandey (Jan-2006).. 220441. Mr Sanjay Singh (Jul-2005) ................ 220442. Mr Shiv Bux Singh (Feb-2007) ............ 221443. Mr Sunil Kumar Rai (Jan-2006) .......... 222444. Ms Uma Singh (Jul-2005) ................... 222445. Ms Urmila Mishra (Feb-2007) ............ 223446. Mr Vijay Bahadur Singh (Jan-2006) .... 223447. Mr Yogendra Rai (Jan-2006) ............... 224UTTARANCHAL448. Ms Archana Raturi (Jul-2005)............. 225449. Mr Gabbar Shing Rawat (Aug-2006).. 225450. Ms Padma Rawat (Aug-2006) ............ 226451. Ms Partima (Jul-2005) ........................ 226452. Ms Uma Dhaundiyal (Aug-2006) ........ 227453. Mr Vipin Joshi (Jul-2005) .................... 227WEST BENGAL454. Mr Apurba Saha (Jan-2006) ............... 229455. Ms Pinki Chakraborty (Jan-2006) ....... 229456. Ms Ranu Saha (Jan-2006) ................. 229457. Mr SamarendraNath Bhattacharjee (Jan-2006) ......... 230458. Mr Soumen Middey (Jan-2006) .......... 23016 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSANDHRA PRADESH1. Mr K Y V L N Acharyulu(Feb-2007)C/o. TCS Adult Literacy Program,TATA Consultancy Services,No.1, Jawaharlal Nehru Road,Vadapalani, Chennai – 600 026.Phone: 044 – 5550 5555E-mail – m.som@tcs.com33 year old Mr. Acharyulu comes fromGajjullanka of Kolleru Mandal, Guntur Dist,Andhra Pradesh. A commerce graduate fromNagarjuna University, Guntur, he was a veryenthusiastic, energetic leader in his collegedays. He is very interested in eradicatingilliteracy in villages and believes illiteracy isthe root cause of poverty.He is the Nodal Prerak, and has organizedmany Kalajatharas to motivate the illiteratepeople in surrounding villages. Throughcultural activities he participated ingovernment programmes like AkshraSankranthi and is active in Akshara Bharathiprogram also. In 2001 Acharyulu started theTCS- CBFL program and completed nearly12 batches of learners with 200 peoplebecoming literate. He says that thisprogramme is very effective and easy to learnand easy to teach also. Because of attractivesoftware, mostly women are coming to theCBFL centre voluntarily without anymotivation. Even after completing 14 lessonsout of 17 lessons, learners started readingnewspapers and other print material with aspeed of 15 to 20 words per minute. He isvery happy to teach through this CBFLmethod.He has motivated community people to buildISL sanitary lavatories. He actively participatedin many awareness programs like Pulse Polio,AASHA, HIV programmes in and surroundingvillages. He is the role model in the villagefor young people in the village.2. Ms G Anitha (Jul-2005)C/o PEN India, IITE, LES GAP19-3-1K/A,KCR COMPLEX,Renigunta Road,Tirupathi-517 501, Andhra PradeshPhone:(0877) 2280720,5577796Mobile:9246999897email:penindia_India@yahoo.com35 year old Anitha of Mypadu village inNellore District of Andhra Pradesh is an activemember of PEN India and is doing yeomanservice for the good of the people in thevillage. She has done PGDCA and ispractising computer applications andextending ICT related initiatives of PEN Indiaunder PENCIL project of making rural peoplehave computer literacy.Anitha has organized a women’sorganisation called Aruna Mahila Mandaliand organised skill development programsfor 200 women in tailoring, embroidary etcwith the help of DRDA. She is working forJamsetji JAMSETJI TATA Tata NATIONAL National VIRTUAL Virtual Academy ACADEMY (NVA) for Rural FOR RURAL Prosperity PROSPERITY 17

NVA FELLOWSAndhra Pradeshtechnological empowerment of thegrassroots population under the IITE’sIntegrated Resources Management andEmpowerment (IRME) program. She usingICT tools for rural, especially coastal zonedevelopment and has established hercredentials for the last three years in helpingthe poor rural people.3. Ms M Apsar (Jan-2006)C/o. HearMarrivari Street,Main Road,Indukurupet,Nellore DistAndhra pradeshEmail: fakru_nlr@yahoo.comMogal Apsar (23), is a graduate in computersciences from Kodavakur in Andhra Pradesh.A member of the NGO, Health EducationalAwareness of Rural Area Development(HEAR), she runs a free HEAR computereducation centre in Vidavalur Mandal forpoor people to develop their livelihood skills.She gives training in computers andsubsequently highlights the placementopportunities, which in turn helps improvetheir economic status.She conducts IT awareness programmes ather center to emphasise the importance ofcomputer education through which theparticipants can benefit both socially andeconomically in future. She throws light onthe internet boom in the present era, whichacts as a boon for information assimilation.She collects information on self-employmentactivities from the Internet and trains andbuilds the capacity of women to implementthem in their respective villages.4. Ms Bandi Vara Lakshmi(Jul-2005)C/o VELUGUAPRPRPIII Floor, Summit Apartments,Door No 5-10-188/2, Hill Fort Road,Hyderabad - 500 004Ph: +91-40-55660315/623 years old Bandi Vara Lakshmi fromGopavaram in Cuddapah District of AndhraPradesh has studied up to 10 th Class. Sheused to do farming, working for hardly 20to 25 days in a month.She took up occupation as animator for SHGgroups strengthening and formation from2002 to 2004, organized campaign meetingsfor SHG members with training andawareness for poverty alleviation, organizedcleanliness campaigns in her village with thehelp of SHG group members and workedfor strengthening the SHGs inMadakalavaripalli village.Vara Lakshmi is a very good leader and shehas good communication skills. She workedwith nearly 35 SHG groups and hasorganized more than 300 members intoSHGs in her own village. She took the leadin confronting a corrupt Bank Manager inan SHG Bank linked to poorest of the poor(PoP). The community has benefited throughher active work. After September 2004, she18 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSAndhra Pradeshhas become Community News Reporter inMahodayam Community News Magazinepublished by Andhra Pradesh Rural PovertyReduction Programme (APRPRP). She provedherself as a good communicator and electedas a Editor of Mahodayam Magazine by theEditorial Committee.5. Ms Bijili Lakshmi (Feb-2007)W/o. B. SailooKothapally villageShankarpally MandalRanga Reddy Dist.,Andhra PradeshPhone: 08417-207250Bijili Lakshmi 43, is a landless woman fromAdarsha watershed, Kothapally village inRanga Reddy district of Andhra Pradesh, hasattained the status of a trainer and hasbecome a practicing trainer for women inother watershed areas. She is not only aleader of the self-help group, which wasoperating micro-finance activities in hervillage, but has also been empoweredthrough the watershed programme intobecoming a full-fledged community trainerfor managing natural resources sustainably.She belongs to the Yerukala scheduled tribeand always tries to find opportunities for thebenefit of land less people.Apart from being actively associated alongwith her group to prepare healthy andnutritious mid-day meals for village schoolchildren through a programme supported byGovernment of Andhra Pradesh, she hasundertaken a new initiative of establishingnurseries of bio-diesel plantations i.e.Pongamia and Jatropha. This activity isproviding extra income for her group workingcollectively in their free time.Lakshmi has become a role model in the ruralcommunity showing the way for women invillages to build their confidence, and hasalso increased their awareness for health andenvironmental concerns.6. Ms K Chandrakala (Jan-2006)C/o ICRISATPatancheru-502 324Andhra Pradesh, IndiaTel: +91 40 3071 3071Ms. K. Chandrakala (28), hails from a smallvillage, Kommireddy Palem of Mehabubnagar District in Andhra Pradesh. She is anenthusiastic, dynamic and committed socialworker involved in many communitydevelopment activities in and around hervillage.Her keen interest to serve her villagecommunity started in 1995 when aftercompleting her 10 th class she donned themantle to successfully run a local societycalled “Dhanalaxmi”. After undergoing therequired training, she taught illiterate adultsof the village to read and write in the locallanguage Telugu, from 1997 to 1999. Shewas elected as Executive Member of awomen’s federation called Adarsha MahilaSamaikhya (AMS) at Mandal level and iscurrently on its Board. Her persuasivemanagement skills helped to take upJamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 19

NVA FELLOWSAndhra Pradeshresponsibilities of managing a popularrestaurant run by AMS.She has been successfully mobilizing womenin social welfare programs of Andhra PradeshGovernment such as “Akshara Kiranam”, “Akshara Bharathi”, “Indira KranthiPathakam” etc. She acquired skills byattending training programs like co-operative“Sangham Dairy” training and “Velugu”community training program. Now she is aresource person committed to organize andtrain self-help groups. She also activelyparticipated in the “Pulse Polio drops” drive,the largest immunization programme of theGovernment of India.As a Village Network Assistant (VNA) atKommireddy Palem Knowledge Center, shefacilitates daily educational training programsfor children and basic computer trainingprogramme for children, youth and adultsof the village. With the knowledge and skillsacquired during her training in livestockrearing and dairy development, she providesguidelines to the villagers in improving themilk production, animal healthcare andmanagement, improved compost makingfrom farm waste etc.Being trained in computer skills, she managesan Agro-Advisory system through IT forcommunity development with the help ofexperts from the International CropsResearch Institute For The Semi Arid Tropics(ICRISAT). She is also helping farmers increasethe yields of castor, a major crop in the regionthrough field demonstrations on the use ofmicronutrients. She also provides services likeinforming local weather forecast,comprehensive information in agriculturalpractices and market prices using PilotInformation Hub of ICRISAT.Ms. Chandrakala’s tremendous energy, selfconfidenceand sincere commitment makesher a role model of highly respected in hersociety.7. Mr Davala Samson(Feb-2007)Gundlapalli, Nakarikallu,Guntur Dist., Andhra PradeshPh: 9866574484D.Samson, aged 32 years, has studied S.S.L.Cand hails from Gundla palli Village ofNakarikallu Mandal, in a forest area ofGuntur Dist, Andhra Pradesh. He is verydynamic and enthusiastic. He participated inmany social activities in his village. Being ason of an Ex- Service man, he is a disciplinedperson, and a good organizer.In association with Zilla Saksharatha Samitias a Nodal Prerak, he started running a nightliteracy school since 1999 where withtraditional methods he made 50 peopleliterate in two years time. From 2002, he isrunning TCS- CBFL centre in his village andhas completed 6 batches in two years. Inthese two years, he made 100 village illiteratepeople literate.Being a mandal level volley-ball player,Samson could inspire village illiterate youthto become literate. His wife is an Anganwadi20 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSAndhra Pradeshteacher and has been helpful in bringingdropout school children to attend the CBFLcentre. After developing reading skills, someof these dropouts have gone to bridgeschools for higher studies.He organized rural sport competitions andAIDS awareness training camps , encouragedrural people to build ISL sanitary lavatoriesand to attend polio, health and family welfarecamps. Mr. Samson has done excellent socialwork for his village community, and hasbecome role model for the village youngsters.8. Ms K Devaki (Feb-2007)Ikkurru Post, Narasaraopet,Guntur Dist., Andhra Pradesh 522601Cell: 9399308040A 29 year old B.A in Political Science fromNagarjuna University Guntur, K.Devaki isfrom Ikkurru village of Narasaraopet Mandal,Guntur Dist, Andhra Pradesh. Even thoughshe comes from a poor family background,after completing her graduation, shepreferred to stay with her fellow villagers tobe helpful to them by doing social service.Because of her leadership qualities, she couldmove freely among the poor illiterate peopleof the village. This helped her to motivatethem to participate in village social activities.For 3 years she was running a night school,and in 2003 she started running TCS-CBFLprogram, completing 10 batches. Boththrough conventional method and throughCBFL method, she made 200 village peopleliterate. She proudly said that she was happyto have the TCS computer without whichshe could not have achieved such highresults.Devaki motivated the village women andhelped them to form 20 SHG groups. Sheherself is the leader 5 SHG groups.9. Ms K Dhanalakshmi(Feb-2007)Nelapadu, S.C. Colony, Tenali,Guntur Dist., Andhra PradeshPhone: 08644-22077935 year old Dhanalakshmi is from NelapaduVillage of Tenali Mandal, Guntur Dist, AndhraPradesh. A graduate from NagarjunaUniversity, Guntur, she is running a TCS-CBFLcentre since 2001 which achieved 81%literacy in her village. She says that thismethod is very attractive for village womenand it was easy to teach through this method.As the leader of 30 DWACRA groups of hervillage, she organized income generatingprograms with the help of Jana SikshanaSamasthan which gave training in makingitems like wax candles, washing powders andphenyl. She actively involved herself in socialactivities like pulse polio program, HIVawareness activities and GovernmentsponsoredPrajapadam, Indira Gramina VikasYojana programs. Her work commandsrespect from the village community.Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 21

NVA FELLOWSAndhra Pradesh10. Mr Doddaka Mastanaiah(Jan-2006)C/o. HearMarrivari Street, Main Road,Indukurupet, Nellore DistAndhra pradeshEmail: fakru_nlr@yahoo.comDoddaka Mastanaiah (30), from MudivarthiPalem, Nalgonda Dist, Andhra Pradesh is aB.Com graduate with knowledge ofcomputer operations. He is employed as anaccountant in a private company and joineda voluntary organization HEAR, in the year2002.He has been actively involved in educationaltraining activities for the underprivileged inrural area as a HEAR member. He started afree Computer Training Programme inMudivarthi Palem and the surroundingvillages with the objective of training youthfrom poor and lower middle class families incomputer software and hardware. He isimparting information to all the people inhis community about agriculture,aquaculture, cropping, seeding, varioussaving schemes and self-employment. He hasa special inclination to work for the poor andis a prime motivator in spearheading projectsthat would directly benefit the deprived andunderprivileged sections of the society.11. Mr S K Fakruddin(Jul-2005)C/o PEN India, IITE, LES GAP19-3-1K/A,KCR COMPLEX,Renigunta Road,Tirupathi-517 501, Andhra PradeshPhone:(0877) 2280720,5577796Mobile:9246999897email:penindia_India@yahoo.com25 year old Fakruddin of Indukurpet mandalin Nellore Dt.,Andhra Pradesh is a graduatein computer sciences . He works primarily asa social activist of PEN India and is motivatedtowards developing opportunities forunemployed people in rural areas. As acommitted PEN Member he is providing freefaculty services through various institutionsin Nellore District as per the PENCIL themeand has provided around 4500 students withcomputer education.To popularise ICT for knowledge anddevelopment he recently initiated a districtlevel unit namely Nellore District ICT ActionCommittee for which he is the secretary, withthe intent of creating knowledge centres invillages under the aegis of PEN India.12. Mr K Hanumantha Rao(Feb-2007)Peda Agrakaram,Piduguralla,Guntur Dist., Andhra PradeshK. Hanumantha Rao comes from PeddaAgraharam Village of Piduguralla Mandal,22 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSAndhra PradeshGuntur Dist, Andhra Pradesh. He is a postgraduate in Commerce from NagarjunaUniversity. 26 years old Hanumatha Rao’sdynamic personality inspires co- youngvillagers to participate in village socialactivities.Since 1997, he is associated with ZillaSaksharatha Samiti, working as prerak,running the CEC centre in his village. In 2002he started TCS-CBFL center and till now hehas made 250 illiterate people in his villageliterate.Hanumantha Rao motivated and encouragedvillagers to build individual sanitary lavatories,and to keep the village surroundings cleanand green and also encouraged village youthsto participate in self employment schemes.He is actively taking part in governmentwelfare programmes like JanmaBhoomi,Jalayagnam, and NSS programmes. Hepersuades dropout school children to rejoinschool and tries to admit the child labourvictims in bridge schools.13. Mr G Harsha Vardhan(Jul-2005)C/o PEN India, IITE, LES GAP19-3-1K/A,KCR COMPLEX,Renigunta Road,Tirupathi-517 501, Andhra PradeshPhone:(0877) 2280720,5577796email:penindia_India@yahoo.comHarsha Vardhan from Mypadu village, NelloreDt. Andhra Pradesh is a 25 year old B.Comgraduate with computer qualifications. Heworks with facilitating ICT in rural areas asper PEN formulae and is initiated into PENCILprograms of PEN INDIA.Harsha Vardhan is trying to organise ICToriented functions in coastal areas. He hasgiven computer training to students and alsoengages himself in social activities such asaddressing HIV/AIDS, helping old people etc.He has undergone training in socialmobilisation and has an inclination to workfor the poor and down trodden people.14. Mr M Jai Ganesh (Jan-2006)C/o. World Corps IndiaNew # 57, Trunk Road Porur,Chennai -600 116,IndiaTel: + 91 44 24825384Mob: + 91 98401 71692E-mail: deepa@worldcorps.orgM.Jai Ganesh (26), a native of Kadepallivillage, Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh,migrated with his family to Kuppam in 1995.Currently an undergraduate student, he is adedicated youth, committed to the cause ofrural development. He has participated invarious welfare activities in the villages ofGudipalle Mandal and in many developmentprojects of the Governments of AndhraPradesh and Karnataka on a voluntary basis.As a supervisor in “Akashra Tapasman” theGovernment of Andhra Pradesh programmefor addressing illiteracy, Jai Ganesh waspersonally responsible for motivating andbringing several dropouts of schools back tothe mainstream. He worked as volunteer forthe eradication of child labour programmeJamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 23

NVA FELLOWSAndhra Pradeshinitiated by local NGOs and Governmentdepartments. He joined World Corps India,a non-profit and NGO working on ICT inKuppam Constituency in 2002 and is playingan effective role in guiding and counsellingthe rural entrepreneurs.Jai Ganesh has very strong communicationskills and has been responsible for motivatingand guiding women groups and youth groupmembers to take up sustainable livelihoodactivities in both Chittoor and Cuddapahdistricts. He has helped in an interventionprogramme for more than 600 women inKuppam to take up incense stick making asa livelihood and 100 women in Pulivendla inCuddapah to take up papad making. He iscurrently involved in projects wherein heassists in social mobilization, SHG formation,capacity building of groups, conductingmotivational training programmes, problemsolving, liaisoning with coordinatingorganizations, and monitoring of thelivelihood activities to ensure sustainability.15. Ms S Jehera Begum(Jul-2005)C/o PEN India, IITE, LES GAP19-3-1K/A,KCR COMPLEX,Renigunta Road,Tirupathi-517 501, Andhra PradeshPhone:(0877) 2280720,5577796Mobile:9246999897email:penindia_India@yahoo.comas the one who is committed to public goodand help for the poor women. Sheestablished her women’s organisation namely“Janaki Mahila Mandali” in the year 1985and is in the forefront for the emancipationof women suffering on account of oppressivelife situations.Now an active Member of PEN India she hasundergone training towards facilitatingdifferent projects and programs sponsoredby Government. To her credit she formed 60self-help groups with 750 members and isrunning a tailoring and embroidery unit, achild development centre and an orphanage.She is very active in rural developmentinitiatives and has organized trainingprogrammes for aqua farmers in the coastalbelt and is at the door step of farmers whowant any assistance in raising crops or gettingsupport from various sources. She organizedhelp for tsunami affected people.With the help of her son who knowscomputer science, Jehera Begum tookinitiatives in ICT tools and started providingcomputer training to the rural people and isplanning for the establishment of ruralknowledge centres. Her hard work andenthusiasm to serve the most disadvantagedsections has carved a place for her in thecommunity and she can be emulated byothers as a role model.45, year old S. Jehera Begum a graduateliving at Vengal Rao Nagar in Nellore Districtis known in every household of five villages24 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSAndhra Pradesh16. Mr Jyothendra Gunnam(Feb-2007)S/o G.M.K.R.V.Prasad,# 13-139/2, Ramachandra Road,Kuppam – 517 425.Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh.Jyothendra Gunnam aged 23 is a verycommitted and socially responsible youngman from Kuppam, which has historicallybeen one of Andhra Pradesh’s neglectedareas situated near the borders of Karnatakaand Tamil Nadu . Due to his family’s financialproblems, Jyothendra could not pursuefurther education in a regular day college.So he decided to take up a job and continuehis education in a distance mode, completingBachelor of Commerce from Dr.B.R.Ambedkar Open University.In 2002, he joined as a Volunteer in WorldCorps India, a non-profit and nongovernmentalorganization working in ICTin Kuppam Constituency, Chittoor Districtand was promoted as a Project Coordinatorto manage and supervise their CommunityInformation Centres Project. Withenthusiasm, talent and commitment to servepeople, he has shown tremendous leadershipabilities in guiding the lower income youthof Kuppam to take up sustainable livelihoods.He has been involved in trainingentrepreneurs in computers and internet andentrepreneurship development skills and inadministrating training programmes. He hasmotivated and guided several young peoplewho have taken up the business of settingup CICs in their rural areas.Jyothendra is currently involved in the day today monitoring and supervising of 13 CICsin Kuppam that are owned, operated andmanaged by rural unemployed youth. He alsofacilitates the incubation of new businessopportunities for the CIC entrepreneurs byworking with several partnering organizations.17. Ms Koru Sarojini (Feb-2007)BC 3 rd Colony, Kolakalur, Tenali,Guntur Dist., Andhra Pradesh08644 28172735 years old K. Sarojini is from KolakaluruVillage in the coastal plain area of TenaliMandal, Guntur Dist. Andhra Pradesh. Shehas 10th Std education and is a goodorganizer and a good motivator. She hasbeen working as a Prerak since 1997, runningnight adult education centre. From 2001 sheis running TCS- CBFL centre along with CECcentre. Now her village literacy rate is 78%.She proudly says that because of the CBFL-TCS computer, she was able to achieve thishigh percentage.Sarojini not only actively participates invarious social activities but also motivates herfellow villagers to take part in government -sponsored welfare activities like HIV / AIDSawareness programme, pulse poliocampaigns, mothers’ feeding campaign, andin distribution of T.B drugs to affectedvillagers. She received the appreciation of theVillage President for active participation invarious social activities.Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 25

NVA FELLOWSAndhra Pradesh20. Ms Latha Gauri (Aug-2006)Marpally (Mandal),Ranga Reddy District,Andhra PradeshPhone: 0841-623 8508A 26 year old graduate, Latha Gauri is atrained video producer and is a print andvideo reporter in her village. A communityreporter with a difference, she works towardsdeveloping her village and bringing inattitudinal change, with the tool of a newsmagazine and video in her hand.Having been married at a very young ageand leading her life alone with her 5 yearold son, she has been instrumental instopping many child marriages in her villageand helping young girls pursue furthereducation. She informs her community aboutthe health impacts to women because ofchild marriage, and also conveys to themainstream information about the problemsin her village. Development issues that havebeen captured by her camera are screenedregularly for the benefit of the communityand to influence public opinion through the“Namma TV” channel which features localnews, farming information, health alerts anddiscussions with experts. (A monthlycommunity magazine brought out by theSHGs gets her coordination also shehighlights local issues to address the socialneeds and information that could be usedby the community).Latha Gauri had studied up to 10 th Standardwhen she had got married. Now with herdetermination she has been able to completeher graduation through distance education.She is associated with SOCIETY FORELIMINATION OF RURAL POVERTY,Hyderabad, provides her with regular supportand capacity building to carry out variousprogrammes in her village. In recognition ofher work and competency OWSA gave heran opportunity to express her concerns atthe UN plenary at WSIS II in Tunisia. Her keymotto is education and empowerment, towhich she has sincerely dedicated herself.21. Ms P Lilly Florence(Feb-2007)Piduguralla,Guntur Dist., Andhra PradeshLilly is an Intermediate qualified 29 year oldfrom Piduguralla Village, of PidugurallaMandal, Guntur dist, Andhra Pradesh. Sheis very active and dynamic, taking part inmany social activities. She is involved in anorganization for eradication of child labourin her village and in surrounding villages, andmotivates dropout school children to attendschool.She conducts awareness programmes for aclean and green village, and organizescleanliness projects every week. She isactively involved in programmes forempowerment of women through JanaShikshana Samasthan, and Zilla SaksharathaSamithi and conducts training camps onstitching and embroidering for theempowerment of women.Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 27

NVA FELLOWSAndhra PradeshLilly started TCS- CBFL centre in 2003 andcompleted 10 batches of 15 learners. As achild labour eradication organizer and schooldropout prevention organizer, she facilitatesmany children in attending her CEC and CBFLeducation centre.22. Ms T Manjula Devi(Jul-2005)C/o PEN India, IITE, LES GAP19-3-1K/A,KCR COMPLEX,Renigunta Road,Tirupathi-517 501, Andhra PradeshPhone:(0877) 2280720,5577796Mobile:9246999897email:penindia_India@yahoo.comManjula Devi aged 35 of Tandur village inRanga Reddy District of Andhra Pradesh is adedicated worker engaged in the bettermentof rural areas. She has studied up tointermediate and spends much of her timeto secure the rights of people. She hasorganised around 600 women into Livelihoodand Ecological Security Groups - self helpgroups initiated with the twin objectives ofacquiring livelihood security and ecologicalsecurity for all. She is doing effective workin helping the community to solve their dayto day problems. She has spearheaded aninitiative to familiarize farmers with organicmanure and environmentally friendly pesticides.With the help of the mandal office ManjulaDevi helped women to get various assistanceto improve their living conditions. She tookmany steps to solve the drinking waterproblems of the locals, get pattas for thehomeless and help abandoned children getadmission in school. She has shown keeninterest in encouraging groups for incomegeneration activities and milch animalrearing.Manjula Devi has taken steps to learncomputer operations and is keen to introduceICT tools to the extent required forcommunications and feed back forsustainable rural prosperity initiatives. Sheworks for public good and is trying to developher abilities towards serving the communityaround her.23. Ms K Mary Saroja(Feb-2007)Kancherlapalem Post, Tenali,Guntur Dist., Andhra PradeshMary Saroja comes from KancherlapalemVillage of Tenali Mandal, Guntur Dist AndhraPradesh. She is a Post Graduate in Commercefrom Nagarjuna Unversity Guntur and eventhough she is highly qualified, she preferredto do some social work for village upliftment.She is working as prerak since 1998, teachingvillage illiterates in night schools, and in 2002,she started TCS-CBFL centre. With both theseconcepts she has achieved 80 % literacy inher village. She says most of the neo-learnersare coming to the CBFL centre to sustain theirreading and writing skills.Saroja is the leader of 5 DWACRA groups inthe village and she is continuouslyencouraging and motivating others in28 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSAndhra Pradeshformation of the SHG and DWACRA groups.She actively takes part in Pulse Polioprogrammme, HIV-AIDS awareness activities,and also in Govt programmes likePrajapadam, Janmabhoomi,and Rajiv RojgarYojana.24. Mr Mohammed Riyaz(Aug-2006)20-2-1750, Raveendra Nagar,Near Kondayapalem Gate,Nellore, Andhra PradeshMohammed Riaz is 25 and holds an MBAdegree. With his knowledge of theapplication of ICT he has started motivatinggrass-root level people to learn moderntechnologies such as computer, internet etc.so that they can get empowered to solvemany problems of their day to day lives. Hehas involved himself in social work out ofcompassion and sympathy for the sufferingpoor people. He used to spend much of hisspare time by creating awareness among therural people and slum dwellers and helpingthem in getting government help forhousing, livelihood and other such assistance.Mohammed Riaz has contributed much forthe computer education of girls students andis seen as a good Samaritan for the poor .He travels in rural areas to prepare projectsand estimates to help women Self HelpGroups start small businesses and eke outtheir livelihood. In every aspect this sincereand honest young man is a worthy socialworker, playing an excellent role forcommunity development.25. Mr B Mruthyunjaya Murthy(Feb-2007)Nadigaddapalem Post,Tsundur,Guntur Dist., 522 318, Andhra PradeshMruthyunjaya Murthy, 40years old, comesfrom Nadigaddapalem Village of ChunduruMandal, Guntur Dist, Andhra Pradesh. Hehas a graduate degree in Education fromNagarjuna University Guntur. Working asnodal Prerak in association with ZillaSaksharatha Samithi, he started TCS – CBFLcentre in 2003 through which he achieved83% literacy rate in his village. The creditfor this all goes to Mr. Murthy and his efforts.His CEC centre is helping neo-literates tosustain their reading skills.He also motivated his fellow villagers to buildindividual sanitary latrines and involvedhimself in social service work such as helpingthe elderly village people to get old agepensions from government agencies and inassisting with issuing of photo identity cardsfor the elections.26. Ms MulamallaSushmavardhan Reddy(Jul-2005)C/o. Knowledge Management andSharing ICRISATPatancheru 502 324, Andhra PradeshTel: +91 40 3071 307131 year –old Mulamalla SushmavardhanReddy holds a B.Com. degree from Govt.Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 29

NVA FELLOWSAndhra PradeshDegree College for Women Mahabubnagar,Andhra Pradesh, and diplomas in PGDCAand DCA . For the past three years she hasbeen associated with ICRISAT, Patancheru inits activities at Aadarsha Mahila SahakaraSamaikya Ltd, Moosapet, Addakal (Mdl),Mahabubnagar, collecting and providinguseful data pertaining to agriculture. Usingher software skills, she downloads dailyweather forecast data from the YahooWeather Website, visualizes drought-relatedCDs to farmers and records their feedbackand collects market rates from sandies from3 villages every week. She also collects otheragricultural data such as on diseases of cropsand livestock, conducts needs analysis anddistance education.27. Ms Mummadi ReddySujatha (Jul-2005)C/o. APRPRPIII Floor,Summit Apartments,Door No 5-10-188/2,Hill Fort Road,Hyderabad - 500 004Ph: +91-40-55660315/6Mummadi Reddy Sujatha comes from a smallvillage called Gurappareddipalli in theCuddapah District of Andhra Pradesh. The30 year old Sujatha studied up to 12 th Class(+ 2). She has been involved with communityactivities since 1999-2000.She worked as a tailoring teacher for poorwomen in a small NGO from 2000-2001.After that she worked as a Mandal ResourcePerson (MRP) for Poorest of the Poor (PoP)survey work in Porumamilla Mandal ofCuddapah District for nearly one year,identifying PoP families in that area. During2002-2004 she worked as SHG animator inher own village, strengthening the oldDWCRA (Development of Women and ChildRural Area) groups and formation of newSHG groups in APRPRP Project.Sujatha is a good communicator withgrassroot women. She formed nearly 25 newSHG groups in 2 Panchayat areas andorganized more than 500 members intoSHGs. She solved many problems with herown ability or with the help of the womencommunity.In September 2004, she was selected as aCommunity News Reporter for MahodayamNews Magazine from Porumamilla Mandalarea. She proved herself as a goodcommunicator and collected many successstories from the community and was electedas Editorial Board member of MahodayamNews Magazine.28. Ms V Naga Malleshwari(Feb-2007)Angalakuduru, Tenali,Guntur Dist., Andhra Pradesh – 522211Ph: 08644-226862.Mrs. Naga Malleshwari who comes fromAngalakuduru of Tenali Mandal, Guntur Dist,Andhra Pradesh has studied up to 10th classand is 39 years old . She is very enthusiasticand energetic in taking part in village social30 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSAndhra Pradeshactivities. She started a night school in hervillage to educate the illiterate women and100 people were made literate byconventional method.After getting TCS- CBFL computer fromDeputy Director Adult Education, Guntur Dist,it has become very easy for her to motivate,and educate village illiterates. Mostly womenwere attracted to this CBFL method, and shecompleted 6 batches within two years of timevery easily. At present, the village literacy ratehas gone up to 78%, and she said she wasthankful to TCS. Without this CBFL, she couldhave not achieved this literacy percentage inher village.Naga Malleshwari is the leader of SHGgroups. Their yearly turn over is 40 lakhs.With her encouragement, 60% people in hervillage have achieved ISL facilities and herefforts in improving the literacy rate in hervillage has been appreciated.29. Mr N N Narasimha Reddy(Aug-2006)Nandimandalam VillagePendimarri, MondelKadapa Dist, - 516 218Andhra Pradesh40 year old N.N. Narasimha Reddy is agraduate and experienced agriculturist whohas been practicing SRI method of ricecultivation for the past 3 years. He is the firstperson to successfully adopt the SRI practicein the district. An innovative and dedicatedfarmer, Narasimha Reddy has been usingbiofertilizers for a long time. He has designednew implements and helps the N.G. Rangauniversity to spread these technologies toneighbouring farmers for the betterment ofthe farming community.In addition, he assists with conductingtraining programmes for farmers on variouscrops and is convener of Nandishwara RythuClub. His social work includes organisingmedical camps and eye operations.30. Mr D H V L NarayanaMurthy (Feb-2007)Surepally Post, Bhattiprolu Mandal,Guntur Dist., Andhra Pradesh 522256Phone: 08648 248852Narayana Murthy comes from VemavaramVillage of Bhattiprolu Mandal, Guntur Dist,Andhra Pradesh. He is a 35 years old dynamicperson with a commerce degree apart fromDiploma in Computer Applications. He is agood singer and good organizer havingleadership qualities to inspire village youth.Since 2005 he is serving as chief organizerof Sri Satya Sai Seva Organization, andworking as a coordinator of Repalle ZoneYouth Association. He is the nodal Prerakassociated with the Akshara DeepthiPrograms. Till 2003 he had been running anight school, and in 2003 he started TCS-CBFL center in his village through which hecompleted 10 batches making 150 villagersliterate.Since Narayana Murthy is associated withmany social organizations he became a rolemodal for young people of the village. HeJamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 31

NVA FELLOWSAndhra Pradeshorganized Medical and Veterinary camps andmotivated the villagers to take part in pulsepolio programme and HIV / AIDS awarenessprogrammes. In his village and in surroundingvillages no social program takes place without his involvement.31. Ms Pemmasani Komala(Jul 2005)C/o PEN India, IITE, LES GAP19-3-1K/A,KCR COMPLEX,Renigunta Road,Tirupathi-517 501, Andhra PradeshPhone:(0877) 2280720,5577796Mobile:9246999897email:penindia_India@yahoo.comBorn to an agricultural family in an interiorvillage in Kaverirajapuram of TiruvallurDistrict, 41 year old Pemmasani Komala isan epitome of women’s power in Tirupathiand surrounding rural Mandals, whotransformed the lives of the most neglectedand discriminated rural women, upliftingthem with hopes of a dignified life.Service to humanity irrespective of caste andcreed enabled her to move among thefamilies of dalits living in UppangiHarijanwada, challenging the high castefeelings of her family members, and helpedaddress many needs of the poor families,such as drinking water, roads to the colony,houses to the poorest of the poor, rationcards, old age pension and children’seducation. She was a pioneer in educatingthe poor woman for small family norms andshe was with them in getting health facilities.She could fetch with her SSLC studies a jobas an Anganwadi teacher in the ICDS centrerun by an NGO in 1994 and also got involvedin NFE schools for many years. In 2001 shejoined PEN India and established Livelihoodand Ecological Security Groups (LES Groups),a self help group aiming for holisticdevelopment at the grass root levels andinvolved in creating environmentalawareness. She guided the households inwater harvesting and conservationtechniques and encouraged them to adoptorganic farming and promoted floricultureand horticulture in rural areas. She organisedskill development and income generationprograms like tailoring and embroidery forpoor women and is also continuing herefforts for making the rural women literate.Pemmasani Komala was given the NTRaward for her dedicated services to the localcommunity, and CEE Ahmedabad selectedher community organisations for Model EcoSystem Management programs because oftheir environmental initiatives. She has takenspecial interest to enable ICT enableddevelopments and she organised freecomputer classes and internet operations forrural women in adjacent Mandals under thePENCIL Project of PEN and is keen to facilitateknowledge to rural people for better farmingand solutions of their day to day problemsthrough the ‘every village a knowledgecentre’ theme.32 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSAndhra Pradesh32. Mr U Ramakrishna Charyulu(Jan-2006)C/o. HearMarrivari Street, Main Road,Indukurupet, Nellore DistAndhra pradeshEmail: fakru_nlr@yahoo.comMr. U.Ramakrishna Charyulu (34), a nativeof Purini village of Indupur, Andhra Pradesh,is a postgraduate in Computer Application.Professionally a teacher, he has also been acommunity worker for the last 10 years. Afterjoining HEAR 3 years ago, he started a freecomputer education centre in Purini toeducate poor and lower middle class peoplein computer software and hardware. Heprovides information about agriculture, aquaculture, cropping, seeding, saving schemes,self-employment etc.33. Mr S A Raoof (Jul 2005)C/o PEN India, IITE, LES GAP19-3-1K/A,KCR COMPLEX,Renigunta Road,Tirupathi-517 501, Andhra PradeshPhone:(0877) 2280720,5577796Mobile:9246999897email:penindia_India@yahoo.com48 year old S.A.Raoof is a community workerfor the last 10 years and is striving hard forimproving the living conditions of rural poorespecially the agriculturists and the fishermenin the coastal Mandal of Indukurpet in NelloreDistrict. With a basic degree in arts he tookto social service since 1990 and establishedthe Polymer Education Society in Indukurpetvillage initially with an aim to develop thearea and help the poor and needy.He took an active interest in PEN Indiaphilosophy of networking with grassrootorganizations and groups and spearheadedmany projects in health, environment,education etc. through net working. Raoofcould harness a number of programs fromGovernment of India and established awomen’s hostel, two old age homes, and atechnical training centre for computer, TVand radio mechanisms. He has formed aDistrict Association of computer and otherinformation technologist and opened up aninstitute for training to facilitate ruralconnectivity and development, and is wellhonoured in PEN India circles.Raoof was also in the forefront for facilitatingrelief to tsunami affected people ofIndukurpet Mandal and co-ordinated bothgovernment and non-governmental effortsand assisted the coastal fishermen to getnets, boats etc. to start a new life. He is arole model, working very hard towards thebetterment of rural people.34. Mr M Renukaraman(Jul 2005)C/o. V. Gollapalli, Vasanadu P.O.,Kuppam Mandal, Chittoor DistrictAndhra Pradesh.Telephone: 08570-241055M. Renukaraman belongs to Gollapalli inJamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 33

NVA FELLOWSAndhra PradeshChittoor District, Andhra Pradesh, and hasstudied upto Intermediate. He has learnt folkremedies from his father Vaidyam Muneppa,which he has been practicing for the last 10years. A young and active health worker withan unquestionable spirit of service, he hasbeen assisting in documentation and trainingof villagers and especially women villageresource persons in the planning andimplementation of Home Herbal Gardenprogramme.Renukaraman has been involved withcommunity activities since 1994. He is aProgressive Farmer and has facilitated HomeHerbal Garden programme at KuppamMandal and helped promote around 50home herbal gardens. He organised villagelevel training programmes on home remediesin 8 villages in and around Paipalayam,coordinated by the Foundation forRevitalisation of Local Health Traditions basedin Bangalore.35. Mr S K Riyazuddin(Aug-2006)Naryana Reddypet Village,Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh.Phone: 098493 5389826 year old S.K.Riyazuddin has been involvedin social welfare activity from a very youngage. Being an Electronic and CommunicationDiploma holder he is taking special interestin spreading knowledge through internet andradio. He has motivated women in NelloreDistrict and Naryana Reddypet to form SelfHelp Groups and arranged a number ofwelfare programs for them. He was assistingPolymer Education Society in themaintenance of an old age home, women’shostel etc.Riyazuddin has participated in many trainingprograms and is trying to help the poorpeople in rural areas to develop skills. He isalso providing computer training to poorchildren. He facilitates by identifying goodmarket for farmers’ products to save themfrom distress sales and suicides. In addition,he is taking active part in environmentprogrammes, ground water recharging andhealth initiatives with special stress on TB.His selfless service for the betterment ofmarginalised and neglected sections deservesadmiration and he stands as a role modelfor the present day youth.36. Mr S K Sadiq (Aug-2006)Naryan Reddypet, Nellore,Andhra PradeshPhone: 98868 9292126 year old Sadiq has special aptitude forworking in rural areas and has been helpingthe coastal people since his school daysthereby earning the good will of all peoplein Naryan Reddypet Mandal. Since coastalAndhra is prone to frequent cyclones he takespersonal interest in helping disaster affectedpeople and farmers when cyclones occur. Arthe time of the tsunami in 2004, he took upserious work for helping the affected people,procuring nets and boats for fishermen.After his Computer Science education he34 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSAndhra Pradeshstarted training women and poor people incomputer skills with the support of PolymerEducational Society whereby more than 200students were given training. Though he hassubsequently taken up professional work, heplans to spend all his leisure time and holidaysto work for the poor women, children andneglected people. His energetic enthusiasmhas helped many poor families to improvetheir living standard and educate theirchildren.Sadiq has organised youth activities and hehas given the leadership for youth to workduring times of disasters and otherdifficulties. His voluntary service andapplication of his ICT skills for the benefit ofpoor people makes him a good role modelfor younger generations.37. Mr S K Sajeeth (Aug-2006)Indukurpet,Nellore, Andhra PradeshPhone: 0861-2341837After graduating in computer science, 23year old Sajeeth , belonging to Nellore incoastal Andhra Pradesh, learned theimportance of Information and ComputerTechnologies and the revolution it can makein rural areas for improving the opportunitiesfor small and marginalised farmers,fishermen and women. He took up a missionto create awareness and sensitise NGO’s tostart training programmes and offered freeservices to many institutions. This benefitedhundreds of boys and girls who were able tolearn computer applications.Sajeeth also helped rural women to form SelfHelp Groups and start micro credit activitiesand assisted youth in skill development. Hehelps the women’s groups and socialorganisations in many ways with an aim toempower and bring change in the lives ofpoor people . His interest in communitydevelopment and disaster managementwork and the sincerity and integrity of hisactions make him a model for other socialactivists.38. Ms B Samrajyam (Feb-2007)C/o. TCS Adult Literacy Program,TATA Consultancy Services,No.1, Jawaharlal Nehru Road,Vadapalani, Chennai – 600 026.Ph: 044 – 5550 5555E-mail – m.som@tcs.comA post-graduate in Sociology from NagarjunaUniversity Guntur, 25 year old B.Samrajyamcomes from Ananthavarappadu Village ofVatticherukuru Mandal, an arid area ofGuntur Dist, Andhra Pradesh. She is theleader of the Young Women’s Associationof the village. With the help of the youngvillage girls, she organized family planningcamps, ophthalmic camps and blooddonation camps in her village andsurrounding villages. Her youth and energeticenthusiasm inspires the youngsters of thevillage.Samrajyam started a CEC center with thehelp of Deputy Director, Adult EducationDepot in 2001 and made 100 illiterate peopleliterate. She was appreciated by the MandalaJamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 35

NVA FELLOWSAndhra PradeshPraja Parished President for her activeinvolvement in Govt. Sponsored Programs.39. Ms T Sapna (Jul-2005)C/o PEN India, IITE, LES GAP19-3-1K/A,KCR COMPLEX,Renigunta Road,Tirupathi-517 501, Andhra PradeshPhone:(0877) 2280720,5577796Mobile:9246999897email:penindia_India@yahoo.comSapna, 23, a postgraduate in commerce wasvery interested in community related activitieseven during her studies. She used to helpsick and poor and co-ordinate assistancetowards their relief.She is associated with PEN India and wasinstrumental in organising rural women intoself-help groups namely Livelihood andEcological Security Groups and assisted themin skill development activities. She soughtassistance from the training officers of IITEand arranged IRME (Integrated ResourceManagement and Empowerment) programsfor the skill development of rural women inmushroom cultivation, agricultural practices,livestock rearing, cottage industries, alsotailoring and embroidery. She helped ingetting bank assistance for starting variousincome generation programs for the poorand neglected sections.Sapna has sufficient knowledge in computeroperations and has encouraged women toundergo training in computer operations.She is keen to introduce ICT enabled servicefor dissemination of information to the grassroot level people. She is a promising SocialActivist with the zeal to work and transformthe community.40. Mr Shesha Rao Rathod(Jul-2005)C/o Centre for CollectiveDevelopment (CCD)Indian Institute of ManagementBannerghatta RoadBangalore 560076, IndiaTel: 91-80-2699-3285(O)Fax: 91-80-2658-4050Shesha Rao Rathod is a native of Adilabad’stribal belt. His village got a road connectiononly last year. In childhood he and his familyhad to walk 8 kilometres to the nearest busstop. His parents even today live in thatvillage.Shesha completed his elementary school inthe Government school in the village. Laterhe got a scholarship to go to the residentialHigh School in Utnoor, which is theIntegrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA)Headquarters in the District. He went on tocomplete his degree and an MBA fromKagaznagar. Shesha then joined the APGovernment’s anti poverty program, calledVelugu as a community cooridnator. Hemobilized over 3000 women in JainurMandal, organized them into Self HelpGroups, Village Organizations and a Mandallevel Mahila Samakhya. He successfullyintroduced soya marketing through thesecollectives. Later, he left and joined theCentre for Collective Development (CCD).36 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSAndhra PradeshHe says he felt stifled in the red tape in theGovernment project. He left a prize job andprivileges including a jeep and financialpowers to head the NGO at the District level.Shesha has good understanding of ruraldevelopment, social mobilization andagriculture marketing and finance. However,it is his commitment to development of thepeople that stand out. His passion extendsmuch beyond his Lambada community andextends to other tribal groups there includingthe Gonds, Andhs and the so called PrimitiveTribal Groups (PTG) called Kollam. He hasmotivated and built an excellent team in thisarea and his work and results areoutstanding.In his own words “I belong to this place andI will live here and eventually die here. Thereis no need to go to big cities and so on.Where can we get such an opportunity todo satisfying work?”41. Ms T Shobha Rani(Aug-2006)Dorathopu,Navalac gardens,Nellore - 524314Andhra PradeshPhone: 0861-5531244T.Shobha Rani aged 48 with Intermediateeducation, has actively participated incommunity Development Works in variousrural mandals of Nellore District and is anardent worker for the cause of women andchildren’s welfare. She began to serve thecommunity through Polymer EducationalSociety and motivated women to form nearly100 Self Help Groups including DWACRA.She imparted skill trainings to women withthe support of DRDA and other agencies andhelped a number of women to start selfemployment and earn a livelihood. She alsotook an interest in helping elderly women,destitutes and widows, and organisedassistance for them.Shibha Rani has played an effective role inHIV/AIDS campaign and in environmentcampaigns, for which she receivedappreciation from Government officials andlocal people. She is an excellent volunteer inthe field of service to the poor and is worthyto be a guide for others42. Mr P N Shivaraj (Jul-2005)jPaipalayam VillageKuppam MandalChittoor District, Andhra Pradesh.Tel: 08570-259360,jassshivraj@yahoo.com;jassshivraj@rediffmail.comHailing from Paipalayam Village, ChittoorDistrict. Andhra Pradesh, 38 year-old P.N.Shivaraj is a graduate and committeddevelopment worker with unmatched senseof conviction for the development of ruralpoor and especially for sustainabledevelopment of small and marginal farmers.Involved with community activities since1991, Shivraj worked initially as a teammember in a local NGO, namely CORE,Kuppam as an animator and clustercoordinator and then since 1993, is workingJamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 37

NVA FELLOWSAndhra Pradeshas Founder Secretary of an NGO, JanaAbyudaya Seva Samithi, a registered societyhe established. He has worked as ProgrammeCoordinator of various programmessupported by local State GovernmentAgencies in the areas of agriculturedevelopment, agricultural technologymanagement, watershed programme andHIV/ AIDS awareness programme. He hasalso served on the PHC Advisory Committeeof Paipalayam and Mallanoor andcontributed to solving local problems throughpeople’s organisation namely Loksatta, as aPresident for the Kuppam constituency.His latest work has been in the area ofenvironment protection as communityorganiser for Vana Samrakshana Samithisunder AP Community Forest Managementprogramme, and since April 2004 onwards,as a Programme Coordinator forestablishment of home herbal gardens undera programme implemented by Foundationfor Revitalisation of Local Health Traditions.43. Mr B Siva Reddy (Feb-2007)Nutakki Post, Guntur Dist.,Andhra Pradesh – 522 303Ph: 08645-275462Mr. Bhimi Reddy Siva Reddy, 45 years of age,has studied upto 10th class and comes fromNutakki Village of the arid MangalagiriMandal of Guntur Dist of Andhra Pradesh.Serving as the executive Member of the localRed Cross Society , P.H.C. AdvisoryCommittee member, and S.C. HostelAdvisory committee member of the village,he is a dynamic person and a role model inhis village.As the Nodal Prerak, he is associated withDistrict Adult Education depot since 1995,pioneering the literacy needs in the villages.He believes in scientific knowledge for theprosperity of the villages and has organizedscience fairs in various villages.Siva Reddy had made nearly 150 peopleliterate through the conventional method ofteaching.He started CBFL- TCS centre in 2002and completed 10 batches through which150 learners were made literate. He said thathe never faced any difficulty in motivatingand attracting illiterate people to the centreafter he started CBFL programme. Throughthis innovative concept, he could easilycomplete 10 batches within a short period.People were very happy when they couldread newspapers within 30 learning hoursor within two three weeks. He said peoplecould sustain their acquired reading abilitythrough this concept.Being an Executive member of Red CrossSociety, he organized Blood Donation Campsthroughout Mangalagiri Mandal and in hiscapacity as P.H.C member, he has organizedfamily planning camps in surroundingvillages. He is also very active in motivatingwomen to form SHG groups. With this hehas become a role model not only in hisvillage but in surrounding villages also.38 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSAndhra Pradeshare attending his education center which runsin the evening and neo-literates are attendingto sustain their reading ability.Suresh Babu is an active motivator in helpingvillagers to build ISL sanitary lavatories. Nearly70% of the villagers have become thebeneficiaries of this programme. He is fullyengaged in advocating the awareness of HIVthrough AASHA, CHARKA programs notonly in his village but in surrounding villagesalso, actively participates in Govt. sponsoredwelfare programs like Prajapadam, GraminaRojgar Yojana and Indira Awas Yojana, helpsthe aged villagers to get pensions from theGovt. agencies.47. Ms R Swapna (Feb-2007)Pamkunta Post, Rajapet Mandal,Kurrara Village, Nalgonda Dist.,Andhra Pradesh 508105Mrs Swapna aged 26 years is the resident ofKurraram Village of Rajapeta Mandal,Nalgonda District, Andhra Pradesh. Havingcompleted her Intermediate, she started anight school to educate the illiterate villagewomen, and gradually she could attractschool dropouts to attend her night school.In 2002, she was associated with ZillaSaksharatha Samiti and appointed as Prerakby the Deputy Director Adult EducationNalgonda Dist. In 2003 she started TCS-CBFLcentre and through this CBFL program, shecompleted 8 batches of 15 learners. Inaddition, she is teaching voluntarily in thevillage primary school. She was appreciatedby the Mandal Praja Parishad President foractive participation in government-sponsoredprograms like the pulse polio programme andHIV awareness programmes.48. Mr Taviti Bhavanarayana(Feb-2007)Bhrugubanda, Sattenepalli,Guntur Dist.,Andhra PradeshPh:08641-243343T. Bhavanarayana is a Commerce Degreeholder, and a good drama artist andplaywright, coming from Bhrugubandavillage of Sattenapally Mandal in the aridzone Guntur dist, Andhra Pradesh. He is theleader of Rajiv Yuvashakti, and Raitu Mitraof his village. As a dramatist, he commandsgood respect not only from his village butalso from surrounding villages. He singsmotivating songs that encourage villageyouth to participate in village social activities.He started TCS-CBFL centre in 2002 andcompleted 8 batches covering 120 illiterateswho have become literate. He is also workingas prerak for Zilla Saksharatha Samithi in thevillage and is running CEC centre to sustainthe reading and writing skills of the neoliteratesof the village.With his artistic skills, Bhavanarayana isengaged in motivating people to participatein welfare work. Inspired by his songs, mostof the villagers have benefited byparticipating in the government-sponsoredwelfare programmes.40 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSAndhra Pradesh49. Mr Vanga Ram Reddy(Jul 2005)The Koutla-B MACTS Ltd,Koutla BVillage,Sarangapur Mandal,Adilabad District.Andhra Pradesh.Vanga Ram Reddy is a 36 years old farmerhailing from Koutla-B village, Adilabaddistrict, and has studied upto SSC. He hailsfrom a family which is respected by villagersfor their social involvement and concern forothers and has been working withcommunity activities since 2001. By naturehe is participative and a good initiator. Theseattributes acquired inherently and the desireto do something good to the village has puthim in the forefront for taking the lead fordoing substantial work in the formation ofMACTS (Mutually Aided Cooperative Creditand Thrifts Society) and taking itsperformance to the new heights in thisbackward district.Koutla-B village is known for commercialcrops such as cotton and chillies and alsoknown for good yields among otherprogressive villages in the district. However ,the farmers used heavy dosages of pesticideindiscriminately to control the insect pests incotton, at an average of 18-20 sprayapplications during the crop season, whichis a costly investment accounting to Rs. 4000-6000/- per acre on pest managementonly.Though farmers are fairly aware of IPMand other crop management programs, dueto lack of collectiveness among the farmingcommunity and with internal competitionencouraged by the pesticide dealers anddistributors they couldn’t implement any oneof these to reduce the cost of cultivation.Mr. Ram Reddy had played a key role inmotivating the farmers to come forward andimplement the IPM package at least one acreof each farmer. Despite high pressure fromthe local distributors and others he neversuccumbed to the situations but kept hiscommitment high for the cause. Mr. RamReddy’s continuous efforts in making MACTSan all-important success has paved the wayto other villagers in the district where theimpact is very visible.To day Mr. Ram Reddy is an accepted rolemodel for all farmers in the area to gear uptheir techniques and learn more in the processof obtaining sustainability in their agriculture.He supported the initiative taken by BASIX tobring all the MACTS in to one form to negotiatebetter with the suppliers and buyers. He is thefounder president of the MACTS and stillcontinuing in the position as the membersagain elected him unanimously. He travelledwidely after taking charge as the MACTSPresident to see different crops features andnew innovations in the field of agriculture fieldas part of learning and also disseminating toothers.Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 41

NVA FELLOWSAndhra Pradesh50. Mr T Vijay Bhaskar(Jul-2005)AIF DE CoordinatorKuppam pin-517425Chittoor Dt, Andhra PradeshA resident of Kuppam in Chittoor Dt, AndhraPradesh , 32 year old T. Vijay Bhaskar’s hasan M.Sc degree. His objective has alwaysbeen to impart quality education to needystudents in rural areas, to use ICT in the fieldof education as a powerful tool to enhanceteaching and student learning beyond theclassroom, and exploring local resources andtraditional technologies for effective use forthe benefit of the rural masses.He has been involved during the past 10 yearsin (a) Educational training for underprivilegedin rural areas, (b) Help in market interfacewith poor artisans, (c) Market networkingof products produced by Ponduru weavers,(d) Development and implementation ofhand made paper technology for tribalregions, to bring down the cost of paper, byusing environmentally–friendly the local fibermaterials like banana, used gunny bags andlocal shrubs (e) Marketing network fortraditional vegetable dyed lac toys and (f)Development of web interfaces for somepopular sports web pages.At present he is working with the HP AIF-DE Project Kuppam: DE (Digital Equalizer) isone of the flagship programs of AIF aphilanthropic organization working with anobjective to accelerate social and economicchange in India. The main aim of DE is toprovide opportunities for underprivilegedchildren in India to enhance their learningthrough the use of Digital technology. AIF inpartnership with HP, is working with the Govtof Andhra Pradesh in 10 Government schoolsin Kuppam area. Vijay Bhaskar is also involvedwith the Vidya Vahini project Kuppam, acentral government pilot education projectaimed to integrate technology in toclassroom teaching and with the World Banksponsored Andhra Pradesh 1000 SchoolsProjectIn all the above activities, Vijay Bhaskar is avery effective team member, who willenthuse and motivate his team, even whileperforming his assigned task. He has a specialliking to work for the poor and is a primemotivator in spearheading projects thatwould directly benefit underprivilegedpeople. He is able to establish a very quickrapport with the common man, identify theirneeds and organize his own skills as well ashis contacts, to conceptualize schemes thatwill be beneficial in enhancing the standardof living of the poor.51. Ms J Vimalamma (Jan-2006)C/o ICRISATPatancheru 502 324Andhra Pradesh, IndiaTel: +91 40 3071 3071Ms. J.Vimalamma (34), belongs to a smallvillage called Janampeta in Addakal Mandalof Mehabubnagar in Andhra Pradesh. She isa dynamic and active social worker, havingbeen part and parcel of all village community42 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSAndhra Pradeshdevelopment activities from an early age. Herzeal and zest towards village developmentactivities has elevated her from a humblemember to the President of a women’sfederation called Adrsha Mahila Samaikhya(AMS) and recognition as a respectable andknowleadgeable person. Her keenparticipation in various developmentalprograms of Andhra Pradesh Governmentsuch as “Akshara Kiranam”, “AkshraBharathi”, “Indira Kranthi Pathakam” hasresulted in improving the literacy level of themembers of AMS.Her training in MACS (Multiple AddedCommercial Services) at Tirupathi has helpedher to promote micro credit banking accountsin AMS and has enabled many villagers getthe benefit of loans for improving theiragricultural and dairy production activities.As a Village Network Assistant (VNA) ofJanmpete Village Knowledge Center,Vimalamma underwent training at the VirtualAcademy of Semi-Arid Tropics (VASAT),ICRISAT, for acquiring online knowledge onimproved agricultural and livestock practices,weather forecasting and market prices forcrop produce. Her improved skills inoperating the new IT system enabled her tofacilitate in finding solutions to farmers’queries on production /storage/marketingissues (livestock/crop) by getting feedbackfrom experts in ICRISAT. Being a farmerherself, she understands the importance ofimproved high yielding crop varieties and thusprocures and distributes crops like castor andpigeon pea seeds to farmers through theAMS.Additionally, she has been providing servicessuch as daily educational programs forchildren, basic computer literacy training toyouth and adults, especially for women ofthe surrounding villages and thus helpingtowards empowerment of rural women andyouth.Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 43

NVA FELLOWSASSAM52. Mr Abdul Mokit (Jan-2006)C/o. Assam SFACAgriculture CampusKhanaparaGuwahati, Assam 781 022Telefax: 0361-2333560Abdul Mokit (30), from Manashpara village,Goalpara district, Assam is a postgraduatewith a Diploma in Computer Appplication.A good worker with competency inagriculture, he is associated with the CIC andis involved in community work for the pastone year.53. Mr Amal Sarma (Aug-2006)C/o. Community Information CentreUdalguri Development BlockUdalguri, Dist-Udalguri AssamEmail: asm-udalguri@cic.nic.inPhone: 94351-8453128 year old Amal Sarma is JE (Comp. Sc.)with experience in the field of computers forthree years. He works at the CommunityInformation Centre in his area where ruralpeople come to collect information regardingagriculture market price, government plansetc. Since training in computer literacy is oneof services of the CIC, he provides computereducation for villagers and is also involved insocio-economic activities like ASFC.Amal assists with other activities suchas agricultural marketing throughwww.assamagribusiness.nic, micro finance(specially for self- help groups) andtele-health programme through the CIC.54. Mr Amitt Attreya (Jan-2006)C/o. Assam SFACAgriculture CampusKhanaparaGuwahati, Assam 781 022Telefax: 0361-2333560Amitt Attreya (25), belongs to Akajan village,Dhemaji district, Assam, located in foothillsregion crisscrossed by numerous turbulentrivers and frequently prone to devastatingfloods, erosion and sand deposition overcultivable areas. Scheduled tribes andSchedule Castes comprise the majorpopulation of the area.A graduate, Amitt Attreya has a Diploma inComputer Applications and three years workexperience as a computer operator inCommunity Information Centre. He hascompetency in agriculture, health, microfinance and computer literacy. He served asa community mobiliser to make peopleaware of the benfits of IT and held 20awareness camps for village students andteachers, training 260 students in computerapplications and information technology.He is hard working, and sincere and acompetent worker having positive attitudeto provide service to the people. During thefloods in Sisiborgaon block, Amittvolunteered as an emergency control roomoperator.44 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSAssam55. Ms Anjana Neog (Aug-2006)LetekuphukhuriNarayanpur,North Lakhimpur, AssamAnjana Neog has an Education Degree withPG Diploma in Computer Science. At the ageof 26, she has been involvement withcommunity activities since 3 years.Since joining CIC Telahi as CIC OperatorAnjana Neog has been working for the largerbenefit of the rural people through variousmeans. She has been actively working in theASHA project to empower rural cultivatorsthrough technology, such as organizingmushroom training and organic culture inCIC Telahi during 2003 which was attendedby a number of women SHGs. Anjana alsoworks with rural students, helping them tolearn computer and internet skills and hasorganized Environment Day activities withthe high school faculty.She is a talented poet and writer, contributingfrequently to newspapers and magazines.56. Mr AnwarHussain Chowdhury (Jul-2005)C/o Drishtee Dot Com LimitedA-11, Ground Floor,Sector -2, [Opp: PDIL Building]NOIDA- 201301, U.P.Ph. No. : +91 (120) – 2545968/69/70Anwar is based at Balipara, Tezpur, Assam.A gentleman at heart, and humble by nature,he has the ability to strike an instant rapportwith all age groups in his village. However,he has inner fire and does not lack businessacumen due to this soft nature. With minimalguidance from Drishtee staff, he is able tocreate and follow a path of least resistancetowards profitability.Anwar is not only running the Drishtee kioskbut also educating the locals on various issuessuch as education and literacy, sanitation, useof ICT etc. He feels that if the children areeducated on these issues they can bringabout a change in the surroundings.He’s the elder brother of two, and is arespected face due to his teaching profile atthe nearby school. His punctuality andunconditional co-operation is to beappreciated and this is perhaps the reasonwhy, out of respect and gratitude, he isreferred as ‘Anwar ji’.57. Mr Arnab Gogoi (Jan-2006)C/o. Assam SFACAgriculture CampusKhanaparaGuwahati, Assam 781 022Telefax: 0361-2333560Arnab Gogoi (24), graduate comes fromNaali Majgaon, Kadom, Assam. He isSecretary ,People Advance and RuralTechnology, a Society working for theupliftment of the rural area, and hascompetency in EDP Water management.He established e – service centre in the ruralarea and formed around 24 rural SHGs. Heparticipated in the India International TradeJamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 45

NVA FELLOWSAssamFair (IITF) 2004 promoting organic tea andorganic rice. Arnab is a good organiser withleadership qualities.58. Mr Arun Bora (Jul-2005)C/o Drishtee Dot Com LimitedA-11, Ground Floor,Sector -2, [Opp: PDIL Building]NOIDA- 201301, U.P.Ph. No. : +91 (120) – 2545968/69/70.Arun Bora hails from a family of cultivatorsbelonging to Boralimora in the district ofSonitpur (Assam). He is well educated (B.Sc.,B Ed) with a vision and ambition to dosomething new and unique for thedevelopment of society.About a year and a half back, while handlinghis brother’s PCO and stationery shopbusiness, Arun decided to join Drishtee familywith a zeal to do something for his ownvillage. He wanted to get some experienceand exposure that would be beneficial insetting something more solid than his existingbusiness. But today Arun Bora is a differentand changed man - he wants to continuethe Drishtee Business not only because he isdoing good to society but also because he isearning money to support both his ownlivelihood as well as his family.Due to the raising awareness of computersand its usage, more and more people arecoming to the kiosk to avail its services. Manywomen are also coming to learn computerfrom him. The kiosk other than its servicehas also become a place for people to interactand share ideas on various issues. Arun is arespected figure in his panchayat because ofthe work he is doing and contributing59. Mr Arup Goswami(Jan-2006)C/o. Assam SFACAgriculture CampusKhanaparaGuwahati, Assam 781 022Telefax: 0361-2333560Arup Goswami (29), is from Abhayapuri,Bongaigaon district, Assam. A Fishery Sciencegraduate, he is a District Co – ordinator inAssam Agriculture Competitiveness project,incharge of Micro Finance Programme andFishery.Arup is a good worker with previousexperience working in a hatchery, and hasbeen a Junior Research fellow under a WorldBank Project Propagation & Culture ofIndigenous Fish species of Assam.60. Mr Ashok Kumar Nath(Jan-2006)C/o. Assam SFACAgriculture CampusKhanaparaGuwahati, Assam 781 022Telefax: 0361-2333560Ashok Kumar Nath (26), a maths graduatelives in Berabak village, Cachar district,Assam. He has undergone different types oftraining including computer science, typingand weaving and has competency inagriculture and functional literacy. Ashok46 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSAssamKumar has been assisting the local peopleby serving as a Community InformationCentre operator since 2003 .61. Mr Atul Chutia (Jan-2006)C/o. Assam SFACAgriculture CampusKhanaparaGuwahati, Assam 781 022Telefax: 0361-2333560Atul Chutia (29), is H.S educated and comesfrom Kakaiyal village, Dhemaji district,Assam. Involved with community activitiessince 2002, he is currently working as avolunteer in connection with formation ofSHG and health and sanitation campaign.Atul has 3 years experience in SHG formationand one year’s experience in the work cumtraining programme of UNDP. He is interestedin helping rural flood affected people andST/ SC communities and wishes to dedicatehimself for the welfare of poor and destitutepeople.62. Mr Bijoy Kr Nath (Aug-2006)C/o Community Information CentreSipajharDevelopment Block Sipajhar,Darrang - Dist. AssamPhone: 98641-90044A graduate with PGDCA qualification, BijoyKr. Nath 32, is appointed as CICO at theCommunity Information Centre at Sipajharwhich is near the district headquarterMangaldoi of Darrang district, Assam.For the past three years he has been involvedin facilitating computer education andservices for villagers in his area. Rural peoplecome to the centre to collect informationregarding agriculture market price andagricultural marketing throughwww.assamagribusiness.nic.in as well as ongovernment plans and policies. Through theCIC he conducts tele-health programmes andprovides training in computer literacy andmicro finance for self-help groups.63. Ms Bijoya Bharali(Aug-2006)Bogamol BharaliGhahi Gaon, GhilamaraLakhimpur, Assam - 787053A 25 year old graduate, Bijoya Bharali comesfrom an economically backward low lyingrural area. Being an energetic person withcommitment towards society, she wasinstrumental in setting up a knowledgecentre in the Ghahi Gaon village andpioneered the setting up of a computercentre and screen printing centre in thevillage for the larger interest of villagechildren and women. She took the leadingpart in forming around 20 women SHGs inthe Ghilamara block and trained them inorganic farming, vermicompost, as well asmushroom and orchid cultivation.Bijoya’s qualification in a 3 months computercertificate course has enabled her to beactively associated with all computer literacyprograms undertaken by CIC Ghilamara suchas organizing seminars or workshops and inJamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 47

NVA FELLOWSAssamthe farmers’ training through ICT tools in theASHA project done by ASFAC.64. Mr Bimal Pradhan(Jan-2006)C/o. Assam SFACAgriculture CampusKhanaparaGuwahati, Assam 781 022Telefax: 0361-2333560Bimal Pradhan (29), a postgraduate inscience, resides Mugasong village, in KarbiAnglong district, Assam, located in a hillrange, bordered by River Kopili.Working with Community InformationCentre since 2002, Bimal Pradhan has givencomputer training to more than 60 ruralpeople including youth, children, ladies, andGovt. employees. He has conductedcomputer awareness camps in more than 10High Schools. He also promotes self helpgroups for handloom products, and givesinformation on Govt. policies and schemes,assists NGOs and promotes Social Forestry.65. Mr Debendra Hazarika(Aug-2006)Bapakhat, Panaigaon,North Lakhimpur - 787001Debendra Hazarika ,26, who has JE (Electronics & Telecommunication) education,has been working for the larger benefit forthe rural people by empowering themthrough technology for the past 3 years.Since joining CIC Telahi as a CIC Operator,he has been teaching internet browsing forstudents and running special courses forwomen SHGs.In addition, he organized training onmushroom cultivation and organic culture.A actively helps rural cultivators through theASHA portal, and conducts functions likeErnvironment day in schools.A young and talented potential leader,Debendra is gifted with oratory skill. Hewrites poetry and is a frequent contributorto the newspapers and magazines.66. Ms Deepanjali Brahma(Jan-2006)C/o. Assam SFACAgriculture CampusKhanaparaGuwahati, Assam 781 022Telefax: 0361-2333560Deepanjali Brahma (26), a postgraduate inagriculture, belongs to Gosaigaon village,Kokrajhar district, Assam.An industrious and innovative young woman,Deepanjali has rural agricultural workexperience, experience as a Spot Journalistin a Local TV Channel for Gosaigaon, and ispresently a District Coordinator of DiscoveryClub, Nodal NGO for Assam AgriculturalCompetitiveness programme. She is alsoinvolved in Micro finance and functionalliteracy.48 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSAssam67. Mr Dhruba Jyoti Sarmah(Jan-2006)C/o. Assam SFACAgriculture Campus, KhanaparaGuwahati, Assam 781 022Telefax: 0361-2333560Dhruba Jyoti Sarmah (31), from Ghanhivillage, Nagaon district, Assam, a graduate,competent in functional literacy andagriculture.He has been a computer teacher at aComputer Education Centre for two yearsnow, giving training in computerapplications, personnel administration,manpower development training , marketingand administration, for the benefit of thelocal community.68. Mr Dipen Kanwor(Aug-2006)Socio-Economic DevelopmentOrganization (Sedo),DhemajiH.O.: KuwafalaP.O.: Do KhuboliaDhemaji - 787057 (Asom)A 30 year old graduate, Dipen Konwar is adedicated social worker, serving as Chief Coordinatorof Socia-Economic DevelopmentOrganization (SEDO), Dhemaji. He designsand plans and executes the programmes ofthe organization. As a volunteer he wascommitted towards forming SHGs andtraining them. Since the inception of SEDO,so many income generation programmeshave been conducted that Dipen Konwarstands out a role model for youths.Apart from these he works to providesanitation and safe drinking water for therural poor. Mr. Konwar is responsible forforming various village level and panchayatlevel disaster management and flood controlcommittees and is well-trained in this respect.69. Ms Geeta Magar (Aug-2006)C/o: Mr. Kanka Bahadur MagarUlubari,P.O: OrangP.S: MazbatUdalguri (BTAD), AssamThough only 20 years old with HS education,Geeta Magar is already a veteran memberof the NGO Society For Action & RuralDevelopment (SARD). For the past five yearsshe has been working for agriculture, ruralarea development and microfinance in hervillage where most people belong to ST,general category, SC and the minority.70. Mr Gobin Saikia (Jan-2006)C/o. Assam SFACAgriculture CampusKhanaparaGuwahati, Assam 781 022Telefax: 0361-2333560Gobin Saikia (35), a graduate, is fromKomalaboria, Lakhimpur, Assam, a low lyingflood affected area. He has expertise inTraditional Medicine and alternativemedicine. For 15 years, he has been involvedJamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 49

NVA FELLOWSAssamwith community activities in the field of ruraltechnology.Gobin Saikia is a Master trainer in mushroomproduction, vermi-compost, organic farmingand orchid cultivation. A good organizer, heregularly arranges training for SHGs andseminars on food preservation and other topics.71. Mr Golam MohammedChoudury (Jan-2006)C/o. Assam SFACAgriculture CampusKhanaparaGuwahati, Assam 781 022Telefax: 0361-2333560Golam Mohammed Choudury (32), agraduate, comes from Hasanpur Karimkanji, Assam.A dynamic, sincere and able man withoutstanding integrity. He is involved in thedevelopment of coconut and spices andvarious socio economic activities since lastfive years At present he is associated withtheNGO Borak Vision.72. Ms Indrani Dowerah(Aug-2006)Community Information Centre,Morongi D. Block,Purabanagla. DoigrongGolaghat. Assam.Email: indranidowerah@rediffmail.comMobile: 94350 53898Indrani Dowerah, 31, has been working atCIC in Doigrong, a tea garden area in Assamfor the last three and a half years. She holdsa B.A degree from Dibrugarh University &Advanced Diploma in Software and SystemManagement from NIIT.Active and dedicated to her job, she hasmade immense contributions towardsproviding IT- related services locally. A regularinflow of clientele comprising of students,research fellows, members of self help groups(SHG) and groups of farmers avail ofinformation available on the lnternet onagriculture or veterinary problems as well asexamination results, online registration anddistance education. Her aim is to develop thecommunity by using resources which areavailable locally, and also throughinformation technology and computerliteracy.Indrani maintains good relations with localNGOs involved in social activities and feelsthat working in CIC gives her a great chanceto work for rural and technically undevelopedpeople and society.73. Mr Jadumani Borah(Jan-2006)C/o. Assam SFACAgriculture CampusKhanaparaGuwahati, Assam 781 022Telefax: 0361-2333560Jadumani Borah (37), a graduate, lives in50 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSAssamBorpathari Bhutaigaon village, Nagaondistrict, Assam. Since the year 1997, he hascompletely devoted himself to social serviceand acts as a mediator between the poorfarmer and the banks for micro finance.Jadumani Borah shows the benefits of theformation of SHG to village youth and hasparticipated in many training programmessuch as self–employment training foeeducated youth. He is also creatingawareness among the farmers throughPathar Pariechalana Samity, RupaleemKrishak Sanga and Dairy Co-Operativesociety.74. Ms Jesminara Begum(Jan-2006)C/o. Assam SFACAgriculture CampusKhanaparaGuwahati, Assam 781 022Telefax: 0361-2333560Jesminara Begum (27), is from Jajanai village,Nagaon district, Assam. She is a graduatewith qualification in computer software andInternet applications.Since 2002, Jesminara Begum has beenworking with community activities providinginformation to the rural community,organising camps and seminars for the localpeople, as well as facilitating farmers’motivation camps and Himalaya BigyanChetana Yatra.75. Ms Jhuma Neog (Jan-2006)C/o. Assam SFACAgriculture CampusKhanaparaGuwahati, Assam 781 022Telefax: 0361-2333560Jhuma Neog (29), from Nakari village inLakhimpur district, Assam, is a graduate withcompetency in agriculture, livestock, EDP,water management, health and microfinance . She has been involved withcommunity activities since 10 years.Jhuma is a CIC operator, and conductstraining for SHGs on agriculture,vemicompost and other techniques.76. Ms Jinti Deka (Jan-2006)C/o. Assam SFACAgriculture CampusKhanaparaGuwahati, Assam 781 022Telefax: 0361-2333560Jinti Deka (25), a graduate from RowtaChariali, Darrang district, Assam, has beenworking with an NGO since the last 5 years.A sincere and dedicated worker, her areasof competency are agriculture and microfinance, which she applies for the purposeof rural area development .Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 51

NVA FELLOWSAssam77. Mr Jyoti Gogoi (Jan-2006)C/o. Assam SFACAgriculture CampusKhanaparaGuwahati, Assam 781 022Telefax: 0361-2333560Jyoti Gogoi (40), from Chettia gaon,Lakhimpur , Assam is a graduate withexpertise on agriculture, livestock, EDP watermanagement ,health and Micro finance. Agood organiser with leadership qualities, heis involved in community activities since 10years.Jyoti Gogoi has assisted to constitute ruralSHGs, organised awareness camps onJatropa, sativa and bamboo cultivation, andorchid cultivation and marketing. Hepromotes organic tea and organic rice andhas prepared an eco – tourism project.78. Ms Kabita Saikia (Jan-2006)C/o. Assam SFACAgriculture CampusKhanaparaGuwahati, Assam 781 022Telefax: 0361-2333560Kabita Saikia (27), B.Sc, B.Ed ., hails fromDaragia Chuk village, situated on the bankof river Brahamaputra in Sonitpur district,Assam.Involved with community activities since2002, she has competency in agriculture,livestock and in Information Technology. Shetakes interest in handloom and textiledevelopment for the benefit of the localcommunity.79. Ms Kakoli Nath (Jan-2006)C/o. Assam SFACAgriculture CampusKhanaparaGuwahati, Assam 781 022Telefax: 0361-2333560Kakoli Nath (26), lives in Inathpur village,Karimganj district, Assam. Higher secondaryeducated, she is member of the NabarunSanga Community Centre and involved indifferent activities like training of the villagewomen in handicrafts like stitching of clothbags, jute ladies purses and many anothersuch items. A dynamic persaon, she showsoutstanding ability in all kinds of activities.80. Ms Kamala Borah(Aug-2006)Sonitpur, Assam - 784176Phone: 03715-247132 (R)Email: asm-bagamara@cic.nic.in38 year old Kamala Borah is metric educatedand has been involved with micro-finance,women & child care and other communityactivities since 1995. She has experience inpromoting economic development in ruralareas and wishes to mobilized the peoplefor sustainable development of her area.Since 2002 Kamala has been associated withthe Community Information Centre atKamalpur, providing relevant information tothe community.52 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSAssam81. Mr Khaybor Ali Ahmed(Jan-2006)C/o. Assam SFACAgriculture Campus, KhanaparaGuwahati, Assam 781 022Telefax: 0361-2333560Khaybor Ali Ahmed (37), hails from GutiparaPart III, in Dhubsi district, Assam. He is agraduate and field coordinator for SHG,micro-finance and AACP programme since3 years. He has competency in agriculture,livestock and micro finance.Khaybor Ali Ahmed is very hard working andcommitted, and can communicate easily witha wide range of stake holders.82. Ms Mafida Begum Saikia(Aug-2006)C/o. Community Information Centre,BechimariDevelopment Block Bechimari,Darrang, AssamEmail: asm-bachimari@cic.nic.inPhone: 94350-83726Mafida Begum Saikia is 31 years old, holdinga B.Sc in Agriculture and Post GraduateDiploma in Computer Application. She isworking as CIC operator under the ongoingCentral Govt. project CommunityInformation Centre at BechmariDevelopment Block comprising 10 gaonpanchayat with 75 villages. People from therural areas come to the centre to collectinformation regarding agriculture as well ason agricultural marketing along with differentcultivation practices and pest or diseasecontrol measures.Mafida Begum gives computer education forrural youth, housewives as well as employedor unemployed persons, including internetbrowsing, printing with laser printer or DMP,CD writing, health consultancy throughinternet etc. She also provides informationon different Government schemes & policies,micro finance specially for Self Help Groups,as well as on job opportunities for theunemployed.83. Ms Malabika Sut (Aug-2006)Gogan SutGhahi Gaon, GhilamaraLakhimpur, Assam - 78705325 year old Malabika Sut is a graduate froman economically backward rural area. Afterfurther qualifying with a 3 months computercertificate from the Community InformationCentre, Ghilamara and undergoing trainingin other fields such as organic farming, screenprinting, tailoring, etc, she has been involvedwith community activities since three years.An energetic person with commitmenttowards society, Malabika is an executivemember of Diana SHG for young women inthe technology sector. She has been activelyassociated with all computer literacyprogrammes taken by CIC Ghilamara andhas also been involved in the farmers’ trainingin the ASHA project implemented by AssamSmall Farmers’ Agri Business Consortium.She took a lead role in setting up of aJamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 53

NVA FELLOWSAssamknowledge centre in the Ghahigaon villageand has pioneered the formation of around20 women’s SHGs through which training isimparted in the field of organic farming,vermi compost, mushroom & orchidcultivation.84. Ms Manikha Gogoi(Jan-2006)C/o. Assam SFACAgriculture Campus, KhanaparaGuwahati, Assam 781 022Telefax: 0361-2333560Manikha Gogoi (25), is H.S. educated andcomes from Machkhowa village Dhemajidistrict, Assam. Involved with communityactivities since 2004, she is an animator inSabugram Sewa Sangha (NGO) in the village.As an animator, Manikha Gogoi works touplift the local downtrodden by enablingthem to take up income generating activitiesand also economic development throughsmall enterprises with the help of local rawmaterials.She helps to form Self Help Groups, givesorientation training along with help to getbank loans and assists with management ofprojects.85. Mr Manish Sil (Jan-2006)C/o. Assam SFACAgriculture CampusKhanaparaGuwahati, Assam 781 022Telefax: 0361-2333560Manish Sil (30), belongs to Dharamnalavillage, in the hill Area of Karbi Anglongdistrict, Assam. He has B.Com, PGDCAeducation and has been involved with microfinancethrough the Rural DevelopmentSociety (RDS).Manish is a CIC Operator and has beenassociated with the organization for 3 years.He provides computer training and Internetfacility to the communities Below Poverty Linecomputerization and agri- business servicefor the local village people.86. Ms Manjeeta Kashyap(Jan-2006)C/o. Assam SFACAgriculture Campus, KhanaparaGuwahati, Assam 781 022Telefax: 0361-2333560MANJEETA KASHYAP (26), is fromAulachowka village, Darrang district, Assamwhere the main economic activity isagriculture. A graduate, she has beenworking in the CIC for the past 3 years.Manjeeta provides computer education forvillagers as well as information regardingGovt. schemes and policies and agriculturerelated information. She facilitates self - help54 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSAssamgroups, tele - health programmes and is agood community.87. Mr Mintu Mahanta(Jan-2006)C/o. Assam SFACAgriculture Campus, KhanaparaGuwahati, Assam 781 022Telefax: 0361-2333560Mintu Mahanta (35), hails from Barangabari,Sonitpur district, Assam. She is a graduatewith competency in the areas of microfinance, agriculture and health. A dynamicworker, he is serving as coordinator of SHGssince 2002. He has also received an awardas a volunteer in rural areas, and as aneffective coordinator between Governmentand the Community.88. Mr Nikhilesh Das (Jan-2006)C/o. Assam SFACAgriculture CampusKhanaparaGuwahati, Assam 781 022Telefax: 0361-2333560Nikhilesh Das (26), belongs to Uttar Ganakgari village in Barpeta district, Assam. A postgraduatewith a diploma in computerapplication, Nikhilesh has been working asa Community Information Centre (CIC)operator for the last 3 years and has goodtechnical knowledge as well as competencyin agriculture, livestock & micro finance. Asincere and hard worker his previouscommunity work experience includesinvolvement with SEWA, a registered NGO,as well as serving as the Gen. Secretary of aregistered Self Help Group.89. Mr Nila Gogoi (Aug-2006)Picholaguri, DhalpurAssam - 784165Phone: 94350 0617730 year old Nila Gogoi is a graduate withtalent and vision. Having attended trainingon small scale industry and khadi villageindustries training at Mumbai and Guwhati,as well as agro - based industry training atJorhat, he is the chief coordinator ofLakhimpur Farmers’ Club, Dhalpur affiliatedto Assam Gramin Vikash Bank Dhalpur Tiliali.Involved with community activities since 3years Nila organized training in organicfarming, mushroom production, sugar caneand potato cultivation and alertnessprogramm for farmers on various schemesincluding new agro based technology. He hasalso taken part as a resource person in ASHAawareness programme at Narayanpur CICon the usefulness of ICT in agriculture.90. Mr Nirmal Singh (Aug-2006)Dewnbasti, Near Nepali MandirDiphu, Karbi Anglong, AssamPhone: 03671-271230Mobile: 094351-66143Since 2002 Nirmal Singh 31 has beenworking as Supervising Officer facilitating theimplementation of a community resourcemanagement project in Karbi AnglongJamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 55

NVA FELLOWSAssamdistrict and as a community worker. He is aB.Sc (Agri) degree holder with competencein agriculture, water management, healthissues, etc, and has appeared for M.Sc in Eco.& Env. In collaboration with the CIC atChinthong Block Hamren sub-division he isinvolved in promoting agri-Business servicesand is also a member of the district malariacontrol society.91. Mr Pannalal Bhattacharjee(Aug-2006)C/o. Community Information Centre,Tapang Shrikona High School,Shrikona Silchar,Cachar, Assam35 year old Pannalal Bhattacharjee holds adiploma in electronics & telecommunicationengineering and is working as an operatorin a community information centre atTapang, a heavy rainfall area surrounded withranges of hills. He is also qualified ininformation & system management.Besides providing the normal services offeredby the Community Information Centre someof the other services organized by Pannalalare training camps and awarenessprogrammes on AIDS, cancer, familyplanning etc, as well as community basedprogrammes related to agriculture. In cooperationwith Apollo Telemedicine Centre,Silchar he organized telemedicine service(e-Sanjivani) at the Community InformationCentre. Another initiative was to arrange fortraining in e-Parichay, an electronic addressof village people opening e-mail accounts.92. Ms Papori Kumai (Jan-2006)C/o. Assam SFACAgriculture CampusKhanaparaGuwahati, Assam 781 022Telefax: 0361-2333560Papori Kumai (22) a graduate fromChakuripara village, in a hilly area of Kamrup(Metro) district, Assam, is actively workingwith “ASSAM Gandhi Smarak Nithi” aN.G.O in the district since 2004 . Her areasof competency are functional literacy, microfinance and craft training.Papori Kumai has basic computer knowledgeand has previous work experience in privatecompanies in Guwahati.93. Mr Phanidhar Gogoi(Jan-2006)C/o. Assam SFACAgriculture CampusKhanaparaGuwahati, Assam 781 022Telefax: 0361-2333560Phanidhar Gogoi (41), a graduate, lives inBangaon Vill. 2 No, Golaghat district, Assam.He is general secretary in an N.G.O. since1993, participating in all its activities likemicro watershed management, environmenteducation, biodiversity conservation, ruraldevelopment, education for sustainablefuture and capacity building, vermicomposting training etc.56 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSAssamPhanidhar Gogoi also takes interest inpeople’s participation in natural resourcemanagement , bird conservation , capacitybuilding of farmers, and National GreenCorps self help group.94. Ms Pinaki Doss (Jan-2006)C/o. Assam SFACAgriculture CampusKhanaparaGuwahati, Assam 781 022Telefax: 0361-2333560Pinaki Doss (31), comes from Upper Pathorivillage, Nagaon district, Assam. She holds aBA degree with Diploma in ComputerApplication and is a dynamic and activeperson.Pinaki is playing a very important role in hervillage in the formation of SHGs among thepeople who are below the poverty line, withan effort to promote income generatingprogrammes. She is involved in variousawareness generation programmes, capacitybuilding and training of SHG groups in microfinance, health and craft training.95. Mr Pranab Kumar Choudry.(Jan-2006)C/o. Assam SFACAgriculture CampusKhanaparaGuwahati, Assam 781 022Telefax: 0361-2333560Pranab Kumar Choudry (28), is from Burkibari, Kamrup Dt, Assam. He is H.S educated andis actively associated with PRAGATHI SANGA(NGO). A good grassroot worker, he isefficient in carrying out rural developmentwork like organising health camps andspreading awareness on various healthrelated problems. He is also competent inagriculture , livestock and micro finance.96. Mr Pranab Saikia (Jan-2006)C/o. Assam SFACAgriculture CampusKhanaparaGuwahati, Assam 781 022Telefax: 0361-2333560Pranab Saikia (31), from Solal village, Sonipurdistrict, Assam, is a graduate, involved incommunity activities since 2002. He worksat the Community Information Centre andis responsible for spreading Informationtechnology in the rural areas. His other fieldsof competency are agriculture and livestock.97. Mr Rabizul Haque Laskar(Jan-2006)C/o. Assam SFACAgriculture CampusKhanaparaGuwahati, Assam 781 022Telefax: 0361-2333560Rabizul Haque Laskar (30), from Matijuri,Hailakandi district, Assam, is B.A., CCC(DOEACC) and currently doing LLB. He hasbeen involved for the past 11 years with theNGO Purbha Hailakandi DevelopmentCouncil (PHDC) working with communityconvergence action (CCA), community basedJamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 57

NVA FELLOWSAssamconvergent services (CBCS), and promotionof SHGs.Rabizul Haque Laskar works for upliftmentof rural people, and holds trainingprogrammes for youth and SHG groups forsocio economic development.98. Mr Rajib Lochan Borah(Jan-2006)C/o. Assam SFACAgriculture CampusKhanaparaGuwahati, Assam 781 022Telefax: 0361-2333560Rajib Lochan Borah (28), lives in Saikhowavillage, Tisukia district –, on the bank of RiverBrahamaputra in Assam.He has a postgraduate degree and works inthe Community Information Centre (CIC)located in Saikhowa which is in a remotepart of Assam. The only means ofcommunication there is by road, so it takestime for the students to get their examinationresults and access to job vacancies.Rajib Lochan Borah’s work with the CICmakes access easy for them, and alsoprovides computer literacy and basiccomputer training . Since people in the areaare very poor and it is a flood prone area,weather information and agriculture,sericulture & livestock related informationthat he gives through the CIC is helpful.Using the Internet facility, he also helps withtenders and getting proper market and pricefor products.99. Ms Rajoshree Das (Jan-2006)C/o. Assam SFACAgriculture CampusKhanaparaGuwahati, Assam 781 022Telefax: 0361-2333560Rajoshree Das (22), is a resident of Moidoma,Lakhimpur, Assam. A graduate with Diplomain Computers, she is the President of PriyaSHG. She is a good worker, having initiatedcomputer training course, participated in theHorticulture and Medical plants displayswhere she got the best prize for mushroom.She is also involved in Land RecordComputerisation and organises the Bihufestival in her area.100. Mr Raju Teron (Jan-2006)C/o. Assam SFACAgriculture CampusKhanaparaGuwahati, Assam 781 022Telefax: 0361-2333560Raju Teron (30), hailing from Rongnihong ,Karbi Anglong , in the hill area of Assam,has BSc, DTPM education. Employed withRural Deveoplement Society (RDS) since1999, he is a Supervising Officer with RDSsince 2001 to implement CommunityResource Management Projects (CRMP) in20 villages in Karbi Anglong District of AssamRaju has worked with the Taleem ResearchFoundation’s Reproductive and Child HealthProject sponsored by the Ministry of Healthand Welfare, Government of India. He58 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSAssamimplemented the Rural EntrepreneurshipDevelopment Programme, co-ordinated theFamily Counselling Centre , and was involvedin promoting Agri- Business Services.His areas of competency include Medicinaland Aromatic Plants , Rural Insurance, Microfinance and Functional Literacy .101. Mr Randip Gogoi(Jan-2006)C/o. Assam SFACAgriculture CampusKhanaparaGuwahati, Assam 781 022Telefax: 0361-2333560Randip Gogoi (27), belonging to BorpatharRamji Gaon , Dibrugarh Dt., Assam, is aB.Com, working with the NGO SEWA (SoilEducational Welfare Association) for the past7 years. His areas of competency areagriculture and livestock.102. Ms Reema Bardoloi(Aug-2006)Surath Ch BordoloiPO: Chapai (Mangaldoi)W No-7, Dist Darrang, AssamPhone: 03713-22372035 year old Reema Bardoloi has an MAdegree and is a veteran member of the NGO“SANJEEBANEE”. In her village most of thepeople belong to general category, SC andST, the economy activity being cultivationmainly of paddy, vegetables, ginger, fruits orpepper. For the past five years, she has beeninvolved with various community activities inthe fields of agriculture, rural areadevelopment, microfinance and child andwomen development.103. Ms Rehana Shaji(Aug-2006)Bilasiparagaon (Baragua),P.O.: Bilasipara Bazar,Barpeta Dist., ASSAM - 781 315Phone: 03666-262784assamhortsocietybarpeta@yahoo.co.in20 year old Rehana Shaji has H S (Arts)education and has been involved incommunity activities since 2003-04, workingin the fields of health, fruit preservation, andthrift among rural women. She has a naturaldrive for the cause of rural upliftment withpotentialities of a leader and has served asSecretary of the Women & Child WelfareSociety in her area and as Associate Member,Assam Riot Victims Unit Trust Society(ARVUTS).Rehana has successfully organized ecofriendlyhorticultural plantations throughrural women groups in Katajhargaon inBarpeta district, as well as free medicaltreatment camps with homeopathicmedicines for rural people especially womenin 35 nearby villages.She has a special interest in helping womento create awareness on health & hygiene.She hopes to start an information kiosk forspreading need-based developmentmessages among women, and to work as aJamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 59

NVA FELLOWSAssammaster trainer for the different women’sgroups.104. Ms Ruli Buragohain(Jan-2006)C/o. Assam SFACAgriculture Campus, KhanaparaGuwahati, Assam 781 022Telefax: 0361-2333560Ruli Buragohain (23), comes from ParakataGohaim Gaon village, Jorhat district, Assam.She is a graduate with competency inagriculture and SHG formation.Ruli has been involved in community activitiesand voluntary work since 3 years, Associatedwith an NGO Samanay Atmasahayak.105. Ms Rupjyoti Borah(Aug-2006)D/0 , Late Profulla Kr. Borah JunakiNagar Tini Ali(Near Warehouse) H.C.G. Path.Golaghat - 785621, AssamPhone: 03774-281146(R)9435053662(M)e-mail: jyoti_rup05@yahoo.co.in31 year old Rupjyoti Borah has a B.Com.,degree and Diploma in Computer (DCO)under IGNOU. Coming from a village wheremost families are small farmers cultivating avariety of crops, she is caretaker of a smallpoultry and animal farm. Occasionally shealso does weaving and embroidery at herhome through her connection with some SelfHelp Groups in her area.Rupjyoti has been involved with theCommunity Information Centre (CIC),Golaghat North Dev. Block, Dergaon since2002 and has completed a trainingprogramme with the National InformaticsCentre, Guwahati. Working as a CIC-Operator she has had the opportunity toestablish contact with farmers and otherscommunity members. She trained over 350people including a number of students whoshe assisted with preparing projects,conducting distance-learning education,making online registration or gettingexamination results. An active and hardworkingperson, she has gained the goodwillof the community of Dergaon.106. Ms Sabita Devi (Aug-2006)C/o. Community Information CentreKalaigaon, Old Nabodaya Vidyalayabuilding CampusKalaigaon, Udalguri, Assame-mail: asm-kalaigaon@cic.nic.inPhone: 98641-92520Holding a post-graduate degree, 31 year oldSabita Devi is appointed as CICO under theongoing Central Govt. project CommunityInformation Centre at Kaligaon village wheremost people belong to the Schedule Caste,Schedule Tribe, Nepali communities alongwith the minorities, mainly depending oncultivation and animal husbandry.She provides computer education for ruralyouth, housewives as well as for employedor unemployed persons, and makes availablea number of services and information such60 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSAssamas Govt. Schemes & policies or informationon agricultural marketing along with differentcultivation practices, pest & disease control.Micro-finance specially for Self Help Groups,internet browsing, printing, healthconsultancy through internet, weather reportetc. are some of the services she providesthrough the CIC for the rural community.107. Mr Saurabh Das (Jul-2005)C/o. Drishtee Dot Com LimitedA-11, Ground Floor,Sector -2, [Opp: PDIL Building]NOIDA- 201301, U.P.Ph. No. : +91 (120) – 2545968/69/70Fax No. : +91 (120) - 2546386satyan@drishtee.comSaurabh Das is 24 years of age from VillageKawaimari, of Sonitpur (Assam). He iscompleting his graduation side by side withhis kiosk business with Drishtree. A formerLIC agent, he says he has become moreresponsible and mature after joining Drishtee.He runs computer courses and delivers e-governance services through his centre.This young man also has a flair for researchand has conducted some surveys on behalfof Drishtee in the surrounding GramPanchayats. According to the Drishteetraining team he was a fast learner whowanted to learn and try new things in hisvillage.Saurabh has been promoting e-governanceand its usage to the villagers which hasbenefited the villagers in more than one way.People are able to save on cost and time oftravelling to the district administration. Theyare also happy that their work is getting donefaster and at no extra effort. He is aspiringto be a successful business man and wantsto be a well known person in his locality.108. Mr Tankeswer Saikia(Jan-2006)C/o. Assam SFACAgriculture CampusKhanaparaGuwahati, Assam 781 022Telefax: 0361-2333560Tankeswer Saikia (28), a graduate inEconomics with diplomas in computer andEnglish type writing, lives in Kothara village,Kamrup district, Assam. He is involved witha self help group named Lahari, working inthe field of agriculture, horticulture, nursery,fishery development since 2003. With aninterest in the field of scientific agriculturesystem, Tankeswer Saikia has dedicatedhimself to work for the prosperity of ruraleconomy in Assam.109. Ms Tilottama Hazarika(Aug-2006)2 Gosaipathar,Bihpuria, AssamMobile: 94350 86745A talented young woman, TilottamaHazarika is a 25 years old Botany graduatewith a Diploma in Computer Science. Shehas been involved with many communityJamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 61

NVA FELLOWSAssamactivities for the past 3 years such asorganizing workshops in CIC Bihpuriainvolving rural women SHGs in variouseconomic developmental activities likemushroom cultivation, nursery and vermicompostas well as ASHA workshopsinvolving educated farmers, entrepreneurs,NGOs or SHGs. Through the ASHA portal,Tilottama has actively helped rural cultivatorsand has developed a database on rural SHGand entrepreneurs.Using her IT skills, she has organized specialtraining for rural students on internet, webbrowsing, email and other applications.110. Ms Tutumoni Gam(Jan-2006)C/o. Assam SFACAgriculture CampusKhanaparaGuwahati, Assam 781 022Telefax: 0361-2333560Tutumoni Gam (22), from Chuklibhoria,Lakhmipur, Assam is a graduate withComputer Diploma. An active young womanwith leadership qualities, she is the presidentof a Self Help Group, through which she hasstarted computer training for functionalliteracy.She also has competency in horticulture,medical plants, mushroom cultivation andvermi-compost.111. Mr Upen Horo (Jan-2006)C/o. Assam SFACAgriculture CampusKhanaparaGuwahati, Assam 781 022Telefax: 0361-2333560Upen Horo (23), from Bor Patgaon village,Sonitpur, Assam has completed High Schooleducation and is an enthusiastic singer andsportsman.He is one of the staff of Gana Chetana Samjian NGO, working as an animator. His areasof competency include micro finance,livestock, agriculture and functional literacy.112. Mr Vaskar Narayan Misra(Jan-2006)C/o. Assam SFACAgriculture Campus, KhanaparaGuwahati, Assam 781 022Telefax: 0361-2333560VASKAR NARAYAN MISRA (31), comes fromPailapool village, Cachar district, Assam.Involved in community activities since 1996,Vaskar Narayan has a Diploma in ComputerApplications and works in the CommunityInformation Centre as an operator. He hasconducted several awareness programmesand community based programmes relatedto Agriculture, AIDS and other topics relevantfor the local people.62 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSCHHATTISGARH113. Mr Chandra ShekharBinjhwar (Jul-2005)C/o. Drishtee Dot Com LimitedA-11, Ground Floor,Sector -2, [Opp: PDIL Building]NOIDA- 201301, U.P.Ph. No. : +91 (120) – 2545968/69/70Fax No. : +91 (120) - 2546386satyan@drishtee.com24-year-old Chandrasekhar is from Bharni inBilaspur district and has studied up toPGDCA. He was giving computer educationin AISCP, which is a local computer instituteand along with it working as a part time LICagent. After joining Drishtee in 2004, He hasorganised many awareness campaigns forcomputer education and other servicesprovided through Drishtee network.Though Chandrasekhar is handicapped hehas zeal to work hard for the selfimprovement. His father works in NTPC andalways wants his son to do something forthe betterment of Bharni where the totalpopulace is around 5000-7000. So aftercompletion of PG in arts and PGDCA hestarted the Drishtee kiosk for the fulfillmentof his and his father’s dream.In Chandrashekhar’s words, ‘I feelempowered now, having changed from ahelpless man to someone who works for thesociety and is in charge of his life.’ Thegrampanchayat has benefited through hisdevelopmental work. He has motivated otherperson to undergo various training programsand join organization like Drishtee wherethey can realize their dreams.114. Mr Medani Sahu(Aug-2006)Gram BhanesarDhaneli,Janjgir ChampaChhattisgarh.Mobile: 94252 3072232 year old Medani Sahu has a post graduatedegree in sociology and has been workingfor community development since 1995. Hehas organized many awareness campaignsfor health and for watershed management.He has also participated in social activitiessuch as youth summit and sports.Presently, Medani is a project officer at DPAPwatershed programme and also is part ofthe programme for assisting rural poorthrough self-help groups. He is involved incommunity micro-planning and in activatingBPL and landless people towards selfemployment.Through honest and hardwork, he wishes to ensure that education,health and development technologies reachhis village.Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 63

NVA FELLOWSChhattisgarh115. Mr Murlidhar Chandram(Feb-2007)Dabhara Village, Dabhara Tahsil,Janjgir-Champa District,Chhattisgarh,PIN-495668.Telephone 07758-273336,284172For the past 25 years, Murlidhar Chandram,a 50 year old graduate, has been workingfor a variety of social and development causesin his village Dabhara, which is located in anarid area. He has been involved instrengthening panchayat institutions, villagemicro-planning and networking SHGs, aswell as in water management .Murlidhar Chandram has contributed hisefforts for tribal development throughlivelihood support and is serving in ruraleducation. He has also participated in manysocial campaigns including health campaignsand Right to Information campaign.116. Mr Sanjay Kumar Yadav(Feb-2007)Seoni(Champa) Village,Tah-Champa, Janjgir-Champa District,Chhattisgarh,PIN-495671.Telephone : 07819-244792A 28 year old having a graduate degree inmaths (B.Sc), M.A. in Sociology and PGDCAfrom Guru Ghasidas University Bilaspur,Sanjay Kumar Yadav belongs to village Seoniin Janjgir-Champa district, which is in a semiaridzone with no irrigation facility.He has two years experience of teaching inNICETEC Computer Education Institute,Champa, having taught different types ofstudents like children, teenagers, housewivesand government employees. Presently, he isattached with Watershed Area DevelopmentProgramme in Janjgir-Champa district and istrying to bring B.P.L rural persons abovepoverty line by linking them to various selfemploymentschemes through groupactivities.With his experience, Sanjay Kumar has thepotential to act as a master trainer for ruraleconomic and business activities.117. Mr. Suresh Kumar Dansena(Feb-2007)Kanwali Village, Kanwali-Post,Dabhara-Tahsil,Janjgir-champa District,Chhattisagarh.Suresh Kumar Dansena is a 34 year oldscience graduate belonging to agriculturalfamily, with competency in agriculture andwater management. He has been involvedwith community activities since his studentdays and was associated with CAPART. From2001 till now, he has been working with thewatershed mission. He works in DPAP blockwith linkage to the watershed developmentprogramme in his area, which is a semi –aridzone.Suresh Kumar motivates rural persons for selfemployment and helps them through groupactivity. He facilitates farmers and the poorand landless to derive the benefit ofgovernment schemes. He is well suited forspearheading the knowledge missionthrough village knowledge centres.64 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSDELHI118. Ms Asha Sharma(Jul 2005)C/o. OneWorld South Asia OfficeC5, Qutab Institutional AreaNew Delhi 110016Phone: 0091-11-61689000Fax: 0091-11-51689001veronica.peris@oneworld.net;narendra.deo@oneworld.netAsha has been working in the slumcommunities in the peri-ubran areassurrounding the Indian capital for the last14 years on health and sexuality issues.Overcoming strong opposition from thecommunities, many of which are inhabitedby snake charmers and immigrants, she hassuccessfully made women and girls awareof their health needs and sexual rights andabout HIV/AIDS.In her latest endeavour in association withOWSA, Asha has worked on a project thathas used a traditional ICT – a phone line - toopen communication between a slumcommunity and a government hospital.Through this phone line, people havedemanded from the hospital authorities, theirrights and services due to them from thegovernment hospital.The result has been tremendous. There wasonce no water supply in the hospital andfamilies of pregnant women, who had to gofor delivery there, had to carry two bucketsof water with them. Now thanks to thephone line and the demands made by thepeople, water supply was restored in thehospital.Asha wants to share some of her perspectivesbased on years of her experience of workingin the communities to policy makers.Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 65

NVA FELLOWS119. Ms AashabenAmrutbhai Parmar (Jul-2005)Molipur Village, Vadnagar Ta,Mehsana Dist,Ph: 02764 -298824, 02764-273290Aashaben is 33 and lives in Molipur villagein District Mahesana. She has studied uptoB.A. and joined SEWA in 2001. She is now aSpearhead Team Leader and has organizedtraining for members and for the communityfor their capacity building. Her leadershipskills resulted in women taking up savingsSHGs very seriously, thereby taking SEWA’sunique benefits to the grassroots. She isreceptive to new technology and hasundergone some basic trainings.Ashaben has conducted Gram Sabhas invillages and organized agriculture relatedtraining for farmers. She helped provideidentity cards to farmers and conductedsurveys for identifying and arranging qualityseeds for them. She has coordinated withIFFCO and also marketed agriculturalproduce directly.With IFFCO Ashaben organized trainingprograms for artificial insemination and otheranimal husbandry methods. Thus, sheinspires other village women to be like herand develop themselves. She has motivatedseveral women to step out of their homesand manage their lives better.GUJARAT120. Mr Amitkumar N Suthar(Jan-2006)At.pos.Sonasan, Ta. Trantige,Dt. Mahesana, Bhayatwas.Ph:02770-240592 /E-mail:umitsonasan@yahoo.co.inMr. Amit Suthar (28), lives in Sonasan village,an agricultural area in Sabarkantha district,Gujarat. He completed D.C.A from thenearest city Himatnagar and has knowledgeof basic computer operatoions. He wasunemployed and having a keen interest instarting Internet services and computereducation in his village, he started a ChiraagInternet Center in his village in October 2004.He concentrates primarily only on computereducation courses for children. Nearly 50students have got computer and Internettraining in last 6 months. No one can believethat the small village has so many computerliterate students. He also offers DTP services,photography, graphics and typewriting forgenerating income. By using Agri service ofChiraag, he finds solutions for agriculturerelated doubts and questions of farmers.The Internet Center has changed Amit’s life.He is happy with the service and encouragespeople to join in the process.66 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSGujarat121. Ms AmrutabenBhikhabhai Sabhi (Jul-2005)C/o SEWA Trade Facilitation CentreIII Floor, GramHaat Building8, Navrang Colony,Near Navrangpura Railway CrossingNavrangpura, Ahmedabad – 380 009Tel: +91 (79) 22932235, 22932486Amrutaben is 22 and comes from Malavanvillage in Dist. Surendranagar. She hasstudied upto 11 th Std and joined SEWA in2001. She is now an ICT user and SHG groupmember. She is involved in Jeevika activity,providing health training and selling medicinefrom village to village, and has organizedsaving groups and health groups in thevillages.‘I studied on my own, before I joined SEWA.Now I am a health spearhead team leader, Itake care of all normal ailments in mycommunity and am known as ‘Doctor Didi’,which fills me with pride. I wish to gain evenmore knowledge and serve my community’.Amrutben has taken the lead in nursing andtreating the sick in her village andsurrounding villages. She also teaches thebasics of literacy to the women. She facedmany hurdles in her health training but hasovercome them all, with grit and courage.She motivates other women to be literateand understand the role of science andtechnology in their life.122. Ms Anishaben Shahu(Jul-2005)C/o n-logue Communications PvtLimited5th Floor, Gokul Arcade, #2 SardarPatel Road, Adyar,Chennai 600 020Tel: + 91-44-2445 5212, 39181932Anishaben Shahu of Kanodar in Palanpur,Gujarat is 28 years old and has passed outof school. She came across the advertisementof n-logue and its services and the conceptdecided to undertake basic computer trainingand start a Chiraag center in her village.Anisha’s claim to fame is that she’s the firstwoman kiosk operator to have set upbusiness in Gujarat. The presence of her kioskin a small inconspicuous 5,000-strong villagein north Gujarat proves that technology isnot the urban man’s prerogative only.Married at 18 and a mother at 24, Anishabegan her career as a teacher. The schooltimings being inconvenient, she quit the jobto become a private tutor. The servicesprovided by her kiosk are education, e-governance, agriculture, health, browsing, e-mail, voice mail, video mail, chat and videoconferencing. She familiarizes her customerswith the computer, explains its functions andteaches them applications like e-mailing,browsing etc. she already has six batches oftwo students each that come to her to learnthe various nuances of a computer.Most people who come to her center arecollege students who don’t have any accessJamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 67

NVA FELLOWSGujaratto a computer. On Fridays and Sundays, thekiosk does brisk business, courtesy suchcustomers who flock to the centre to chatwith their relatives abroad. She is the onlywoman KO in this area, so women feel a lotmore comfortable coming to her kiosk.123. Ms ArunabenDharmendrakumar Panchal(Feb-2007)C/o. OneWorld South Asia OfficeC5, Qutab Institutional AreaNew Delhi 110016Phone: 0091-11-51689000Fax: 0091-11-51689001veronica.peris@oneworld.netArunaben is 30 and has education up to 12thStd. She joined SEWA in the year 1999,before which she was fully engaged inhousework. She now manages savings forthe SHGs, maintains books of accounts andarranges for loans. She uses the computerfor her daily work and being quite proficient,she trains other women on similar lines.‘I am involved in savings and insuranceactivity. Recently I was a part of thedecentralization of insurance MSI process inwhich I processed all the transactions for mydistrict. Its challenging and I like it.’124. Ms Arunabhen Parmar (Jul-2005)Hom T&O-1044c76, Gita Mandir Road,Ahmedabad - 22, Ph: 09925505739Arunabhen gave up school to work as ascreen printer, when she was barely 10, tofinancially help her parents bring up her sixsiblings. Through sheer grit anddetermination, she managed to resume herstudies. She joined India’s largest women’strade union network, SEWA, in Ahmedabad.While there, she learnt to wield the cameraand become a video producer to empowerand to give expression to the needs andconcerns of women in rural and peri-urbanareas.Today, Arunabhen wields the heavy umaticcamera with confidence and travelsextensively across the tough terrain of ruralIndia to capture the travails and hopes ofvillage women. Her teammates comprise ofwomen like her who once worked asvegetable sellers, street vendors or as casuallabour.Arunabhen feels that all can use ICTs andnot just the educated. Therefore, all she feelsshould have access to ICTs to improve theirlives.125. Ms AtchhibenDalaji Malek (Jul-2005)Taurlev, Santalpur, Dist. Patan.Ph: 9898657286 / 9924913480Atchhiben is 38 years and lives in Bamrolivillage in Dist. Patan. She has studied up to5 th std and was a labourer before joiningSEWA in 1994. She is involved in villagedevelopment work under the JeevikaPrograme, and organizes women in thevillage. She provides information related toSEWA and organizes training for them. With68 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSGujarather village development work she wants thecommunity to become an ideal village.‘At present I am involved in training activityas Spearhead team member. I took severaltrainings from SEWA like capacity buildingtraining membership training, kadamtraining, disaster preparedness training,savings, technical Training (TV, VCR, Fax,Phone, Video Shooting, photography) andcomputer trainings. I also learnt how tomaintain and write accounts and I feelsatisfied to teach these skills to others aroundme.’Atchhiben was trained in disasterpreparedness and made others aware also.She uses video replay techniques to createawareness about significant matters relatedto health, childcare, etc in her community.She has learnt the basic uses of computersand prepares her reports on it. Thus, she isworking for the development of hercommunity and motivating more women tocome forward.126. Ms Bairajba KarashanjiJadeja (Feb-2007)C/o SEWA Trade Facilitation CentreIII Floor, GramHaat Building8, Navrang Colony,Near Navrangpura Railway CrossingNavrangpura, Ahmedabad – 380 009Tel: +91 (79) 22932235, 22932486Bairajba has motivated other women in herarea to take up crafts as a means oflivelihood. The 35 year old 7th Std educatedwife of a salt worker was occupied withhousework before she joined SEWA in 1992.She underwent training in insurance, craft,savings and Jeevika activity as well as incomputer applications.She now provides training to poor womenfor livelihood, conducts classroom trainingfor artisans and helps provide income forsurvival. She also gives information on moneysaving methods for the rainy day.‘I am proud of having learnt technology skillsin addition to my homegrown crafts skills. Iwant to know more about what the worldwants today so that I can do quality workand thus, help generate more employmentfor myself and my community.’Bairajba has built a home for her family (theydid not even had one) from her craftsearnings. She is a source of inspiration andwisdom for everyone in her community.127. Ms BhavanabenBharatbhai Jadav (Jul-2005)C/o SEWA Trade Facilitation CentreIII Floor, GramHaat Building8, Navrang Colony,Near Navrangpura Railway CrossingNavrangpura, Ahmedabad – 380 009Tel: +91 (79) 22932235, 2293248624 year old Bhavanaben is from Nandol inAhmedabad district and has studied up to10 th std. She used to do farming labour workhardly getting 10 to 15 days work in month,with no other occupation to survive. AfterJamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 69

NVA FELLOWSGujaratjoining SEWA in 2004, she is now AgricultureSpearhead Team Leader and member of theSHG Trade group .She organised agriculturecampaign meeting for members, organisedfarmers groups and provided farmers withtraining and awareness, and seeds for bettercrops.Bhavanaben is a very good leader and shehas good communication skills. She hasorganised more than 500 members intoSHGs. In her own village she took the leadin solving drinking water problems. She alsoorganized cleanliness campaigns in hervillage, with the help of Panchayat, alongwith other village development work..‘I feel empowered now, having changedfrom a helpless woman to someone whoworks for the community and is in charge ofher life. I have adopted a child and thanks tothe support of SEWA, my family has acceptedthis decision of mine easily. I am happy today.’The community has benefited through heractive work. She has motivated other womento undergo various training programs,offered guidance and need-basedinformation to the farmers. She conducteda survey of the diseases plaguing crops inher region and accordingly, arranged forpesticides. She has undergone computertraining and prepares her daily reports on theoffice computer.128. Ms BijalbenJanakbhai Pandya (Jul-2005)C/o SEWA Trade Facilitation CentreIII Floor, GramHaat Building8, Navrang Colony, Near NavrangpuraRailway CrossingNavrangpura, Ahmedabad – 380 009Tel: +91 (79) 22932235, 22932486Bijalben (21 years) from Kharaghoda, in Dist.Surendranagar has studies upto third yearB.Com. She was a labourer and salt workerbefore she joined SEWA in 2001.‘I have taken computer and crafts training.This helped me get income and somesecurity. I now want to teach others andmotivate more women to learn the new waysof working.’She successfully completed data entry of MIStransactions related to insurance processingand helped in decentralizing insuranceprocessing for the first time in SEWA andtrained others also. Bijalben has helped createawareness about ICT at the grassroots andinspired the youth and women to learn thesemodern technology tools. She urges womenin her community to be literate and workfor a living, to be self-reliant. She is nowteaching computer operations to otherwomen.70 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSGujarat129. Ms DeenabenGaneshbhai Rohit (Jul-2005)C/o SEWA Trade Facilitation CentreIII Floor, GramHaat Building8, Navrang Colony, Near NavrangpuraRailway CrossingNavrangpura, Ahmedabad – 380 009Tel: +91 (79) 22932235, 22932486Deenaben is 25 and comes from Gana villagein Anand Dt. She studied up to BA and joinedSEWA in 1999. She is involved in Life Schoolactivity and as Spearhead team member,gives education to members who arebetween 18 to 35 years old. She focuses oneducation which will be useful in theirpractical life. She herself has undergone eachand every kind of SEWA’s training to shareknowledge with others. Through this adulteducation for her community Deenabenwishes to make them understand that thereis no bar to learning‘I strongly believe that the only wealth iseducation which no one can take away fromyou. In fact it increases when we share itwith someone. So I feel very happy to teachother women in my area and bring aboutawareness and empowerment of thewomen.130. Ms Deenaben JayantibhaiParmar Feb-2007)C/o SEWA Trade Facilitation CentreIII Floor, GramHaat Building8, Navrang Colony, Near NavrangpuraRailway CrossingNavrangpura, Ahmedabad – 380 009Tel: +91 (79) 22932235, 2293248642, 10th pass Deenaben was a housewifewith small children and in need of money tosurvive before she took up a job in SEWA in1999. Now with her income by working withinsurance she is giving education to herchildren. Today as a working woman, she isgetting respect from her community. Thisgives her great pleasure and pride.Deenaben is a team leader of the insuranceactivity with the responsibility of being cashin-charge. At the initial stage, she was afraidof handling money, but now she is able tohandle thousands of rupees by herself. Sheis engaged in making her community awareof the benefits of taking insurance byknowledge sharing on savings, and makesthem understand how it will help them inthe future if they can save their money.I use the computer in my day- to- day worklike preparing a list of school’s members andassessment of their learning, keeping savingsrecords of members, keeping expenses etc.I can use phone and fax also, very easily. Ibelieve in imparting skills which are practicaland can be used in life comfortably.’Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 71

NVA FELLOWSGujarat131. Ms GauribenYogeshkumar Parmar(Jul-2005)C/o SEWA Trade Facilitation CentreIII Floor, GramHaat Building8, Navrang Colony, Near NavrangpuraRailway CrossingNavrangpura, Ahmedabad – 380 009Tel: +91 (79) 22932235, 22932486Gauriben comes from village Dabha inSabarkantha district. She is 22 and hasstudied upto 12 th Std. She joined SEWA in2003, and is a Savings spearhead teamleader, collecting savings from village-tovillageand provided loans to the needymembers. She has been responsible forprovided timely loans that helped women tobe financially self- sufficient. Gauriben is alsoResearch spearhead team leader, collectingmember information, coding, and preparingreports. She helps solve problems of hervillage and her community through providingthe needed information.‘At present I am involved in Savings &Research activity as team member. I tookseveral trainings from SEWA like savings, MISSoftware Data Entry, District ManagementSystem (DMS) Data Entry, and ComputerTraining. I conducted awareness meetingsfrom village to village and developedwomen’s groups who in turn did the same’.Gauriben is a researcher who does surveywork in villages. She finds out theinformation or knowledge needed in thecommunity and asks SEWA for assistance.Her work is much appreciated in thecommunity as she has provided timelyinformation on crops, health and so on. Shemotivates others to do similar work and usethe information in an effective fashion.132. Ms Geetaben NakabhaiRathava (Feb-2007)C/o SEWA Trade Facilitation CentreIII Floor, GramHaat Building8, Navrang Colony, Near NavrangpuraRailway CrossingNavrangpura, Ahmedabad – 380 009Tel: +91 (79) 22932235, 22932486Geetaben who is 21 and has studied up tothird year BA, has conducted many meetingsfor organizing women into groups for savingsand creating awareness among them. Shehas also learnt to drive two wheelers andholds a driving license. She has undergonetraining for a variety of skills such as handpump repair, food processing, bakery,photography, etc. Thus, she inspires otherwomen in her community to come forwardand make a decent living for themselves.‘I can now prepare reports, letters, etc usingcomputers. I am quite proficient in using thekeyboard and hence much in demand in myoffice! While I can earn money from dataentry activities, my aim is to strengthen myunderstanding of software and finally startusing it for better purposes.’Geetaben was elected as Chairperson ofsavings activity SHG. She collects installmentsfrom members who have been given loansand has been responsible for considerable72 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSGujaratloan recovery. The villagers in her area havebegun to save money and take loans whenneeded and have derived benefit from theirsavings133. Ms HeenabenShaileshbhai Trivedi (Jul-2005)C/o SEWA Trade Facilitation CentreIII Floor, GramHaat Building8, Navrang Colony, Near NavrangpuraRailway CrossingNavrangpura, Ahmedabad – 380 009Tel: +91 (79) 22932235, 22932486Hailing from village Kharaghoda (Navagam),Dist. Surendranagar, Heenaben is 39 and hasstudied up to 10 th Std. A housewife beforejoining SEWA in 2002, she has undergonesavings group formation training, healthtraining and disaster management for thedistrict. She recently learnt to use fax, TV andVCR comprehensively, as well as computerbasics. Now she is involved in Jeevika Activity,maintaining villagers’ fund accounts,collecting funds from village to village, anddoing development work in the village. Shehas provided literacy skills to 50 to 60 womenin CLC.Heenaben has taught the women to readand write. It was challenging to get thewomen to learn the 3Rs but Heenabenpersevered. Thus, she has motivated hercommunity to be literate and learntechnology skills for the betterment of theirfuture. She has organized many awarenesscampaigns related to health, savings andmembership.134. Ms HemabenChandrakantbhai Purohit(Jul-2005)C/o SEWA Trade Facilitation CentreIII Floor, GramHaat Building8, Navrang Colony, Near NavrangpuraRailway CrossingNavrangpura, Ahmedabad – 380 009Tel: +91 (79) 22932235, 22932486Hemaben comes from village Dabha inSabarkantha district. She is 28 and hasstudied upto 10 th Std. The wife of a dailywage labourer, she joined SEWA in 1996,and is a Savings spearhead team leader,collecting saving from village-to-village andprovided loans to the needy members. Shehas been responsible for provided timelyloans that helped women to be financiallyself- sufficient. She helps solve problems ofher village and her community throughproviding the needed information.‘At present I am involved in savings activityas spearhead team member. I took severaltrainings from SEWA like Savings, MISSoftware Data Entry and Computer Training.After taking the training I did awarenessmeetings in village to village and taught morewomen through the same.’Hemaben has managed the savings SHG veryeffectively and is now the owner andmanager of the activity. She helps othersachieve the same too. She finds the workchallenging but satisfying. She has used videoreplays and multimedia to spread themessage of savings. She also uses thecomputer in her daily work.Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 73

NVA FELLOWSGujarat135. Ms Ilaben SevakbhaiMahida (Jul-2005)C/o SEWA Trade Facilitation CentreIII Floor, GramHaat Building8, Navrang Colony, Near NavrangpuraRailway CrossingNavrangpura, Ahmedabad – 380 009Tel: +91 (79) 22932235, 2293248636 year old Ilaben comes from village Nadiyadin district Kheda. She has passed 9 th Std andwas a bidi worker before joining SEWA in1998. She is now a spearhead team memberconducting awareness programmes on theimportance of water to human life and howto use water without any waste. Havingtaken drip irrigation training, she arrangestraining for others in the community for themto acquire knowledge of drip irrigation toutilise water without waste.‘At present I am doing public meetings forthe awareness of water usage in my villageas well as in schools. I also know to repairhand pump, so this way I become helpful tomy community. I am also using computer inmy activity and make others understand howthis technology is helping me in my regularwork.’Ilaben wishes to build the capacity of othermembers with the sharing of her knowledgeand experiences and to make them awarethat how waste of water can spread diseases.136. Ms Jadeja PavanbaVaghubha Feb-2007)C/o SEWA Trade Facilitation CentreIII Floor, GramHaat Building8, Navrang Colony, Near NavrangpuraRailway CrossingNavrangpura, Ahmedabad – 380 009Tel: +91 (79) 22932235, 22932486Before she joined SEWA in 2002, 40 yearold Jadeja Pavanba Vaghubha used to ekeout a living by working as a farm hand ordomestic help. Sometimes she stitched quiltsfor which she received about Rs. 15 per quilt.Survival was difficult since the meagre sumearned by her husband who was a migrantcontract labourer was insufficient for theirfamily of five.She now works with the trade group, crafts,savings and insurance activity and is on theVillage Development Committee. She is thecraft spearhead team leader as well as thewater campaign spearhead team leader.‘I have received training related to savings,health, ICT and water management . Thishas enabled me to build my capacity andconfidence. I have conducted manyawareness campaigns and covered about1500 women in my community’.Pavanba has trained women in crafts andwater savings activity in the village, educatingthe community to take up crafts activity forsustainable livelihood. On the watermanagement front, her efforts have resultedin 45 water tanks being constructed for thecommunity.74 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSGujarat137. Ms JanakbenKiransingh Mahida (Jul-2005)C/o SEWA Trade Facilitation CentreIII Floor, GramHaat Building8, Navrang Colony, Near NavrangpuraRailway CrossingNavrangpura, Ahmedabad – 380 009Tel: +91 (79) 22932235, 2293248632 year old Janakben from village Mogar inDistrict Anand has passed 9 th Std. She was alandless labourer and housewife before shejoined SEWA in 2003 . She is now involvedin SHG savings activities and is CLC in-chargeat Mogar village and spearhead teammember. She collects savings from SEWAmembers and maintains the whole channelof savings and loan.‘I took computer training from SEWA teamand I am giving computer training to otherwomen members of SEWA as well as doingdata entry in the software prepared by SEWAteam. I am also giving details of otheractivities run by SEWA to village members. Iwanted to learn more and more newtechnology and make my self helpful to mycommunity.’Janakben builds other members’ capacitywith the sharing of her knowledge andexperiences, and make others aware of howa woman can change her own life and bebeneficial to society.138. Ms Jashiben PravinbhaiLauva (Feb-2007)C/o SEWA Trade Facilitation CentreIII Floor, GramHaat Building8, Navrang Colony, Near NavrangpuraRailway CrossingNavrangpura, Ahmedabad – 380 009Tel: +91 (79) 22932235, 2293248633 year old Jashiben has passed 10th Stdand has ICT awareness. A farm workerbefore she joined SEWA in 2002 , she is nowa Spearhead team leader for insurance andSHGs.Jashiben works with the grassroots to createawareness on insurance policies and schemesand motivates women to take up the same.They learn how insurance can be beneficialat the time of emergency or calamity. Shestrives hard, visiting village-by-village,doorstep-to-doorstep. Thus, her untiringefforts have benefited the women in hervillage, who are today more aware andwanting to work towards a secure livelihood.139. Ms JomibenJayarambhai Ayar (Jul-2005)C/o SEWA Trade Facilitation CentreIII Floor, GramHaat Building8, Navrang Colony, Near NavrangpuraRailway CrossingNavrangpura, Ahmedabad – 380 009Tel: +91 (79) 22932235, 2293248643 year old Jomiben has studied upto 7 th Stdand is from Madhutra village in Dist. Patan.Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 75

NVA FELLOWSGujaratWorking as a salt worker before joiningSEWA in 1987, she involved herself in craftactivity and is now a Master crafts womanof appliqué work. She has travelled to variousexhibitions to show her skills and understandthe demand for traditional skills Her effortshave reduced migration for work.Jomiben is on the craft spearhead team , aJSM Member , executive committee memberand federation president. She is also withTrade (Craft ) SHG groups, VDC Committeeand DWCRA groups.‘I feel so proud of being a women now. Ihave travelled to foreign countries like USAand France. Today I am known by own namein my community. I am completely interestedin upgrading the livelihood of my fellowwomen by doing even better crafts , thusgenerating more and better quality piecesof work and income security for them.’Jomiben is a master in her crafts specialty ofappliqué work and has won muchrecognition for this. She has helped otherwomen in her community take up craftswork for livelihood security. She is deeplyinvolved in getting orders and generatingdemand for their work and is a shareholderof the SEWA Trade Facilitation Centre. Sheis a strong pillar of the crafts work in herdistrict.140. Ms JuliyabenMadhavbhai Khristi (Jul-2005)C/o SEWA Trade Facilitation CentreIII Floor, GramHaat Building8, Navrang Colony, Near NavrangpuraRailway CrossingNavrangpura, Ahmedabad – 380 009Tel: +91 (79) 22932235, 2293248645 year –old Juliyaben is from village Bharodain Anand district and has passed 7 th Std.Before joining SEWA in 1997 she was ahousewife occasionally taking small jobs. Sheunderwent training in many areas such asTOT, computer, drip irrigation and agriculturerelated topics, and is now agriculture activityspearhead team member, and involved insavings and insurance activity.‘I have educated my daughter who is a nursetoday. I have helped create awareness aboutsavings, good farming practices, etc in mycommunity. It has been a challenging taskfor me but I never gave up. I am satisfiedwith my work and look forward to doingsimilar activities in the future also.’Juliyaben has been giving agriculture relatedtraining to farmers in the village, gettingidentity cards for them, and trying to buyappropriate fertilizers for their crops. She setsan example for others to fight against allhardship of life and make others aware thatdifferent kinds of training and exposure willchange any one’s life.76 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSGujarat141. Ms JyotsanabenKanubhai Solanki (Jul-2005)Makhiyav Village,Sanand Tehsil,Ahmedabad DistPh: 02717-320380.25 year old Jyotsanaben comes fromMakhiyav in Ahmedabad district and hasstudied up to 10 th Std. Before joining SEWAin 2000 she was a farm worker andhousewife. She is now an active ICT user,and involved in agriculture activity and tradegroups. She helped farmers join in agriculturecampaigns, created awareness regardingagriculture and solved the problem withthem. She provided appropriate informationrelated to farm and farming to the membersand also provided certified seed andpesticides.‘I joined SEWA as spearhead team leader. Iconducted surveys in villages and tookinterest in their development. I am happy towork in agriculture, thus facilitating thedevelopment of my area.’Jyotsnaben has organized many meetingsand campaigns related to agriculture. She hassupplied need-based equipment andinformation to the farmers. The women inher community are inspired by her and shetakes active interest in their growth anddevelopment. She is now using computersin her daily work.142. Ms JashibenJethabhai Parmar (Jul-2005)C/o. SEWA Trade Facilitation CentreIII Floor, GramHaat Building8, Navrang Colony, Near NavrangpuraRailway CrossingNavrangpura, Ahmedabad – 380 009Tel: +91 (79) 26574349, 26576372,26579458Email: bdmsa@icenet.co.in;mail.sewatfc.orgHailing from Simej in Ahmedabad district,.46year old Jashiben has studied upto 10 th Std.Earlier a housewife and farm worker, afterjoining SEWA in 2001, she is now an activeICT user and involved in insurance,membership & nursery activities and is partof the SHGs for trade.I joined in SEWA as Aagewan. I changed afterworking for community development andeven my husband is appreciative. I conductvarious training programs for the women inmy village.’Jashiben is able to draw women toparticipate in village meetings. She givesinformation to the members explaining aboutthe importance of SHGs and insuranceschemes and motivates others by talkingabout her journey from a helpless, depressedwoman to being confident and working withpride. She organized 40 women into SHGslast year and got 400 women to take upinsurance policies. She provided 10000 plantsto members for nursery plantation. She isalso getting accustomed to using technologyin her work.Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 77

NVA FELLOWSGujarat143. Ms KalpanabenRameshbhai Parmar (Feb-2007)C/o SEWA Trade Facilitation CentreIII Floor, GramHaat Building8, Navrang Colony, Near NavrangpuraRailway CrossingNavrangpura, Ahmedabad – 380 009Tel: +91 (79) 22932235, 22932486Kalpanaben joined SEWA in 2004 and is nowgiving computer training to other members.22 year old, 12th Std educated Kalpanabenwas earlier just a daily wage earner. Withina short period, she became the CLC inchargeat her village Chikhodra. She isactively engaged in making more membersaware of technology and its benefits to thecommunity.‘Being relatively new, I have only beeninvolved at the Community Learning Centrein imparting computer training to otherwomen. I first undertook training arrangedby SEWA and am now designated as mastertrainer. I feel happy to make women moreadaptable to technology.’144. Mr Kanubhai M Chaudhari(Jan-2006)C/o n-logue Communications PvtLimited5th Floor, Gokul Arcade,#2 Sardar Patel Road, Adyar,Chennai 600 020Tel: + 91-44-2445 5212, 39181932Kanubhai M. Chaudhari (30), a graduate,lives in Unchamala village located near theAtomic Power Station in Surat district,Gujarat.He is a farmer who has been involved withn-logue and community activities for the pastone and a half years. He has set up a ChiraagMahithi Kendra in his village where manystudents come to learn Computeroperations. They are happy with his teachingat the computer learning center in the village.He offers photography, browsing, drafting,astrology and printing services for a fee andalso charges for computer games, togenerate income.145. Ms KokilabenAmrutbhai Makwana(Jul-2005)AT. Pisavada, Ta: Dholka, Dist.Ahmedabad.Ph: 982467921 / 02714-29412335 year old Kokilaben belongs to Pishavadavillage in Ahmedabad district. An agriculturalworker studied up to 10 th Std, she joinedSEWA in 2004. She is now agriculture78 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSGujaratspearhead team leader and belongs to tradegroup, other SHG groups and serves on thevillage development committee.‘I built my capacity after joining SEWA. Atpresent I am involved in AgricultureSpearhead team member. I took severaltrainings from SEWA like Agriculture, SEWAmovement. I did awareness meetings fromvillage to village and developed more womenthrough the same.’In the initial stages, Kokilaben participatedin member’s education training andunderstood what SEWA is. She alsounderwent agriculture training when hercommunity faced continued problems in cropfailure due to disease. She also informed andactively facilitated farmers to obtain the“Trico Gram” card. Kokilaben created 7farmer groups, conducted seeds surveys,provided 100 farmers cards, developedagriculture groups in Pisavada village, andprovided pesticide that helped decrease thelevel of crop disease.She has taken part in SATCOM programs anddeveloped four Khedut Mandals in Pisa Wadavillage. She is also involved in preparingcompost pits and starting a cleanlinesscampaign in village Kishori Mandal apartfrom nursery and insurance assistance. Shehelps other members to get employmentthrough these activities. She is slowlybecoming computer literate too.146. Ms KokilabenRajanikant Solanki (Jul-2005)C/o SEWA Trade Facilitation CentreIII Floor, GramHaat Building8, Navrang Colony,Near Navrangpura Railway CrossingNavrangpura, Ahmedabad – 380 009Tel: +91 (79) 22932235, 2293248633 year old Kokilaben is from Bileshwarpurain District Mahesana. She is a graduate withD.P.C.S. and joined SEWA in 2002. She isnow a spearhead team leader involved intrade group and savings activity .She createsmore and more saving accounts for membersand provides saving related guidance tothem. She also organizes loans for needypersons and gets recovery from them(Rs. 30000/- has been loaned to membersand recovered) . She has provided insuranceto members and now she is a Balawadiorganizer.Kokilaben involves maximum membersthrough savings groups and ensuressignificant contribution. She providesinformation regarding savings, insurance andits help to the members. She also discussesSEWA’s integrated approach with hercommunity and village women. She hasundergone computer training and has thentaught others in her group. She uses the skillin her routine work too.Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 79

NVA FELLOWSGujarat147. Ms KrishnabenMohanbhai Chavada (Jul-2005)C/o SEWA Trade Facilitation CentreIII Floor, GramHaat Building8, Navrang Colony,Near Navrangpura Railway CrossingNavrangpura, Ahmedabad - 380 009Tel: +91 (79) 22932235, 2293248625 year old Krishnaben has passed 9 th Stdand comes from village Jotana in Mehsanadistrict. She joined SEWA in 1999 and nowas insurance spearhead team member shehas been instrumental in getting morewomen to take up insurance policies andproviding them training on benefits andorganizing meetings at the village level. Sheis able to manage the complete insuranceactivity at the district level effectively.Actively involved in gram sabhas, Krishnabenconducts meetings for conflict resolution andhas also educated the community on watersavings techniques and its benefits. Sheworks enthusiastically in the insuranceactivity. For this, she organizes variouscampaigns, village committee meetings andcoordinates with different agencies.Consequently, more than 4000 women havetaken up insurance polices in this district lastyear. She is hardworking, empathetic andopen to new ways of doing things.148. Ms LaxmibenNaranbhai Desai (Jul-2005)C/o SEWA Trade Facilitation CentreIII Floor, GramHaat Building8, Navrang Colony,Near Navrangpura Railway CrossingNavrangpura, Ahmedabad – 380 009Tel: +91 (79) 22932235, 22932486A resident of Vadnagar village in Dist. Patan,Laxmiben is 35 and has studied upto 9 th Std.Before joining SEWA in 1992, she workedas contract labourer. She is now president ofa milk cooperative providing training andawareness and giving income securitythrough milk collection, and also member oftrade groups (Milk Cooperative) and otherSHG groups.‘I handle the milk cooperative, which is totallymanaged by us women. At present I aminvolved in Jeevanshala an adult literacyprogram of SEWA as Spearhead teammember and in computer training. Iundertook several trainings from SEWA likemembership training, savings, technicaltraining (milk fat testing, TV, VCR, Fax, Phone,Computers) and sewing.’Laxmiben never lost her courage in spite ofall hurdles. She is involved in many activitieslike milk cooperative, giving adult literacytraining to the community, and childcareservices. She was actively involved inorganizing and distributing sewing machinesin her community. She runs childcare centersin her area and has motivated women tocome out of their houses and take upcommunity affairs.80 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSGujarat149. Ms LeelabenKantilal Solanki (Jul-2005)C/o SEWA Trade Facilitation CentreIII Floor, GramHaat Building8, Navrang Colony,Near Navrangpura Railway CrossingNavrangpura, Ahmedabad – 380 009Tel: +91 (79) 22932235, 2293248643 year old Leelaben lives in Ganeshpuravillage in Mahesana district and has passed6 th Std. A landless labourer, she joined SEWAin 1986 and underwent food processing andmarket orientation training and also ICTtraining. She is now a Spearhead TeamLeader and executive committee member,conducting meetings with the communityregarding SEWA’s activity and its advantagesfor the members. She organized savingsgroups, manages all accounts andcontinuous coordination with localgovernment bodies efficiently. She alsoprovided certified seed to the farmers at lowrates, arranging for pesticides, and workedclosely in coordination with IFFCO for cropdisease reduction.‘I participated in various training programswhich have benefited my community andme. I took a loan for animal husbandry also,which supplements my income. I talk to myfellow women all the time and urge them tobe self reliant.’Leelaben has organized many groups andexplained the integrated approach of SEWAeffectively. She has a solution-orientedapproach and is ever willing to solve thecommunity’s problems, to the best of herabilities.In spite of being older and semi literate, sheis very open to technology and is ever willingto learn new tools. She recently underwentvideo replay training, computer basics andso on.150. Ms LeelabenManajibhai Rathod (Jul-2005)At. Dhangadra, Ghadi Ni Vadi,Ward No: 5, Dr. Ambedkar nagar,Ta: Dhangadra, Dist: Surendra nagar,Ph: 0992526662129 year old Leelaben of Susvav, in Dist.Surendranagar was a housewife doing bitof craftwork and farm work before she joinedSEWA in 2001. Having participated in severaltraining courses at SEWA like insurancetraining, membership training, savingstraining, computer training, etc. she feelsconfident and would like to train others also.Leelaben has organized women into SHGs.She learnt to handle accounts and then learntthe nuances of insurance also. She hasmotivated others to learn more and be opento new ways of doing things. She learntcomputer well and using computer to enterdata entry in MIS. She took membership fromvillage-to-village and organized groups forsavings. Her house to house visits to collectinsurance premium from members enhancedtheir awareness regarding insurance.Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 81

NVA FELLOWSGujarat151. Ms Madhuben DineshbhaiSoni (Feb-2007)C/o SEWA Trade Facilitation CentreIII Floor, GramHaat Building8, Navrang Colony,Near Navrangpura Railway CrossingNavrangpura, Ahmedabad – 380 009Tel: +91 (79) 22932235, 2293248640 year old Madhuben who is 10th Stdeducated, joined SEWA in 2000 as a memberand now is in the spearhead team. Earlierworking as a contract labourer she and herhusband who earned a paltry sum of Rs. 13per day found their income grosslyinsufficient to take care of their family’sexpenses.Madhuben underwent training and is nowworking with trade groups, SHG groups andwith the Village Development Committee.She educates the members for their capacitybuilding,thus increasing her own capacity.She undertook several literacy campaigns forthe community, which has changed their wayof thinking.‘I am involved in imparting literacy skills tomy fellow women as a spearhead teammembers of SEWA. I have undergone theliteracy training myself, as well as computertraining. Earlier I lacked the courage to evenventure out of my house and life was a bigstruggle. But now I feel more confident andam happy to educate my children in a goodschool and help other women like me in myvillage and community.’Madhuben has grown in her stature and ismore active and involved in communityaffairs through her literacy campaigns andtraining programmes. She motivates othersto seek knowledge and tells them about howscience and technology can benefit them.152. Ms MadhubenHarjivanbhai Makwana(Jul-2005)C/o. SEWA Trade Facilitation CentreIII Floor, GramHaat Building8, Navrang Colony,Near Navrangpura Railway CrossingNavrangpura, Ahmedabad – 380 009Tel: +91 (79) 26574349, 26576372,26579458Email: bdmsa@icenet.co.in;mail.sewatfc.org37 year –old Madhuben HarjivanbhaiMakwana who has studied up to10 th Stdjoined SEWA in 2003. She had worked earlieron farms as a labourer and tried working atother small jobs, but was unable to supportthe needs of her family and children. Afterundergoing many training programs in SEWAshe not only earns her livelihood but alsoempowers other women in taking upcommunity welfare programmes. As thesavings spearhead team leader she collectsthe savings and submits to the Head office,and as an SHG group member, she organized400 members in the past year. She createdawareness in her community on insuranceand got 100 women to take up insurancepolicies.Madhuben says ‘I organized many women82 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSGujaratinto SHGs and always motivate more andmore to join in. I undertook training onmembership, water campaign and SEWAmovement. I have built and developed myselfthrough these training, thereby preparingand motivating others to do the same.’She is active, dynamic and a good influencein her village , utilizing her training to thefullest for supporting her community.153. Mr Manasiya HifjurbhaiRaheman (Jan-2006)C/o. n-logue Communications PvtLimited5th Floor, Gokul Arcade,#2 Sardar Patel Road, Adyar,Chennai 600 020Tel: + 91-44-2445 5212, 39181932Manasiya Hifjurbhai Raheman (22), comesfrom Vadani village, a farming area in Patandistrict, Gujarat, and has passed 12 th std. Hehas been involved with n-logue andcommunity activities for the last 6 monthsthrough the Chiraage Internet Centre. Heprovides services like photography,education, internet surfing, astrologicalservices, etc. in the village itself. He alsoteaches the children computer education andraises their awareness through the internet.His centre is also a place where children cangather to play computer games.Manasiya Hifjurbhai Raheman is a very hardworking person and is ready to help thevillage people whenever they needassistance.154. Ms MayabenMahendrakumar Patel(Jul-2005)At: Nandasan Navapura, Ta: Kadi,Dist: Mahesana,Ph: 09979092543 / 273859E-mail: maya_mehsana@yahoo.com26 year old Matyaben comes from villageNavapura in District Mahesana, and hasstudied up to 9 th Std. Before joining SEWAin 2000 she was a farm worker . She is nowan ICT user and is involved in trainingactivities. She provided membership trainingto members, organizes training for formingsavings groups in villages and helps inSATCOM training. She has undergoneAagewan, Chalaval, Kadam , SATCOM &video replay training. She has also providedwater conservation training to members.Mayaben is methodical and has developeda comprehensive database of all trainees,aagewans, etc. She is result oriented anddoes not leave any task half-done. She hasmotivated women to join in trade groups forincreasing their income and becoming moresecure. Under her guidance and keensupervision, many members of SEWA havebecome team leaders and committeemembers. She makes use of word processingsoftware for developing her reports and otherwork.Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 83

NVA FELLOWSGujarat155. Ms Meenaba ParamshingJadeja (Feb-2007)C/o SEWA Trade Facilitation CentreIII Floor, GramHaat Building8, Navrang Colony, Near NavrangpuraRailway CrossingNavrangpura, Ahmedabad – 380 009Tel: +91 (79) 22932235, 22932486Meenaba is an influential person in hervillage. She has organized several meetingsand provides information on a need basis.She is actively working with the prestigiousJeevika project of SEWA, which provideslivelihood security to the poorest of poorfamilies. 35 year old 10th Std educatedMeenaba guides and mentors these womento enter into livelihood activities, thus makingthem self-reliant. She coordinates with theVillage Development Committee fordevelopment work and has organized about350 women to join the Jeevika project. Sheis also the childcare activity leader.‘I have received training related to savings,water management; health, childcarecentres, computer etc. This has enabled meto build my capacity and confidence. I havealso been doing craft work and providecraftwork to other members for livelihoodsecurity. Through the craft my earningcapacity has also increased’.Meenaba informs women about theintegrated approach and its benefits. Sheorganizes many group meetings on her owninitiative and spreads awareness.156. Ms MeenabenVishnubhai Rathava (Jul-2005)C/o SEWA Trade Facilitation CentreIII Floor, GramHaat Building8, Navrang Colony, Near NavrangpuraRailway CrossingNavrangpura, Ahmedabad – 380 009Tel: +91 (79) 22932235, 22932486A resident of village Pavi Jetpur in Vadodaradistrict, 25 year old Meenaben has studiedup to 10 th Std. She was a labourer livingunder very poor conditions without enoughmoney for survival and was not able to sendher children to school. After joining SEWAin 2001, she involved herself in savingsactivities and became a Spearhead TeamLeader.She conducting meeting with village peopleand provided information related to savingsand linked them to the savings groups. Sheorganises women to this activity and alsoconnects them under the Santa project. Shegives awareness regarding insurance towomen and also helps to provide incomesecurity to the community.‘I stepped out of my house, on my own, afterjoining SEWA. I go door-to-door to educatewomen about savings and insurance. I amalso involved in Gokul Gram programs. Ienjoy working like this, benefiting thecommunity and myself.’Meenaben was selected for Academytraining at Ahmedabad. She teaches well andis popular in training programs. She has also84 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSGujaratcreated awareness about income security andinsurance programs at the community level.She is now learning to use computers in herdaily work.157. Ms MeetabenKantilal Solanki (Jul-2005)Vankarvas, Village: Ganeshpura,Ta: Kadi, Dist: Mehasana-392705.Ph: 09824427103 / 9924410170Meetaben Kantilal Solanki is 26 and haspassed 12 th Std . A housewife living inGaneshpura village in District Mahesana, shejoined SEWA in 1999 and worked formembership training to provide appropriatetraining for capacity building. Involved in theGokul Gram program, she conducts GramSabhas on regular basis, and her frequentcoordination with the Sarpanch has resultedin a faster pace of development in her village.Meetaben has been pivotal in organizing andconducting training programmes based onthe needs of the community. She regularlymeets local self-government agencies andworks closely with them, providing reportsand progress of schemes. Though not highlyeducated, she is able to confidently manageall types of accounts and liaison with seniorgovernment officials. Meetaben is aninspiration and a dynamic person workingfor the progress of her community.158. Ms Nanduben GovindbhaiBariya (Feb-2007)C/o SEWA Trade Facilitation CentreIII Floor, GramHaat Building8, Navrang Colony, Near NavrangpuraRailway CrossingNavrangpura, Ahmedabad – 380 009Tel: +91 (79) 22932235, 2293248641 year old Nanduben has been with SEWAsince 1996. She is an executive member ofSEWA, saving spearhead team leader andpresident of Shukhi Mahila SEWA Mandal.She holds regular meetings with villagegroups and has arranged loans for 10 groups,so far.Formerly a landless labourer whose father’sland was mortgaged, Nanduben singlehandedly,fought the case in court to getjustice. Encouraged by her, others in thecommunity also took loans and fought forrelease of their mortgaged land.‘I am more confident now and can takeimportant decisions. I underwent many typesof training at SEWA. When I began to learncomputers, I was so scared. But slowly andsteadily I understood how I can use it andtoday I rattle away (in Gujarati) on thekeyboard and do all my routine work usingthe computer.’Nanduben has worked tirelessly inorganizing savings SHGs and teachingwomen about the importance of savings. Sheleads through example, therefore communitylistens to whatever she has to say.Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 85

NVA FELLOWSGujarat159. Ms NirmalabenJayantibhai Parmar (Jul-2005)Nirmal Nagar Society,Raval Pura, BlockDist. AnandPh:079-257048Hailing from village Ravdapura in DistrictAnand, Nirmalaben is 42 and has passed 10Std. She joined SEWA in 1993, before whichshe was a landless labourer. She involvedherself in training, savings and insuranceactivity , is a spearhead team member andon the board of directors for the savingsactivity. She tries to make more and moremembers join in savings and insurance andgives training to Aagewans for leadership,membership, kadam and SEWA movement.‘After taking computer training today I amable to do all my work using computers,though I was scared of learning it in the firstplace! I have helped create awareness onsavings and insurance in my village andsurrounding areas. I enjoy doing this workand motivating fellow women to step outand be self-reliant. I now work with GramPanchayat and take a keen interest in villagedevelopment activities.’At present Nirmalaben is handling around1200 members in insurance and handling 6savings groups in the village. She is alsohandling two Life schools in the village andwishes to make the community understandand adopt the idea of SEWA’s integratedapproach. Conducting capacity buildingmeetings, she wants to make her communitymembers aware of their own identity withconfidence.160. Ms NirmalabenJekabhai Parmar (Jul-2005)C/o SEWA Trade Facilitation CentreIII Floor, GramHaat Building8, Navrang Colony, Near NavrangpuraRailway CrossingNavrangpura, Ahmedabad – 380 009Tel: +91 (79) 22932235, 22932486Hailing from Village Anand in Anand Dt.,Nirmalaben is 39 and has passed 10 th Std.Widowed at a young age she joined SEWAin 2000. She took training of TOT , computerand photography and is involved in the LifeSchool for adult education for thecommunity. She has made a list of illiteratemembers and given them primary educationand tried to make many more womenmembers join SEWA.‘I am giving education to mothers anddaughters at one place. I am trying to getmore and more members in SEWA and makethem understand the other services of SEWAthrough meetings. I also try to provide loanfrom SEWA Bank to members who arekeeping their money in SEWA Bank , thisway I am trying to make more and moremembers benefit through SEWA Bank.’86 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSGujarat161. Ms NirubenVikramsingh Chauhan(Jul-2005)At: Mogar, Lal Darvaja Street,Ta: Dist: Anand, Ph: 09998286761Niruben is 24 and comes from Mogar villagein Anand district. She has passed 7 th Std andwas a landless laborer and housewife beforeshe joined SEWA in 1998.‘I took computer training from SEWA team,at present I am handling CLC center of SEWAin Mogar. I am giving computer training toother women members of SEWA as well asdoing data entry in the software preparedby SEWA team .I am also giving details ofother activities run by SEWA to Villagemembers.’Niruben is savings activity and CLC in-chargeat Mogar village and spearhead teammember for saving collection from SEWAmembers and maintaining the whole channelof savings and loans. She has beendesignated as master trainer for computertraining to other women in the surroundingareas. She has built other members capacitywith the sharing of knowledge andexperiences and made others aware how awoman can change her own life and bringbenefits to the community. Having attendeda conference on Information Technology inGoa, Niruben wants to learn more and morenew technologies apart from computers andmake herself more helpful to her community.She wishes to create more awareness aboutIT and savings in her area.162. Ms NitabenAmrutbhai Chaudhari(Jul-2005)C/o SEWA Trade Facilitation CentreIII Floor, GramHaat Building8, Navrang Colony,Near Navrangpura Railway CrossingNavrangpura, Ahmedabad – 380 009Tel: +91 (79) 22932235, 22932486Nitaben was 6 months old when her motherdied and had to stay at her uncle’s house tillshe completed 10 th std.. After that she wentto her fathers village for further study, andcompleted her B.R.S. in Vidyapidh, Nardipur.She joined SEWA in 2004, and now 23 yearsold, she is agriculture campaign spearheadteam member contributing to land surveys,and is part of the Trade group, SHG groupsand Village Development Committee. Sheorganized 400 women into SHGmembership, made 90 women take upinsurance policies last year, and was involvedin imparting literacy skills to the women inher village.‘I built my capacity and became confidentafter joining as an Agriculture CampaignSpearhead team member and undergoingvarious training programs like watermanagement, education, insurance,computers, etc.I feel proud to have helpedmy community in water conservationprograms and the fact that my being awoman has not come in the way of mywork’.Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 87

NVA FELLOWSGujaratNitaben has contributed to her village’sdevelopment through active awareness anddoor-to-door dialogues with women. Shemotivated rural women to pick up literacyskills, cultivate a habit of saving and thusorganized SHGs for savings. In addition, sheis actively working in improving agriculturemethods and generating awareness amongstthe farmers.163. Ms PalubenManajibhai Jadav (Jul-2005)Hari Par Road, Old Kharavad,Ta: Dhangadra, Dist. Shu Nagar.Ph: 02754-282676Paluben is 40 years old and comes fromRajagadha in Surendranagar district Gujarat. She has studied upto 7 th Std. And was ahousewife and laborer digging pits till shejoined SEWA in 2001.She joined SHG groups and becameInsurance Spearhead Team Leader. Shecollects insurance premium from door-todoor,thus imparting knowledge andinformation to the women. She achieved thehighest number of insured women in adistrict, single handedly. Last year it was 600women. She also goes to farms to collectpremium and so the community hasbenefited from this security.Paluben undertook insurance training andsince then has never looked back. She guidesothers and provides them with relevant andneeded information. Her mentorship hasresulted in more members joining in thisactivity. She was chosen to represent herdistrict at the national level insuranceworkshop. She was actively involved in MISdata entry related to insurance and sharedher domain knowledge with others, so thattheir work would be correct.‘I first worked in savings group and thenrealized the importance of insurance. Idemonstrated how insurance can provebeneficial to women in times of distress orneed. I was selected as Insurance teamleader.’164. Ms PinabenJivanbhai Rathava (Jul-2005)At: Mogar, Ta: Dist: Anand,Lal Darvaja Street,Ph: 09998286761Aged 26 Pinaben is from Mesar in Gujarat.She studied up to 12 th std and was a farmworker and housewife till she joined SEWAin 2000. She conducts meetings with womenand provides information related to savingsand has helped form 25 SHGs.She provides information in her communityfor development work, taking forward theintegrated approach of SEWA.Pinaben has developed into a confidentwoman, working for village development,with the Gram Panchayat She worksextensively with the tribal community andmotivates the women to overcome their fearsand work together for their upliftment. Sheuses computers for preparing reports andstatements of accounts and has undergone88 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSGujaratother technical training like video replay,photography, etc.‘I could not even say my name before joiningSEWA. I have participated in several trainingslike plumbing, membership, etc. After that Ibegan to form SHGs. I also provideinformation on topics like health, insurance,agriculture, nursery, water management, etc.I feel empowered working for thedevelopment of the community.’165. Ms PoonambenDalpatbhai Vaghela (Jul-2005)At. Valad, Rohit Vas,Opp. Kushkunj,Ph: 23277441Aged 42, Poonamben is from Valad inGandhinagar District, Gujarat and hasstudied up to 8 th Std. Widowed at the timewhen her daughter was 5 years and her sonwas just 2 , she worked as a labourer andearned 50 Rs. per month, and also had todo farm work to earn Rs. 25 per day. Afterjoining SEWA in 2003, Poonamben hasreceived extensive training in mid-wifery andis much in demand in her area. She conductsone training program every month relatedto health issues. She also helps in organizingwomen into SHGs, she is a Trade GroupLeader, and serves on the VillageDevelopment Committee. Having receivedtraining on the SEWA movement andinsurance schemes, she persuaded 200women to take up insurance policies in thepast year, and organized farmer groups and600 members. She is now learning the useof computers.‘I received training in mid-wifery and otherhealth issues pertaining to women andchildren. This motivated me to work for mycommunity and spread awareness abouthealth and hygiene in my village. I am alsoan agriculture worker. I feel confident andwant to work even harder –it is hard toimagine that I was too scared to venture outof my house, not so long ago!’166. Ms PushpabenFakirbhai Suthar (Jul-2005)Village Por. Suthar Vas,Dist. GandhinagarPh:9327951645A resident of Por village in Dist. Gandhinagar,Pushpaben aged 48 has studied upto 7 th Std.On joining SEWA in 1990, she underwenttraining programs like literacy skills, computertraining, water campaign, SEWA movement,etc., and having a special interest in the areaof women’s health she took up theresponsibility of midwives spearhead teamleader . She explains about health issues toother women in her community and helpstrain more midwives in her area. Women aremore open to sharing their health problemsand actively seek solutions and remedies,Pushpaben has been involved in watercampaigns, creating awareness about waterconservation and organizing groups for this.People are more aware and take up watersaving methods seriously. She is also S.G.S.Y.executive committee member, and belongsto trade group, SHG groups and villagedevelopment committee.Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 89

NVA FELLOWSGujaratPushpaben never gives up, she is ready toexplain to the minutest detail for gettingacceptance from the community and fightingmyths related to health and hygiene. She isenthusiastic about water conservation aswell, and has organized many meetings andgroups on this issue. As a result, her villagehas benefited and they are more open andeager to solve such problems jointly.167. Ms PushpabenJayantibhai Parmar (Jul-2005)C/o SEWA Trade Facilitation CentreIII Floor, GramHaat Building8, Navrang Colony, Near NavrangpuraRailway CrossingNavrangpura, Ahmedabad – 380 009Tel: +91 (79) 22932235, 2293248630 year old Pushpaben has passed 6 th Stdand comes from Village Sokhada in DistrictKheda. When she joined SEWA in 2001 shewas a housewife and landless labourer.She took computer training as well as trainingof Kadam, leadership, SEWA movement etcand uses SATCOM and video replay formaking services very effective. She givesdetails on “Trade Assembly” to the villagemember to make them understand that whyshould they be members of this assembly andwhat are the benefits.‘After join SEWA, I always attend all kindsof meetings held by SEWA and every time Ilearn some thing new from the meeting.Today I know the value of water. Earth givesus water and we never save it, in fact wealways waste it. Now after attending themeeting I am saving water in different ways.We are doing plantation for saving wastedwater.’With the help of trade assembly she is givingknowledge on different small-scale tradeslike vegetable vendors. What are the reasonsaffecting this trade? How to get seeds andfertilizers for vegetable farming? Which kindof disease can occur in vegetable farmingand what are the remedies they can use?Pushpaben also takes help from consultantson different subjects. She wants to learnmore and pass on this knowledge to otherwomen in her community and encouragethem also to come forward and be themasters of their own life.168. Mr Rajubhai Patel(Jan-2006)C/o n-logue Communications PvtLimited5th Floor, Gokul Arcade,#2 Sardar Patel Road, Adyar,Chennai 600 020Tel: + 91-44-2445 5212, 39181932Rajubhai Patel (30), a Science graduate, hailsfrom Majra village, Sabarkantha district,Gujarat. He has cable network in his village,is familiar with computers and Internet andalso aware of the advantages of their use.Wanting to provide hi-tech services in hisvillage, he started the Chiraag centre inFebruary, 2005. He is using I-see services in90 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSGujarathis village to get medical advices fromdoctors, which the village people find veryhelpful . He also provides computereducation which is much in demand amongall students. He offers astrology services,which is very popular in the village scenario,and earns through browsing, games. He isvery happy to provide the services which ismaking a difference in the lives of thevillagers.169. Mr Rakesh JayantibhaiSuthar (Jan-2006)C/o n-logue Communications PvtLimited5th Floor, Gokul Arcade,#2 Sardar Patel Road, Adyar,Chennai 600 020Tel: + 91-44-2445 5212, 39181932Rakesh Jayantibhai Suthar (21), comes fromKimbuva, a farming village in Patan district,Gujarat. He is 12 th Pass from Patan with I.T.Idiploma from Amirghadh and Mehsana. Hehas been involved with the N-logueCommunications Pvt Limited for the last 6months.He offers the Chiraag services like astrologyservices, photography, education, surfing,games etc. in the village itself, facilitating easyaccess. He also teaches the childrencomputer education which raises theirawareness of the outside world through theinternet. The children also come to his centreto play games on the computer.He is very hard working, diligent and readyto help the people any time when needed.170. Ms RamilabenArvindbhai Parmar (Jul-2005)Limada Puera, BlockDist. AnandLimaderpuaa RoadPh:9327642203Aged 28 Ramilaben comes from Limdapuravillage in Anand district of Gujarat and haspassed 10 th Std. Before she joined SEWA in1998 she was a housewife. At SEWA shebecame involved in nursery activities, joinedSHGs and underwent ICT training. She is aSpearhead team member, and her workincludes plantation, selling of ready plants,maintenance of prepared plants, seedcollection and development work forwastelands. Through this she was able tobuild her capacity to make others understandthe significance of plantations and nurseryactivity.‘I was not eager to work with plants, in theinitial stages. Gradually, I understood theimportance of this activity and how I couldmotivate others in my community to nurtureplants. Now, I work with the Sarpanch andothers in the Panchayat and am fully involvedin village development work. After two yearsof nursery work, I got the opportunity toundertake computer training from SEWA, Iliked to learn new technology at this age. Infuture I will definitely learn more of newtechnology. I have become a moreresponsible person after joining SEWA andhave even built a small house with myJamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 91

NVA FELLOWSGujaratsavings.’171. Ms RamilabenAshokbhai Gohel (Jul-2005)C/o SEWA Trade Facilitation CentreIII Floor, GramHaat Building8, Navrang Colony,Near Navrangpura Railway CrossingNavrangpura, Ahmedabad – 380 009Tel: +91 (79) 22932235, 22932486Ramilaben from Lotiya Bhagod village inDistrict Anand, is 25 and has passed 10 th Std.Before joining SEWA in 2000, she was alandless laborer occupied in animalhusbandry.‘I have taken computer training, hand pumprepairing training, photography training,phone and mobile usage training. I am ableto use technology competently, for which Ifeel proud of myself. I have participated inmany programs and events of my district andcommunity and helped raise awareness levelson water conservation and maintenance ofwater related equipments.’‘As a Water Campaign Spearhead teammember, Ramilaben has been conductingawareness programmes on the importanceof water in human life, and how waterutilization can be maximised by thecommunity with out wastage. She has learnthand pump repairing and goes to differentvillages where their hand pump is notworking to repair it and save water, and hasalso arranged training for others.’172. Ms RamilabenIndravadanbhai Makvana(Feb-2007)C/o SEWA Trade Facilitation CentreIII Floor, GramHaat Building8, Navrang Colony,Near Navrangpura Railway CrossingNavrangpura, Ahmedabad – 380 009Tel: +91 (79) 22932235, 22932486A double graduate with Hindi and History,29 year old Ramilaben joined SEWA in 1998where she underwent training. She is nowdesignated as an organizer involved in SHGand child care activity.Ramilaben gives Balvikas training to childrenin the villages and encourage members toattend SEWA’s meeting. She informs themabout other services of SEWA, and buildsmembers’ capacity through training.‘Some time ago, no woman member wouldgo to any village related meeting. Aftertaking awareness from me there are so manywomen members who regularly attend themeetings, understand the agenda and alsogive their inputs. I am able to use phone,fax, computer and calculator. I have donemy graduation but I was not conversant withtechnology at that time. Today I feel fortunateand happy to be able to take care of myselfas well as help the community.’92 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSGujarat173. Ms RamilabenRobinbhai Khristi (Feb-2007)C/o SEWA Trade Facilitation CentreIII Floor, GramHaat Building8, Navrang Colony,Near Navrangpura Railway CrossingNavrangpura, Ahmedabad – 380 009Tel: +91 (79) 22932235, 22932486After joined SEWA in 2000, 10 th educated42 year old Ramilaben who was earlier fullyengrossed in household chores, is nowconducting programmes for the communityrelated to savings and vegetable farming. Sheholds a “trade assembly” in the village everymonth and also makes the communityunderstand the importance of an integratedapproach for their benefit.Ramilaben’s other community efforts includetrying to address the problems related towater in the villages and giving training onSATCOM and different services of SEWA tothe members and taking computer trainingfrom DDIT college.‘I have made 25 SHGs of vegetable vendorsin my area. I collect savings from themembers and deposit them in SEWA Bank. Iam creating awareness about savings andthe integrated approach of SEWA. Wewomen have to be self reliant.’174. Ms RatanbenHarilal Gadia (Jul-2005)C/o SEWA Trade Facilitation CentreIII Floor, GramHaat Building8, Navrang Colony,Near Navrangpura Railway CrossingNavrangpura, Ahmedabad – 380 009Tel: +91 (79) 22932235, 22932486Ratanben is 40 and lives in Dudapur village,Dist. Surendranagar. She studied upto 12 thStd and was a housewife, farm worker whenshe joined SEWA in 2001. She underwenthealth training and helped the villagers intheir health problems moving door-to-doorto provides cheaper medicines and any otherassistance. Now a health spearhead teamleader and SHG group member, Ratanbencompiled a list of patients suffering from lifethreatening diseases like TB and cancer andgot them admitted to the hospital. She hasalso arranged guidance and appropriateinformation for them‘After joining SEWA, I have undergone healthand mid-wives’ training. I also attended manyconferences. After learning the basics of IT, Iattended the Baramati conference where Ispoke about the use of ICT at the grassroots.I feel happy to be involved in such work’.Ratanben has organized many health campsand works closely with government healthagencies. During epidemics, she workstirelessly, providing relief and medicines tothe disease stricken. She is a source ofinspiration for others and has now begun touse technology in her work. She motivatesJamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 93

NVA FELLOWSGujaratother women to live hygienically and usescientific methods for treatment.175. Ms SaritabenMukeshbhai Rathava(Jul-2005)C/o SEWA Trade Facilitation CentreIII Floor, GramHaat Building8, Navrang Colony,Near Navrangpura Railway CrossingNavrangpura, Ahmedabad – 380 009Tel: +91 (79) 22932235, 2293248627 year old Saritaben belongs to villageAleekherava in District Vadodara, and haspassed 10 th Std and pre. P.t.c. When shejoined SEWA in 2002 she was a housewife.She took membership training, healthtraining, hand pump repairing training, leafcuptraining from SEWA, also took computertraining in 2003 from ICT team of SEWA.As spearhead team member and part of theboard of directors for the savings activity,Saritaben encouraged more women to joinin the savings and insurance groups. She gavetraining to Aagewans for leadership,membership, kadam and SEWA movementand made others understand the integratedapproach of SEWA and how capacity buildingcan make the community more confidentand self-reliant.Saritaben learns with confidence and teachespatiently. Thus, she has helped women inher community to learn livelihood skills. Inaddition, she has learnt basic computer usageand creates awareness about technology inher village. At present she is handling morethan 1200 members in insurance andhandling 6 savings groups in the village. Sheis also handling two Life schools in the villageand has changed from a simple housewifeto being on the board of directors for thesavings activity.176. Ms SarojbenNatubhai Gohel (Jul-2005)C/o SEWA Trade Facilitation CentreIII Floor, GramHaat Building8, Navrang Colony,Near Navrangpura Railway CrossingNavrangpura, Ahmedabad – 380 009Tel: +91 (79) 22932235, 2293248632 year old Sarojben has passed 7 th Std andcomes from village Tundel in District Kheda.She was an agricultural worker when shejoined SEWA in 1990. She is now activelyinvolved in water campaigns and is aspearhead team member. She conductsawareness programs on the importance ofwater in human life and how to use waterwithout any waste. Build other members’capacity with the sharing of her knowledgeand experiences, she makes them aware ofhow waste of water can spread diseases andarranges drip irrigation training.‘I convened an assembly in my village forwater campaign. In this assembly we aretrying to solve the water related problems inthe village. I am also giving knowledgerelated to water like, How to reuse water?What are the benefits of proper usage ofwater and danger of wastage of it? I am94 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSGujaratgiving training to villagers how to make theirvillage clean.‘At present Sarojben is holding publicmeetings for the awareness of water usagein her village as well as in schools. She is alsoa member of savings activity in which a groupis made and enrolled in SEWA Bank. Becauseof this savings one of the team member hadbeen able to get a loan from SEWA Bankand she purchased a machine for herlivelihood. This way Sarojben is helping hercommunity. She is also using computer inher activity and makes others understandhow this technology is helping her in herregular work.177. Ms ShobhanabenDhirubhai Vadhela (Jul-2005)C/o SEWA Trade Facilitation CentreIII Floor, GramHaat Building8, Navrang Colony,Near Navrangpura Railway CrossingNavrangpura, Ahmedabad – 380 009Tel: +91 (79) 22932235, 22932486Shobanaben is 29 years old and comes fromVisavadi (Navagam) in Surendranagar Dt. Shehas studied up to 11 th Std and after joiningSEWA in 2001, she is an ICT user andinvolved in Jeevika, agriculture and educationactivities. She provide appropriate knowledgeregarding agriculture to the community andalso does insurance and savings work andgives literacy training.‘I work as a Vidya Gauri – a trainer for literacyskills. I have also worked on insurancecampaigns and motivated women to takeup policies. I feel inspired, especially as I amcontributing to raising the literacy levels inmy community.’Shobhanben has organized the villagewomen into SHGs and maintains accountsfor various groups. She is confident and isopen to learning new methods of teachingand modern tools of technology. Shemotivates other women to learn to read andwrite and explains the importance ofeducation in our life. She also teaches thechildren in the village.178. Ms SumitrabenAmaratbhai Parmar (Jul-2005)C/o SEWA Trade Facilitation CentreIII Floor, GramHaat Building8, Navrang Colony,Near Navrangpura Railway CrossingNavrangpura, Ahmedabad – 380 009Tel: +91 (79) 22932235, 2293248630 year old Sumitraben has passed 10 th Stdand lives in Punasan Village, MehsanaDistrict. A housewife, she joined SEWA in2002 and actively involved herself in waterharvesting and water conservation activities.She is now a spearhead team leader and hasconducted various training programs relatedto membership, health, water, savings andinsurance.She has conducted various meetings at thegrassroots to spread awareness about theimportance of water and conserving iteffectively, using simple tools like paintingsJamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 95

NVA FELLOWSGujaratand wall posters on water saving methodsin her campaigns. She also works with healthissues and explains the significance of femaleand child health aspects to the women inher community. Sumitraben is pro-active andalways on the move, talking to people andworking towards the development of hercommunity.179. Ms Suryaba Madhuji Jadeja(Feb-2007)C/o SEWA Trade Facilitation CentreIII Floor, GramHaat Building8, Navrang Colony,Near Navrangpura Railway CrossingNavrangpura, Ahmedabad – 380 009Tel: +91 (79) 22932235, 22932486Suryaba is a crafts- person who is utilizingher skills for livelihood generation andsecurity. The 28 year old former salt workeris now ICT aware, having undergone trainingafter joining SEWA. She encourages otherwomen in her village to take up literacy skillprogrammes for a better life and future.Belonging to SHG groups and craft tradegroups , she is keen to understand the marketand how she can respond to the everchangingtastes and preferences of thecustomer. She provides craft training to poorwomen, thereby developing their capacityand is also a member of the villagedevelopment council.‘Like others in my community, I could notventure out of my home, let alone providefor livelihood for the family. But slowly Istarted to understand the significance ofincome security and how I could use mytraditional skills. After I received skill upgradationtraining I am financiallyindependent and learning new things eachday.’180. Ms UrmilabenVinodkumar Nayak (Jul-2005)C/o SEWA Trade Facilitation CentreIII Floor, GramHaat Building8, Navrang Colony,Near Navrangpura Railway CrossingNavrangpura, Ahmedabad – 380 009Tel: +91 (79) 22932235, 22932486Hailing from village Sardhav in DistrictMahesana, Urmilaben is 35, and has passed12 th Std. A landless labourer before shejoined SEWA in 2001, she is now a spearheadteam leader working in savings activity. Shehas been creating many new saving accountsas well as insurance for members, andproviding loan facility to needy groups andgetting recovery.Urmilaben provides information regardingsavings, insurance and its help to themembers. She also organizes training,imparts information regarding trade samitiand its roles, so more and more memberscome for attending these meetings.She has taken several technical trainingcourses like computer, photography, videoreplay training, SATCOM training etc. passesit on to others so that current trends intechnology reach the grassroots. Also sheuses this skill in her activity work.96 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSGujarat181. Ms Ushmaben Mevada(Jan-2006)C/o n-logue Communications PvtLimited5th Floor, Gokul Arcade,#2 Sardar Patel Road, Adyar,Chennai 600 020Tel: + 91-44-2445 5212, 39181932Ushmaben Mevada (31), is a resident ofFatepur village in Sabarkantha district,Gujarat.Ushmaben and her husband Prakashbhai areAyurvedic doctors by profession. This coupleis very much interested to know aboutadvanced research happening in the medicalfield. As Internet is a good source to developbetter knowledge in any field, they decidedtoset up a Chiraag Internet Centre in theirvillage. Their main objective was to providegood services of computer education andbetter medical and other services in thevillage. They are running the Chiraag InternetCentre and providing medical consultancy toother kiosk operators through I-see software.As a result, many villagers are getting primarytreatment in their Chiraag Internet Centre.Ushmaben gets earnings from DDTP,typewriting, education, spoken Englishcourse, browsing, games and astrologyservices. Chiraag Internet Centre haschanged her life, and she encourages peopleto join in the process.182. Mr Vimal Shastry(Jul-2005)C/o n-logue Communications PvtLimited5th Floor, Gokul Arcade,#2 Sardar Patel Road, Adyar,Chennai 600 020Tel: + 91-44-2445 5212, 39181932Vimal Shastry from Mehmadabad, Gujaratis around 30 years old. Once he has heardabout Chiraag computer centres he wantedto be a kiosk operator and after few days hestarted the kiosk in his village. He is earningfrom education, browsing and games,astrology, chatting, down loading, etc. andearns more on photography services andcomputer education.Vimal Shastry has more than 35 students inhis centre. From the start to date about 500to 600 members use these services. In hisvillage maximum number of people arecoming to know about government servicesand information.183. Ms VimalabenBhanuprasad Chavada(Jul-2005)C/o SEWA Trade Facilitation CentreIII Floor, GramHaat Building8, Navrang Colony,Near Navrangpura Railway CrossingNavrangpura, Ahmedabad – 380 009Tel: +91 (79) 22932235, 2293248637 year old Vimalaben hails from villageLanghanaj in District Mehsana. She joinedJamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 97

NVA FELLOWSGujaratSEWA in 2001. As agriculture spearheadteam leader she has arranged finance to buyfertilizers, vermicompost, etc for agriculturegroups in the villages. She has encouragedand provided information on crop insuranceand assisted land assessment. She organizedtraining for farmers in collaboration withIFFCO and pro-actively the communitybecame aware of water saving techniquesand its benefits and began following thesame. Now she has also initiated health andnursery training in the village .Vimalaben has organized women and taughtthem about savings and health in hercommunity. She takes decisionsindependently and also liaisons withgovernment agencies effectively. She isconstantly in touch with her people andarranges for workshops and trainings, basedon the needs of the community. She has beeninvolved in SATCOM, video replays and othersuch interactive exposure forums, which hasmotivated others to emulate her.184. Ms VinabenRajubhai Rathava (Jul-2005)At: Juni Bodell, Ta: Sakheda,Dist: Vadodara, Near Jain Derasar.Ph: 09825331033.Vinaben is 25, has studied up to 12 th Std andlives in Juni Bodeli village, Vadodara district.She was a labourer living under too muchpoor conditions without enough money forsurvival. She joined SEWA in 2004 and isinvolved in savings activities. She conductsmeeting with village people , providesinformation related to saving.The communityis encouraged to take up savings morevigorously and more women have formedSHGs‘I save money and join in saving groups. AlsoI give information to the members to savemoney for any harsh condition comes youneeds money. I have participated in severaltraining like Aagewan, chalaval, savings,insurance, membership and crop insurancetraining, thus building my capacity.’Vinaben is confident and works closely withthe Gram Panchayat for development of hervillage. She has also been exposed to theworking in other districts, which have a betterpace of development, and has shared herexperience in her community. She hasinspired women to form SHGs andspearheaded the savings activity in her area.185. Mr Yagnesh KishorchandraRindani (Jan-2006)Momai Nagar, St. No. 1, Opp.Kotecha's Clinic, Gandhi Nagar,Jam Nagar - 2, Ph: 09825990226,E-mail: de.Jamnagar@aifoundation.orgYagnesh (36), is a B. Com graduate workingin coastal villages in Jamnagar district ofGujarat. He has been involved in communitydevelopment activities since 1992 and joinedthe American India Foundation’s DigitalEqualizer program in 2003.From humble beginnings as a tuition teacherfor primary students and a part-timeemployee in a construction company, he has98 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSGujaratsteadily grown in his professional life throughhis own effort. In 1992, when “computer”was still new to Jamnagar, he acquiredcomputer skills with the help of a well wisherwho owned a computer and mastered skillsin Desk Top Publishing, to start a smallbusiness of printing visiting cards. Beingalways interested in rural prosperity andcommitted to the assist rural community, hethought of using his skill for social service.He started a free computer education centrefor poor students and taught DTP skills toequip them to find gainful employment.Many people have benefited from his supportand are making a living out of their learning.In 2003, when American India Foundation(AIF) started its Digital Equaliser Programmein the Jamnagar District, Yagnesh joined asa coordinator. The programme was todigitally equalise the poor students in remotevillages and bring them at par with theaffluent students. He has also beenresponsible for getting a Mobile MedicareUnit to providing free treatment andmedicines to the villagers once a week.186. Mr Zala Rajnisinh(Jan-2006)Badodara Village,Sabarkantha District,Gujarat.Zala Rajnisinh (40), lives in Badodara Village,Sabarkantha district, Gujarat. He has studiedupto B.A. second year. He and his familyattend to farming work on rotation basis. Atthe Chiraag Centre of n-Logue, he offersphotography, education, typewriting andgraphics services. By using Agri service ofChiraag he gives solutions to agriculturalproblems of farmers and the villagers discustheir doubts with him.From start to till date he has taught around63 students at his center and the villagecommunity has benefited by the low cost.He is a respected person in his village.Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 99

NVA FELLOWSHARYANA187. Mr Arshad Hussain(Jul-2005)C/o Sehgal FoundationNagina, Haryana16 MDA Housing Board Colony,Nagina - 122108Gurgaon District, HaryanaTel : +91 1268 273 44830-year old Arshad Hussain is a “VillageChampion” of the Sehgal Foundationworking in Mewat district of Haryana. He istrained in, and responsible for the grassrootimplementation of the “Integrated,Sustainable Village Development” model.Arshad’s work includes making sure thatrainwater is harvested and conserved, andthere is an increase in the villagers’ income.Dissemination of knowledge on preventivehealth measures and effective curative healthlinkages as well as making sure that all theadolescent girls and boys go through thefamily life education curriculum are also hisresponsibility. For this Arshad has to createpartnerships with the Panchayat,Government, Village Level Institution and thecommunity.Mewat is socio-economically an extremelypoor region of India where mainly Meomuslimsand some scheduled castes live. Inthis challenging environment Arshad, astandard X passed Meo-muslim, has beendedicatedly working for the development ofhis native place. The youth of this communityrespect him as a role model andenthusiastically work with him as volunteersto bring about positive changes in the villagesHe has been involved full-time in social workfor 5 years and his work has spanned across11 Mewati villages. He formed successfulSHGs which have sustained and are growingin scope. His forte is community mobilizationwhere he stresses the sustainability aspectof projects and the key role of men inempowering their women folk. Arshad feelsthat a combination of ICT tools must be used:like wall paintings, village newsletter andcharts, but the most important is face to facefocused group discussions.188. Ms Razia (Jul-2005)C/o Sehgal FoundationNagina, Haryana16 MDA Housing Board Colony,Nagina - 122108Gurgaon District, HaryanaTel : +91 1268 273 44826-year-old Razia is from the Mewat districtof Haryana. This area has some of the poorestsocio-economic indices of the country.Literacy rate amongst women of this area isbetween 20% to a mere 2% in some villages.In this community women are hardly allowedout of the house, the average family size is7, and their age at marriage is about 15 years.In such a milieu, Razia continued hereducation and proceeded to fulfill her desire100 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSHaryanato serve her community. Each year her familytried to stop her studies, but as she wonprizes, they were proud and relented foranother year, amid taunts from the strictcommunity. She topped her college and gotthe “Best Woman Award, 1998” by MewatDevelopment Agency.Now Razia has a Masters degree in sociology,4 years of full-time experience in social work,plus 6 years of occasional community work.Currently she is Block Coordinator with theSehgal Foundation, implementing the“Integrated, Sustainable VillageDevelopment” model, which has 4components: Water Management, IncomeEnhancement, Rural Health and Family LifeEducation.She is a community mobilizer par excellenceand has been instrumental in getting womento step out of their homes to seek medicalattention, training and participating incommunity work. She has also consistentlyachieved success in inspiring the male youthtowards community work. So far Razia hasfound the old fashioned ICT tool of pictureson charts to be quite effective, however shefeels the key is to initiate participatorydialogue. She says, “Mewat being abackward area I lost many opportunities.Now I want the youth of Mewat to have allthat I had to struggle for so much”. She hasattained the status of a role model in thiscommunity, who are now more open toeducating their girls and having them earn.189. Mr Subhash ChandraSaharan (Jul-2005)C/o Drishtee Dot Com LimitedA-11, Ground Floor,Sector -2, [Opp: PDIL Building]NOIDA- 201301, U.P.Ph. No. : +91 (120) – 2545968/69/70Subhash, 25 years old, belongs to a poorfarmer family. He is 12 th Pass and has beenrunning his Drishtee kiosk for the past 2 yrsin village Poharka, in Sirsa district. Throughthe kiosk he is providing various types ofservices to the villagers like digitalphotography, E-governance services,insurance, computer education etc. He hasappointed a computer teacher who teachesbasic computers to adolescents and children.He is a very hard working person, activelyinvolved in social activities. He conductsmonthly group meetings with the villagersto know about their satisfaction with theservices he provides through the kiosk, andhow there can be enhancement of his service. He is very well known as a kiosk owner,not only in the local villages but also in allneighbouring villages. He always ready totake initiative for any kind of challenging job.Villagers come to him to seek any type ofhelp. He actively participated in the OKNproject and motivated the villagers to givethe world something unique about thevillages which could be always remembered.Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 101

NVA FELLOWSHIMACHAL PRADESH190. Mr Dheeraj Arora(Jan-2006)C/o. Association of public InternetService Access Providers9/B, Satyam, 1’st FloorM.G.Road, GhatkoparEast Mumbai – 440077Tel: 09324033250 Fax: 022-25133250Email:apiap@rediffmail.comDheeraj Arora (23), lives in Solan, situated inthe Shimla hills in Himachal Pradesh at aheight of 1,350 metres [4,432ft].Dheeraj was a 12 th class dropout but againjoined education and is presently doinggraduation (B.Com) through correspondencefrom IGNOU. He is running his own businessof computer hardware, software, cyber café,computer education since 3 years. Startingwith one PC in 2003, he brought the internetopportunity to the masses by chargingnominally. Typical charges used to be Rs 180/- per hour; he charged less than half to makeit more accessible to people. Currently it isless than Rs 30/-. He has been at the forefrontin bringing internet facility to his small townby regularly meeting the BSNL officials andrepresenting communication needs of hispeople.Through the Rotaract Club, Dheeraj has beenworking on various projects like treeplantation, blood donation camps,etc. andthe club has also adopted a school wherecomputer education is provided to a groupof children from a local ashram every sundaymorning at his cyber café.Dheeraj is dynamic and has proved time andagain that with the help of Internet, smalltown folks can achieve all that residents inlarge cities have easy access to.102 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSJAMMU & KASHMIR191. Mr Aadil Rashid Vaid(Aug-2006)S/o Abdul Rashid VaidC/O Late Haji MMohammad AbdulKanue, Sadiqabad, KP. Road,Anantnag, J & K - 192101Phone: 01932-227378Mobile: 0941954233819 year old Adil is currently studying in firstyear of college in Anantnag town in SouthKashmir. He hails from a small remote villagecalled Wullrhama, 32 kilometers from districtAnantnag in Pahalgam Tehsil of Kashmirvalley which has forested hilly terrain andexperiences harsh winters with heavysnowfall. The village women are skilledweavers but their literacy levels are very low.A part of the village population compriseGujjars who are very backward and arewithout education, living in poor conditions.Militancy is still active in some hilly regionsand is the main reason for backwardness.The village has a health centre which is nonfunctional.For the past three years Adil has beenworking as a volunteer community workerat a “Samanbal” (Kashmiri word for ameeting place) opened by Athwaas in DistrictAnantnag. As a part of the initiative whichinvolves formation of women’s self helpgroups for emotional, psychological andeconomic empowerment., he motivatedyoung girls from nearby villages to visit theSamanbal and form a group. It was achallenge to sustain the group but Adil wasinstrumental in developing and sustaining thegroup. Now while he continues to study incollege, he devotes the rest of his time forengaging with the group.Besides, Adil is actively engaged with Pulsepolio programme in the villages. After theKashmir earthquake in October 2005, Adilvisited villages of the affected region. Heparticipated in the initial relief work and isnow engaged with rehabilitation work witha group called Yakjah Reconciliation andDevelopment Network. The group isengaged in integrated learning for childrenin a village in Uri, District Baramulla, NorthKashmir. Adil has participated in workshopsfor learning skills for personalitydevelopment, social mapping of villages, andthe art of making and using puppets forsocial mobilisation. He also has competencyin environmental protection and networkingat the grassroots level and is looking at thepossibility of linking eco-friendly sustainablelivelihood for women and theirempowerment at the village level.Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 103

NVA FELLOWSJammu & Kashmir192. Ms Saleema Ahad(Aug-2006)W/O Abdul Ahad SofiR/O ZoohamaPost Office Hanjoora (Chadoora) -191113Budgam, J & KSaleema hails from Zoohama, a remotevillage of the hilly Budgam district where thebulk of the population is living below thepoverty line and women are mostly illiterate.Though she has only primary education, 38year - old Saleema is regarded as a role modelin her village, being a dedicated social activistand a hard working woman possessing goodleadership qualities Saleema has set up manyincome generation units in and around theadjoining villages which help manyunemployed girls sustain themselves by doingvarious traditional crafts of Kashmir so thatthey are able to support themselves duringhard times and have an assured source ofincome. She is also providing effectivesupport to these young girls by helping themwith the marketing of their products, on ano-profit no-commission basis.She has been associated with Voluntary HealthAssociation of India from 1994 and playedand important and vital role in initiating VHAIactivities in the rural areas. During times ofturmoil and insurgency when health serviceswere poor in the rural areas since doctors leftthe Valley for security reasons, she workedwithout fear and helped in building theconfidence of the people in the area.Saleema has undergone the health workers’crash training programme and was assignedthe work of Village Health Worker. She hasnow been promoted as the HealthSupervisor, on account of her dedicatedservice. She played an important role in theno-smoking campaign, effectivelycounselling many women and young boysregarding the ill effects of smoking. She haspromoted community health, personalhygiene, sanitation and use of latrines in thevillages by making house to house visits andcanvassing for the environmental cleanlinessand also assists the VHAI health teams toregister pre natal and ante natal cases forfurther treatment and guidance. As a trained“Barefoot Counsellor” she has helped manypeople in the villages to deal with stress,tension and trauma. With her rich knowledgeof the culture and heritage of Kashmir, andher commitment to upliftment, Saleema haswon the trust of the women in her village.193. Ms Shahzada Geelani(Aug-2006)R/O DadomporaHanjoora (Chadoora) - 191113Budgam, J & KShahzada, 45, has matriculation educationand hails from Dadompora, a remote villagein a hilly area 22 kms from Srinagar city. Shehas two grown up daughters and a son, butthe whole family has a hand to mouth livingsince her husband earns a meagre income.Shahzada is well known in her locality forher craft skills. She is good at knitting and104 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSJammu & Kashmirembroidery and has been contributing to thefamily’s income though her traditionalKashmiri crafts. She has formed various SelfHelp Groups (SHGs) in her locality, whereyoung adolescent girls take up incomegeneration activities. She has taught theseyoung girls various arts and crafts so thatthey are able to support themselves in hardtimes. Her hard work and dedication hasmade her famous in her area, such that manyvulnerable women-headed households withno source of income have also taken up thesecrafts under her guidance and thus have anassured source of income.When the Voluntary Health Association ofIndia (VHAI) first started its intervention inhealth and development activities in thevillages of Budgam in 1994, Shahzada joinedthe association and was the first womanmember recommended by the villagers,overwhelmingly by ladies to be on the VillageDevelopment Committee (VDC). Due toinsurgency in the area the health scenariohad received a serious set-back and peoplein the rural areas were suffering because thedoctors and paramedics had left the Valleydue to security reasons. Shahzada played animportant and vital role in initiating VHAIactivities in these rural areas. During thoseturmoil years, when VHAI initiatedCommunity Health Programmes in villages,they were looked with suspicion, so shehelped to gain the confidence of the peoplein the area. She helped the women and thegirl child to get equal treatment in the family.After undergoing a health-workers crashtraining programme as well as course onmental health counselling as a BarefootCounsellor, she was assigned the work ofthe Village Health Worker Programme so thatshe could attend to the problems of womenin backward villages. Shahzada promoted theschedule of immunization, care of Child &Mother at Birth programme in her village andhas trained Traditional Birth Attendants (Dais)for conducting safe home childbirth. She hascreated awareness in her area regarding theeffects of stress, tension and trauma and howto cope with it. She has also beeninstrumental in promoting community health,personal hygiene and sanitation in the villageby making house to house visits andcanvassing for the environmental cleanliness.Shahzada possess good skills of singingKashmiri folk songs and is highly respectedin her area, popularly known as “Dedee”(elder sister).Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 105

NVA FELLOWSJHARKHAND194. Ms Sunita Kumari(Aug-2006)Hariraydih, Sonaraithadi,Block - Sarwan, Deoghar,Jharkhand - 81415022 year old Sunita Kumari hails from a villagelocated in the hill area of Deogarh district inJharkhand State. She has higher secondary(12 th Std.) education and competency in thefield of agriculture. For the past one year shehas been involved with community activitiesthrough NEEDS.Sunita Kumari is a committed social workerand leading self help group member. Inaddition she is an active member of a localyouth club.195. Mr Bijay Kumar Verma(Feb-2007)Mrigbandhi Village,Pahria Post, Sarwan Block,Deoghar District, Jharkhand.An active, enthusiastic social worker, 22 yearold Bijay Kumar Verma is a graduate, workingin a literacy programme for the last one year. In his panchayat which is located in a forestarea, he has already shown leadershipqualities in the field of functional literacy.196. Mr Dilip Kumar Yadav(Feb-2007)Amgachi Village,Lakhoria Post, Sarwan Block,Deoghar District, Jharkhand.Hailing from a hill are in Deogarh district ofJharkhand, 22 year old Dilip Kumar Yadavhas completed Matric (10th Std.) and is amember of a youth club . He has competencyin animal husbandry with hands-onexperience as a primary veterinarypractitioner. He has been involved incommunity activities for the past one yearand has already shown leadership qualities.197. Mr Kamal Kishore Yadav(Feb-2007)Khejurbona Village,Panchayat - Deopahari, Sarwan Block,Deoghar District, Jharkhand.22 year old Mr. Kamal Kishore Yadav is anactive, enthusiastic social worker, leading hisyouth club for rural development. A graduatebelonging to the hill area of Deoghar district,Jharkhand, he has competency in health andfunctional education.One of the leading members of the youthclub, Kamal Kishore has been involved incommunity activites for the past one year andhas already participated in severalprogrammes on sensitization and community106 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSJharkhandtraining for reproductive sexual health andliteracy.198. Mr Manoj Kumar(Feb-2007)Gondalbari Village,Lakhoria Post, Sarwan Block,Deoghar District, Jharkhand.At the young age of 19, Manoj Kumar hasbeen leading one of the youth clubs in thehill area of district Deoghar, Jharkhand. Heis a graduate and a committed social workerinvolved in community issues for the past oneyear. He has competency in agriculture,health and functional literacy and is active inseveral community sensitization programmesand training on reproductive sexual health.Manoj Kumar is also working as a mastertrainerin a literacy programme.199. Mr Niru Singh (Feb-2007)Bandajori Village,Munigari Post, Sarwan Block,Deoghar District, Jharkhand.Niru Singh, 22, has completed highersecondary (12th Std.) education and comesfrom block Sarwan, district Deoghar inJharkhand. As secretary of one of the Self HelpGroups she is a committed social worker andhas already taken part in several livelihoodrelated programmes and training courses.Niru has shown leadership qualities in herinvolvement with community activities for the past2 years and has competency in craft training.200. Mr Ranjit Kumar Yadav(Feb-2007)Pokhria Village,Nanidih Post, Sarwan Block,Deoghar District, Jharkhand.An active member of a youth club, 20 yearold Ranjit Kumar Yadav, an undergraduatestudent has already participated in severalhealth related programmes and training inhis village. He is one of the leading membersin his club, which is committed to work fordevelopment in tribal villages, and has beean active social worker for the past 2 years.201. Mr Tinku Yadav (Feb-2007)Hariraidih Village,Sonaraithadi Post, Sarwan Block,Deoghar District, Jharkhand.A 20 year old graduate, Tinku Yadav hashands-on working experience as a socialworker in his village located in Deoghar inthe hilly area of Jharkhand. He hasparticipated in several community sensitizingprogrammes and training on health andlivelihood. He is now working in a literacyprogramme teaching illiterate women andadolescents using Improved Pace & Conceptof Learning (IPCL) method.Tinku Yadav is one of the dedicated, hardworkingclub members of a youth club. Hisclub is running a Knowledge Centre onhealth in a village and he himself hasparticipated in several programs and trainingcourses within and outside Deoghar,demonstrating his leadership quality .Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 107

NVA FELLOWSKARNATAKA202. Ms P G Juliet (Jan-2006)C/o. Centre for EnvironmentalEducationNeerkollie, Maggula VillageImangala Post, Virajpet – 571 218Kodagu District, KarnatakaTel: 08274 260519, 256483P.G.Juliet (43), comes from Virajpet inKodagu district, situated on the WesternGhats of Karnataka . She was running ahandmade paper making and plasticrecycling unit set up at Maggula village inVirajpet as a part of the Centre forEnvironment and Education’s dry wastemanagement project.With her knowledge and skills, Juliet createdawareness among women folk going on adoor to door campaign just to motivate thepeople of this region. 15 women who wereilliterate and most neglected in thecommunity were given training in bothhandmade paper making and plasticrecycling unit. Apart from training, Juliettransformed the lives of these women folk.She constantly encouraged them andshowed the path to improve their quality oflife. She helped the women to take up LICpolicy and postal saving schemes to save theirearning to live a financially secure anddignified life.techniques such as mushroom cultivation,paper bag making, vermiculture and otherenvironmentally friendly alternative livelihoodoptions for the upliftment of rural women.Besides just training, she assisted the SHGsin initial marketing as well..As any unit is fullyfunctional only when it is self-sustained, Julietconducted various awareness, skill andincome development programmes on theimportance of solid waste management,biodiversity, deforestation, conservation andalternative livelihoods. She is constantlytraining various SHGs and local NGOs ofAhmedabad, Tirupathi, Patna, Delhi andUjjain.Juliet’s continued efforts along with hercolleagues’ dedicated services for theenvironment, resulted in CEE receiving thePLASTICON AWARD 2005 for the plasticrecycling unit, in the category of InnovativeRecycling Technology by PlastIndia. Thepolyloom helps create plastic- free areas andis also a cost effective technology.Juliet has formed many SHGs groups,educating them with income generating108 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSKarnataka203. Mr A V Kumarswamy(Aug-2006)C/o. Arehalli Coffee GrowersAssociation,Arehalli Village,Belur Taluk,Hassan, Karnataka.45 year old A.V. Kumarswamy is a graduatefrom a small village by name Arehalli inHassan district Karnataka where the majorcrop cultivated is coffee. As the foundermember & president of the Arehalli CoffeeGrower’s association consisting of small andmedium planters, which was formed whenthe coffee industry was going through acrisis, and coffee growers were in distressdue to low prices. With his leadership thegroup has assisted planters by offeringspecialist advice on pest control and hasorganized seminars, demonstrations andfield trials in conjunction with the CoffeeBoard of India and the agriculturaldepartment to make planters aware of recenttechnological developments in plantationtechnology. An information centre has beenstarted in the Arehalli village, where thecommunity can get information aboutcurrent schemes (plantation, financial, healthetc) offered by the government, andscholarships are being given to deservingcandidates of the local primary & secondaryschools.Besides being the frontrunner in taking upwelfare activities in his village Kumarswamihas been involved with ITC IBD & e-choupalsince 2003. Through the e-choupal kiosk, he hasbeen disseminating prices to growers to helpthem make an informed selling decision andhas made a significant contribution toagriculture as well as community development.204. Mr A N Praveen(Aug-2006)Shivani,Masgod, Somwarpet,North Coorg - 571236An Engineering graduate of MysoreUniversity, 37 year-old A.N.Praveen is acultivator of coffee specifically of Arabicavariety. He provides advice and inputs oncultivation and processing to other smallplanters in the local villages of the hilly coffeegrowing region to which he belongs.Processing being his area of expertise, theproduce of small planters is processed underhis supervision to improve standards and toachieve better prices.Praveen has been involved with ITC IBD since1999 and with e-choupal since 2001.Through the computer installed at his kioskhe is able to communicate the latest coffeeprices to the planters. This enables them totake informed decisions on selling theirproduce. He is also involved in local socialactivity such as helping to conduct marriagesof poor couples and running a play homefor poor children.Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 109

NVA FELLOWSKarnataka205. Ms K Zarina (Aug-2006)Madikeri Bagamandala Road,Karugunda village (PO),Madikeri Taluk,Kodagu. KarnatakaHailing from A small village by name ofKarugunda in a hilly area where thepredominant crop grown is coffee, 45 yearold K. Zarina is a graduate who has madesignificant contributions in the spheres ofagriculture and community development.She is the founder member and president ofthe Rajarajeshwari Womens Self Help Group.The group provides market and priceinformation to coffee planters through theITC e-choupal kiosk with which she has beeninvolved since 2003. This helps coffeeplanters to make an informed decision whenselling their produce. A grant has beenreceived by the group from the Coffee boardfor the establishment of a mini coffeeroasting & grinding unit. With funds fromthe grant, a small retail outlet has beenestablished on the way to Talacauvery alocation of tourist significance in Kodagu. Theoutlet helps the group promote homemadeproducts by the women’s group amongtourists and generates employment for a fewlocal girls. Part of the income generated fromthe sale of home made products is used toeducate needy children at the local primaryschool and to give scholarships.Led by it’s pioneer Zarina an number ofwomen SHGs take the lead in social causesin the local and surrounding villages forwomen’s empowerment & communitydevelopment.110 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSMADHYA PRADESH206. Mr Hari Shankar Chourasia(Jul-2005)C/o TARAhaat111/9-Z Kishangarth, Vasant KunjNew Delhi – 110 070Tel: 011 2612281, 26122882\Hari Shankar comes from a village calledTeherka in the Tikkamgarh District of MadhyaPradesh. The 25 year old postgraduate (M.A.Political Science) has been involved withcommunity activities since 2003 asTARAkendra Coordinator.Hari Shankar was exposed to computerswhile pursuing his graduation from Niwari,a Tehsil town of Teherka. He could have easilyopted for a livelihood in a city or town buthe decided to work for the development ofhis own village. In the initial years he wasinvolved in community developmentprograms. Today, as a Kendra Coordinator,he teaches the students computers andpromotes Information Technology amongsthis community members. As a part ofTARAhaat’s e- governance program, HariShankar assists the people of his andsurrounding villages in registering theirgrievances with the governmentelectronically through the internet. He hasalso been instrumental in conductingworkshops in Teherka and surroundingvillages and in keeping the communityinformed about the government schemes.207. Mr Hemchand Kashyap(Jan-2006)C/o. ITC-IBD31, Sarojini Devi Road,Secunderabad-500 003,IndiaTel: + 91 9948077976E-mail: narayana.rao@itc.inHemchand Kashyap (42), from Sankhedavillage, Hoshangabad district, M.P hasstudied up to 12 th .standard. A medium classfarmer, he is very active in social workspecially health related work and heparticipates actively in rural health camps.He also has expertise in areas of agricultureand livestock. He takes the initiative to sharehis knowledge with other farmers in thevillage.Associated with soya choupal of ITC-IBD asSanchalak since 2002, he has obtainedtraining from ITC-IBD in the areas ofComputer usage, Internet, Life & GeneralInsurance, quality parameters of agricommodities and their pricing.208. Mr Kalyan Singh Lodha(Jan-2006)C/o. ITC-IBD31, Sarojini Devi Road,Secunderabad-500 003,IndiaTel: + 91 9948077976E-mail: narayana.rao@itc.inKalyan Singh Lodha (55), lives inJamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 111

NVA FELLOWSMadhya PradeshAmbaramchuk village, Guna district, M.P.This high-school educated agriculturist hasbeen associated with soya choupal of ITC-IBD as Sanchalak since 2000.He is a very active social worker and has beenselected by ITC in their Sunehra Kal projecton livestock and watershed developmentprojects. He is very well versed with thetopography of the area and is a participantin agricultural surveys. He takes the initiativeto share his skills and knowledge with otherfarmers in the village.He has obtained training from ITC-IBD in theareas of Computer usage, Internet browsing,importance of Life & General Insurance,quality parameters of agri commodities andtheir pricing and knowledge on variousqualitative FMCG products.209. Mr Pratap Singh Rajpoot(Jan-2006)C/o. ITC-IBD31, Sarojini Devi Road,Secunderabad-500 003,IndiaTel: + 91 9948077976E-mail: narayana.rao@itc.inPratap Singh Rajpoot (32), from Furtalavillage, Hoshangabad district, M.P. is a highlyqualified agriculturist. He has an MA degreeand is pursuing his PhD. He is an expert onagricultural techniques as well as on livestockand water management. He advises farmerson good farming practices and has a verygood social standing in his village.Associated with soya choupal of ITC-IBD asSanchalak since 2002, he has obtainedtraining from ITC-IBD in computer usage,Internet browsing, insurance, pricing andquality parameters of various agriculturalcommodities, which he shares readily withothers in the community.210. Ms Priti Sharma (Jul-2005)C/o TARAhaat111/9-Z Kishangarth, Vasant KunjNew Delhi - 110 070Tel: 011 2612281, 2612288224 year - old Priti comes from Orchha, a verysmall village in the Tikamgarh district ofMadhya Pradesh. She is a graduate, and hasbeen involved with community activities for2 years. In the year 2001 she used to travelfrom Orchha to Jhansi, a distance of 22 kms,to learn computers and another 40 kms toher college in Niwari (a Tehsil town ofOrchha) to pursue her graduation. WhenTARAhaat opened its TARAkendra inTARAgram in 2002, she enrolled to study theTally accounting course. Impressed by hercommitment and sincerity, Priti wasimmediately appointed as an Instructor in theTARAkendra. She also continued to pursueher post-graduation in Sociology.In the last two years she not only completedher post graduation but through sheer hardworkrose to the position of TARAkendraCoordinator and also took on the addedresponsibility of Community Coordinator inBundelkhand. She is currently in-charge ofimplementing the Open Knowledge Network112 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSMadhya Pradesh(OKN) programme for information sharingacross communities in the Bundelkhandregion. Her TARAkendra is managed by anall girls team.211. Mr Ramsingh Rai(Jan-2006)C/o. ITC-IBD31, Sarojini Devi Road,Secunderabad-500 003,IndiaTel: + 91 9948077976E-mail: narayana.rao@itc.inRamsingh Rai (48), hails from Ghatera villagein Vidisha district, M.P, and has studied upto8 th Class. He has been a Sarpanch, has goodstanding in the village and knowledge of bestpractices in farming. He obtained trainingfrom ITC-IBD in the areas of Computer usage,Internet browsing, importance of Life &General Insurance, quality parameters of agricommodities and their pricing andknowledge on various qualitative FMCGproducts. Associated with soya choupal ofITC-IBD as Sanchalak since 2002, he takesinitiative to share all his training inputs andknowledge with other farmers in the village.212. Mr RatanLal Patidar(Jan-2006)C/o. ITC-IBD31, Sarojini Devi Road,Secunderabad-500 003,IndiaTel: + 91 9948077976E-mail: narayana.rao@itc.inRatanLal Patidar (28), a farmer from Borkhedavillage, in Ratlam district, M.P, has studied uptoHigher Secondary. He is an active Sanchalakin e-Choupal network of ITC-IBD and takesactive interest in sharing his knowledge of ICTwith other farmers of the village He has beenactively working for rain water managementin the village and was involved in making of aroad under the prime minister’s village roaddevelopment program.He has obtained training from ITC-IBD in theareas of Computer usage, Internet browsing,importance of Life & General Insurance,quality parameters of agri commodities andtheir pricing and knowledge on variousqualitative FMCG products. He takes initiativeto share all his training inputs and knowledgewith other farmers in the village.213. Mr Ravi Malviya (Jan-2006)C/o. ITC-IBD31, Sarojini Devi Road,Secunderabad-500 003,IndiaTel: + 91 9948077976E-mail: narayana.rao@itc.inRavi Malviya (39), a graduate, belongs tovillage Gopalur, in the forested area of Sehoredistrict ,M.P. He has obtained training fromITC-IBD in the areas of computer usage,Internet browsing, importance of Life &General Insurance, quality parameters ofagricultural commodities and their pricingand knowledge on various fast movingconsumer goods and products. He takes theinitiative to share all his training inputs andknowledge with other farmers in the village.He has good communication skills andleadership qualities, and has interest andJamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 113

NVA FELLOWSMadhya Pradeshexperience in education and livestockmanagement.214. Mr Rishi Chaturvedi(Jan-2006)C/o. ITC-IBD31, Sarojini Devi Road,Secunderabad-500 003,IndiaTel: + 91 9948077976E-mail: narayana.rao@itc.inRishi Chaturvedi (37), has an MA degree andcomes from Sukheda village, in Ratlamdistrict,M.P.He has been associated with soya choupalof ITC-IBD as a Sanchalak since 2003 and isactively involved in development of his village.He has been able to put up a Bio-gas plantwith the help of political contacts. Utja VikasNigam, orgainsed cleanliness campaign inthe village and introduced Vermi Compost.He has obtained training from ITC-IBD in theareas of Computer usage, Internet browsing,importance of Life & General Insurance,quality parameters of agri commodities andtheir pricing and knowledge on variousqualitative FMCG products. He takes initiativeto share all his training inputs and knowledgewith other farmers in the village.215. Mr Sadasukh Bisnoi(Jan-2006)C/o. ITC-IBD31, Sarojini Devi Road,Secunderabad-500 003,IndiaTel: + 91 9948077976E-mail: narayana.rao@itc.inSadasukh Bisnoi (45), hails from Pratappuravillage in the hilly tribal area of Harda districtin M.P. He is an agriculturist, has studied uptoHigh School, is actively involved in social workand is the Vice President of “GoshalaSociety” in the village. He mobilizes villagersin cleaning of the village and gets them todevote some time and do “shram dan”. Hehas expertise in agriculture and watermanagement and takes the initiative to sharethis knowledge with other farmers in thevillage.Sadasukh Bisnoi has been associated withsoya choupal of ITC-IBD as Sanchalak since2000, and is trained in computer application,insurance, and also on pricing and quality ofagricultural commodities.216. Mr SatyanarayanUpadhyay (Jan-2006)C/o. ITC-IBD31, Sarojini Devi Road,Secunderabad-500 003,IndiaTel: + 91 9948077976E-mail: narayana.rao@itc.inSatyanarayan Upadhyay (40), lives in Bijapurvillage, Dewas district, an active Sanchalak114 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSMadhya Pradeshin e-Choupal network of ITC-IBD, a forestedregion in Madhya Pradesh . He has studiedupto High school and is associated with soyachoupal of ITC-IBD as Sanchalak since 2004.Having obtained training on computer usageand applications, Satyanarayan readily shareshis knowledge of ICT with other farmers ofthe village. He has very good communicationskills and has worked for water managementand livestock management in the village.217. Mr Suresh Jain (Jan-2006)C/o. ITC-IBD31, Sarojini Devi Road,Secunderabad-500 003,IndiaTel: + 91 9948077976E-mail: narayana.rao@itc.inSuresh Jain (40), from Garethia Dangi village,Bhopal district, M.P, has studied upto highschool, associated with soya choupal of ITC-IBD as Sanchalak since 2002. The sanchalakis also Sarpanch of the choupal village andcontributes to his village through socialservice. He has also obtained training fromITC-IBD in the areas of Computer usage,Internet browsing, importance of Life &General Insurance, quality parameters of agricommodities and their pricing andknowledge on various qualitative FMCGproducts. He takes initiative to share all histraining inputs and knowledge with otherfarmers in the village.218. Mr Virendra Singh Jat(Jan-2006)C/o. ITC-IBD31, Sarojini Devi Road,Secunderabad-500 003,IndiaTel: + 91 9948077976E-mail: narayana.rao@itc.inVirendra Singh Jat (37), hails from Sonkutchvillage, a dry area in Bhopal district, M.P.Educated upto 12 th Std., he is associated withthe soya choupal of ITC-IBD as Sanchalaksince 2002. He is Sarpanch of the choupalvillage . He contributes to the developmentof his village through various social serviceactivities, and in his capcity as Sarpanch. Hehas obtained training from ITC-IBD in theareas of Computer usage, Internet browsing,importance of Life & General Insurance,quality parameters of agri commodities andtheir pricing and knowledge on variousqualitative FMCG products. He takes initiativeto share all his training inputs and knowledgewith other farmers in the village.Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 115

NVA FELLOWSMAHARASHTRA219. Mr BalkrushnaRamkrushna Kathalkar(Feb-2007)Village : Jamathi Dhanagaon,Murtijapur, AkolaMaharashtraPhone: 07256-253062Balkrushna Kathalkar is 43 years old and hasan MA degree and Diploma in Electronics.He has competency in organic agriculture andwater management. He has conductedexperiments in IPM and INM on his fieldwhich is located in an arid area anddemonstrated this low cost and sustainablefarming system to the farmers of theadjoining villages. He also producesvermiculture on a large scale and distributesit to the other farmers.Balkrushna has lead many co farmerstowards organic farming system which hastaken care of the soil health. His work inwatershed management is prominent, forwhich he has received felicitation fromWALMI Aurangabad. He also received acertificate for work in IPM from India Project,Hydrabad. TheGovernment of Maharashtrahas honoured him with Krishibhushan award.220. Mr Bapusaheb Kadam(Aug-2006)Kinhola, Taluka Manvath,Parbhani, MaharashtraPhone: 0-9371584909e-mail: bapusahebk1v1c@gmail.comBapusaheb Kadam is an SSC educated youngman of 29 with very good understanding ofalmost all developmental issues in andaround his village, and with leadershipqualities oriented towards problem solving.He has been involved in social movementssince year 2000, leading the youth andpeasants in Kinhola village and surroundingareas.Bapusaheb adopted computers andinformation technology as a tool for his workin year 2004 and looks for more IT tools fortargeting issues with peoples’ movementperspectives. He was the leader of aninformation drive for making a village website, working on developing content for ruralareas. With his expertise in operatingcomputer he has trained youth, has workedto set up e-Chaupal’s centre in his village andhas been volunteering for better informationdissemination on market rates of the crops.Proficient in organic farming and a knownleader of the organic farming movement, hehas promoted organic farming in his ownvillage and surrounding villages effectively116 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSMaharashtraarranging CD shows on laptop tocommunicate all aspects of organic farming.He has worked on water distribution issuesfrom canal as well as rainwater harvestingby participating in the government initiative“Jal Swarajya” as well as tried to implementwater auditing and management softwarefor drinking water.His other initiatives include a cleanliness andsanitation campaign in Kinhola, buildingtoilet and sewage facilities and networkingon this issue with villages that havesuccessfully carried out similar schemes andparticipating in implementing theMaharashtra Employment GuaranteeScheme for a number of years.221. Mr Dipak Vithalrao Shinde(Jan-2006)C/o. Commissioner AgricultureMaharashtra State2nd floor, Central BuildingPune - 411 001Tel: 020-26123648Fax: 020-26126150Dipak Vithalrao Shinde (51), is an organicfarmer and B.Sc. graduate, residing inNimkhed Bazar village in the hilly districtAmaravati in Maharashtra.On his farm many types of fruits, pulses aswell as cotton are grown organically andcertified. He demonstrated contourcultivation practices effectively on his farmand started an Organic Farming Home Schoolin the year 2002, and started the first organicfood processing centre in his village. He hastrained 600 farmers in his own districtAmaravati and several more from otherdistricts and States in organic farmingtechniques. He also undertakes organiccertification and arranges for marketing ofthe produce. He demonstrated his work atthe World Organic Trade Fair held in Germanyin the year 2003, and is shown as one of thesuccess stories given in ICAR website. Acommunity worker for the past 25 years, heis always keen to participate in HRD programsand knowledge sharing.222. Mr Indrajit Shine(Jan-2006)C/o. ITC-IBD31, Sarojini Devi Road,Secunderabad-500 003Tel: + 91 9948077976E-mail: narayana.rao@itc.inIndrajit Shine (27), is one of the activeSanchalaks in e-Choupal network of ITC-IBDfrom Lamjana village, a dry area in Laturdistrict, Maharashtra. This 10 th Std educatedinnovative farmer has developed newtechniques of making humus and alsodeveloped new types of fodder from wastenamely, “Zatpat Khad” on the “BAIF”research base. He has donated books for theKrishi Vachanalay which he developed at hisown house.He obtained training from ITC-IBD in theareas of computer usage, Life & GeneralInsurance, quality parameters of agricommodities and their pricing and takesJamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 117

NVA FELLOWSMaharashtrainitiatives to share all his training inputs andknowledge with other farmers in the village.223. Mr Jagdish MadhukarJanorkar (Jan-2006)C/o. ITC-IBD31, Sarojini Devi Road,Secunderabad-500 003Tel: + 91 9948077976E-mail: narayana.rao@itc.inJagdish Madhukar Janorkar (40), is agraduate from Mahan village, in Akoladistrict, Maharashtra. He has been associatedwith ITC-IBD as Sanchalak of e-Choupal fromthe year 2004 and has received ICT andagricultural training.Jagdish is very effective in implementingvillage development measures. He is activein areas such as road development andmanagement of irrigation water. He providessuggestions to farmers on how to increasetheir yield with minimum expenditure andparticipates in extension activities likeGramswachata Abhiyan (cleanliness campaignfor the village), tree plantation and sewage disposal.224. Mr Krishna Dake(Aug-2006)Mukkam Post Nitrud,Mazalgaon, Bid, Maharashtrae-mail: krishnad1v1c@gmail.com22 year old HSC educated Krishna Dakebelongs to Nitrud village located in Biddistrict, the most backward area ofMarathwada where irrigation is completelyabsent, and people live on non-irrigatedfarming. When the village suffered from lackof drinking water, the activism started byKrishna’s group lead to successful rainwaterharvesting.Krishna has been actively pursuing the issueof rainwater harvesting from an early agesince he joined a training camp arranged in2004 under the Year of Scientific Awarenesson water conservation. Then he took theagenda actively to his village and was theprime leader of community developmentissues there.A reputed local speaker, he gives inspiringspeeches that help him to communicateacross the spectrum of village society. Heunderstands the importance of networkingand has created youth networks around hisvillage. In addition he keeps on meeting localadministration with delegations addressingissues concerning people. With his goodunderstanding of the use of IT and excellentcontent development capabilities he comesup with new ideas that help to solve crisesat the local level. He took charge as an ITtrainer conducting mass IT training campsfor the youth to get involved in constructivework and carries out campaigns on waterissues using presentations and software. Hehas also worked on issues affecting students,mostly the lack of educational facilities andfor policy change within colleges anduniversities.Now Krishna is working in his own villageon Employment Guarantee and hopes tostop the people in his village from becoming118 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSMaharashtramigrant labourers. His team of youth is alsoconducting information drives on NREGS225. Mr Prabhu Wakade(Jan-2006)C/o. ITC-IBD31, Sarojini Devi Road,Secunderabad-500 003,Tel: + 91 9948077976E-mail: narayana.rao@itc.inPrabhu Wakade (37), a graduate, lives inTalodhi ( Naik ) village in a forest region ofChandrapur district, Maharashtra.A farmer by profession he is one of the activeSanchalaks in e-Choupal network of ITC-IBDbeing associated with it since 2004, andtakes interest in sharing his ICT andagricultural knowledge with other farmersin the village.Prabhu Wakade has obtained training in theareas of computer usage, Internet browsing,importance of Life & General Insurance,quality parameters of agri commodities andtheir pricing and knowledge on variousqualitative FMCG products.226. Mr Prashant Khanorkar(Jan-2006)C/o. ITC-IBD31, Sarojini Devi Road,Secunderabad-500 003,Tel: + 91 9948077976E-mail: narayana.rao@itc.inPrashant Khanorkar (33), a farmer and agraduate belongs to Naxi Village in a forestregion of Nagpur district, Maharashtra. Hehas received training on computerapplications, Life & General Insurance, andon the pricing and quality of agriculturalcommodities. Serving as one of the activeSanchalaks in e-Choupal network of ITC-IBDfrom the year 2004, Prashant Khanorkartakes ample initiative for sharing hisagricultural knowledge and interest in ICTwith other farmers in the village.227. Mr Rajendra V Salave(Jan-2006)C/o Ashta No KaiP. O. Box 221, GPO Main Post Office,Pune 411 001Rajendra Salave (32), comes from Khandalevillage, a dry and drought prone area in PuneDistrict, Maharashtra. Inspired by his rolemodels Mahatma Phule and Dr.B.R.Ambedkar, he obtained a Masters degreein Social Work in 1997.During his junior college days he joined aYouth Mandal in his village, and participatedin the activities of an NGO working forwomen’s rights. After graduation, he workedin family counseling, health and trainingsectors in the fields of women’s issues, HIV-AIDS and government schemes. He alsoworked as a Family Counsellor for three yearsand took active part in organizing morchas,and andolans to promote rights for Adivasis.Ashta No Kai-India (ANK-I ) is an importantmilestone in his career, as it has given himJamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 119

NVA FELLOWSMaharashtrathe opportunity to work in the villages in hisown area. Under ANK-I, he promotes literacyprograms in villages and also coordinates 74Self Help Groups as well as the project’sBicycle Bank.As an example of his work in promotingvillage development by empowering womenand guiding them in solving their ownproblems, he mobilized a women’scommittee to take some action regarding thegreat delay in the implementation of theKrishna Valley water scheme sanctionedmore than 35 years ago, to alleviate thevillage’s critical water shortage. Thanks to hisefforts the village women gained courageto visit the local authorities and press for theirdemands.Rajendra Salave’s rural background gives hima good understanding of the situation in thevillage setting and the needs of rural people.He is a committed and dedicated socialworker, good at oratory skills and publicspeaking and in addition, he is a good trainerand skilled teacher.228. Mr Rausaheb NathubajiDagadkar (Feb-2007)Usadgavhan Village,Dhamangaon Railway Taluka,Amaravati District,Maharashtra State,Phone No.: 07222-23830760 year old Rausaheb Nathubaji Dagadkar isvery experienced in agriculture and humanresource development. A science graduatebelonging to a forest region in districtAmaravati in Maharashtra, he has additionalcompetency in livestock and watermanagement.Rausaheb Nathubaji Dagadkar jointlymanages a farm of 111 acres and promotesorganic farming. He has trained more than50 farmers in the neighbouring villages . Theorganic produce is exported to Germany andSwitzerland. He also has a grading andpacking unit for mangos and oranges.229. Mr Rohidas Vishnu Vasave(Jan-2006)Jankidevi Bajaj Gram Vikas Sanstha,C/o Samaj Seva Kendra,Survey No. 4272, Behind Akurdi PostOffice, Akurdi,Pune - 411 035,Maharashtra, IndiaTel: 020-27472851Fax: 020-27473398E-mail: jbgvs@bajajauto.co.inRohidas Vishnu Vasave (21), is from PimpriVillage located in a hill area of Pune district,Maharashtra. He is a SSC educated tribalyouth, with tremendous spirit and zeal foreducation.Presently, he is working as Assistant CentreManager in the ‘Rural Education andInformation Networking’ project supportedby Jankidevi Bajaj Gram Vikas Sanstha andthe World Bank. He is conducting classes fornon-formal education for the weak studentsand non-school going children. He is assistingwith management of the Centre as well as120 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSMaharashtrawith coordination of the activities of 7 villagesand KIRANS. As part of his work, heorganizes vocational classes at the Centrewith the help of Center Manager, andorganizes film shows in his village on varioussubjects for the farmers and women.Rohidas has attended a number of trainingcourses such as Organic Farming, bamboocraft training, creation and organization ofstreet plays, non-formal and remedialteaching training and literacy class training.He is training himself so that he can furtherimpart the same skills to his fellow tribals,and be a tool for the spread of education tothe tribal community.230. Mr Santosh Pusaram Dhoot(Jan-2006)C/o. ITC-IBD31, Sarojini Devi Road,Secunderabad-500 003,IndiaTel: + 91 9948077976E-mail: narayana.rao@itc.inSantosh Pusaram Dhoot (35), is a graduatefrom Medshi, district, Washim, Maharashtra,associated with ITC-IBD as Sanchalak of e-Choupal from the year 2004 .He is working very effectively for rural peoplefor village development, and is a very activefarmer in his village participated in extensionactivities. He gives useful suggestions tofarmers on how to increase yield with lowexpenditure, gives suggestions for irrigationmanagement, soil management, andfertilizer application in soil for farm practices.Santosh Dhoot also participated inGadgebaba Gramswachata Abhiyan andtakes the initiative to share his ICT traininginputs and knowledge with other farmers inthe village.231. Ms Saraswati BhimaJambhulkar (Ferb-2007)Village: Bhoire,Block-Vadgaon Maval,Taluka- Maval,District-Pune,State: Maharashtra.A very talented rural girl, Saraswati belongsto a village situated on the banks of Andralake of TATA Power company, in the hillyAndra Maval area in Pune District which is acatchment area for a dam. A 22 year oldgraduate, she has undergone training in nonformaland remedial teaching, womenempowerment and related laws and literacyteachers’ training.Presently, she is working as Centre Manager,Education and Training Unit for JankideviBajaj Gram Vikas Sanstha, covering 17villages of Andra Maval valley. Her work isto organize non-formal education classes fornon-school going and weak children in orderto increase attendance of children in primaryschool and reduce drop out rate. She alsoorganizes vocational training classes forunemployed youth at the centre and providesinternet information to farmers.An excellent and experienced rural worker,Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 121

NVA FELLOWSMaharashtraSaraswati despite being differently abled hastremendous zeal and spirit to work forbackward areas.232. Mr Shivaji DagadappaTorkad (Jan-2006)C/o. ITC-IBD31, Sarojini Devi Road,Secunderabad-500 003,IndiaTel: + 91 9948077976E-mail: narayana.rao@itc.inShivaji Dagadappa Torkad (35), and SSCeducated, hails from Village-Yeli in a dry zoneof Hingoli district, Maharashtra. He has beenassociated with ITC-IBD as Sanchalak of e-Choupal from the year 2004, and has evenparticipated in the Jalswaraj Yojna. Hemotivates and assists the village folks involvedin water management activities like waterfiltration, tree plantation and refilling ofcommon wells and shares his knowledgewith other farmers in the village.Through ITC-IBD he is trained in computerusage and Internet browsing, and takes theinitiative to share his ICT experience .233. Mr Shivaji Mane (Jan-2006)C/o. ITC-IBD31, Sarojini Devi Road,Secunderabad-500 003,IndiaTel: + 91 9948077976E-mail: narayana.rao@itc.inShivaji Mane (32), a graduate, comes fromChatari village in Yavatmal district,Maharashtra. Asociated with ITC-IBD asSanchalak of e-Choupal, he is trained incomputer applications and on qualityparameters of agri commodities and theirpricing. A farmer, Shivaji Mane has organisedthe agriculture fair “Kisan Melawa” for thelast two years for the agriculture department.He is also a member of “Sambhaji Brigade”- a voluntary organisation involved in disastermanagement. He has obtained training fromITC-IBD in the areas of computer usage andhas indepth knowledge on various qualitativeFMCG products. He takes initiative to shareall his training inputs and knowledge withother farmers in the village.234. Ms Shobha GenbhauShinde (Jul-2005)C/o Ashta No KaiP. O. Box 221, GPO Main Post Office,Pune 411 001Shobha is a frail and delicate village girl fromInglenagar (Village – Karanjawane), Punedistrict, whose higher education wassponsored through Ashta No Kai scholarshipfunds. Hailing from a family where her fatherdeserted her mother when Shobha was achild, she and her mother now reside withher maternal uncle. Shobha has a slighthandicap being stricken with polio as a childand walks with a limp. It is very creditablethat despite her background and financialhardship, she completed her Master’s degreein Social Work at Karve Institute of SocialService, Pune. During the senior year of herMA studies, she interned with Ashta No Kaifor a year, and since she showed promise122 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSMaharashtraand belonged to one of Ashta No Kai’sproject area villages, she was hired as aProgram Supervisor.In the two years she has been with AshtaNo Kai, Shobha now 23 has grown up to bea mentally strong leader. Her position at AshtaNo Kai and encouragement by senior staffand colleagues has helped her to mature.Realizing her potential as a leader, her selfconfidence has grown and found roots. She,who could not even ride a bicycle has learnedto ride a moped, and today moves from onevillage to another helping women conductmeetings, guiding them in account keeping,motivating them to take up small scalebusiness, access government schemes andparticipate in village Gram Sabhas. Sheaccompanies women’s groups to banks andintroduces them to bank officials. Her houseto house visits have made her a familiar figurein the villages she works in.Shobha has got the village girls together toform Kishori Mandals. She has encouragedgirls to attend school by taking advantageof Ashta No Kai’s Bicycle Bank scheme whichgives a bicycle to any school girl who livesmore than 2 kilometers away from school.Shobha has attended several capacitybuilding workshops, and participated invarious training sessions and workshops withdifferent NGOs to improve her field ofknowledge. She attended a 9 month legalliteracy course conducted by the local ILS LawCollege, SHG capacity building training andadolescent girls training. She keeps a checkof all office work and records at the AshtaNo Kai field office in Ranjangoan.Shobha realizes that to work for theimprovement of village women in her area,she needs to spread information to the villagewomen, encourage them to spare time tocome together and debate ways and meansto improve their lot. With her understandingof village women’s psyche, her knowledgeof professional social work and her desire tohelp the down trodden she has gained theconfidence and support of women in herarea who call her often to seek her advice.Shobha has a vision – to empower thewomen and girls in her village, and is happyto be instrumental in helping village womenon the path to village development.235. Ms Shobha Umesh Wani(Jan-2006)C/o. Commissioner AgricultureMaharashtra State2nd floor, Central BuildingPune – 411 001Tel: 020-26123648Fax: 020-26126150Shobha Umesh Wani (47), is a matriculatebelonging to Sakali village, in a hilly area andforested region in district Jalgaon,Maharashtra. Jalgaon district being theleading area in banana production, ShobhaUmesh Wani, an innovative and progressivefarmer, felt the need for banana processing.In the year 1998, she formed a women’sorganisation for household processing ofbanana.Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 123

NVA FELLOWSMaharashtraThe organisation prepared a range ofproducts from banana, which have becomecommercially viable and popular in themarket. This organization participated in theNational Banana Exhibition in 2000 wherethey demonstrated and displayed 35products made from banana for which theyreceived awards in five categories.Actively involved in organising women folkin the rural area and empowering them byimparting training, skills and arranging studytours, Shobha Umesh Wani was awarded theprestigious Jijamata Krishibhushan award inthe year 2002 by Government ofMaharashtra for her contribution toagriculture and women’s empowerment.236. Mr Subhash Sharma(Jan-2006)C/o. Commissioner AgricultureMaharashtra State2nd floor, Central BuildingPune - 411 001Tel: 020-26123648Fax: 020-26126150Subhash Sharma (53), is a B.Com graduateof Dorli Village, located in a dry area inYavatmal District, Maharashtra.He has experimented with varioustechnologies on his farm and has beensuccessful in achieving record yields in cotton, sorghum and wheat. After knowing the illeffects of chemical fertilizers and pesticides,he started experimenting with organicfarming. His experiments not only made himgain confidence but also benefited otherfarmers.He demonstrated that reducing theproduction cost and adopting appropriatemanagement practices, including watermanagement, could also enhanceproduction. He has received the Governmentof Maharashtra’s prestigious awardKrishibhushan in the Year 2002.Subhash Sharma is an innovative farmer whois always engaged in new experiments, andhas mastery in disseminating the agriculturalknowledge to the fellow farmers.237. Mr Sudhakar Shinde(Jan-2006)C/o. ITC-IBD31, Sarojini Devi Road,Secunderabad-500 003,IndiaTel: + 91 9948077976E-mail: narayana.rao@itc.inSudhakar Shinde (42), a postgraduate , livesin Gangapur village in a dry zone of Laturdistrict, Maharashtra. Associated with ITC-IBD as Sanchalak of e-Choupal from the year2004 and also with the Village Level waterharvesting Group, he is a very active personin his village.After a severe drought in 2000 the villagersstarted working on the concept of“Shramdan”. A water harvesting group,“Gangadevi Jal Sandharan SahakariSanstha” was formed under his leadership.Within 2 years, the water level increased124 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSMaharashtrathereby reducing the dependency of thevillage on water tankers.Sudhakar Shinde is trained in computerusage, Insurance and agri – commodities andtakes the initiative to share all his traininginputs and knowledge with other farmers inthe village.238. Ms Sulochana ShivajiBhoirkar (Feb-2007)Bhoire Village, Block-Vadgaon Maval,Maval, Pune, Maharashtra.A budding social worker and teacher, 20 yearold, SSC educated Sulochana has dedicatedherself to the spread of education in hervillage located in the hilly Andra Maval areaof Pune district, which is a catchment areafor a dam.She has undergone several training coursesincluding computer training and is presentlyworking as 'Kiran' in a rural education andinformation networking project supported byJankidevi Bajaj Gram Vikas Sanstha and theWorld Bank. She is conducting classes fornon-formal education and remedial teachingto weak students and non-school goingchildren.Sulochana also organises vocational classesat the centre with the help of the centremanager and organise film shows on varioussubjects for the farmers and women of hervillage.239. Ms Vijyantha Raut(Jul-2005)C/o Ashta No KaiP. O. Box 221, GPO Main Post Office,Pune 411 001Vijyantha Raut is a 35 year old empoweredvillage woman who has been instrumentalin creating waves of change in the remotevillage of Nimgoan Bhogi. The village with12 hamlets nestles among barren patchesof land, deprived of water and the absenceof green becomes obvious. Vijyantha gotmarried at 14 years; she had just completed7 th class. She came to Nimgoan Bhogi as achild bride and soon settled into the hardlife of a farm worker. She struggled alongwith her husband to feed her growingfamily. When Ashta No Kai started workingin her village in 1998, and was looking fora community worker to promote theiractivities, the village elders suggested hername. As an OBC she was elected amember of the Gram Panchayat.Working for Ashta No Kai fulfilled a long pentup desire of Vijyantha to do social work forher people. She saw a mission to be achievedand embraced it with all her energy. Vijyanthawas always willing to do something forherself, her family and neighbourhood. Herfriendly demeanour, bold ways and desire tohelp others won her many friends.Vijyantha, although only a 7 th class literate,showed far more depth and understandingof social issues than any trained MSW. Awilling and eager learner she lapped upJamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 125

NVA FELLOWSMaharashtrawhatever knowledge Ashta No Kai fed herthrough different trainings, workshops andexposures.Vijyantha received literacy training andmotivated village women to become literateconducting night classes in her village .Vijyantha threw herself wholeheartedly intothe women’s micro credit movement thatheld the key for future economic prosperityof village women. Today, thanks to her, thereare 21 savings groups in her village of 1800,each of the hamlets have at least onewomen’s savings group. She was largelyresponsible for securing almost 3 lakhs inloans for her BPL group for cow and goatrearing.Today if any outsider wants any informationabout Nimgoan Bhogi village, he/she isdirected to Vijyantha Raut’s two roomed hut.Vijyantha is the village development leader.She rides on her moped – a confident womanon the move. She never dreamed that shewould own and ride a vehicle of her own –but the presence of an NGO and her owndetermination made it possible. Vijyantha isthe new generation village social activist,who with her self motivation and vision haschanged a whole village’s outlook.240. Mr Vikas Giri (Jan-2006)C/o. ITC-IBD31, Sarojini Devi Road,Secunderabad-500 003,IndiaTel: + 91 9948077976E-mail: narayana.rao@itc.inVikas Giri (24), a high school pass, resides inlyahari village in Nanded district,Maharashtra. He has been associated withITC-IBD as Sanchalak of e-Choupal from theyear 2004 and is involved with the NirantarShiksha Yojana.He conducts classes regularly for villagechildren. The education material namely,books, maps, sports goods received from theEducation Department are used by him todisseminate information and teach thechildren. He also takes the initiative to sharewith other farmers in the village all thetraining inputs he has obtained from ITC-IBDin the areas of computer usage, Internetbrowsing, importance of Life & GeneralInsurance, quality parameters of agricommodities and their pricing andknowledge on various FMCG products.126 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSORISSA241. Ms Anupama Mohanta(Jan-2006)C/o OneWorld South Asia OfficeC5, Qutab Institutional AreaNew Delhi 110016Phone: 0091-11-41689000Anupama Mohanta (23), has studied up to+2 grade and comes from Nishaposi villagein Mayurbhanj district, Orissa. The mainoccupation of the people is agriculture andthey also depend on non timber forestproduce since the village is located in a forestregion where sometimes elephants arefound.She has keen interest in child rights relatedactivities and is a child mentor, facilitatingthe child-rights programmes of the village.She manages the activities of the children’sclub - Bajrangbali Sishu Sangha, schedulingtheir meetings, organising children in thegroup and helping them to design theactivities of the club.She also involves herself in agricultural work,and is one of the active members of villagelevel Self Help Groups. Although Anupamais new to these types of activities, she isorganising and coordinating the assignedtasks in a proper manner. She has beeninvolved with One World South Asia for thepast 2 years and has received training oncommunity communication skills.242. Ms Chinnalu Kandagiri(Aug-2006)C/o. World Food Programme,Orissa and Jharkhand,C-15, Forest Park, Bhubaneswar,Orissa - 751009Tel# 91-674-2533361/-86Fax# 91-674-2533879dominique.frankefort@wfp.org;Belonging to a small tribal village 42 yearold, 3rd Std educated Chinnalu Kandagiri isa tribal lady with a difference and is a verygood community mobilizer. Since her familyis landless, she and her husband cultivatepaddy in leased farms in the neighbouringvillages. The annual share of the yield is notsufficient for their consumption throughoutthe year, so to meet their basic needs, bothhusband and wife work on daily wages.Chinnalu motivated three active Women’sSHGs formed in her village to work in theForest Department’s nursery and earned aprofit of about Rs 69,000/- in a year. Underher dynamic leadership, the three WSHGsare formed into a federation. The membersof the federation are working in the nurseryand are expected to earn more profit thisyear. As the spokesperson of the team, sherepresents the problems of the federationand village in all fora and demands justiceand action. She plays a significant role in theempowerment of village women to achievea better standard of living. A true village levelJamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 127

NVA FELLOWSOrissaleader, Chinnalu is accepted by all as acommitted worker.243. Mr Jagdish Das (Jan-2006)C/o OneWorld South Asia OfficeC5, Qutab Institutional AreaNew Delhi 110016Phone: 0091-11-41689000Jagdish Das (23), comes from Kundala villagein Keonjhar district, located in the forest areaof northern Orissa. A graduate, he hasexpertise in functional literacy and healthissues. He is a good motivator and anorganizer and is now working as a child rightsmentor and village animator. He is activelyinvolved in child rights activities of a children’sclub - Alokjyoti Child Rights Club, where heorganizes the members and monitorschildren’s meetings and activities. Through aconsultative process he assists children inidentifying issues.He is also looking after the villagedevelopment activities like coordinatingvillage meetings, meetings of SHG,organising various activities, preparing thevarious reports of the village etc. He is also agood actor performing in different plays.244. Mr Kanhei Charan Naik(Jan-2006)C/o OneWorld South Asia OfficeC5, Qutab Institutional AreaNew Delhi 110016Phone: 0091-11-41689000Kanhei Charan Naik (25), of Gorandijodivillage, Keonjahar district, Orissa has studiedup to high school. He is actively involved withthe community activities since last 2 years inthe areas of agriculture, health, functionalliteracy and child rights related activitiesKanhei is involved in child rights activities inthe village and is the mentor of DharmapadaSishu Sangha (Children’s club of the village).He looks after the activities of club, conductsmeetings of the children and helps them toidentify issues and the role of differentstakeholders to address the issues in aconsultative manner. He motivates thechildren to be involved and organised. He isa good singer and also writes small storiesreflecting on various issues.245. Ms Laxmi Mandangi (Aug-2006)Jhara, Penkam,PS - Ramnaguda, Rayagada35 year old Laxmi Mandangi who has studiedup to 7 th Std. belongs to Jhara, a small tribalvillage in Rayagada District with just 61households consisting of harijan and kandhatribes.Though her family owns about two acres oflanded property, both she and her husbandhave to work on daily wages to supplementtheir income, since the annual yield from thefamily owned land is not sufficient for theirconsumption throughout the year.Laxmi is a dynamic lady with goodcommunication skills and an excellent teamleader. Despite the pressing work to fulfil the128 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSOrissaneeds for sustenance of her family, shedevotes considerable time for strengtheningof women’s groups. She mobilizes andmotivates village women to form groups ofactive WSHGs in order to take up enterprisingincome-generating activities. An advocate forthe upliftment of village women, she raisesher voice against injustice and as thespokesperson for the group and for thevillage, she presents their problems at all fora,demanding justice and action. She plays asignificant role in the empowerment ofvillage women and literacy for the children.through photographs. During the 2003flood, he took photographs of the maroonedvillages in Orissa and sent them to thegovernment for rehabilitation andresettlement packages. OSDMA (an agencyof Govt of Orissa) awarded him the bestorganiser on the eve of Disaster DayObservation & National Day for DisasterReduction on 29 th Oct 2004 at Bhubaneswar.Soumya Ranjan wishes to work for thevoiceless in India.246. Mr SoumyaranjanPattanayak (Jul-2005)S/o Mr Pradyumna PattanayakAtlPo- DigdharDist.Mayurbhanja ,Orissa, Pin 757038mysorg@rediffmail.comSoumya Ranjan comes from a tribal villagecalled Digdhar in the Mayurbhanja Districtof Orissa. The 21-year-old who has studiedup to + 2 and has a diploma incinematography, has been involved withcommunity development activities since2002.Soumya Ranjan was exposed to photographywhile pursuing his intermediate studies.Today, as MYS coordinator he teaches thestudents computers & photography andpromotes Information Technology amongsthis community members. As a part of theMYS program, he assists the people of hisvillage and surrounding villages in registeringtheir grievances with the governmentJamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 129

NVA FELLOWS247. Ms E Ambiga (Jul-2005)C/o M S Swaminathan ResearchFoundationPillaiyarkuppam, ThandamannathamPO, Valudhavoor RoadPondicherry 605 502,Tel: 0413 2667861, 2666484- a social activist with a passion andcommitment to the social and economicupliftment and empowerment of ruralwomen.Hailing from Kalitheerthalkuppam,Pondicherry, the 27-year-old social workerhas been zealously acquiring computer skillsand is a qualified computer educator in thevillage. She has shared her knowledge andexperience with other members in thesociety. Exuding self-confidence andcommitted to empowering the women in hervillage, this knowledge-worker is nowrunning computer-literacy programmes.As the President of the Women’s WelfareSavings and Self Help Group, she has takenseveral village development works such asprovision of street lights and drainage system,building a compound wall around the graveyard, desilting of tanks and erection of waterharvesting structures. Her group offeredfinancial assistance to meet children’seducation, medical expenses and other familyfunctions.Mrs. Ambika has been helping the farmersPONDICHERRYin the village by providing comprehensiveinformation on indigenous agriculture forsustainable development, and helped theyoung women and the youth in gettingsuitable jobs in the government as well inthe private sector.With all these significant contributions inrecent years, she enjoys a special status inthe society. She has now been acknowledgedas a “most respected and knowledgeablewoman through her involvement asvolunteer in MSSRF Knowledge Center”.248. Ms AmirthamDharmalingam (Jan-2006)C/o M S Swaminathan ResearchFoundationPillaiyarkuppam, ThandamannathamPO, Valudhavoor RoadPondicherry 605 502, Tel: 04132667861, 2666484Amirtham Dharmalingam (37), is fromEmbalam village, Pondicherry. A dynamicentrepreneur, she has studied up to 9 th classand proved herself as one among the bestknowledge workers involved in communitydevelopment activities through the RuralKnowledge Centre. She became selfinnovativein running her own small-scalepickle production unit at home andgenerating considerable income. She alsoproduces soap oil, phenol and detergent bluein a small scale as part of her income130 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSPondicherrygenerating activities. She is an active trainerfor production of numerous such cottageindustry products.Amirtham helped several aged women andwidows to get their monthly pension fromthe concerned departments. About 38families were helped for training on scientificrearing of cattle by Rajiv Gandhi College ofVeterinary Science with educational stipendsfrom DRDA. She has trained about 30 SelfHelp groups to start their own enterprises.As part of her contribution for villagedevelopment, she became a participant ofthe health camps organized by thedepartment of health on general health,dental care and eye care, directing the peopleto the concerned hospitals. Similarly sheacted as an animator for AIDS, malaria andleprosy camps to make the people aware ofthe program.She is computer literate and teaches her ownchildren as well as other children. She is agood social worker and shares whateverknowledge she gains with fellow membersof society.249. Mr M Arulselvam(Jan-2006)No.15, South st.,Nallavadu post,Pondicherr - 605 007class and has a Diploma in ComputerApplication. Being computer literate he hastaken every step to promote computerliteracy in his village through the KnowledgeCentre.The versatile experience gained as aKnowledge Worker enabled him to managethe Village Knowledge Centres set up byMSSRF in some tsunami affected villages ofTamil Nadu this year. With full zeal andinterest he spends most of his valuable timefor the development of the fishermencommunity.As a volunteer Arulselvam guides youth inNallavadu to apply for government jobs andhas helped a few get government jobs inPondicherry. As a trainer, he guides teachersand students to participate in computerassisted learning programme and also guidesstudents to take up some courses relevantto fishery, He also takes responsibility fordissemination of coastal information to thefishermen on a day-to-day basis.Apart from computer skills, he is proficientwith wireless networking for data and voicetransmission and was successful in using thepublic addressing system to alert his peopleat the time of tsunami in his village Nallavadu.He is also a good writer and has expertise inart and screen-printing.Arulselvam (27), hails from a fisher family inNallavadu village, Pondicherry. He is a seniorvolunteer at the MSSRF Rural KnowledgeCentre since 2003. He has studied up to 12 thJamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 131

NVA FELLOWSPondicherry250. Mr A Baskaran (Aug-2006)29, Desamarriyamman koil st,Embalam, Nettapakkam Commune,Pondicherry - 605 106.Baskaran, aged 40, is post graduate socialworker with humanitarian attitude to helpothers. He established his own social serviceproject named ‘Perunthalaivar KamarajarRehabilitation Centre for physicallychallenged people’ in his village, Embalam,through which he could help handicappedpeople to get tricycles, motor cycles andassistance to those belonging to BPL category. Through Women DevelopmentCorporation, he got old age pension formany women and financial assistance forwidows and lactating women. Nearly 200women belonging to his village werebenefited.Baskaran motivated the government torelease housing loan facilities to the poor andneedy people under PerunthalaivarKamarajar Housing scheme. His organizationbagged the State Welfare Award from theDept of Social welfare, Pondicherry and alsoa Certificate for successful recognition as‘Resource Centre for Non–Formal EducationProgramme’ in Pondicherry.251. Ms K Bharathy (Aug-2006)13, Pillaiyar koil street,Karasur Village, Villiyanur block,Pondicherry - 605 110Ph: 9994865547Since 2004 Bharathy, 33, has been involvedwith community activities. She is educatedtill 10 th Std and is a Bio- village councilmember. She runs a crèche at village levelfor the benefit of working women and is amember of a school team in her village thatassists school drop–outs to return to schooland contributes towards maintenance of theschool premises.Bharathy’s work with the Bio-village councilincludes organized SHGs, credit linked withState Bank and providing information aboutcouncil meetings. She also participates inmedical camps and cattle health camps aswell as does service for water managementas a member of the tank rehabilitation groupin her village.252. Mr S Bharthidasan(Jul-2005)C/o M S Swaminathan ResearchFoundationPillaiyarkuppam,Thandamannatham PO,Valudhavoor RoadPondicherry 605 502,Tel: 0413 2667861, 2666484Bharthidasan, aged 26 is an ITI professional,associated as a volunteer of the knowledgecenter of Koonichempet, a dalit village in132 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSPondicherryPondicherry. He is an energetic youthparticipating in several village leveldevelopment activities and member of anactive youth association. He has contributedhis services for a number of environmentalprotection and pollution control programs.Under his own initiative he planted more than200 saplings around his village and tendedthem personally. He organized ozone relatedworkshop in his village and createdawareness on ozone protection. He alsomotivated 25 youths in his village to take anoath to celebrate Deepavali festival withoutusing crackers to protect the atmosphere.Bharathidasan has expertise in the area ofhealth promotion as part of villagedevelopment activities. He organized first aidcamps for fire and vehicle accidents to createawareness among his villagers, and alsoorganized eye camps. More than 165 personsfrom his own village – Koonichempetreceived eye treatment, and more than 300village children received eye check up in eyecamps in his village schools. He alsoorganized an eye donation camp whereabout 50 person’s names were registered byhim as donors, and also organized avolunteer blood donor camp. Bharathidasanacted as a volunteer in polio dropsimmunization programs.253. Mr R Chandirasekaran(Aug-2006)58, Kavalkaran Koil st, Kunichampet,Thirukanur Taluk,Pondicherry - 605 501.Ph: 9442396654A dynamic youth aged 25, R Chandrasekaranis a graduate in Chemistry, having the zealand determination to uplift his dalitcommunity in Koonichempet village, located24 kms from Pondicherry Town. He isheading the youth movement called‘Ilamburakkal Youth Association’ where hemotivated a good number of youth from hiscommunity to work with unity to promotelivelihood opportunities, through variousservices especially identifying the entitlementfrom the Government for the benefit of hisfellow caste members. Being a teacher in agovernment school he also educates hisstudents on promoting livelihoodopportunities through voluntary services.Chandrasekaran applied his services to hiscommunity on the area of health throughvarious awareness programs like HIV Aids,polio vaccination, eye camps, BP camps anddental camps at schools. He encouragedpeople in his locality to get the benefit fromthe Dept of Agriculture by bringing socialforestry schemes to his village. He alsoaddressed the problems of women in hisvillage by advising them on methods ofscientific rearing of cattle through knowledgeguidelines from M S Swaminathan ResearchFoundation , Rajiv Gandhi College ofJamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 133

NVA FELLOWSPondicherryVeterinary Sciences and animal HusbandryDepartment.For the last one decade he has rendered hisservices for the benefit of his villagecommunity with his humanitarian work suchas helping the aged, widows andhandicapped children by way of gettingassistance from the Rotary Club.254. Ms DhanalakshumiRadhakrishnan (Jul-2005)19, Perumal kovil st.,EmbalamPondicherry - 605 106.Dhanalakshumi Radhakrishnan aged 32 fromEmbalam village in Pondicherry, has schooleducation up to 9 th std. She is a seniorvolunteer in the Rural Knowledge Centreholding active membership as treasurer of awomens association, executive committeemember in the Village Development Counciland President of a self help group.She is good trainer on formation of self helpgroups and maintenance of SHG accountsin digital format by using MSSRF-SHGaccounts software. She promotes computerliteracy as well as serves as a resource personfor training on various enterprises such asproduction of incense, candles, phenol,washing powder, artificial seashellornaments, pickles, etc. She is a member ofthe editorial board of MSSRF “NammavoorSeithi” bi-monthly newspaper.Dhanalakshumi has contributed much onhealth promotion in her village andcontinuously for 2 years participated in PulsePolio Immunization volunteer work inEmbalam. She participated in health campsfor HIV-Aids, malaria, elephantiasis andleprosy and about 100 patients benefited,including a few who were sent to AravindEye Hospital for cataract operation. She hasbeen associated with the family counsellingprogrammme held in Kalitheerthalkuppamvillage and guided women on fundamentallegal rights, and has also participated inwatershed management and rainwaterharvesting programmme organized by thePublic Works department. She motivatedabout 30 women and 10 SHGs to participatein mother and child health, nutritionprogrammes.255. Mr R Elumalai (Jul-2005)36, South st.,Veerampattinam,Pondicherry - 605 007R.Elumalai aged 31 is dynamic in everyinitiative he takes for his coastal home villageVeerampattinam in Pondicherry. Aninsurance agent by profession, he is a seniorvolunteer of the Knowledge Centre in hisvillage, associated with MSSRF since 1999.A diploma holder in Engineering(mechanical), he has taken every step topromote computer literacy in his villagethrough the Knowledge Centre.Elumalai has diverse experience asKnowledge Centre volunteer in a coastalvillage and the experience he gained helped134 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSPondicherryhim to manage the tsunami affected villageKnowledge Centre at Kovalam coastal villagenear Mahabalipuram which was establishedin early 2005 as immediate relief measurefor the tsunami affected people.As a volunteer Elumalai guided many youthsin Veerampatinam to apply for governmentjobs due to which about 12 youths gotgovernment jobs in Pondicherry. He alsoguided students to take up some coursesrelevant to fishermen, which benefited anumber of youths. As a trainer he guidedteachers and students to participate incomputer assisted learning programmmes.His other services include identifying patientswith cataract problems to get free treatmentin Aravind Eye Hospital, centralizing theelectricity department’s services through theKnowledge Centre, and taking theresponsibility for dissemination of coastalinformation to the fishermen on a day-todaybasis. With full zeal and interest hespends much of his time for the developmentof fisherfolk community.256. Ms Ezhilarsi (Jul-2005)C/o M S Swaminathan ResearchFoundationPillaiyarkuppam, ThandamannathamPO, Valudhavoor RoadPondicherry 605 502,Tel: 0413 2667861, 2666484Ezhilarsi aged 28 is a farmer’s daughter andhousewife, hailing from Kizhur village inPondicherry. She is senior volunteer in theRural Knowledge Centre with expertise intraining women in tailoring. About 9 womenmembers from the SHGs were guided by herto own tailoring machines through bankloans, and to have their own tailoring centresto take on jobs they get from garment units.Ezhilarsi trained more than 50 womenmembers from SHGs in collaboration withMotilal Nehru Govt. Polytechnic inPondicherry. Her programmes were chosenas a model, prompting the Polytechnicinstitution to take up similar trainingprogrammes in other MSSRF informationvillages. She is also good in documentationof indigenous knowledge of the village inareas of agriculture and health. Shemotivated students to have computer literacy,which made more than 100 students becomecomputer literate by studying in theknowledge centre.Ezhilarsi devoted much of her time in helpingSHGs for financial record keeping anddirecting them to take up various trainingprograms announced by District IndustriesCorporation and Women DevelopmentCorporation.257. Mr N Gnanasekar(Jan-2006)No:4, Mariyamman kovil st.,Poornakuppam,Pondicherry - 605 007Gnanasekar (25), from Poornankuppamvillage, Pondicherry, has studied up to 12 thclass and has a diploma in computerapplication and computer office automation.Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 135

NVA FELLOWSPondicherryHailing from a farmer’s family, he is highlyinnovative and has taken the initiative toguide farmers of his home village. A seniorvolunteer of the MSSRF Knowledge Centre,MSSRF since 2000, he is computer literateand has taken every step to promotecomputer literacy in his village through theKnowledge Center.In Poornonkuppam, nearly 80% of thefarmers are horticulturists cultivatingvegetables and flowers. Gnanasekar is afarmer’s friend and guide, helping them todo appropriate farming in their land, basedon soil condition and season. Being a farmer’sson, he takes personal care and guides themaway from chemical fertilizer and pesticide,to opt for organic farming and inter-cropping,which fetches good profit.Gnanasekar trains regular students andschool dropouts to participate in thecomputer assisted learning programme.Every year he conducts free computertraining program the students by usingeducational CDs and joins hands with Non –Formal education programme to given freecomputer training to more than 50 students.He helps other NGOs conduct healthawareness programs like pre and post natalcare of pregnant and lactating mothers,anemia, diabetics, child immunizationpractices, gynecological disorders, AIDs etc.,to their villagers. He focuses onenvironmental sanitation and pollution issuesin his village through community meetings.258. Mr V Innarasu (Aug-2006)15, Mariyamman Koil Street,Thirukanchipet, Villiyanur,Pondicherry - 605 110.Ph: 0413-2660825Innarasu,42, educated up to school level(SSLC) belongs to the village Thirukanchipet,a dalit area located 20 kms from Pondicherrytown, and has an interest in promoting sportsamong the youth. In 1989 he established ayouth club for sports and encouraged thestudents to get free sports related materials.He helped people in his community to getfree land from the government and alsomoved the government to develop his villageby bringing more sanitation facilities likeconstruction of toilets and cremation ground.In 2005 he prevented sand theft by thebusinessmen, in riverbanks around his villagewith the cooperation of men and womenfrom his village. This good deed awakenedthe government to stop sand smugglingbusiness in his area.259. Ms Janaki Vinayagam(Jan-2006)Ambedkar st, Thirukanchipet,Kilijikuppam post, Villiyanur via,Pondicherry - 605110Janaki Vinayagam (32), from ThirukanchipetDalit village in Pondicherry, has studied upto 10 th class and proved herself as one amongthe best of community developmentworkers.136 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSPondicherryShe is associated with the MSSRF RuralKnowledge Centre since 2003 and is a livingexample of how a woman can becomeindependent to face the day-to-daychallenges in life and how to solve themthrough timely attention. She inspired andempowered by seeing other women ofsimilar calibre fuctioning as social reformersin her village, she came forward to be avolunteer and social worker to help her ownfellow members.Janaki became computer literate and becamea qualified tutor to run her own computertrainingcentre. She was given training onsoap oil, phenol and detergent blueproduction and is now an active trainer ofthe various enterprises. She is the firstwoman driver of the emission free “bijili”tempo, the peoples’ transport vehicle ownedby the twelve women Self Help groups ofThirukanchipet village.She participates in health related campsorganized by the department of health ongeneral health, dental, eye care. Similarly forAIDs, malaria, leprosy camps she acted asanimator to make the people aware of theprogrammes.She is Secretary in Environmental PollutionControl Committee, Secretary for the SocialForestry Programme and a Member of theTank Irrigation project in her village. Hailingfrom a very backward village community sheworks sincerely for upliftment of the memberof her community, especially women.260. Mr N Janardhanan(Aug-2006)59, Villiyanur Road, Embalam,Nettapakkam Commune,Pondicherry - 605 106.Phone: 0413-2645492Janardhanan aged 45 who has studied uptoschool level (plus 2) hails from Embalamvillage located in 20 kms from Pondicherrytown. He is a farmer and an active socialworker. A good communicator, he could helphis fellow farmers to learn about the usageof various agriculture machinery and to gettheir seeds and agriculture machineries in asubsidized manner from the Government. Hemotivated the Banks to extend their financialhelp to the farmers to build their housesunder Kamarajar Housing Scheme of thegovernment.When he was the President of the EuropeanCommission’s Tank RehabilitationProgramme, Janardhanan effectivelycontrolled people who encroached onriverbeds for their personal purposes.Through this effort, his village TankRehabilitation program stood the best amongother villages. He received good appreciationfor his actions to promote an environmentalprotection movement in his village andthereby became an Executive Member of theFarmer’s Green Corp. run through farmers’Ulzhavar Uthaviyagam (farmers’ market). Healso planted several thousand saplingsaround his village.Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 137

NVA FELLOWSPondicherry261. Mr G Jayakrishnan(Jul-2005)44, West st., Kizhur post,Nettapakkam, Pondicherry - 605 106Jayakrishnan is a diligent 23 year old youthhailing from a farmers’ family in Kizhur inPondicherry. He has graduated in commercewith diploma in co-operation and has alsoparticipated in a vocational course inScientific Agriculture. He is proficient incomputer languages and has become amaster trainer. He prepared excellentdocumentation based on the process andcomposed 100 case studies of the users ofthe Rural Knowledge centre located inPondicherry by interviewing all the userspersonally.As a technical person with training in systemmaintenance and wireless networking, he ishelping all the knowledge workers (youth)in the rural knowledge centers located in 12villages in Pondicherry to get trained incomputer operations and wirelessconnectivity. He became a village resourceperson for technical guidelines.As a trainer Jayakrishnan guided teachers,youth and students to participate incomputer assisted learning programmes. Heis good in documentation and contentdevelopment based on indigenousknowledge of the village, in the areas ofagriculture and health. Since 1995 till todayhe has rendered his services to youthdevelopment in his village and helping youthfrom other villages to becomeknowledgeable in technical matters andchange the quality of their life.262. Ms Jayanthi Janakiraman(Jan-2006)50, Kavalkaran kovilst., Koonichempet,Thirukanur post. Pondicherry - 605 501Jayanthi Janakiraman, (21), fromKoonichempet Dalit village in Pondicherry,has studied up to 12 th class and is a respectedknowledge worker at the MSSRF RuralKnowledge Centre.She holds responsible positions in the villageas a member of the group for village-levelEnvironmental Pollution Control, a memberof a Youth Association and a member ofRotary Club village level committee. Underthe poverty alleviation program, she directedfamilies acquire their own shelter throughsubsidy released by the Government, anddirected many women members get theirdue government entitlements through SelfHelp groups. She is also an active participantin social forestry scheme introduced by thegovernment for environmental protection.For income generation, Jayanthi helps youthin her village join various training programslike learning jute bag making by machine,promotes women’s tailoring enterprises athome, encourages cattle owners to gettrained at the Veterinary College on scientificrearing of cattle and organizes training campson fruits and vegetable preservation andpreparation of nutritious food for children.138 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSPondicherry263. Mr P Jayaraman(Aug-2006)8, Thirukanchipet Main Road,Thirukanchipet, Villiyanur Commune,Pondicherry - 605 110Educated upto school level (SSLC) Jayaraman,30 is a social worker from Thirukanchipetvillage in Pondicehrry . He was working asVolunteer in the Knowledge Centre for about3 years, guiding all the fellow members ofthe society to get the maximum benefits fromthe government on various schemes meantfor the dalit community. He directed a goodnumber of students and youth to propereducational, training and employmentopportunities.Jayaraman joined the ‘Sudeshimitran YouthClub’ in his village and started his mission byhelping people to get their updated landrecords from Revenue department andgetting bank finance to the SHGs of his area.By becoming a member of the BiocentreCouncil, he helped the farmers in his area toget technical know how on differentagricultural practices. He is now working asa compounder in a private doctor’s clinic andin his spare time he helps students to getcomputer training in the Knowledge Centre.264. Ms Kathanayagi(Aug-2006)36, Marriyamman Koil St,Sivaranthagam, Villiyanur Commune,Pondicherry - 605 106.Ph: 984368324910 th Std educated 40 year old Kathanayagihas been actively engaged in a variety ofcommunity activities in her coastal village forthe past 13 years. She is a Bio-Village Councilmember and has been identified as a rolemodel for mushroom production by theDistrict Industries of Commerce, Pondicherry.Her work has included forming 23 SHGs,credit linking with nationalized banks,training on accounts maintenance and bookkeeping,as well as assisting NABARD toorganise enterprise training.Kathanayagi always insisted that the villageSHG men and women should repay the dueamount to the banks and facilitated the SHGsto avail government subsidies for animalhusbandry. She helped with organizingmedical camps and cattle health camps andalso enabled deserving women andhandicapped persons to get governmentassistance.265. Ms B Kasthuri (Jul-2005)w/o Bupathi,Balamurugan nagar, Embalam,Pondicherry.Phone: 0413 5542779- a dynamic social worker with grit anddetermination to elevate the status ofJamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 139

NVA FELLOWSPondicherrywomen in the rural societies.A keen social activist Mrs. B. Kasthuri (36)from Embalam in Pondicherry is particularlycommitted to uplifting the rural women botheconomically and socially. Endowed withgood leadership qualities, she hassuccessfully mobilized women’s forums andenlightened them with the social and welfareprogrammes of the government.She has dispelled several taboos, myths andevils in the society working against the ruralwomen through regular counseling andhelped to solve several disputes in ruralfamilies. She has organized two micro-creditand savings groups for the women in thevillage and saved them from the clutches ofusurious money lenders.After gaining high levels of computer skills,she is popularizing the use of computersamong the villagers. Exuding tremendousenergy and lot of self-confidence, Mrs.Kasthuri is a role model for many women inthe village, and she is today a much soughtafterand a highly respected woman in thesociety. This simple housewife has won thedistinction as a “most respected andknowledgeable woman through herinvolvement as volunteer in MSSRFKnowledge Center”.266. Ms V Krishnaveni(Aug-2006)6, Main Road, Melsathamangalam,korkadu (post), Villiyanur Commune,Pondicherry - 605 110Ph: 0413-2644533 / 9362993307From 1996 onwards 36 year old Krishnaveniwho has studied up to 12 th Std has beenworking for various social and communityactivities. She has been actively engaged intraining activities as well as in social welfarein her village. She assisted NABARD toorganize enterprise training, organizedwomen SHG members to do composite fishculture in community ponds and facilitatedthe SHGs to avail of Animal HusbandryDepartment subsidy for dairy development,goat and poultry rearing. She helps pregnantwomen to get government assistance andalso arranges for old age pension, pensionfor widows and for physical disabilityassistance.Krishnaveni protested against an arrack shopin the village and as a member of theeducation for all movement she assisted insending school drop-outs back to school andin arranging for renovation of the schoolpremises. She rendered service to thetsunami-affected people of the coastalKaraikal region as well as for relief in Gujarat.She assisting the Government departmentto organize medical camps and cattle healthcamps and was also involved in formingSHGs and providing training on accountsmaintenance and book-keeping.140 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSPondicherry267. Ms Lakshmi (Aug-2006)17. Kamarajar Nagar, Keezhur,Keezhur (PO), Nettapakkam (via),PondicherryPhone: 0413 2698590Lakshmi aged 37 is an active Bio-villagecouncil member who has been identified asa role model for coir production by the districtIndustries of commerce, Pondicherry. At thetime of the tsunami in 2004 she offered herservices for the tsunami affected people ofChidambaram region and also gave coirproduction training to them for incomegeneration.As Bio-village council member she isresponsible for giving information aboutcouncil meetings, organizing SHGs and creditlinked with banks, and as a member of thetank rehabilitation team, she is involved inwater management in her coastal village.From 1994 onwards Lakshmi has been doingsocial work including assisting thegovernment department to organize campsfor AIDS awareness, polio immunization andfilaria control. She has taken initiatives tostreamline transportation in her village andis a member of a cultural group that spreadsawareness on various issues in the area.268. Ms S Malarkodi (Aug-2006)15, Sanniyasappan koil street,Sorapet, Mannadipattu Commune,Pondicherry - 605 501.Ph: 0413 - 2680279Malarkodi , 45 is 11 th Std educated and is aBio Village Council and NABARD VVV clubmember. She is a role model for successfuluse of organic biopesticide and she isengaged in facilitating women to adoptorganic farming.From 1996 onwards she has been involvedwith numerous community activities such asforming SHGs , arranging training in variousenterprises, facilitating subsidies for dairy,goat or poultry, assisting with medical camps,facilitating pensions and aid for deservingpersons and helping school children.Malarkodi took the initiative to resolve acommunal caste conflict in her village, servedthe tsunami affected people of neighbouringKaraikal and did relief work for Gujarat.269. Ms A Malarvizhi(Aug-2006)9. Main Road, Kilinji kuppam Po,Thirukanchipet, Villianur, PondicherryPhone : 98652 64823From 1996 onwards 32 year old 9 th stdeducated Malarvizhi has been involved withmany different community activities in hercoastal village. As a Bio Village Councilmember her work included forming SHGs,credit linking with nationalized banks,Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 141

NVA FELLOWSPondicherrytraining on accounts maintenance and bookkeeping as well as facilitating the SHGs toavail of government or Animal Husbandrydepartment subsidy for dairy, goat or poultry.Malarvizhi assisted the Governmentdepartment to organize medical camps onpolio, AIDS awareness and filaria, and as amember in the education for all programmeshe sent school drop –outs back to school.She also helped pregnant women to getgovernment assistance as well as assisted thegovernment department to give old agepension, widows’ pension and physicallydisabled assistance. She rendered service tothe tsunami affected people of Karaikalregion and for Gujarat relief.270. Mr K Munian (Jan-2006)75, Pillyar Kovil St,Thirukanur (Post), Koonichempet,Pondicherry - 605 501.Phone: 0413-2680540,Email: k.muniyan@yahoo.co.inMunian (20) is a Dalit youth fromKoonichempet village in Pondicherry,educated up to 12 th class. With a desire toassist the young people in his village he joinedas a volunteer in the MSSRF Rural KnowledgeCentre, and proved himself as one amongthe best knowledge workers involved incommunity development activities.He trained himself in computer literacy,became qualified to train the local youth andstudents, and helped youth in his village tojoin various training programmes. He hascontributed much for village developmentthrough participation in health services –diabetes prevention camp, eye health campfor general public and school children, blooddonation camp, pulse polio distribution campand general subjects like first aid to victimsof fire and accident camp etc. Similarly heshares whatever knowledge he gains onhealth with other members of thecommunity.Under the poverty alleviation programme,along with other Knowledge Workers, hehelped 10 families build their own shelter ata cost of Rs.55000, under the subsidyreleased by the Government. He also helpeda physically handicapped student get hisentitlement of a free tri-cycle from thegovernment. He is an active participant insocial forestry scheme introduced by thegovernment for environmental protection,and holds several positions such as Memberin the village-level Environmental PollutionControl committee.271. Mr K Murgan (Jan-2006)#32, Kavalkaran kovil street,Koonichempet, Thirukanur,Pondicherry - 605 501Phone: 994193265,Email: k.murugan@rediffmail.comMurugan (20), comes from a Dalit family inKoonichempet village, Pondicherry. He holdsa Diploma in Computer Teacher Education,has proved to be one of the best knowledgeworkers at the MSSRF Rural KnowledgeCentre.142 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSPondicherryHe has attended numerous training campson a variety of subjects such as diabetesprevention, eye health for general public andschool children, blood donation, and pulsepolio distribution; He has helped conductdental camp, blood pressure checking camp,eye camp organized by Aravind Eye Hospital,awareness camp on oral cancer and tobaccoand identification jointly conducted by MSSRF& JIPMER, ENT and Eye care camp, trainingon first aid to victims of fire and accidentcamp, traffic rules and regulation awarenessprogram, Ozone environment awarenesscamp, Human Right awareness camp etc.,He has contributed much for his villagedevelopment by sharing whateverknowledge he gained through his training,with other members of the society.Murugan is qualified to train the local youthand the students in computer operations andand helps them to get employmentopportunity information from the ruralknowledge center and is in charge of a NightSchool for the school dropouts and elders.He directed many male members get theirgovernment entitlements and organizedvarious training programs for youth on jutebag production, for women on tailoring,computer operation training, organic farmingpractices, rain water harvesting, handicrafttraining to students, scientific rearing of cattlefor the farmers and cattle owners, and touchscreen operation training for the farmers andcattle owner as the subject related tolivestock management.An active participant in social forestryschemes introduced by the government forenvironmental protection, he motivatedpeople thorough youth associations not topollute the air with fire crackers duringfestivals, for healthy environment. He holdspositions as Member in the village-levelEnvironmental Pollution Control Committe,Youth Association and Rotary club villagelevel committee.272. Ms R Murugapathy(Aug-2006)106, Murugan Koil Street,Keezh sathamangalam,Korkadu (PO), Villianur (Via),PondicherryPhone: 0413-329273032 year old Murugapathy belongs to acoastal village in Pondichery and has passed8 th Std. She has been actively engaged intraining activities as well as in social welfarein her village. She assisted NABARD toorganize enterprise training, organizedwomen SHG members to do composite fishculture in community ponds and facilitatedthe SHGs to avail of Animal HusbandryDepartment subsidy for dairy development,goat and poultry rearing. She helps pregnantwomen to get government assistance andalso arranges for old age pension, pensionfor widows and for physical disabilityassistance.Murugapathy took the initiative to protestagainst an arrack shop which she succeededin having shifted outside the village. As aJamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 143

NVA FELLOWSPondicherrymember of the education for all movementshe assists in sending school drop-outs backto school and in arranging for renovation ofthe school premises.She rendered service to the tsunami-affectedpeople of the coastal Karaikal region as wellas for earthquake relief in Gujarat.273. Ms P Packialoutchmy(Jul-2005)C/o. OneWorld South Asia OfficeC5, Qutab Institutional AreaNew Delhi 110016Phone: 0091-11-61689000Fax: 0091-11-51689001Her village in Pondicherry was among thefirst to be devastated by the deadly Tsunami,last month. Several lives were lost and manymore houses, devastated. But far fromfeeling dejected, the tsunami onlystrengthened her resolve to use ICT to ensurethat another such disaster does not wreakhavoc in her village again.Packialoutchmy works as a volunteer in anMSSRF project in a village in Pondicherry. Sheuses the Internet to download life-savingweather reports on the sea conditions andwave heights and then shares these throughradio broadcasts, with the fishermen in thenearby villages. She also gathers, collates anddisseminates information from governmentdepartments on health facilities, employmentnews and entitlement schemes and sendsthese to surrounding villages. With just arudimentary knowledge of English, she usesthe English letter keyboard to create Tamilfonts.Packialoutchmy hopes that the society oftomorrow will incorporate the needs andperspectives of people at the grassroots suchas herself. This she feels is imperative, if thebenefits of ICTs have to reach all, especiallythe voiceless, the marginalised and the poor.274. Ms PrabuvaniRanganathan (Jul-2005)C/o M S Swaminathan ResearchFoundationPillaiyarkuppam,Thandamannatham PO,Valudhavoor RoadPondicherry - 605 502,Tel: 0413 2667861, 2666484Prabuvani Ranganathan aged 27, a dynamicyoung commerce under graduate withPostgraduate diploma in computerapplication promoted computer literacyprogrammes in her coastal village,Periakalapet in Pondicherry by using the ruralknowledge centre. She is a senior volunteerat the centre and has guided a good numberof fisher families to get their governmententitlements and also helped widows andaged to get their pensions. She organizedseveral training programs for fisherwomen -one of them was ornamental fish rearingconducted by the department of fisheries andfishermen welfare.Prabuvani was also active in identifyingcataract patients in her village and directing144 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSPondicherrythem to the Aravind Eye Hospital inPondicherry. More than 100 children fromthe middle school were trained on basiccomputer operations and she also trained thelocal school teachers to use educationalteaching aids for improving the skills of thechildren by using the CDs of Azim PremjiFoundation.After the tsunami she played a major role indocumenting in electronic format the life andproperty losses due to tsunami inPeriakalapet, which helped thegrampanchayat to present before thegovernment to get full relief measures.275. Mr K Raja (Jan-2006)C/o M S Swaminathan ResearchFoundationPillaiyarkuppam, ThandamannathamPO, Valudhavoor RoadPondicherry - 605 502,Tel: 0413 2667861, 2666484Raja (25), a sportsman fromKalitheerthalkuppam village in Pondicherry,has studied up to 10 th class. He is an excellentknowledge worker involved in communitydevelopment activities through MSSRF RuralKnowledge Centre. Always wanting toimprove the life and cultural activities ofyouth members of his society, he had thezeal to learn computer operations andbecome a qualified tutor.He has become a good friend to farmers inhis area by sharing information promptlyabout agriculture, stock market informationon food grains like paddy, pulses and cerealsreceived from the regulated markets locatedin and around Pondicherry and also guidingthem by proper weather warnings whichsaved the crops of many farmers. Similarlyabout 11 youth became governmentemployees aided byby proper and promptguidelines and advice from Raja.With the help of youth movements in hisvillage and through Government and NGOs,he has solved several village issues likearranging for village roads, street lights,drainage pits and de-silting the tank bundsetc., and is a young reformer in his village.276. Ms O Rajalakshmi(Aug-2006)14, Marriyamman Koil St,Pillaiyarkuppam, Villiyanur Commune,Thondamanatham (PO),Pondicherry - 605 502.Ph: 0413 - 2903174 / 9344871945From 1991 onwards 37 year old Rajalakshmiwho is 12th Std educated, has been involvedwith community activities. As a Bio-villagecouncil president she organized SHGs andcredit linked with banks and has become arole model for accounts management andbook-keeping. Her responsibilities includeconducting regular Bio-village councilmeetings and coir production training.Rajalakshmi works with Governmentdepartments to organize medical camps forpolio immunization, AIDS awareness, filariacontrol and also cattle health camps. As amember of the tank rehabilitation committeeshe attends to water management in herJamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 145

NVA FELLOWSPondicherryvillage, and also takes an interest in makingschool drop outs continue their education.She has also been involved in assisting thetsunami- affected people of Chidambaramregion when a tsunami struck the coastalarea in 2004.277. Ms RajalakshumiManickavel (Jan-2006)C/o M S Swaminathan ResearchFoundationPillaiyarkuppam, ThandamannathamPO, Valudhavoor RoadPondicherry 605 502, Tel: 04132667861, 2666484Rajalakshumi Manickavel (22), from a fisherfamily in the coastal village ofVeerampattinam in Pondicherry. She hasstudied up to 12 th class, and is associatedwith the MSSRF Rural Knowledge Centresince 2004. Generally, women from the fishercommunity are always hesitant to come outand do public service,but Rajalakshumi setan example of being available always in theRural Knowledge Centre to share informationknowledge with other members of society.She qualified herself by getting varioustrainings like primary screening of eyediseases through Aravind Eye Hospital,making sea shell ornamentals, mushroomcultivation and kitchen garden maintenance.She has been helping fisher community byproviding their daily information needs likeweather forecast and wave height, andinformation on employment opportunities tothe unemployed youth and trainingopportunities to the women in her village.She has turned herself as a public relationperson to direct her village community to theright direction to get their entitlements.Having become computer literate andqualified to train local youth and thestudents, she promotes computer literacyand encourages children to use theeducational CDs in the Rural KnowledgeCentre.278. Ms Rukmani Thangarasu(Jan-2006)38, Desamariyamman kovil st.,Embalam, Pondicherry - 605 106.Rukmani Thangarasu (35), from Embalamvillage, in Pondicherry, is a senior volunteerin the MSSRF Knowledge Centre. Educatedupto class X, she holds very active positionsin community based institutions like Self Helpgroups, Block Level Committees and in theVillage Development Council at Embalam.She is a good trainer in formation of SelfHelp group, computer literacy and variousenterprises producing cottage industryproducts , pickles and ornamental crafts.Rukmani has contributed much for healthpromotion in her village and was a Pulse PolioImmunization volunteer for two yearscontinously. She participated in health campsorganized for HIV-Aids, malaria, filaria andleprosy, and conducted health survey in 200households for Aravind Eye Hospital to detectcataract problems.146 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSPondicherryShe has been involved in a watershedmanagement and rainwater harvestingprogramme organized by Public WorksDepartment, and is the best contentdeveloper for the Open Knowledge Networkon identifying prevailing indigenousmedicinal practices.279. Ms B Saraladevi (Aug-2006)54, Pillaiyar koil street,Sandaipudukuppam,Suthikeni (PO), Sandaipudukuppam,Vazhudavur- (Via), PondicherryPhone: 0413-2674349, 2674175Saraladevi 49 is a 10 th std educated BiovillageCouncil member who has beeninvolved with community activities from 2004onwards. As a member in the tankrehabilitation group, she motivates thewomen members to do composite fishculture in community ponds and as amember in the education for all programmeshe helps school children, especially dropouts.Saraladevi assisted NABARD to organizeenterprise training, formed SHGs, arrangedcredit linking with nationalized banks,training on accounts maintenance and bookkeeping.She facilitates the SHGs to avail ofgovernment subsidies for animal husbandryor poultry rearing and assists the Governmentdepartment to organize cattle health camps.She also works with the governmentdepartment to provide old age pension,assistance for pregnant women, widows andthe physically disabled , and organizesmedical camps on polio eradication, AIDSawareness and filaria control.280. Ms D Saroja (Aug-2006)9, Pudhu Nagar, Murugan Street,Mangalam, Pondicherry.Ph: 9865941659From 1993 onwards 53 year old Saroja hasbeen working in different ways for thecommunity. She has taken initiatives likesolving community conflicts within the villageinstead of going to the police station, andprotested against the dowry problem in hercoastal village.As a Bio Village Council member, sheprovided information about council meeting,formed SHGs, arranged credit linking withnationalized banks, arranged training onaccounts maintenance and book-keepingand also made sure that the village men andwomen repaid all overdue amounts to thebank. Saroja has also worked withgovernment departments for medical campsand cattle health camps and for providingassistance to the poor and disabled. Sheassisted NABARD to organize enterprisetraining in the village.As a member of the education for allprogramme she helped school children. Shehas also worked for the tsunami affectedpeople of Karaikal region and for Gujaratearthquake relief.Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 147

NVA FELLOWSPondicherry281. Ms Selvarani Kandiban(Jan-2006)No. 3, North st., Embalam,Pondicherry - 605 106Selvarani Kandiban (37), Embalam village inPondicherry overcame her diffidence tobecome a volunteer in the MSSRF RuralKnowledge centre. A housewife witheducation upto class IX, she was inspired byseeing other women of her own peer groupbecoming social reformers in her village, tobecome computer literate and qualify as atutor to run her own computer-trainingcenter.She now holds positions in community-basedinstitutions like the Village DevelopmentCouncil, Self Help Groups and Non-formalAdult Education programmes. With an urgeto solve general problems in her village, shemoved her women’s Self Help groupmembers to approach the Electricitydepartment to find a permanent solution forerratic power supply in her village, arrangingspeed-breakers near the school by the PublicWorks department and set right a communitywater tank generator. She was innovative inprocuring “power tiller” through her SelfHelp group savings for renting out to thesmall and marginal farmers for tilling theirland at the time of cultivation, which fetchedconsiderable income to the SHG.Selvarani is an active participant andmotivator in all the exposure and trainingprogrammess organized by the Dept ofHealth on pulse polio immunization, and eyehealth surveys in her village. She is a resourceperson for training staff of an NGO –Volontariat, on soap oil, washing powder,phenol and detergent blue production. Shedirected many women members to get theirgovernment entitlements and several familiesto take up Life Insurance –Jana Raksha policy,and motivated alcoholics to go to the deaddictioncamps. She advocates the messageof rational usage of water for irrigation andhousehold purpose in her village.282. Ms P Sengani (Aug-2006)36, Main Road, Mangalam Road,Uruviayuru, Villiyanur Commune,Pondicherry - 605 110.Phone: 0413-266844440 year old Sengani is a Biovillage Councilmember living in Uruvaiyaru a coastal villagein Pondicherry. From 1997 onwards she hasbeen involved with different kinds ofcommunity activities such as working withthe social work department to provideassistance to pregnant women and assistingthe Government department to organizemedical camps and cattle health camps. Animportant part of the Bio-village councilactivities was to organize SHGs and creditlinked with the Indian Bank and to ensurethat the village men and women repay theirdues to the bank. She has also made effortsto streamline the transportation in her villageand to renovate the school premises.Through the cultural group to which shebelongs she expresses the experiences of theBio-village.148 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSPondicherry283. Ms Sumathi Govindarasu(Jan-2006)22, Pillayar kovil st, Embalam,Pondicherry- 605 106,Phone: 2644224Sumathi Govindarasu, (31), from Embalamvillage in Pondicherry has studied up to 5 thclass.Though she always feels that she hasonly primary school education, she becameempowered by seeing other women of samecaliber comin forward. This prompted her tobe a volunteer and social worker to help herown fellow members and she is today amongthe best knowledge workers associated withthe MSSRF Rural Knowledge Centre.She is self-innovative and runs her own smallscaleproduction unit at home generatingconsiderable income by producing rose milk,jam and juice varieties, soap oil, phenol anddetergent blue and is an active trainer forSelf Help groups for starting their ownenterprises. As part of her contribution forvillage development, she became one of theparticipants of the health related campsorganized by the department of health andacted as animator to make the people awareof the various programmes. Whateverknowledge she gained on health was sharedby her with her fellow members of society.Sumathi is computer literate and a qualifiedtutor. She is a good social worker, assists thecattle owners to undergo enterprise trainingand training on scientific rearing of cattlefrom PONLaIT, and assists village people toaccess life insurance policies and entitlements.284. Ms Sumathi Janardhanan(Jul-2005)45, Pillayar kovil st.,Kalitheeratal kuppam,Pondicherry - 641270Sumathi Janardhanan is a housewife aged37 having school level education upto 10 thstd. She hails from the village calledKalitheerthalkuppam in Pondicherry and is asenior volunteer attached with theKnowledge Centre since 2000.As a socialworker she guided SHG members on variousbenefits they were entitled to from thegovernment. She is good in e-commerce andinnovated a method of publishing stockavailability of food grains like pulses andcereals (black gram etc.), tender coconutsand coconuts for sale with the farmers inher locality in the wireless networkestablished by MSSRF-Hub to variousknowledge centres and developed e-commerce modality which fetched goodresponse and increased farmers’ business..She guided many farmers and cattle ownersto take part in awareness creation exposurevisits to Rajiv Gandhi College of VeterinarySciences in Pondicherry on scientific rearingof cattle. She helped cashew-cultivatingfarmers to identify solutions for various pestproblems, which saved more than 2 acres ofcashew cultivation. In addition to the aboveshe became computer literate conductingcomputer literacy training programs tostudents.Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 149

NVA FELLOWSPondicherry285. Ms SundaryKrishnamoorthy (Jul-2005)28, Perumal kovil st, Embalam post,Pondicherry - 605 10635 years old Sundary Krishnamoorthy is amother of two children and house wife,studied upto 12 th std from Embalam villagein Pondicherry. A senior volunteer in the RuralKnowledge Centre she helps her fellowmembers in all walks especially women SHGmembers on various services like guidingthem to get their entitlements from thegovernment. She is good in documentationof many case studies of those who actuallybenefited by the knowledge centre. Shebecame a computer literate after she joinedas a volunteer in the knowledge centre, anddeveloped skills for training others onincome-generating activities like producingphenol, soap, oil, blue, washing powder,juices, soft drinks and ice cream productionetc. She is a member of the Editorial boardof MSSRF “Nammavoor Seithi” bi-monthlynewspaper.Sundary motivated 50 families to usesmokeless chulas under the environmentalprotection program. She helped 10 widowsto get their pension and guided many agedand below the poverty-line group womento get their entitlements from governmentagencies. She has been an active participantfor four years continuously in pulse polioprogramme, and participated in HIV Aids,malaria and leprosy control and preventioncamps by helping the health department. Sheassisted in identifying people with cataractand eye problems, and about 25 persons gotbetter vision when the sent them to AravindEye Hospital for treatment.286. Mr M Suresh (Jan-2006)12, Mariyamman Kovil St,Thirukanchipet, Villiyanur,Pondicherry -605110Suresh 929), Dalit family in Thirukanchipetvillage in Pondicherry, has studied up to 12 thclass. A knowledge worker involvedf incommunity development activities throughthe MSSRF Rural Knowledge Centre. Withzeal to learn computer operations andbecome a qualified tutor and always wantingto improve the life of youth members of hissociety, he joined as a volunteer in the ruralknowledge centre. He helps his fellowmembers to become computer literate andhelps them get information on employmentopportunities from the Centre.Suresh always keeps track of various villagelevel issues and helps solve them with thehelp of his friends in the Youth Club. At theKnowledge Centre, he helps people getapplications for birth certificate, revenuecertificate, resident certificate, jobapplications etc., He also found a solutionfor getting caste certificate for people whodid not have the caste evidence accordingto the Government Gazetteer of 1964, bymaking the whole village certify that he/shebelonged to particular caste and submittingto the revenue department which thenaccepted the evidence. In this regard he150 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSPondicherryarranged a meeting with the Legal Aid cellmembers to guide them.He promotes education as a member of theNon-formal education group and conductsfree tuition classes in the evenings. As amember of the Youth Association, his visionis to keep his village clean, developing moresocial forestry, preventing wastage ofdrinking water, keeping streets clean, andtaking messages that are informative andgood for community development to thedoor steps of the people.287. Ms G Syamalavathy(Aug-2006)15, Kizhaku Pudunagar,Sellipattu (PO), Vambupet,PondicherryPhone: 94429 91787Syamalavathy 37 is a Biovillage Councilmember living in a coastal village inPondicherry. From 1999 onwards she hasbeen involved with different kinds ofcommunity activities such as working withthe social work department to provideassistance to pregnant women and assistingthe Government department to organizemedical camps and cattle health camps.She organized SHGs and credit linked withthe Indian Bank and ensured that the villagemen and women repaid their dues to thebank. She has also made efforts to streamlinethe transportation in her village and torenovate the school premises. She is amember of a cultural group spreadingawareness in the villages.288. Ms Thamizhmani(Aug-2006)3, Marriyamman koil St,Pillaiyarkuppam,Villiyanur Commune,Pondicherry10 Std educated 52 year old Thamizhmani isan experienced Bio- village council memberwho has been involved with communityactivities for the past 15 years. She is a rolemodel for floriculture and vegetablecultivation. In addition, she is a member ofthe tank rehabilitation group doing servicefor water management in her coastal villageand also assists the Government departmentto organize medical camps on polio, AIDSand filaria.At the time of the tsunami in 2004,Thamizhmani gave her service to the tsunamiaffected people of Chidambaram andKaraikal region.289. Ms D Usharani(Jul-2005)C/o M S Swaminathan ResearchFoundationPillaiyarkuppam, ThandamannathamPO, Valudhavoor RoadPondicherry 605 502,Tel: 0413 2667861, 2666484- an expert in organizing health campaignsand eye-camps in the village. She has taughtmaking shell-crafts to several women in thevillage to enhance their home income.Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 151

NVA FELLOWSPondicherryAn educated woman with good computerskills, Mrs. Usharani (34) from Embalam inPondicherry, is an enthusiastic social workerfocusing on empowering rural women. Sheis committed to organizing self-help andother groups to promote the use ofindigenous herbal medicines in livestockdisease management and other improvedpractices in dairy development.She has shared her knowledge andexperiences with other women in the village,and guided them to maintain a high degreeof public and environmental hygiene. She hashelped in mobilizing the people to createdrainage system for the entire village, andenforce discipline in the use of public roadsby forming speed-breakers near the schoolzone.She has always championed the cause of theunder privileged women and is tirelesslyfighting for women’s fundamental rights. Ahighly health conscious-person, Mrs.Usharani has organized scores of healthcampaigns. She is regularly conducting eyetestingcamps in the village, and helped inguidingover 100 patients to the Arvind Eye Hospitalto get improved vision. Her work in spreadingawareness among women on AIDS and deaddictionto alcohol is commendable. Shehas also won the recognition as a “mostrespected and knowledgeable womanthrough her involvement as volunteer inMSSRF Knowledge Center”.290. Ms K Vijaya (Aug-2006)Old No.9, New No. 12, East St,Keezhoor, Villiyanur Commune,Pondicherry - 605 106.Ph: 0413-2698099Vijaya, 37 has completed 10 th Std and hasbeen involved with community activities from1994 onwards. As a Bio-village councilmember she organized SHGs in her coastalvillage and arranged credit linked with banks. She assists the Government department toorganize medical camps for polio, AIDSawareness, and filaria prevention as well ascattle health camps. As a member of the tankrehabilitation group in the village she is doingservice on water management, and as amember of the school committee, she assistsschool drop outs to rejoin the school.After the tsunami in 2004, Vijaya directlyrendered service to the tsunami affectedpeople of Chidambaram region, includinggiving training in coir production for incomegeneration. She is also a member of a localcultural group that spreads awareness to thevillagers.291. Ms Vimala Periandy(Aug-2006)5, Bavani Nagar,Veerampattinam village,Ariyankuppam Block,Pondicherry - 605 007.Ph: 9894142118Vimala Periandy is a very dynamic ladybelonging to a fishing community in152 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSPondicherryVeerampattinam coastal village which islocated 21 kms from Pondicherry town. Sheis aged 45 and has studied upto school level(10th class).She brought good awareness among fisherwomen in Pondicherry by emphasizingwomen’s empowerment and gender equityfor equal rights on par with men. By nature,fisher women tend to stand behind the menfor any action and depend on the menfolkto lead the situation. However Vimalaencourages women to act independentlywithout seeking assistance from men. Thisattitude helped her to form a Federation forfisher women in Pondicherry, which consistsof more than 1000 women members from15 coastal villages. Through the federationshe could enlighten the Government and thepublic through various means likerepresentation through petitions, meetingthe higher authorities at the Ministers level,and even through dharna, rail roko and roadroko.Vimala is focusing in many issues such asreservations for women and for fisherfolkcommunity, allocation of a fishing communitylegislator to be the member of the Ministryin the recent election, growing salineresistancevegetation in the tsunami hitcoastal belt to prevent sea erosion and towithstand future natural disasters incollaboration with the Dept of Forestry , andalso to get employment opportunities forwomen. She conducted fisher womenwelfare meetings to bring to the notice ofthe government their problems and needsafter disasters like tsunami, such ascompensation for losses incurred and riceprovisions for each family at the time of banof fishing by the government.Vimala is associated with the KnowledgeCentre and the SHGs in Veerampatinamthrough which she brings awareness amongwomen on various micro enterprises andwomen health.Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 153

NVA FELLOWSPUNJAB292. Ms Karamjit Kaur(Jan-2006)C/o. TARAHaat111/9 Z Kishangarh,Aruna Asaf Ali Marg,New Delhi 110 070Tel No: 91 11 26122881, 26122882Fax No: 91 11 2612 2986Karamjit Kaur (22), a graduate in ComputerApplications comes from Zira in Ferozpurdistrict, Punjab.Karmjit teaches the Microsoft UnlimitedPotential course to thirty students at herTARA kendra.In a very small town in northern India, wherethe mere thought of a woman working fora living, is considered a blasphemy, Karmjitruns her own business. An affliction of poliomay have enfeebled her limbs, but certainlynot her spirit. When she decided to set upher own TARAkendra (TARAhaat IT basedcommunity and learning centre), nobody inher neighbourhood believed that she wouldmake it. But now, just after a year, the verysame people send their daughters to theTARAkendra to be taught computers.“I want set an example for other girls; I wantto show everybody that girls are capable ofmore than they are thought of.” says anenthusiastic Karmjit who believes that everygirl should know computers, and wants toachieve a major headway in her efforts topromote computer education amongst girls.She is also of the opinion that the fact ofbeing taught by a female instructor has ledmany parents to shed their inhibitions insending their girls to the TARA kendra.293. Mr Manmohan Singh Bhari(Jul-2005)C/o. TARAHaat111/9 Z Kishangarh,Aruna Asaf Ali Marg,New Delhi 110 070Tel No: 91 11 26122881, 26122882Fax No: 91 11 2612 2986A graduate in Arts from Patiala (1994),Punjab University with zeal to educate therural people and empower them with theknowledge of IT, Manmohan Singh Bharistarted his career as an IT instructor. Heworked with various organizations and laterset up his own business by purchasing twocomputers on loan under the Prime Minister’sRozgar Yojna. He ran a successful IT related(education, DTP & EDP) business andreturned the loan amount in time.About three years back Manmohan came toknow about Tarahaat and its endeavour totake IT to rural India. He decided to give it atry and joined the company-ownedTARAkendra in Maur Mandi. Contrary to thegeneral trend where people from Bathindatravel abroad for better career prospects,154 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSPunjabManmohan decided to move to a smallMandi. He took the initiative in establishinga TARAKendra in Maur Mandi. He has taughtstudents from over 40 villages surroundingMaur Mandi. He is now popularly known asTara Wale Sardarji.Manmohan has been instrumental inpopularizing Information Technology and itsapplications in Government schools andcolleges through presentations and roadshows. He is currently involved in expandingthe network of TARAkendras, therebyincreasing the reach of InformationTechnology to the remotest areas of Punjab.Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 155

NVA FELLOWSRAJASTHAN294. Mr Ashok Sharma (Feb-2007)Urmul Trust, PO Box 55Sri Ganganagar road, Bikaner,Rajasthan.30 year old Ashok Sharma has a postgraduatedegree and has experience inwomen and child health development,education, health and nutrition and inemployment programme for deprivedpeople. He has been associated with URMULfor the past 10 years. He assists with BalikaShivir a 6-month residential camp for girlsabove the age of 12 who are deprived ofeducation, which other than providingprimary education, also includes activitiesthat supplement the over all developmentof the child. Ashok involves himself inmobilizing the community for sending theirgirls to the camp, selection of teachers, andother related work. He has shown sensitivityto social issues and a keenness to highlightthem.He has worked with SHGs and is able to linkthem with income generation programmesto improve the status of women in livelihoodas well as to save their earnings. He has alsocontributed in the DPIP project anti-povertyand anti-alcoholism programmes.295. Mr Bhagirath Saran(Jan-2006)Kalu Post, Lunkaransar Tehsil,Bikaner District, Rajasthan -Ph: 01528-243322, 9413658893Bhagirath Saran (32), from Kagasar villagein Bikaner district, Rajasthan, is educated upto 9th Std and works as a cluster coordinatorin Kalu cluster under Urmul Setu Sansthan,Lunkaransar.He is fully devoted for communitydevelopment and has participated inimproving the status of women andencouraging them to take up incomegeneration programmes. He had managedvarious activities such as community training,plantation programme, advocacy forvulnerable women, education to adolescentgirls and health facilitation training tocommunity.Hardworking, sincere and proactive,Bhagirath Saran has been working for thelast 10 years and has helped the organisationwith his advocacy and local leadershipqualities for carrying out programmes. Hehas received training on communitycommunication skills, writing and using radioand internet to amplify community voices Hisfunctions facilitate the villagers to communicateproblems, issues and suggestions using print,radio and internet media.156 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSRajasthan296. Mr Chandan Singh(Jul-2005)C/o TeriUttam Urja, Bhutto Ka ChaurahaBikaner 3340010935051648009314659441Chandan Singh is a 32 year old Secondarypass agriculture worker from Chhila Kashmir,Bajju, Bikaner. Although he belong to aremote village with little access toinformation, but he says he gets magazinesfrom Bajju and studies them in the village athis home and then shares the knowledgewith other people. He is also working asknowledge worker and collects informationfrom the village for the access point at Bajju.He is also working as local news provider fora reporter. Under OKN program he is workingas volunteer.297. Ms Dhapu Kumari(Feb-2007)Chak 12 SLD Village,Raner (post), Chhatargarh,Bikaner, Rajasthan19 year old Dhapu Kumari is studying in 10thand is a member of an adolescent girls forum“Prerana Manch” initiated by Urmul Setu,Lunkaransar. She has received training oncommunity communication skills, using radioand internet in addition to writing on socialissues, writing radio programme scripts andmanaging community web sites.Her role is to facilitate the community tocommunicate their problems, issues andsuggestions using print, radio and internetmedia. Her efforts disseminate theinformation on health and hygiene, HIV,environment and problems of the men andwomen in her community.298. Mr Durjan Ram Poonar(Feb-2007)Urmul Setu SansthanSri Ganga Nagar RoadLunkaransar,Bikaner, RajasthanA hard-working, sincere and proactiveperson, 27 year old, 12th Std educatedDurjan Ram Poonar works as a clustercoordinator under Urmul Setu Sanasthan,Lunkaransar and is fully devoted to thedevelopment of the community in economicas well as in social terms. His knowledge andunderstanding has helped the organizationin their education and womenempowerment programmes. He hasparticipated in improving the status ofwomen and encouraging them in incomegeneration.Durjan Ram has also managed variousactivities such as community training andadvocacy to vulnerable women, educationto adolescent girls and served as a healthfacilitator and trainer for the community.Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 157

NVA FELLOWSRajasthan299. Mr Ghisu Lal Jat (Feb-2007)Gram Jashma, Tehsil Kapasan,Chittaud, RajasthanGhisu Lal Jat is very active in environmentmanagement – he has initiated and takenpart in many water management and wastemanagement projects. Though the hilly areato which he belongs receives abundantrainfall, mismanagement of water and lackof storage effect the yield of crops. Takingappropriate steps, 33 year old 12th Stdeducated Ghisu Lal has been involved withthe ITC-IBD e-Choupal since 2004 andwelcomes with open arms new technologythat saves water and increases productivity.He was also involved in fund raising forconstruction of a road in his village andregularly interacts with the governmentofficials to ensure supply of water, electricity,etc. Working for the development of hisvillage, effectively using IT for knowledgedissemination, Ghisu Lal Jat has beenfelicitated by the Gram Panchayat for hisefforts in bettering the life of the villagers.300. Ms Goga Rajput (Feb-2007)D/o Shri Narendra SinghVillage: Khari, Kujati (post),Lunkaransar,Bikaner, RajasthanGoga whose age is 19, is studying in class12. Besides pursuing her education, she isrunning a school for 5-6 years old children,which is an attempt by Urmul Setu Sansthan,Lunkaransar to enrol young children toschools. Goga uses very simple teachingmethods for these young children.Having received training on communitycommunication skills such as using radio andinternet , she now organizes radio listeners’clubs, and facilitates discussions. Besides thisshe is also involved in writing on social issues,writing radio programme scripts andrecording voices.Goga facilitates the village community incommunicating their problems andsuggestions using various media, while alsodisseminating information on health,hygiene, and environment.301. Mr Habib Khan (Jan-2006)C/o. OneWorld South Asia OfficeC5, Qutab Institutional AreaNew Delhi 110016Phone: 0091-11-61689000Fax: 0091-11-51689001Habib Khan (20), from Nure ki Bhurj villagein Jodhpur district, Rajasthan, is studying fora BA degree. He is a social activist in DoosraDasak Sanstha, Phalodi and works in variousvillage development programs. Selected asEk Duniya Kayee Kahaniya Fellow, heparticipated in several training programsincluding training on communitycommunication skills, writing and using radioand internet to amplify community voices Hisfunctions facilitate the villagers tocommunicate problems, issues andsuggestions using print, radio and internet158 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSRajasthanmedia and to disseminate information onhealth and hygiene and environment.302. Mr Hanuman Prasad Nagar(Feb-2007)Gram Madhorajpur,Tehsil Kpatan,District Bundi, RajasthanOne of the deserving sanchalaks contributingto the development of his village, 35 yearold Hanuman Prasad Nagar, who is 10th Stdeducated, has been involved with the ITC-IBD e-Choupal since 2004.At the time of shortage of water in his village,due to which the crops were totally rain fedand farmers could only produce one cropyearly, Hanuman Prasad Nagar took up thischallenge and constantly petitioned thedistrict administration to extend a canal. Hisefforts bore fruit when his petition wasgranted and now the village produces 2 cropsin a year. He went beyond and with the helpof nearby villages, which used the canalwater, formed a committee to regulate theuse of this water and minimise wastage. Helearnt about optimal water use in farmingand is now an active proponent of savingwater. Due to his efforts, many people of hisvillage and nearby areas have benefitedimmensely.303. Mr Harchand Legha(Jan-2006)C/o. OneWorld South Asia OfficeC5, Qutab Institutional AreaNew Delhi 110016Phone: 0091-11-61689000Fax: 0091-11-51689001Harchand Legha (26), from Ajitmana village,in Bikaner district, Rajasthan is 12th pass andparticipates in various state levelprogrammes. He has been supporting UrmulSetu Sansthan’s village developmentprogrammes for the last one year and is alsoworking with government on total sanitationprogramme.Having been selected as Ek Duniya KayeeKahaniya Fellow by One World South Asia,he participated in several trainingprogrammes including on communitycommunication skills in writing and usingradio and internet. He has shown sensitivityto social issues and a keenness to highlightthese through the media. His role is toorganise radio listeners’ clubs, facilitatingdiscussions on the broadcasted programmes.Besides this, he is also involved in writing onsocial issues, radio programme script andrecording voices and also managingcommunity web sites.Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 159

NVA FELLOWSRajasthan304. Mr Hari Singh Gurjar(Jan-2006)C/o. ITC-IBD31, Sarojini Devi Road,Secunderabad-500 003,IndiaTel: + 91 9948077976E-mail: narayana.rao@itc.inHari Singh Gurjar (44), lives in Kherwalvillage, in Dausa district, Rajasthan. AProgressive landholding farmer, he hasstudied upto 8th Std, and has expertise inagriculture, live stock, functional literacy andhealth issues.He has been a Sanchalak in ITC’S e-Choupalsince 2004, working very hard fordissemination of knowledge on bestpractices of farming and bringing awarenessamong the farmers on how to get goodprices for their produce. He uses the internetto gain knowledge about the latest and bestagricultural practices, and on application oftimely and adequate amount of manure andfertilizer for good results and economicfarming. Always ready to adopt somethingnew and setting an example for others, he isa trend setter and opinion leader in his village;Most of the villagers ask for his advice beforetaking any decision. He is always keen to dosomething for the betterment of the peopleand children of his village, and plays animportant role in resolving disputes of thevillage families.305. Mr Jagdish Prasad Soni(Feb-2007)Village/Post: Kalu,Tehsil: Lunkaransar,Dict: Bikaner, RajasthanA volunteer with Urmul Setu Sanasthan,Lunkaransar, 22 year old Jagdish Kumar Soniwho has B.A. and B.Ed degrees, has workedas a teacher in a private middle school sincethe last 5 years. He had already worked as asupervisor of an educational programme inKalu Village under the Government literacyprogramme. In this education programme hehad managed all the activities effectively andefficiently.Jagdish had organised camps on advocacyprogrammes for vulnerable families. Thisadvocacy programme provides the familieswith benefits and support. He had alsoworked for sanitation programmes and hassucceeded in motivating the community tolink themselves with mainstream sanitationprogramme. Under his supervision he wasable to construct 125 toilets for BPL families.306. Mr Jayanti Lal Sutar(Jan-2006)C/o. ITC-IBD31, Sarojini Devi Road,Secunderabad-500 003,IndiaTel: + 91 9948077976E-mail: narayana.rao@itc.inJayanti Lal Sutar (31), from Bhuwasiya village,Chittaurgarh district, Rajasthan, has studied160 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSRajasthanup to 12th Std. He is an active Sanchalak ine-Choupal network of ITC-IBD and takeskeen interest in spreading knowledge ofagriculture related information in his village. He regularly shares best practices which hetries to implement , and has helped manyfarmers increase the productivity of theirfields. Having obtained training from ITC-IBDin the areas of Computer usage, Internetbrowsing, importance of Life & GeneralInsurance, quality parameters of agricommodities and their pricing andknowledge on various qualitative Fast-Moving Consumer Goods(FMCG), he takesinitiative to share all his training inputs withother farmers in the village.307. Mr Kamlesh Kumar Daiya(Feb-2007)S/O Shri Bhura RamVillage: Maliyo ka Mohalla, Bap,Tehsil: Phalodi,Dict: Jodhpur, RajasthanKamlesh Kumar has been involved as avolunteer with several community levelprogrammes organized by an NGO, DoosraDashak based in Phalodi. The 20 year old12th Std educated young man hasparticipated in a number of trainingprogrammes and is of the belief that it isimportant for the youth to examine their ownviews and work ethics. This will enable themto bring about change within society.Kamlesh Kumar is fairly well educated andarticulate. He has shown sensitivity to socialissues and a keenness to highlight thesethrough the media. He participated inWorkshops and has been selected as EkDuniya Fellow.308. Mr Karna Ram Poonar(Jul-2005)Urmul Setu Samsthau, Sri Ganganagar,Lunkaransar, Bikaner, RajasthanPh: 01528-272388, 272014Karna Ram Poonar has been associated withURMUL Setu Sansthan in Bikaner District,Rajasthan for the past 15 years. Hisknowledge and understanding has helpedthe organisation to use informationtechnology for program planning, analysisand design.Well versed in computer skills, he has beenresponsible for organising computer trainingworkshops for NGOs and women fieldworkers, and has been involved in continuousadvocacy with the Department ofTelecommunications at all levels, demandingquality Internet services at Lunkaransar blockof Bikaner district. Development of databases for programmes of health, incomegeneration,loans & savings for the use offield workers at URMUL Setu Sansthan,impact assessment of the integrated ruraldevelopment project of ActionAid India,Lunkaransar, PPM Peer Review (Plan India)at SBMA, Tehri Garhwal, Uttaranchal andanalysis and documentation of Lok Jumbishprogramme, Lunkaransar, are among thewide range of his experience.He organised relief activities for the benefitJamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 161

NVA FELLOWSRajasthanof communities of village Gheghara, tehsilChatargarh, when a branch of the IndiraGandhi Canal collapsed in December 2003.A sincere and proactive worker, Karna RamPoonar has the potential be an agent ofchange through the use of technology atrural grassroots.309. Mr Laxmichand Dhoriya(Feb-2007)s/o PyarajiBhagwanpura Village,post BhagwanpuraTehsil NimbaheraRajasthan50 year old 6th Std educated LaxmichandDhoriya is working very hard in the field ofagricultural best practices and livestockdevelopment in his village located in thesemi-humid southern plains of Rajasthan.His income depends on 15 bigha irrigatedland & 10 livestock. As a sanchalak whocommunicates ITC e-choupal benefits in thebest way to the farmers, he takes initiativesfor disseminating information by gatheringtogether farmers at his house or e-choupalfrom time to time and showing them CDs orfilms of best farm practices of soya, maize,judicious use of pesticides, etc.In addition, Laxmichand actively participatesin social development of the village such asmaking cattle shelters, Samuhik Vivah, roadconstruction etc . He is a member of acommittee for reconstruction & managingthe village temple where all the members ofthis committee give two days income permonth. He played an important role byproviding labour and money for constructionof a middle school in scheme of ‘apna gaonapna kam’ ( our village, our work) two yearsback.310. Mr Lumbha Ram Depan(Feb-2007)S/o Shri Chuna Ram DepanAau, Phalodi,Jodhpur, RajasthanLumba Ram had worked as an assistantteacher in a Higher Secondary School atPhalodi, Jodhpur and had also worked underthe health project especially in theimmunization and pulse polio programme.A 25 year old post –graduate, Lumba Rammotivated and disseminated information tovillagers about the immunization and healthprogrammes.He also encouraged the village panchayatwith the support of Village EducationCommittees (VECs) and various localcommittees. He played a vital role in theplanning methodology of communitymobilisation component in partnership withthe community, and the project achieved itsobjectives with his support.Lumbha Ram served as a field worker inUrmul Marusthali Bunkar Vikas Samiti,Phalodi, Jodhpur. Now he is selected as EkDuniya Kai Kahaniyan Fellow.162 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSRajasthan311. Mr Mahendra KumarSharma (Feb-2007)Devan, Shahpura,Jaipur, Rajasthan29 year old 12th Std educated MahendraKumar Sharma belongs to village Devan inan agricultural area where livestock rearingis the second major business of farmers. Hehas been working with the ITC-IBD e-Choupal since 2004 and is involved in manyactivities like disseminating best farmingpractices, organizing artificial inseminationcamps for livestock and running a dairy.Mahendra Kumar Sharma also handles threeself help groups for savings and does socialservice for the aged including elderly womenin SHGs and helping them to get theirpension.312. Mr Mahendra Singh(Jul-2005)C/o TeriUttam UrjaBhutto Ka ChaurahaBikaner 334001093505164800931465944134 year old Mahendra Singh is Secondarypass and a permanent resident of villageAladin ka Beda, Khajuwala. He has a shopin Khajuwala where runs STD booth.He is a social figure for the area, participatingin most of the activities relating to thecommon interests of the people. Being wellknown in the villages people contact him forvarious problems such as problems in gettingbenefit from a government scheme,education of children or health issues.Mahendra Singh has participated in thepromotion for awareness generationprogram of Uttam rja and has conductedthese programs at the village level throughmusic shows, solar rallies, road shows etc.He has been involved for some time in theOKN program to collect information from thevillages. He has collected various types ofinformation related to the history ofKhajuwala, its traditions etc., and has alsocovered current events.313. Mr Mangej Kumar(Jan-2006)C/o. OneWorld South Asia OfficeC5, Qutab Institutional AreaNew Delhi 110016Phone: 0091-11-61689000Fax: 0091-11-51689001Mangej Kumar (20), from Tankarda villagein Jaipur district, Rajasthan, is studying forhis BA degree. He had worked underNational Service Scheme disseminatinginformation on HIV/AIDS and STD to thecommunity through local traditionalmethods. His programmes involve drama,puppet shows and songs. Since these mediacan easily communicate information to thelarger community, he used them forawareness creation on HIV/AIDS forBalmanch, schools and adolescents and alsofor information dissemination to panchayat,Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 163

NVA FELLOWSRajasthanVEC’s and various other local committees.Mangej Kumar was selected as Ek duniyakai kahaniyan Fellow by One World SouthAsia and has received training on communitycommunication skills.314. Ms Meera Suthar(Feb-2007)D/o Ramlal SutharManchitiya, Phalodi,Jodhpur, RajasthanAn 18 year old 12th Std educated youngwoman, Meera has been involved as avolunteer in different types of trainingactivites and programmes in villages throughher association with Doosra Dashak, an NGOworking in Phalodi. She has received trainingon community communication skills inwriting and using radio and internet toamplify community voices and is also involvedin writing on social issues, writing radioprogramme scripts and managingcommunity web sites. This facilitates thecommunity to communicate their problems,issues and suggestions through a variety ofmedia.Meera has shown her interest in linking withthe rural communities through communitywork. She is fairly well educated and hasshown the confidence to undertakedevelopment activities.315. Mr Mohan Kumar Kumavat(Feb-2007)Gram Badodiya,Tehsil Bundi, District BundiRajasthanMohan Kumawat has helped in formationof an electricity cooperative he now leads,that was formed in his village to stop thefts.He actively participates in social work anddue to his leadership, no theft of electricitytakes place and all the dues are paid on time.He is also very active in construction of handpumps in his village and has taken up otherchallenges like cleaning of canals for watermanagement.38 year old , 8th Std educated MohanKumawat is one of the active sanchalaksworking since 2004 in all fields of the ITC-IBD e-Choupal . He teaches childrencomputers free of cost and has initiatedschemes for widows and old people in whichthey get financial assistance from a commonfund.316. Mr Mohan Patidar(Jan-2006)Chokhla Post, Banswara Dist,Rajasthan Ph: 02968 - 240531,E-mail: 08000076@echoupal.comMohan Patidar (30), hails from Chokla village,Banswara district, Rajasthan. Educated upto12th Std, he has been associated with ITC-IBD as Sanchalak of e-Choupal from the year2004. He is a very keen believer in using IT164 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSRajasthanto help small farmers. He is in touch with allthe small farmers of his village and tries toimprove their productivity by using scientificmethods. His belief is in the fact that a villagecannot progress until farmers participate. Hehas tried to use innovative and inexpensivemethods of farming to bring benefits to thesmall farmers. Mohan Patidar has obtainedtraining from ITC-IBD in computer andinternet usage, Life & General Insurance, agricommodities pricing and quality. He takesinitiative to share all his training inputs withother farmers in the village.317. Mr Mohar Singh Sikarwar(Feb-2007)VPO Banetha Khurd,Mania,Dholpur (Rajasthan)Phone : 0941289402533 year old Mohar Singh’s primaryoccupation is farming. He has obtainedtraining from ITC-IBD in the areas ofcomputer usage, internet browsing,importance of Life & General Insurance,quality parameters of agri commodities andtheir pricing and knowledge on variousqualitative FMCG products. He takes theinitiative to share all his training inputs withother farmers.Hailing from a village in the UP border whereliteracy levels are not good, Mohar Singhprovides time to time information to villagersregarding improved cultivation practices ofcrops and rates of mandi. He forwardsquestions related to plant protection to thehub team and acts as a helpdesk to assisthis fellow farmers.318. Ms Murti Bishnoi(Feb-2007)J.K. House Umedpura, PhalodiPhalodi, Jodhpur, RajasthanMurti has been actively associated with anumber of training programmes andactivities organized by an NGO, DoosraDashak in Phalodi. She has received trainingon community communication skills inwriting and using radio and internet. Shewrites on social issues and also radioprogramme scripts.Murti who is 30 and 10th educated, has beeninvolved with community activities since twoyears. She is a keen observer of humanbehavior particularly of the youth who shefeels has a lot of promise to bring aboutchange in society. She would like to bringthis to her writing skills. She has showninterest and the desire to put in efforts intodevelopment programmes.319. Mr Narayan Ram(Jan-2006)C/o. OneWorld South Asia OfficeC5, Qutab Institutional AreaNew Delhi 110016Phone: 0091-11-61689000Fax: 0091-11-51689001Narayan Ram (33), from Kolu Rathora villagein Jodhpur district, Rajasthan has studiedupto 8th Std. He has relevant experience inJamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 165

NVA FELLOWSRajasthanseveral areas of community work and isinvolved with community work in Kolu PabujiGram Panchayat. Prior to this, he workedwith programmes for upliftment of the dalitcommunity in Urmul Samiti, Phalodi. Inaddition to this, he was active in promotingself help groups, afforestation drives as wellas programmes for dissemination of relevantinformation on government schemespertaining to BPL families. This involvedworking in association with local cooperativecommittees.He has received training on communitycommunication skills, writing and using radioand internet to amplify community voices.He has shown sensitivity to social issues anda keenness to highlight these through themedia. Having participated in the Ek Duniyaworkshop has aroused his interest andcommitment to send stories on local issues;he has been selected as a Fellow by OneWorld South Asia.320. Mr Narayan Singh(Feb-2007)Village Naam, Tehsil Nadbai,Ditt. Bharatpur RajasthanNarayan Singh is a dynamic Sanchalak of ITCwho is also an active social worker. Apartfrom efficiently managing his day to dayoperations and livelihood, he manages to findtime for community causes. He is attachedto the women development department ofthe government and has volunteered forthem a number of times. He also volunteersfor many NGOs working for different socialcauses. He conducted the annual echoupal‘Sanchalak Sammelan’ smoothly and wonaccolades.A graduate, 34 year old Narayan Singh putshis effort into different fields, be it workingthrough e-choupal, government departmentor NGOs. He was awarded best volunteerby Health Department of the government.321. Mr Narsingh Singh(Jul-2005)C/o TeriUttam UrjaBhutto Ka Chauraha, Bikaner 3340010935051648009314659441Narsingh Singh is a 36 year old teacher witha post graduate degree from Charanwala,Bajju , Bikaner. Volunteering as a knowledgeworker, he collects information from thevillage for the access point at Bajju. He is asocial figure for the area of Bajju. He hasbeen quite active at the time of pulse polioand its awareness program and also in apopulation control promotional activitynamed Goli ka Humjoli when with womenvolunteers he spread the programmes in thevillages.Narsingh Singh has been key person to takethe program forward at the computereducation center in Bajju run by RadheComputer service. Under OKN program hestarted contacting the community to tellthem about the uses of ICT. He has alsostarted training volunteers.166 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSRajasthan322. Ms Nisha Chauhan (Feb-2007)Urmul TrustPO Box N. 55Sri Ganga Nagar Road,Bikaner.Nisha Chauhan has been working withUrmul Trust, Bikaner for the past 10 years.She is hard working, sincere and proactive.She assisted with the opening of a ShikshaKarmi School in Thumbli village in the interestof the community, carrying forward theShiksha Karmi project which was started in1988 in areas where there were nogovernment schools or only non-functionalschools. Nisha inspired local teachers duringtraining and appointment to keep in mindlocal aspirations with the main thrust onproviding universal quality education.30 year old, 11th std educated Nisha hasreceived training on communitycommunication skills in writing and usingradio and internet to amplify communityvoices. Her role is to organize radio listeners’clubs, facilitating discussions on thebroadcasted programmes. Besides this, sheis also involved in writing on social issues,writing radio programme scripts and alsomanaging community web sites. Shedisseminates information on health andhygiene, HIV, environment and solvesproblems of the men and women in hercommunity.Nisha is very efficient in preparation of SHGgroups where women learn how to save theirearnings. Her knowledge and understandinghas helped the organization in theireducation and women empowermentprogrammes.323. Mr Pawan Kumar (Jul-2005)C/o TeriUttam UrjaBhutto Ka ChaurahaBikaner 334001093505164800931465944120 year old Pawan Kumar is a Secondary passstudent living in a village near Khajuwala,Bikaner. He is working as volunteer andcollects information from villages for theaccess point at Khajuwala. Although he is astudent he takes a lot of interest in socialwork. He is member of Nehru Yuva Kendraand has also worked voluntarily for Urmul alocal NGO working in Khajuwala. In OKNprogram he is a useful person and goodvolunteer. He regularly gives usefulinformation related to income generation,health and education for the people.324. Mr Pira Ram Dehati (Jan-2006)Dasodi Post, Kolayaat Dehasil,Bikaner Dist, Rajasthan.Ph: o1534 - 282084, 282053Pira Ram Dehati (36), is a graduate withB.Ed., from Dasori village in Bikaner district,Rajasthan.He has worked as a field worker in UrmulJamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 167

NVA FELLOWSRajasthanTrust, Bikaner for the last 8 years. Balika Shiviris a 6-month residential camp for girls abovethe age group of 12 years who are deprivedof education. Other than providing primaryeducation which is supported by Pira Ram,which is the primary objective of the shivir, italso includes activities which supplements theoverall development of the child such asproviding books and other educational aids.Pira Ram helps in organization of the shivirand in mobilizing the community for sendingtheir girls to the shivir, selection of teachers,formulation of core committee to managethe activities etc. He works in closeinteraction between the girls and theteachers. Pira Ram received an award fromthe District Collector for his efficient andeffective implementation of Balika Shivir. Hismain objective is to improve the quality ofeducation and to improve the status of lifein the village. He has laid his main emphasison girls’ education, gender sensitisation andempowerment of women.325. Ms Pushpa Vishnoi(Jan-2006)C/o. The School of desert sciences,109, Nehru Park, Jodhpur (PO).Ph: 0291-2432033, 2654521,E-mail: mlpc@satyam.net.inPushpa Vishnoi (23), lives in Soorsagar villagein Jodhpur district, which falls in the semiarid zone of western Rajasthan. She is agraduate pursuing further studies, activelyinvolved in community activities since the lastthree years.She has expertise in the field of gender issues,micro finance, community mobilization andinstitution building. As she belongs to thesame region she has a very good rapport withthe community, particularly with thewomenfolk. She has attended of the capacitybuilding events on project specific and areaspecific issues and possesses good writtenand verbal communication skills. On someoccasions she has represented theorganization in different forums.Sincere, hardworking and honest in herapproach, Pushpa Vishnoi has goodunderstanding of local conditions and issensitive towards the local issues. Her NGOorientation has developed her vision tocontribute painstakingly to improve the lifeof the underprivileged.326. Mr Rajesh Punia(Jul-2005)C/o TeriUttam UrjaBhutto Ka ChaurahaBikaner 334001093505164800931465944123 year old Rajesh Punia from Panchu,Nokha, Bikaner is a 9 th pass agricultureworker. He is serving as a knowledge workerand collects information from the village forthe access point at Nokha . He also collectsinformation for Panchayti Raj and is workingas local reporter for daily newspaperRajasthan Patrika.168 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSRajasthanRajesh is very active all the social work in thevillages and is also involved in betterment ofthe infrastructure of the village.327. Mr Raj Kumar Singh Arya(Feb-2007)C/o Sh. Bhagawan Sahay Arya,V&Po- Lampuwa,via- Ringus, Distt.- Sikar,Rajasthan Ph. 01575-247625Raj Kumar Singh Arya is the best user ofinternet facility provided by ITC. The 31 yearold 10th educated Sanchalak sharesinformation regarding e-choupal to farmersand also about market and improvedagricultural techniques for their better futureand good returns for agri produce.His village which is in a semi-arid area, is inthe interior and even the newspaper comeslate, so he always reads the news websitesin the morning and gives information to theother farmers. He teaches the students ofthe village about the basics of computers toimprove their knowledge and providesinformation regarding examination results.He also gives information through internetregarding vacancies and recruitment processto unemployed youth in the village whoaspire for a better future.Raj Kumar Singh functions as a social workerfor his village, involving himself in communitydevelopment activities. He wants his villageto be identified as one of the most importantvillage through this e-choupal.328. Mr Rambabu Patidar (Feb-2007)Gram Junakheda, Tehsil Jhalrapatan,District Jhalawad, RajasthanRambabu Patidar is one of the leadingfarmers of his village. A progressive farmeractive in most fields, he is actively involvedin local developmental work35 year old 10th Std educated Rambabu hasbeen involved with the ITC-IBD e-Choupalsince 2004. He regularly helps farmers toadopt best practices in agriculture and tookthe lead to construct check dams in thevillage – after realising that soil erosion istaking place in the fields. He took the leadin forming a committee and took all steps toprocure funds from the government.Rambabu’s use of IT to help students isexemplary. He believes in fair treatment forall castes and has initiated ‘SamuhikSammelan’ which organises mass marriagesfor the underprivileged.329. Mr Rambaksh Bhakar (Jan-2006)ITC-IBD31, Sarojini Devi Road,Secunderabad-500 003,IndiaTel: + 91 9948077976E-mail: narayana.rao@itc.inRambaksh Bhakar (36), from Khera Narnoliavillage in Nagaur district in the arid zone ofRajasthan, has studied upto 10th Std and hasexpertise in agriculture, micro finance, waterJamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 169

NVA FELLOWSRajasthanmanagement, health issues and crafttraining. He obtained training from ITC-IBDin computer and internet usage, insurance,quality parameters and pricing of agricommodities, information on various fastmoving consumer goods (FMCG), etc. andhas been a Sanchalak for the past one and ahalf years. He is a hard worker with goodknowledge about agriculture and takes theinitiative to share all his training inputs withother farmers in the village, giving the detailson usage of Information Technology tofarmers on daily basis. He won the award ofBest Sanchalak in this year’s SanchalakSammelan330. Mr Ramesh Chand Sharma(Feb-2007)Village Chandlai, Tehsil –Tonk,Dist Tonk, Rajasthan38 year old 12th Std educated RameshChand Sharma is an active sanchalak of ITCechoupal working in the fields ofprocurement , agri-inputs and financialservices since 2004. He is particularlycompetent in agricultural extension activitiessuch as green manuring, crop rotation etc.both through the echoupal model andthrough the agricultural department. Inaddition, he has done work in the field ofwatershed development in his area.331. Mr Ramnivash Prajapat(Jan-2006)C/o. OneWorld South Asia OfficeC5, Qutab Institutional AreaNew Delhi 110016Phone: 0091-11-51689000Fax: 0091-11-51689001Ramnivash Prajapat (32), from Bhojasarvillage in Jodhpur district, Rajasthan, studiedupto Class XII.He has been a field worker in UrmulMarusthali Bunkar Vikas Samiti, Phalodi,Jodhpur and has worked under the healthproject especially in immunization and pulsepolio programme. Ram Niwas motivated thevillagers and disseminated information tothem about immunization and healthprogrammes. He also encouraged villagepanchayat with the support of VECs andvarious local committees.He had also worked with Self Help Groups,linking them with income generationprogramme to improve the livelihood statusof women. He was efficient in setting up SHGgroups consisting of 10-11 women wholearnt to save their earnings.Ramesh Chand Sharma’s contributions havebeen impressive and are well appreciated.170 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSRajasthan332. Mr Rau Ram Meghwal(Jan-2006)C/o. OneWorld South Asia OfficeC5, Qutab Institutional AreaNew Delhi 110016Phone: 0091-11-51689000Fax: 0091-11-51689001Rau Ram Meghwal (34), has studied upto12 th standard and lives in Kolu Rathora villagein Jodhpur district, Rajasthan.He has been involved with community workin Kolu Pabuji Gram Panchayat. Prior to this,he was involved with programmes organisedby Urmul Samiti at Phalodi for the upliftmentof dalit communities. His work has covereddifferent aspects of community work likepromoting self-help groups, afforestationdrives, facilitating access to information onrelevant government programmes for BPLfamilies in association with villagecooperative centres.Ram Rau Meghwal has wide rangingexperience in field work and is connectedwith a variety of issues. He has receivedtraining on community communicationskills,writing and using radio and internet toamplify community voices. He has beenselected as Ek Duniya Fellow by OWSA.333. Mr Santosh Kumar Tyagi(Jan-2006)Sadikpur post, Dholpur district,Ph: 9414315526E-mail: 08000384@echoupal.com,08000384@echoupal.comSantosh Kumar Tayagi (32), is a landholdingfarmer and a graduate from Sadikpur villagein Dholpur district, a village located near theChambal river in Rajasthan.Santosh Kumar obtained training from ITC-IBD in the areas of computer usage, internetbrowsing, importance of Life & GeneralInsurance, quality parameters of agricommodities and their pricing andknowledge on various FMCG products. Hetakes the initiative to share all his traininginputs with other farmers in the village,providing information to villagers from timeto time regarding improved cultivationpractices of crops and rates of mandi. Heacts as helpdesk for farmers by forwardingquestions related to plant protection andother problems to the hub team for expertguidance.334. Mr Shivraj Meena(Feb-2007)Village & Post : Ghoomna,Tehsil Sikrai, District : DAUSA,State : RajasthanA progressive farmer who is always ready toadopt something new and keep settingexamples for others, Shivraj Meena is a 30Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 171

NVA FELLOWSRajasthanyear old post -graduate. He has worked veryhard in terms of dissemination of knowledgeof best practices of farming and made thefarmers aware about how to get good pricesfor their produce. Putting the Internet togood use, he spreads knowledge to farmersabout new and better agricultural practices,in terms of application of timely andadequate amount of manures and fertilizersfor good results and economic farming.Shivraj was successful in motivatingshopkeepers of his own as well as adjoiningvillages to keep good quality products so thatquality products are available to the peopleof his village, which is located in the arid hillsof the Aravali range near the MadhosagarDam.He has also undertaken social work for thevillage especially for schools and has beencalled the most active sanchalak of ITC e-choupal in Rajasthan.335. Mr Shyam Sunder Patidar(Feb-2007)Gram Donda,Tehsil Jhalrapatan,District JhalawadRajasthanShyam Sunder Patidar has been involved withthe ITC-IBD e-Choupal since 2004. He hasdone commendable work for watermanagement in the agricultural area towhich he belongs. As secretary in the ‘SwajalDhara Yojana – which helps in equitabledistribution of water in the village, he hasformed a committee called ‘Nal Yojana’ forconsumption of water. He has alsoconstructed a water tank in the village, whichhe is maintaining.26 year old 12th Std educated ShyamSunder’s social service includes helping inmaintenance and reconstruction of schoolsin the nearby villages including a primaryschool for his village, and other public welfareactivities.336. Ms Sushila Bana (Feb-2007)D/o Shri Rameshwar Lal BanaVillage: Bana,Tehsil: Sri Dungargarh,Dict: Bikaner, RajasthanSushila , a 20 year old post-graduate hasbeen working as a ‘Prerak’ or Teacher inShiksha Kendras (Educational Centres) runby an organisation Cecodecon for two years.She has a background in community workand she has received training on communitycommunication skills in writing and usingradio and internet to amplify communityvoices. Associated with OWSA-URMUL’sAdvocacy Centre, her role is to organize radiolisteners’ clubs and facilitate discussions onthe broadcasted programmes. Besides this,she is also involved in writing on social issues,writing radio programme script , recordingand also managing community web sites.Sushila’s functions facilitate the communityto communicate their problems, issues andsuggestions using print, radio and internetmedia. Her efforts disseminate information172 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSRajasthanon health and hygiene, HIV, environment andproblems of the men and women in hercommunity.337. Mr Tarachand Malav (Jan-(2006)S/o. SH Radh Kishan Ji, Ramthal Post,Via Sisvali, Baran Dist,Rajasthan - 325 206Ph: 07457 - 270501, 9414650779Tarachand Malav (31), belongs to Raithalvillage, Baran district, Rajasthan. Anagriculturist with class XII education, he hasdone commendable work in helping thefarmers of his village, by using the computereffectively to disseminate knowledge aboutthe latest agricultural practices. He initiatedthe practice of soil testing in his village andspreads awareness of its benefits throughfield visits and demonstrations. He is one ofthe active Sanchalaks in e-Choupal networkof ITC-IBD from the year 2004 and isrespected by his village community.Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 173

NVA FELLOWSTAMIL NADU338. Mr E Altrin (Jan-2006)Victoria Nagar, Thangachimadam,Ramanathapuram District - 623 529.Ph. 04573 - 251621 / Cell: 9994168623EMail: altrin0101@yahoo.co.inE. Altrin (26), is a computer professionalbelonging to Victoria Nagar, a fishing hamletin Ramanathapuram district, Tamil Nadu.Associated with the MSSRF VillageKnowledge Centre at M.G.R.Nagar,Thangachimadam, he has been assisting aHandicapped Welfare Association for thepast 5 years and is also a member and districtsecretary of All India HandicappedAssociation. He has organized several healthcamps for physically challenged people in coordinationwith district Health Department,and helps them to get medical certificates,train concession, tricycle etc from thegovernment departments.He also organizestraining programmes like ornamental shellcraft making, tailoring, book binding etc. andhe takes steps to market the products .Altrin’s occupation is fish trading, and he isan active self-help group member, throughwhich he creates awareness on reasons fordepletion of fish resources, importance ofcoral reefs etc. He is regular in attending theGrama Sabha meetings and raises thequestions related to hygiene andinfrastructure facilities in his village.Now he is actively involved in villageknowledge centre activities and motivatesyouth to become computer literate.339. Ms Amalorpavamary(Jul-2005)Theradi Main Road,Kuttalam (PO),Mayiladuthurai (Tk),Nagapattinam (Dt).Ph: 04364 - 325049theradi_kiosk@tnmay.chirrag.com23 year old Amalorpavamary from Theradi,Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu is a studentundergoing B.com through distanceeducation. She did D.C.A (diploma incomputer application) and was familiar withcomputer applications well before startingher kiosk. Through her own interest , she istaking care of the kiosk, and her brother alsohelps her to develop their business. She doestyping work, DTP and photoshop and takesvarious basic computer courses for thestudents.She has been involved in community issueslike preventing frequent accidents at a criticalturning on the road by communicating withthe District Collector through Isee sessionsand getting his approval for a speed breaker.Amalorpavamary’s communication with theCollector has also helped a retired person toget his pension and other such assistance tothe community.174 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSTamil Nadu340. Mr A Annadurai(Feb-2007)S/o P.AndiPeunkiraipattiSemmedu PostValavadhinaduKolli Hills. 637 411. Namakkal.Tamil Nadu. Ph: 04286 24759933 year old A. Annadurai hails from SouthKolli Hills, which is a forest and agrobiodiversityrich region. A versatile trainer,he is capable of absorbing new skills that heis willing to disseminate to others. Since1996, he has been actively involved in variousactivities implemented in Kolli Hills such asmillet demonstration and marketing,medicinal plant nursery maintenance,vermicompost preparation and has assistedwith socio-economic surveys and with GPSsurvey on sacred forests.10th Std educated Annadurai is skilled inHerbarium preparation, Trichogrammaparasitoid production and digitalphotography and is also certified as VillageBotanist by the Foundation for Research inLocal Health Traditions. He has helpedorganize several training programmes andexposure visits and to develop models innature clubs for school children. With hiscapability for mobilizing and executingassigned tasks, he is the backbone forstrengthening community institutions towhich he belongs.Nominee’s areas of competency.Public speaking, Skill in Herbarium, Medicinalplant nursery, Vermicompost preparation,GPS survey, Socio economic surveys,Photography, Community Mobilization,Marketing341. Mr N Arun (Jan-2006)S/o. T. Natarajan,Melappatti, Iluppur (post),Pudukkottai District - 622 102.Ph: 9443583197N.Arun (27), from Melapatti Village,Pudukkottai district, TN, is DEEE educated.By occupation, he is a milk co-operative unionSecretary, and also does electrical work oncontract basis.He is the leader of a SHG named SubashIlangyar Narpani Mandram, and along withhis team members he is encouraging schooldropouts working in gem cutting units toattend school properly. He encouraged theChild Labour School, receiving an award forhis sincere social work from the DistrictAdministration.He helped reduce the water problem in hisvillage by building small tanks to avoidwastage of water, motivated the communityto use the tanks for water storage and alsoeducates them in Rain Water HarvestingTechniques. One of his remarkablecontributions is formation of Milk Society inIllupur for the benefit of the community. Nowit has become a government undertakingand he and his friends are working astemporary employees.Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 175

NVA FELLOWSTamil NaduArun has done excellent work for hiscommunity and he is a role model for otheryoungsters. Now he is actively involved inComputer Education for school students.342. Mr Arunkumar (Jul-2005)135/2, Arun Illam, Cumbam Main Road,Palasichettipatti,Theni District, Pin - 625531.Email: arungurusamy@gmail.comPhone: 04546-265280 / 9865535869Arunkumar comes from the village ofPalasichettipatti in Theni Dt, Tamil Nadu. Hehas completed DCE. He has goodcommunication skills, runs an active kioskwhich gives good performance. He has beeninvolved during the past 6 months in DTPWorks, Data Entry in rural areas. He mainlyuses iSee service for agriculture relatedquestions and he sends very useful solutionsand thus helps his villagers in their mainoccupation of agriculture farming.343. Ms E Arunmoli (Aug-2006)1/151, Nadu St,Someshvarapuram,Pabanasam Taluk, Tanjur District.Born in a traditional agricultural familyE.Arunmoli who has completed S.S.L.C wasa housewife till she attended a DANIDAaidedtraining programe conducted by theState Department of Agriculture. By virtueof the interest she evinced in learning newskills and disseminating them among farmwomen, she was selected as the farmers’discussion group convener of the FarmersTraining Centre at Sakkotai.Arunmoli has been involved with communityactivities for the past ten years, maintaininga good rapport with GovernmentDepartments to help the people in her areato get government concessions. FAO expertswho visited the village said the all-womenfarmers field school which she organized wasfirst of its kind in Asia. She also formed awomen’s group with members from variouscommunities to cultivate the habit of savingamong farm women, while at the same timeindirectly encouraging communal harmonyamong them. Such groups were formed byher even before the SHG concept waspopularized. She is associated with theVillage Resource Centre of MSSRF atThirvaiyaru and conveys the benefits itprovides to her village. Currently she islearning computer skills and is trying toestablish a VKC in her villageSomesvarapuram which is located on thebanks of river Coleroon.344. Mr H Bagadoor(Jul-2005)C/o M.S. Swaminathan ResearchFoundationDoor No.11-2-91F, Nachimuthu House,Opp. Govt.Higher Sec.School,Palani Main Road, Kannivadi,Dindigul-624 705Tel: 95451-2555147 / 2555160- a graduate with sound knowledge onvegetable market prices and transportation.176 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSTamil NaduHe has good links with the growers of theregion.Mr. H. Bagadoor (33) is a progressive farmerfrom Sriramapuram village in Kannivadi, andan active member of the ReddiarchatramSeed Growers’ Association (RSGA). Aneconomics graduate with sound training incomputer applications, he is currently runninga unique website focussing on the marketinformation on fruits and vegetables grownin Oddanchatram belt. The website is in operationfor well over two years now, and it hashelped in forging a sustainable alliancebetween the farmers and the traders, therebybenefiting both of them.He has been actively involved in the seedvillage programme of the MSSRF, and hashelped in spreading several eco-friendly cropproduction technologies and thefundamentals of precision farming usinggeographical information system (GIS)among the villagers in the region.Mr. Bagadoor is an active social worker, andwith a missionary zeal he has beenpropagating the spirit of cooperation amongthe growers and the traders in the region.He has contributed significantly to thegrowth of the knowledge center bygathering farm and market-orientedinformation periodically.345. Ms Bagavathi Ammal(Jan-2006)K1/53, Shanmugapuram,Veerapandiyanpattanam, ThuticorinDistrict. Ph: 95461-246154Bagavathi Ammal (34), born inVeerapandianpattanam on the sea coast ofThoothukudi district, TN has been very keenand interested in promoting various aspectsthat are needed for rural development. Sheis + 2 educated and has undergone the 2days CBFL ALP training conducted by TATAConsultancy Services before launching CBFLand also 2 days inservice training from BlockResource Centre on literacy throughcomputers .She has been associated with thegovernment in implementing schemes.Withthe help of the rural development agencyshe motivated people to construct 332individual household toilets. Through herefforts she has made people of her villageaware about family planning and itsimportance and 33 cases have successfullyundergone the surgery.Bagavathi Ammal’s commitment towardsmaking people literate has made her facilitatethe ALP classes and has covered 30 batchesin which 496 people where trained to befunctionally illiterate. She says that her everyhuman has the responsibility to not onlydevelop their own selves but also to haveconcern and make efforts for thedevelopment of their fellow men andwomen.Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 177

NVA FELLOWSTamil Nadu346. Ms K Baladevi (Aug-2006)84/4, North Street, Kurundi,Kariyapatti Taluk,Virudhunagar District - 626 106.Ph: 250130K. Baladevi, 32, is an educationist with B.Eddegree. A good leader, she has been involvedwith community activities for five years andis the president of an SHG group in hervillage.She has taken many initiatives in the fieldsof health and hygiene, as well as inagriculture and economic activity. Themembers of her SHG group conductawareness programs on using public toilets,keeping the village streets clean and usingclean drinking water, which has brought theirvillage many awards. They also conveyfundamental knowledge on AIDS/HIV andon polio eradication.Baladevi helps the women in her village toopen bank accounts, maintain small savingsand utilize the savings to create new smallenterprises to uplift their economical andsocial status, and trains farmers in naturalagricultural methods.347. Ms M Banumathi(Jan-2006)Iluppakkorai, Vellalar Street,Ganapathy Agraharam(PO),Pabanasam block,Thanjavur district.Banumathi (41), from Iluppakkorai, Thanjavurdistrict, TN is a social activist with a passionand commitment to the social and economicupliftment and empowerment of ruralwomen. A widow, she has studied up to 9 thstandard and is a Treasurer of All WomenFarmers Club of Iluppakkorai. The club gotan International Award from World WomenSummit Foundation, Geneva.Born in a traditional agriculture family whichrestricts women from going out of the house, Banumathi somehow managed to attenda training programme organized by the stateAgriculture Dept in 1995. This influenced herto develop income-generating skills for thefarm women to enhance their economicsituation. She was a pioneer in Psudomonas,Trichoderma viridi production in this area, andshe also taught its preparation to a numberof farmers. She also underwent coir makingtraining and earns additional income tomotivate others to do the same. She and fewinnovative farm women of her village areengaged in catering.Endowed with good leadership qualities,Banumathi has successfully mobilizedwomen SHGs and enlightened them aboutthe social and welfare programmes of theGovt. She has participated in many All IndiaRadio Programmes and shared heragricultural experiences. She has conductedmany Sanitation Awareness Programmes andAwareness Programmes for adolescents andis a role model for many women in thevillage. Now she has started learningcomputer with the help of MSSRF and verysoon she will emerge as a knowledge workerin her village.178 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSTamil Nadu348. Ms Barathisala (Jul-2005)C/o n-logueCommunications Pvt Limited5th Floor, Gokul Arcade,#2 Sardar Patel Road,Adyar, Chennai 600 020Tel: + 91-44-2445 5212, 39181932Barathisala is a graduate from Thirukolakudi,Sivaganga, Tamilnadu, a village wherewomen are not encouraged to earn on theirown. But at her own risk, she started thekiosk in her village. She went canvassing onher own with the help of n-logue people,explaining about all the services andconvinced the villagers. Now all the peoplein that village say ‘If we need anything, wejust approach Chiraag and get it done’.Slowly the children in the village startedattending the educational courses oncomputer. There is no hospital in the village,so Barathisala helps her villagers tocommuicate to the doctor through iSee .Many in her village use this opportunity.Barathisala is active, dynamic and a goodinfluence in her village, utilizing her trainingto the fullest for supporting her villagepeople.349. Ms Bhavani Ganesan(Jul-2005)505, Anbagam, Anna Nagar 'A',Okkur (PO), Sivagangai - 630557.Ph. 04575-233315 / 9942337215Bhavani comes from a village called Okkurin Sivaganga Dt, Tamil Nadu. She has beeninvolved with community activities since 2000as Nehru Yuvakendra National Servicevolunteer.She started a Chiraag information centre in2003 where she teaches students aboutcomputers and promotes agricultural servicesin the village. She implements medicalservices as well as , agricultural services inand around her village.Many of the villagers are working abroad,so the only contact with them was throughpostal services alone. She convinced thepeople to communicate through video/audiomail with their family members who are inabroad. She is also giving free educationservice for poor children.350. Ms Bhavani Elango(Jul-2005)Merpanaikadu (west), ArandangiUnion, Pudukkottai District.Cell: 944342483627 year - old Bhavani Elango, a graduate froma rural BPL background, has worked as anMSSRF - VRC volunteer since April 2004. Sheis a traditional agricultural farmer with astrong social commitment and has beenactively involved along with her husband insocial and development programmesespecially for women in development, since2000. Independently elected as President ofMerpanaikkadu Panchayat, her concern waseffective administration so as to be a rolemodel Panchayat President. She becameactively involved in developing micro levelJamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 179

NVA FELLOWSTamil Naduplanning with a participatory approach forassessment, identification of problems andfinding solutions for implementation.Taking action for promoting a sense of selfreliance in her Panchayat, she played aleadership role to remove malpractices,organize the community for developmentwork and network with other Panchayats.She mobilized local leaders and formed“Makkal Mayyam”, and encouraged SHG’sand income generating activities.She has worked for improving theenvironment by developing a model GreenVillage in Aranthagi Block, and has servedas a Member of the District Rain WaterHarvesting Committee and Member of theBlock Level Committee’s Total SanitationProgramme.351. Mr Chandrasekar(Jul-2005)C/o n-logueCommunications Pvt Limited5th Floor, Gokul Arcade,#2 Sardar Patel Road,Adyar, Chennai 600 020Tel: + 91-44-2445 5212, 39181932Chandrasekar from Kulamangalam south,Pudukottai, Tamil Nadu is 25-years old andhas finished 10th std from his village school.He had no prior computer knowledge, butafter attending the SHG meeting inAranthangi arranged by n-logue and aftercompletion of the basic computer traininghe started a kiosk in his village.He earns from DTP, typewriting, photo,education, spoken English course, browsingand games. In DTP work (school identitycards, invitations, visiting cards). iSee foragriculture is another service used by hisvillagers. This agriculture session is conductedon every Wednesday, and many farmers havehad the opportunity to clarify their doubtsthrough this session. Every week at least 5to 10 farmers attend the session, soChandrasekar is happy to provide theseservices to his village.352. Mr S Cinnathambi(Feb-2007)S/O ChellanKalleri, Thirupuli PostThirupuli Nadu,Kolli HillsNamakkal districtTamil Nadu. 637 411+2 educated 29 year old S.Cinnathambibelongs to a backward hill area in WesternKolli Hills, which is a culturally rich forestedregion. The biggest sacred forest is locatedin his village and millet is cultivated in certainpockets near by.Since 2002, he has been involved in variousactivities such as mobilising and monitoringSHGs, assisting with SHG grocery shop andaccounts maintenance, as well as arrangingfor saplings from the horticulturedepartment, water facilities through thePanchayat and other rural infrastructurefacilities for his village.Cinnathambi is good in marketing and intraining millet farmers on improved180 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSTamil Naduagronomic techniques , value addition andmarketing. Being good in mobilising publicsupport for village development, his effortsare beneficial for many remote villages.353. Mr K David (Jul 2005)4/2856, Saveriyar Nagar,Thangachimadam, Ramanthapuram DtPIN- 623 529- a dedicated advocate of the ruralcommunity with physical disabilities, he hasbeen working hard in getting his groupinvolved in all activities that will benefit thefishing community to which hebelongs.Hailing from Thangatchimadam village inRamanthapuram district in Tamil Nadu, Mr.K. David (37) is a multi-faceted personality.He is a popular writer, contributing a regularcolumn on sustainable fisheries developmentin a community newspaper “Namma OoruSeithi”, and a community developmentworker with special skills in training peoplein shell-crafts.A physically challenged person, Mr. David hasovercome several hurdles and has played akey in role in establishing the informationcenter in Thangatchimadam village. He is thefounding president of the Nesakkarangal, anassociation for the handicapped, and throughthis voluntary body he is conducting severaltraining programmes to economicallyempower the rural women and youth.Being computer-literate, he is successfullyorganizing computer-literacy campaigns forthe physically challenged persons in theregion. Mr. David, with a high degree ofcommitment and social consciousness, isactively involved in making the local peopleaware of the various entitlements andwelfare programmes of the government.354. Mr G S Dhanapathy(Aug- 2006)1377, Kamban Nagar,Rajagopalapuram,Pudukkottai Dist - 622003.Ph: 04322-261139 / 94435-93339Mr. G.S. Dhanapathy, (55), an OrganicFarmer with an open university master’sdegree, has been working for thedevelopment of the farming community forthe past fifteen years. Through awarenesscampaigns and training programmes, heshares his expertise on a wide variety of topicsrelated to agriculture, livestock, waterharvesting and environmental protection.Dhanapathy promotes low cost farmingmethods like vermicompost, pest controlwith organic pesticides. Using C.Ds or powerpoint presentation he explains cropproduction technology for several cropsincluding major & minor millets, vegetablesand fruit crops.He practices ancient methods of healing forlivestock ailments and disseminatesinformation to farmers on how to preventinfectious diseases of cattle. He alsoadvocates prevention of cruelty to animals.Working with the PWD he has adopted waterharvesting technologies, and encouragesJamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 181

NVA FELLOWSTamil Naduyouth, college students and school studentsto grow trees and protect the naturalenvironment.EID Parry arranged for Dhanapathy toundertake organic farming training inThailand and Singapore. He conducts anumber of training programmes for farmersin Pudukottai district with the help of severalinstitutions such as Tamil Nadu AgricultureUniversity, Veterinary University RegionalResource Center (VURRC), Department ofAgriculture, Department of Horticulture,Forestry Extension Centre, Department ofAnimal Husbandry, Krishi Vigyan Kendra,District Rural Development Agency,Department of Health, Rotary Club andNGOs. These services have won him manyawards like “Best Organic Farmer”, “BestSocial Worker” etc., as well as a number ofpositions of responsibility in PudukkottaiDistrict. Now he is working along with MSSRFfor establishing a VKC and acts as a ResourcePerson for farmers’ awareness and trainingprogrammes.355. Mr V Dheenadayalan(Jul-2005)Nadu st,Umbalachery,Vedaranyam Block, Nagai-614711,Phone : 04369 239630V.Dheenadayalan studied up to 10 thstandard. He is a 43 year old farmer inUmbalchery village, Vetharanyam taluk ofNagapattinam district.He is an active volunteer and helps poorpeople avail of Govt. Schemes. He promoteda people’s group called “ Tharasu MakkalMandram” 4 years back. The members keepvigil of Govt. implementation and point outany lacuna in the programme. Now thepeople of that area have nicknamed him“Tharasu Dheenadayalan” . With the helpof an NGO he formed “UmbalcherryIndigenous Cattle Herders Association” toconserve the Umbalachery indigenous cattle.He is also honorary secretary of theassociation. Now he is promoting village levelgroups of indigenous livestock keepers inAymur, Wattakudi , Umbalchery villages ofThalaignayaru block, Nagapattinam District.Through these groups calf rearingprogramme is being implemented by theNGO. He also advocate indigenous animalhealing practices by using herbal plants.356. Mr Elango (Jul-2005)C/o Gandhigram Rural Institute-Deemed UniversityGandhigram -624 302, IndiaTel: + 91 451- 2452371-75, 2451775 (D)Mr Elango, a Dalit youth heads theKuthambakkam Gram Panchayat inThiruvallur Dt., Tamil Nadu. An engineer byprofession he was earlier working at aCentral Govt Research Institute, and laterstarted an industry with his own investment.In his area 52% of the population is Dalit,whereas 90% of land available is with theupper caste groups.Having the firm conviction that of all theinstitutions , grassroots institutions are the182 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSTamil Nadumost powerful instruments to transform thelives of underprivileged people , he resignedfrom his job and contested in the electionand won. Since 1996 he has been involvedin community work. His objective was toprotect the self respect of Dalits, creatingawareness, upgrading their skills and linktheir economic activity with banks. Hemobilized over one crore rupees for variousschemes implemented in the panchayatwhich gave employment to local people andweaned them away from brewing illicit liquorwhich was ruining the lives of their families.He identified several technologies feasible foradaptation to the rural situation of his areasuch as mud block making, soap making,diary, bakery , thoor dal preparation, oilextraction, jute bag and handmade paperproduction, energy efficient lights, etc andcreated production units under the bannerof a Trust he started called Trust for VillageSelf Governance .Elango’s vision is to make Kuthambakkam amodel for total development using thePanchayati Raj system and to make it notonly a learning center, but a doers academyor ‘Panchayat Academy’ for other Panchayatsto replicate.357. Mr Gnanakulandhai(Jul-2005)S/0. G. Arulraj, D-225A, W-2, North St,Uppukkottai, Theni Dt. E.mail:uppuk_kottai@yahoo.co.inGnanakulandhai from Theni District of TamilNadu is a 42 year-old postgraduate (M.A.Political Science) who has been involved withcommunity activities.He could have easily opted for a livelihoodin a city or town but he decided to work forthe development of his own village. In theinitial years he was involved in communitydevelopment programs. Today, as a CommonWealth Coordinator, he teaches studentscomputers and promotes InformationTechnology amongst his communitymembers. State Bank managers particularlyappreciate his co-operation.Gnanakulandhai has contributed to hisvillage’s development through activeawareness and door-to-door dialogues withwomen, motivating rural women to pick upliteracy skills, cultivate a habit of saving andthus organize SHGs for savings. In addition,he is actively working on improvingagriculture methods and generatingawareness amongst the farmers.358. Ms R Gnanasundari(Jul-2005)1/65, Sennamreddypatty (PO),Vilathikulam, Thuthukudi Dt. 628 905.Email: gnanasundariram@yahoo.co.in,Cell: 9942170136Gnanasundari is 29 years old and workingas a field officer in SEVA. She studied up to+2 and trained in computer operations. Shehas organized sheep herders group in 8villages of Pudhur village of Thuthukudidistrict. She learned herbal healing practicesfor animals and organized animal healthJamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 183

NVA FELLOWSTamil Naducamp. She has so far organized more than10 health camps with help from GovernmentVeterinary Department. She alsodocumented indigenous practices inagriculture, animal husbandry and herbalmedicine in many villages of Thuthukudidistrict. She is trained in computer.359. Mr P IrudhayarajDuraisingam (Aug-2006)3/72, Jeyabhavan,Sithumoondradaippu, KariyapattiTaluk, Virudhunagar Dist - 626 106.Ph: 9367796825 / 98421-5408132 year old P.Duraisingam hails from abackward village called Sithumoonradaippuin Tamil Nadu. After completing his B.A andB.Ed, he started a youth group to help thepoor and ill people in and around his villagewith the assistance of Madurai MeenakshiMission Hospital. They have conducted manymedical camps including eye camps throughMadurai Aravind Eye Hospital. By collectinglocal funds, his group has helped rural poorchildren through free distribution ofnotebooks and study materials.Duraisingam rendered free service to teachrural illiterates and is now training poorschool children through evening coachingclasses. He also makes regular visits to sickpeople in the government hospital. He andhis group participate in community activitiesand celebrations, and with the help of localdonors conduct various sports competitions.Local NGOs are also assisted in theirawareness rallies and meetings.360. Ms M Jeya (Jan-2006)W/o. Madasamy, Kizha St,Theethampatti, Pasuvandanai (Via),Achangulam (PO), Tuticorin Dt.Phone: 2910921Jeya (34), from Theethampatti inThoothokudi district, TN, has studied uptoclass XII. A physically challenged woman,with great will power to work for thedevelopment of society, she says even thoughshe started to work for her society little late,she is happy that she can do something nowand would like to learn more to build adeveloped model village .She has undergone Special Two days CBFLALP Training conducted by TATA ConsultancyServices and attended the 3 days orientationand Self Help Group formation trainingconducted by Tamil Nadu WomenDevelopment Corporation. She facilitated 2batches of CBFL ALP in her Continuouseducation centre through which 95 men andwomen benefited. The people were alsooriented on SHGs and 5 groups were formed.Her work has also helped to implement 150individual household latrines. Her interest inthe care of school dropouts made 39students to rejoin school education. One ofthe groups she formed was specially for thephysically challenged people.184 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSTamil Nadu361. Mr John Nelson (Jul-2005)No: 33, Neyveli main road,Vadalur - 607303, Cuddalore - 607303 ,Phone: 04142-260 242John Nelson is a 29 years old graduate fromVadalur, Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu. Aftergraduation, he worked in Pondicherry in asmall company, aiming to to be anentrepreneur and also to generateemployment.He feels that though cities were developingin infrastructure, the villages are far behindin facilities. He liked the concept that thedigital divide has to be bridged, and sinceChiraag was doing that and was also linkedto IIT, he decide to be part of it. He says, “Iam happy to be among the first few inCuddalore-Dist., when it was introduced”.He was the first person to talk with theDistrict Collector when video conferencingwas arranged in Cuddalore district and wasimpressed by the Collector’s immediateaction on the queries.He got data conversion work from USAthrough his friend there, and could employ18 poor girls who finished 12th Std, someof whom were breeding cattle prior to thiswork and were not always able to have 2meals a day. He could see their life styleimprove after they became earningmembers, which was possible only with n-logue’s connection.He says, ”People respected us since wetalked about e-governance and also becauseof the telemedicine session conducted withArvind Eye Hospital, Pondicherry. We gotrecognition because of Chiraag”. John ishappy to be in the Chiraag family, and wantsto do more good work which will improvethe quality of life in rural India.362. Mr S T Justin (Feb-2007)1/764 Sekadi Street, PambanRamanathapuram districtTamil NaduS.T. Justin is a fishermen association memberof Pamban who is very interested in socialservice. He is an active self help groupmember and encourages other men to jointo get the benefits.39 year old 8th Std educated Justin is now aknowledge worker of Pamban VKC. Thoughhe did not have any prior knowledge aboutthe use of computers, after periodicaltraining, he is very well aware of computerusage and other technical instruments. Heis taking computer courses for a number offishermen and students. He also trained localschoolteachers to use educational CD anddatabases.He collects information from TNOU (TamilNadu Open University) and disseminates itthrough the knowledge centre. He also givesdetails about government schemes, healthinformation to the rural poor and helpsstudents join the higher studies.Himself occupied in a marine spares partsshop, he guided many fishing labourers andfishing boat owners to take part in theJamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 185

NVA FELLOWSTamil Nadutechnical training of modern fishingtechnologies and hygienic handling, fishpreservation and processing trainingprogrammes conducted by Marine ProductExport Development Authority (MPEDA),Tuticorin.363. Ms Kalaivani Rajendran(Jul-2005)Vadakku Kadavarayar St,Kallar Pasupathy Koil (PO),Pabanasam (Tk)PIN - 614 206A dedicated farm woman striving hard tobridge the gap between scientific know-howand field level do-how, she aims to foster anevergreen revolution in her small farm, andenhance productivity in perpetuity withoutecological harm.Kalaivani Rajendran, a woman farmer froma tiny village called Kallar Pasupathikovil inThanavur Dt of Tamilnadu was born in1961and studied up to S.S L.C. She was onlyhousekeeper till 1992 when she attended atraining on Women in Agriculture, a DanidaaidedProject. The training she received fromTANWA and subsequent training programsconducted by the Agriculture University andthe Agriculture Department has completelychanged her outlook.She is the contact farmer for both theUniversity and the Agriculture Dept. She haslaid out a number of demonstrations to bringknowledge from ‘Lab to Land’. At presentshe is following the SRI method of paddycultivation which saves water, seed, labourand enhances the yield. She believes inorganic farming, and produces many organicproducts and herbal pesticides in her ownfarm.By virtue of her service to the farmingcommunity she was selected as the convenerof the farmers discussion group of theFarmers Training Centre, is the recipient ofthe best discussion group award of the Govtof Tamil Nadu and the L.M.Patel NationalAward for best woman rice farmer in TheInternational Year of Rice (2004).Kalaivani Rajendran though a small farmerhas shown the way to a remunerative ricebased farming system through adoptingmodern technology.364. Ms KanagavalliRajendran (Jul-2005)Nadu St,Soorakkottai (PO),Thanjavur Dt - 614 904A social activist with a passion andcommitment to the social and economicupliftment and empowerment of ruralwomen, Kanagavalli aged 42 is a widow whohas studied up to SSLC. Born in a traditionalagriculture family which restricts womenfrom going out of the house, Kanagavallisomehow managed to attend a trainingprogram organized by the State AgricultureDept 1995. The training influenced her todevelop income generating skills for the farmwomen to help enhance of their economic186 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSTamil Nadusituation. She was a pioneer in vermicompostproduction in this area, taught a number offarmers in and around her village to producethis organic product to earn money and alsothereby practice organic farming . Endowedwith good leadership quality she hassuccessfully mobilized women SHGs andenlightened them about the social andwelfare programes of the Govt.She has dispelled several taboos, myths andevils in the society working against the ruralwomen. By organizing micro-credit andsavings through SHG she has saved farmwomen from the clutches of usurious moneylenders.The District Collector has praised Kanagavallias a role model for many women in thevillage. Now she started learning computerwith the help of her children and very soonshe will emerge as a best knowledge workerusing ICT for the empowerment of the farmwomen and development of the village.365. Ms KasthuriChandrasekaran (Jan-2006)C/o. Ekgaon TechnologiesC 2/6, Ist Floor,Safdurjung Development Area,New Delhi - 110 016 -IndiaTel: +91 (11) 51657166, 51657168,26534990vijay@ekgaon.comKasthuri Chandrasekaran (44), belongs toPulvaikarai, Virudunagar district, Tamil Nadu.With only primary level education, she wasthe first person in her village who understoodthe concept of self-help and mutual help forself-reliant and self-sufficient villagedevelopment, and mobilised more than 1500rural women into self-help groups. She isCommunity Leader of Covenant Centre forDevelopment, President Mahakalasm Trust(Microfinance organisation) and PresidentCommunity Enterprise Forum International .Kasthuri Chandrasekaran is involved incapacity building of microfinance groups,promotion of local resource based enterprisesfor generating livelihood options andpromotion of community centreddevelopment model in medicinal plants andherbal products. Her Trust analysed theconsumption loan spending patterns ofmembers and found that household medicalexpenses formed a major part of theconsumption loans . Since simple ailmentscould be managed at the household levelwith simple remedies, the Trust decided topromote Kitchen Herbal Gardens (KHGs) thatwould cater to the primary healthcare needsof rural families. She documented more than2000 cases of indigenous knowledge andgrassroots level innovations in the field ofmedicine and livelihoods, and has takenmany steps for value-addition of resourcesand encouragement of traditional skills.Kasturi is a role model and has gotinternational recognition for her pioneeringwork.Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 187

NVA FELLOWSTamil Nadu366. Ms Kavitha (Jul-2005)C/o. n-logue CommunicationsPvt Limited5th Floor, Gokul Arcade,#2 Sardar Patel Road,Adyar, Chennai 600 020Tel: + 91-44-2445 5212, 39181932sowmithiri.s@n-logue.com;siddick.a@n-logue.com28-year–old Kavitha comes from P.C.Patti, asmall village in the Theni district ofTamilNadu. She is a graduate B.Sc in Maths,and has been involved with communityactivities for 1 year. She enrolled to study theTally accounting course, travelling fromP.C.Patti to Theni, a distance of 15 kms tolearn computers. She is confident with goodpublic speaking abilities.She uses computers for preparing reports andstatements of accounts and has undergoneother technical training like video replay,photography, etc. Though she wanted tobecome a school teacher she was notallowed to go for further studies so shestarted a tuition center in her home teachingvillage children free of charge. And also sheis running a Chiraag centre.367. Mr S Karuppasamy(Aug-2006)19/1, North Street,Arasakulam, Kariyapati Taluk,Virudhunagar - 626 106.Educated up to Higher Secondary, S.Karuppasamy residing at Arasakulam villageis a 33 year old competent social worker. Anexcellent organizer, he has been involved incommunity activities since 1993, dedicatinghimself to social reforms in his village.For the past 9 years, Karuppasamy hasworked to remove illiteracy among his peopleand has also helped them to participate inmedical camps conducted by varioushospitals. At present he is serving as a villageknowledge centre worker.368. Mr S Lenin (Aug-2006)South Street,Samiyarpettai, Chidambaram,Cuddalore - 608 502,Ph: 9843974618After completing 10 th Std, 19 year old S.Leninunderwent a computer training programmein Cuddalore. Since then he has involvedhimself in giving computer training to schoolstudents in his village which is located alongthe sea coast of Tamil Nadu, through the localvillage knowledge centre. He has alsoworked to spread awareness on health andhygiene among the villagers, includinginformation on Siddha medicine.Environment and water management are hisinterests, for which he has participated inwater awareness campaigns and helped withcleaning the water tank in his village once intwo weeks. He also took part in relief workafter the tsunami hit the coastal areas in2004.Lenin is a committed knowledge worker witha flair for the new technologies that he188 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSTamil Naduwishes to promote among his peers. Byacquiring newer skills he has enhanced hiscapacity to help his fellow villagers bycollecting and disseminating information andby communicating their developmentalconcerns.369. Mr B Logidasan (Jan-2006)2/80, Posampatti Kizh Street,Inampuliyur (PO), Thiruchi Dt.Phone: 2618102Logidasan (26 ), who was born in aagricultural labour’s family at Posampativillage, Trichy district, Tamil Nadu. Aftercompletion of high school, he engagedhimself in the family occupation - agriculture.During his leisure time he started to getinvolved and initiated himself in some socialactivities. He works to generate awarenesson tree planting, small savings, anti –untouchability, evils of drinking etc.He was appointed as a Prerak in PosampattiPanchayat because of his commitment tosocial activities. After assuming work, heunder took a door to door literacy survey andidentified 126 men and 161 women illiteratesin the age above 15. Before the launch ofComputer Based Functional Literacy (CBFL)he was involved in teaching the adultilliterates and he successfully made 62 adultsliterate.His work was enhanced with the introductionof CBFL with the donation of Computers byTCS. In the first batch, 18 women benefitedand 20 are undergoing training currently. Thecentre and the village was covered by thenational news channel NDTV and telecastnationally.370. Mr T Mahadevan(Jul-2005)Veeralampatti, Mangalrevu (PO),Peraiyur (TK), Madurai DistrictPhone: 9442463809Mahadeven is 32 and has studied B.A. inTamil. He lives in Veeralampatti Village,Madurai District, Tamil Nadu and is avolunteer of SEVA involved in eradication ofinfanticide in Usilampatti and Peraiyur Taluks.Over the last 8 years, he convinced manyfamilies to prevent female infanticide.Mahadeven helped the NGO to recoverearlier dues from the members and becameinstrumental in linking with banks for availingmicro credit facilities. This process hasconvinced the local banks to give loans andcredit facilities to the women SHGs, whichwas very difficult earlier. He has promoted35 SHGs near his village and mobilized creditfrom banks to the tune of more thanRs.10,00,000/-.371. Ms S Mahamayee(Aug-2006)187/4, Kurandi Village,Kariyapatti Taluk,Virudhunagar District - 626 106.28 year old S.Mahamayee is goodcommunicator and enthusiastic field workerJamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 189

NVA FELLOWSTamil Naduwho is at present a village knowledge workerin her area. She has passed S.S.L.C and isthe president of an SHG women’s group forthe past 4 years. As active social worker, shehas been involved with the pulse-polioprogramme and other health campaigns. Hervillage has received many awards state-wideas a clean and healthy village.Mahamayee also served as a volunteer in the“ARIVOZHI IYAKKAM” to help illiteratepeople to be educated, and with the help ofthe Panchayat President her group aspiresto better development economically andsocially.372. Mr C Manikandan(Aug-2006)3/13, Main Road, Konampattinam,Seerkazhi, Nagapattinam - 609 106 E-mail: mani_kandan2006@rediff.comPh: 04364-200678/9442419982C.Manikandan, a 24 year old studentpursuing his M.Sc studies in computersciences through distance education, hasbeen involved with forming youth groups toimprove general knowledge and informationdissemination in his coastal village. The sonof a poor fisherman, he learnt to use thecomputer at a local computer centre. He thenbegan to engage himself in voluntarilyhelping fellow villagers to learn computerapplications.Manikandan has been an asset to his villagein promoting computer training. His othermedia skills and commitment to promotenew technologies in the villages motivate himto procure appropriate ICT infrastructure inhis village. He hopes to manage a villageknowledge centre in the future.373. Mr Manimaran (Jan-2006)C/o. n-logue Communications PvtLimited5th Floor, Gokul Arcade,#2 Sardar Patel Road, Adyar,Chennai 600 020Tel: + 91-44-2445 5212, 39181932Fax: + 91-44- 24455335sowmithiri.s@n-logue.com;siddick.a@n-logue.comManimaran (23), is a graduate fromRasingapuram a forest region and hill area,in Theni district, TN. A former LIC Agent hecollected savings from village – to – villageand provided timely loans to the needymembers .Manimaran has organized agriculturecampaign meeting for members, organizedfarmers’ groups and provided farmers withtraining and awareness, and seeds for bettercrops.He has also organized cleanliness campaignsin his village with the help of the panchayatas well as other village development work.Through Chiraag, he is earning by offeringDDTP services, computer education, spokenEnglish course, browsing and computergames. He also provides services of projectworks, Internet search, photo for ration cardsand other facilities for the village community.190 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSTamil Nadu374. Mr R Maniyan (Jul-2005)Kizha punavasal (PO),Thiruvaiyaru - 613 204Thanjavur DistrictManiyan, a dynamic and dedicated socialworker from Kizha Punavasal in ThanjavurDistrict works hard in the field. He adoptsand popularize new innovative agriculturalpractices for the benefit of the community.Aged 46, Maniyan has studied only upto 8 thstandard but his knowledge of agriculture isgreat . He grasps all innovative ideas quicklyand starts implementing it and extends toother farmers in and around his village. Hehas been a convener of the farmers’discussion group of the Farmers TrainingCenter, Sakkotai from 1984 onwards. He hasattended a number of training programmesconducted by both Agriculture University andAgriculture Department. He has attended 7farm school on air conducted by All IndiaRadio and won several prizes. He wasresponsible for introduction of a number ofalternative crops like soya been, sunfloweretc. He is popularizing organic farming andat present he is learning computer in thevillage resource center and he will be one ofthe volunteers in the forthcoming RuralKnowledge Center at Villangudy.375. Ms K Mariammal(Feb-2007)W/o. C.KalimuthuMuthaiahpuram EastThoothukudi District, Tamil Nadu32 year old Mariammal who has completed+2 education is a good facilitator for the TCSALP . She comes from a village near the seacoast where most of the people are workingin the salt refineries . She has been asuccessful SHG animator and leader informing SHGs.She has undergone computer trainingconducted by TATA Consultancy Services andalso pre- service training on ContinuingEducation Programme. She was very regularin attending monitoring and review meetingsconducted by the District Project Coordinatorfor the CBFL centres.Several men and women were made literatein Mariammal’s centre and with her efforts,they were also converted into self helpgroups that are now associated with TamilNadu Women’s Development Corporation.376. Mr T Mesiyan (Feb-2007)1/649-2 Francis NagarSethupathy Nedunsalai, PambanRamanathapuramA science graduate, 39 year old T. Mesiyan’soccupation is fish trade. He has soundknowledge of fishermen rights and issues.After the tsunami hit his coastal area in 2004,he coordinated with the districtadministration to get relief for the affectedpeople of Pamban. He has the managerialskill to mobilize and organize the fishingcommunity to work together. He coordinateswith various government departments ingetting fishermen identity card, ration cardsand other entitlements.Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 191

NVA FELLOWSTamil NaduMesiyan is an active member of theconsumer federation of Pamban and isinterested in social service. He has attendeda number of training programmes conductedby MSSRF and other non-governmentalorganizations including on consumer rightsand malaria awareness. Now he is aknowledge worker in the Pamban VKC,actively involved in several activities. Hecollects information from governmentdepartments to disseminate through theknowledge centre.He has been an active participant inprevention and eradication programme ofmalaria and HIV AIDS in Pamban area.377. Mr R Murugan (Jan-2006)Selam main road,Anguchettypalayam,Banrutti, Phone: 9367633871R. Murugan (36), from, Anghuchettipalyam,a tropical coastal area of Cuddalore district,TN, has a Diploma in Pharmacy . Aprogressive farmer, he is helping the localfarming community in various aspects ofmodern crop husbandry.Murugan provides Internet browsing atconcessional rates at his village internet kioskcentre, to students. His role in helping thefarmers avail financial facilities for raisingcrops, minor irrigation etc from banks isappreciable. Other services provided by himare Video conferencing with Department ofAgriculture and TNAU scientists, organicmanure sales, arranging farmers clubmeetings and conducting rural medicalcamps and yoga classes.378. Ms Murugaveni (Jul-2005)C/o. n-logue Communications PvtLimited5th Floor, Gokul Arcade, #2 SardarPatel Road,Adyar, Chennai 600 020Tel: + 91-44-2445 5212, 39181932Fax: + 91-44- 24455335sowmithiri.s@n-logue.com;siddick.a@n-logue.com\Aged 35 Murugaveni is fromGovindanagaram Village, Theni Dt in TamilNadu. She studied up to 10 th std and was afarm worker and housewife till she startedrunning Chiraag for the past 1 year. Sheconducts meetings with women and providesinformation related to savings throughChiraag which she joined in 2004, and alsobecame involved in nursery activities. She isa Spearhead team member, and her workincludes plantation, selling of ready plants,calculation and maintenance of preparedplants, seed collection and developmentwork for wastelands. Through this she wasable to build her capacity to make othersunderstand the significance of plantationsand nursery activity. She is a co-ordinator ofComman Wealth Association involved in COLproject.‘I was not eager to work with plants, in theinitial stages. Gradually, I understood theimportance of this activity and how I couldmotivate others in my community to nurture192 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSTamil Naduplants. Now, I work with the Sarpanch andothers in the Panchayat and am fully involvedin village development work. After two yearsof Nursery work, I got the opportunity toundertake computer training from Chiraag ,I liked to learn new technology at this age.In future I will definitely learn more of newtechnology. I have become a moreresponsible person after joining CHIRAAGand have even built a small house with mysavings.’She provides information in her communityfor development work, taking forward theintegrated approach of CHIRAAG.Murugaveni has developed into a confidentwoman; working for village development.379. Mr K P Murugesh(Jan-2006)S/o. Periyasamy, Kallar St, Kuvatupatti,Ilupur (PO), Pudukkottai Dist - 622 102K.P.Murugesh (46), hails from Kuvattupatty,a hamlet in Pudukkottai District, TN, Atraditional agriculturist and specialist inorganic farming, he has studied upto SSLC.A demonstrator of herbal insecticide, vermicompost, rain water harvesting andrecharging and of farm pond fish farming,his varied contribution towards communitydevelopment is immense and he is an assetto community.As a Secretary of farmers’ discursion group(FDG) in Pudukkottai district and a memberof the scientific advisory committee of KVK-TNAU, K.P.Murugesh has served on anumber of development projects. Now he isactively involved in establishing a VillageKnowledge Centre his Panchayat.380. Ms R Muthumari(Aug-2006)43 North street,Arasakulam, Kariyapatti Taluk,Virudhunagar Dist - 626 106.Ph: 9842154082R. Muthumari aged 38 years has finished IXStd and is at present working as a villageknowledge centre worker with MSSRF. Withher good communication skills and field workability, she served as a catalyst in the polioeradication programme during the past fewyears she has participated in the NSS campconducted by SIT college of Kariapatti.Her other social work in the village includesserving the illiterate people in her communitythrough the literacy campaign “ArivoliIyakkam” for 2 years as an eveningschoolteacher, and helping people toparticipate in eye camps at Aravind EyeHospital and Meenakshi Mission Hospital.381. Mr R Nalla Senapathi (Jul-2005)Nallampalayam (PO)Tharapuram (Tk),Erode District - 638 661 Ph. 04258 -241972Nalla Senapathi is a 26 year old youth inNallam Palayam Village, Erode District, TamilNadu. He studied up to +2 and he is lookingJamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 193

NVA FELLOWSTamil Naduafter his farms and sheep. He uses hisknowledge of traditional veterinary herbalhealing practices for treating animals and isan active social worker during his leisure time.With he help of SEVA, Nalla Senapathi haspromoted two peoples groups for conservingKorangadu pasture land in two villages viz.Nallam Palayam and Palanikaundanvalasu inErode District. . These two groups havesavings account (savings up to Rs.30,000)and with their savings they loan money tothe members for strengthening livestockdevelopment activities. With these membershe is involved in the formation of villageroads, providing drinking water for animals,planting fodder trees in farmers’ land andtreatment of animals by using medicinalplants and herbs. He has treated so far morethan 2,000 sheep using herbal medicines.Nalla Senapathi is helping the panchayat andthe university by providing information onthe Korangadu pasture land and the livestockpopulation by conducting actual field surveys.He also trained 20 members on animal feedpreparation to meet the day-to-day feedrequirements of dairy animals.382. Ms A Neelaveni (Jul-2005)W/o A. Ashokan, Vellalar Street,Illupakkorai (PO),Papanasam taluk, Thanjavur Dist.42 year old Neelaveni has completed SSLCand is secretary of the all-women farmersclub of Iluppakorai in Papanasam taluk, TamilNadu. This club got an international awardfrom World Women Summit Foundationbased in Geneva for their innovativeapproach in empowering women.Neelaveni comes from a traditionalagricultural family and assists her husbandin all farming operations. She was responsiblefor the introduction of SRI Method of paddycultivation in her village and also in adjacentvillages. This method which reduces the costof cultivation by cutting down inputs like seedand water is welcomed by all farmers andthe department is also promoting it andadvocating alternative methods of croppingdue to water scarcity. Neelaveni was thepioneer in introducing and demonstrating toothers this method of cultivation which is theneed of the hour.She also underwent coir making training andearns additional income and motivate othersalso to take it up .She and few innovativefarm women of her village are preparingvarious food materials and supplying to thosewho are in need. She is also learningcomputer from the Rural Knowledge Centreof MSSRF at Thiruvaiyaru. She is a role modelfor empowering the farming communityespecially farm women.383. Ms K Parameswari(Jan-2006)Sandhavasal via, Irumparai,Pollur TK PIN-606 905.Phone: 04181 248279Parameswari (20), is SSLC educated andcomes from the Scheduled Tribes group from194 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSTamil NaduGanamalai Panchayat, Jawadhi hills,Thiruvanamalai district of Tamil Nadu. Shebelongs to an illiterate family of agriculturallabourers.In the year 2003, the village was surveyedby Srinivasan Services Trust (SST) of TVSgroup with the help of the Madras Universityand many community development activiteswere initiated. Parameswari works as ananimator for the village and also asrepresentative for the village. She personallyrequested SST that CBFL be implemented inthe village since there where many illiteratesand on her request it was initiated.With the help of the computer, she mobilizedand encouraged the people to join theclasses. The classes took place everyday from7 to 8 in the evening. She maintained regularattendance and motivated the people tocome for the classes. She also mobilizedsome gifts for the completed learners andmore people were willing to join. She alsotaught the learners to write their names withthe help of the software component. Withthe help of the TCS software and her efforts,65 women were taught to read and are nowprogressing on learning to write.On the completion of training of her firstbatch, The Hindu newspaper covered thestory of her village and also witnessed thelearner’s ability to read.384. Ms Parasakthi (Jul-2005)Sundararajapuram, Rajapalayam (Tk),Virudhunagar Dt. PIN- 626142Smt.Parasakthi(47) is an agricultural labourerin SundaraRajapuram village nearRajapalayam. She studied up to +2.. Sinceher husband has abandoned her and livingwith another wife, she wanted to help ladiesabandoned by men. She has so far takenup14 cases and united the couples orarranged marriage. In addition she isinstrumental in stopping illegal liquorproduction by many husbands inSundaraRajapuram village. She promoted 4women groups during 1999 attached withTANWA and now functioning independently.She is a good communicator and is knownas an active social worker on all issues relatedwith women. She recently volunteered towork for 8 days for Tsunami relief duringJan’2005 in Nagapattinam District.385. Mr P Prabhakaran(Feb-2007)S/O K.PalanisamyNavakadu Post, Semmedu Via,Kolli Hills.Namakkal,Tamil Nadu. 637411Young and enthusiastic, 19 years old P.Prabhakaran, who is D.T.Ed educated hasbasic computer knowledge and is willing tohelp people in remote places. Himself aresident of a hilly, forested region in NorthKolli Hills, which is an agro-biodiversity richJamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 195

NVA FELLOWSTamil Naduarea, he has been involved in communitymobilization activities since 2005.Prabhakaran monitoring about 10 SHGs inRoja cluster in the remote areas of North KolliHills and also conducted a millet survey. Heis capable of absorbing new skills anddisseminating them to serve the villagercommunity.386. Ms P Preetha (Jul-2005)4/67, Main Road, Koduvai - 641 660,Thiruppur Via, Kovai District.Phone: (R). 0421-2312592,(M) 98654 99234.E-mail: preeroses@yahoo.co.in23 year-old Preetha from Koduvai inCoimbatore has completed BCA. She hadprior computer knowledge and was workingas a teacher. She learnt about n-logue whenshe attended a self-help group meeting inTirupur and started a kiosk in her village.She is earning from from DDTP, typewriting,education, spoken English course, browsingand games. With her earlier experience as ateacher, she takes educational classes for hervillage students and is also doing projectwork for the college students.iSee to Aravind Eye hospital, and veterinarydoctors is another service on which Preethaconcentrates. Villagers’ doubts and questionsin agriculture or veterinary problems arecleared through iSee to doctors. From thestart to date many members are usingAravind services so she is very happy toprovide these services to her villagers.387. Ms RajeswariKarthikeyan (Jul-2005)W/o. K. Karthikeyan, North St,Pasupathykoil - 614 206.Phone: 04374 - 241304A dedicated social worker with grit anddetermination to elevate the status ofwomen in the rural societies, RajeswariKarthikeyan (38) hails from a peasant familyfrom Pasupathikovil in Thanjavur Dt ofTamilnadu. Though she wanted to becomea school teacher she was not allowed to gofor further studies so she started a nurseryschool in her home teaching village childrenfree of charge. She created Barathi women’sgroup through which she trains women intailoring and educates them about theirrights.After participating in an all women farmersfield school she became an IPM trainer. As aresult she has eliminated the use of pesticidein the area ever since she attended theschool. Spearheading a group of 30 womenfrom the FFS they approached the police andwere successful in eradicating the illicit saleof liquor in the village. She mobilized 100women to provide micro finance throughformation of self help groups to help womento start small business. In the year 2001 shewon the International award from worldwomen summit foundation based in Genevafor her commitment to empower ruralwomen. She is now a role model.196 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSTamil Nadu388. Mr S Rajakumar (Feb-2007)S/O M.S.SubramaniayamPerumapatty ColonySemmedu PostValavandhinaduKolli Hills.Namakkal District. 637 411.S.Rajakumar is a 26 year old Plus 2, ITI MMVeducated enthusiastic volunteer and hasactively participated in the trainingprogrammes conducted in Kolli Hills whichis a forested hilly region. His village area is inan agro biodiversity rich horticulture belt withmany estates.Since 2002, he has been involved in manycommunity activities, such as training tofarmers on organic cultivation, marketingand promotion, especially of minor millets,training on organic compost preparation andmapping farmers fields for getting the ecocertificate. He is also involved in educatingchildren in the village in the evening and isan active participant in the Nehru YuvaKendra in Kolli Hills.Rajakumar is a hard working young man whois able to learn and willingly disseminate hisknowledge.Nominee’s areas of competencyBasic computer literacy, Organic farming,Vermicomposting, Teaching young children,Motor mechanics, Sports, Marketing skills389. Mr S Rajkumar (Jan-2006)C/o. n-logue Communications PvtLimited5th Floor, Gokul Arcade,#2 Sardar Patel Road, Adyar,Chennai 600 020Tel: + 91-44-2445 5212, 39181932Fax: + 91-44- 24455335sowmithiri.s@n-logue.com;siddick.a@n-logue.comS.Rajkumar (33), Peravurani on the sea coastof Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu, has B. Sc.(Physics) DCA, D.I.M.E education. Wantingto help his village people through Internetaccess, he started a Chiraag kiosk in hisvillage and is running the centre successfully.Education is one of the best service (Red,Green Courses) offered, followed byPhotoshop and DTP works. Browsing is themost popular service in his centre, bringinggood earnings. He also provides agricultureservices for the farmer community.390. Ms S Ramuthai (Jul-2005)Sunga Kavundanpatti,Uthappuram (PO),Peraiyur (Tk), Madurai Dt.Phone: 04552 - 246045Ramuthai is 33 years old and has studied uptoXth Standard. She is a member and animatorof a self help groups in Sanka kavundanpattivillage in Madurai District, Tamil Nadu. Shehas promoted 20 groups of poor womenagricultural labourers in Sanka kaundanpattiand nearby villages. She also struggled toJamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 197

NVA FELLOWSTamil Naduget bank linkages and thereafter she helpedin extending bank credits to 20 SHGs. Shemobilized Rs.12,30,000/- as micro credit toprovide resources to poor members forpurchase of dairy animals, sheep and goats.In close association with the Panchayat,Ramuthai was instrumental in constructionof a community hall and toilet facilities forwomen. She relieved many members fromthe clutches of local money lenders andsupported them through micro credit. Shehas also settled many disputes arising out ofcaste and creed and promoted dignity forwomen members.391. Mr Ravikumar (Jul-2005)C/o. n-logue Communications PvtLimited5th Floor, Gokul Arcade,#2 Sardar Patel Road, Adyar,Chennai 600 020Tel: + 91-44-2445 5212, 39181932Fax: + 91-44- 24455335sowmithiri.s@n-logue.com;siddick.a@n-logue.comRavikumar of Ekkadu in Tiruvallur Dt.,Tamilnadu is 50 years old. He attended thebasic computer training conducted by n-logue, and on successful completion of thetraining he has set up a kiosk in his village.He is earning from Typewriting, Education,Spoken English course, photos Browsing andgames, astrology services, iSee to AravindEye hospital, etc. He has helped a drug addictto come out this menace through iSeeconsultation with Ramchandra Doctors.Though he didn’t have any prior knowledgeabout the use of computers, after theperiodical training he is very well aware ofhow to use the computer and the otheractivities and services offered through thecomputer. Now he is managing his computercentre very well and is taking computercourses for a number of students. More than30 children have studied online tutorial and60% of students have passed their 10 th.Std. examination. He gives the online tutorialfree of cost to the village students.392. Ms Revathi Selvaraj(Jan-2006)2/303, Agraharam,Thirupazhanam,Thiruvaiyaru - 613 204.Ph. 04362 - 260937Ms.Revathi Selvaraj (40) from Thirupalanamvillage, Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu, hasbeen involved community activities since1998 as a volunteer in Tamil Nadu Womenin Agriculture (TANWA) project.She has studied up to SSLC and got involvedin development work after receiving trainingfrom TANWA and subsequent trainingprogrammes conducted by agriculturaluniversities, M.S.Swaminathan ResearchFoundation and State Department ofAgriculture, Tamil Nadu. She engages hertime in helping self-help groups in financialrecord keeping using modern accountingsoftware and also taking computerprogrammes to help various nodal agencies.198 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSTamil NaduRevathi Selvaraj is good in documentationand provides indigenous knowledge aboutagriculture for dissemination to the farmingcommunity. She is engaged as knowledgeworker at Thirupalanam Village KnowledgeCentre and is enthusiastic to train the farmersin the field of organic farming. She has alsoorganised many health camps and worksclosely with government health departments.She is a source of inspiration for others anda good motivator.393. Ms Sagaya Shalini(Jul-2005)C/o. n-logue Communications PvtLimited5th Floor, Gokul Arcade,#2 Sardar Patel Road, Adyar,Chennai 600 020Tel: + 91-44-2445 5212, 39181932Fax: + 91-44- 24455335sowmithiri.s@n-logue.com;siddick.a@n-logue.comSagaya Shalini is 22 years old, fromPinjavakkam in Tiruvallur Dist. Tamil Naduand a BA graduate through correspondence.She is member of SHG of Tiruvallur Districtand was selected by the districtadministration to set up a kiosk in her village.She attended the basic computer trainingconducted by n-logue, and on successfulcompletion of the training she has set up akiosk in her village. Though she didn’t haveany prior knowledge about the use ofcomputers , now after the periodical trainingshe is very well aware of how to use thecomputer and the other activities and servicesit offers. Now she is managing her computercenter very well and is taking computercourses for a number of students.She is earning from typewriting, education,spoken English course, photos bowsing andgames, iSee to Aravind Eye hospital and alsothrough astro services, since the people inher village are keenly interested in astrology.She has also helped to consult with Aravindeye hospital doctors for the benefit of 10villagers. When she represented to the districtcollector about her village road through iSee,the collector granted Rs.2 lakhs for the road.The Central communication minister cameto her village to see how the kiosks works.394. Mr R V Sampath Kumar(Jan-2006)Ramanayakkanpet, Vaniyambadi,Vellore TK, Tamil Nadu, PIN- 635 801Sampath Kumar (45) from Ramanaikenpetvillage, Vellore district, Tamil Nadu, hasstudied upto 12 th Std. His areas ofcompetency are agriculture and livestock,and he has been involved with Chiraag since2004..As an operator in the kiosk, Sampath Kumarworks hard to implement the servicesprovided by Chiraag, educating the villagechildren to learn more about computers andtaking classes in spoken English. He also doesjob work like Online photoshop andbrowsing and is interested in rendering agriservices for the community.Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 199

NVA FELLOWSTamil Nadu395. Ms V Seethalakshmi(Aug-2006)South street, Arasakulam village,Aruppukkottai block,Virudhunagar - 626 106,Ph: 250137V. Seethalakshmi has studied upto XII Std andis serving her most backward villageArasakulam through the literacy programmeof Arivoli Iyakkam for the past 10 years. Shealso served in the Aravind Eye Hospital’sVitamin ‘A’ plan by distributing vitamin ‘A’liquid to children within 24 hours of birth,and also distributed iron tablets to adolescentgirls, pregnant and breast-feeding womento help them in family health maintenance.A good field worker and organizer, she alsoserved for 3 years in the Family EducationalProgramme for 8 villages. The programmeconsisted of educating pregnant women andbreast feeding women and providingmedicines and vaccination. As a result infantbirth weight was improved, and there wasreduction in infant mortality.Seethalakshmi teaches in the evening schoolof ‘Valarkalvi Iyakkam’ and maintains a villagelibrary. At present she is an agriculturalproject coordinator of Tamil Nadu Govt.396. Mr J Senthil Kumar(Jul-2005)C/o Centre for Rural Education andDevelopment (CRED)301, Main Road, T. VadipattyMadurai - 625 218TamilnaduPhone No. 95 4543 25445325-year-old Senthil Kumar - a graduate fromT.Vadipatty in Madurai Dt, Tamil Nadu hasbeen a volunteer in civil society organizationsas a learning experience. After joining theCentre for Rural Education and Development(CRED) in 2003, attending several trainingprogrammes and workshops. He is now aprogramme coordinator and has organizedReproductive & Child Health (RCH)campaigns, environmental campaignmeetings for rural women and schoolstudents and also cleanliness campaigns invillages, along with other villagedevelopment work, with the help ofPanchayat.‘After joining CRED, I realized my potentialfor knowledge and experience in the field ofsocial development particularly on health andenvironment. Now I feel I have a newmeaning in my life to serve the poor as muchas possible ‘The community has benefited through hisactive work. He has managerial skill toorganize meetings and work together toattain the overall objective of the team. Hehas had good exposure in projectformulating, implementing and executing,200 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSTamil Naduand documentation analysis. He executescomputer operations and prepares his dailyreports on the office computer.397. Mr V Sethuramalingam(Aug-2006)Arasakulam, Kurandi (PO),Kariyapatty (TK),Virudhunagar District - 624 106.V. Sethuramalingam, a hard working andcommitted 30 year old who has HigherSecondary School education, helps his familyas an agriculture worker and serves societyas a social worker in Arasakulam his nativevillage.For the past five years, he has participated inthe pulse-polio program for children belowfive years for the eradication of polio andalso helped in the eye and medical campsconducted by the Aravind Eye Hospital andMeenatchi Mission Hospital. Through thesecamps he has brought better health care tothe local people.Sethuramalingam takes the initiative to coordinatewith the government AgricultureDepartment by bringing rural farmers to theiragriculture meets and other programs andalso participates in the NSS camps conductedby various colleges.398. Mr L Settu (Aug-2006)D/No. 578, Vaidheeshwaran Koil Street,Kariyapatti, Virudhunagar District - 624106. Ph: 04566-255790 / 09842154060An active and responsible field worker, 33year old L.Settu has been an enthusiasticsocial worker since 1993.A native ofOrathanad, Thanjavur district, he has an MAdegree in Sociology from AnnamalaiUniversity and Diploma in Agriculture fromGandhigram Rural University.For nearly three years Settu rendered hisservice to the Damien leprosy control centreat Nilakkottai that covers an area with 288villages in Dindigul District. During this periodhe worked to provide healthcare services topoor rural patients suffering from leprosy, T.B,polio, mental or physical handicaps.Subsequently he was as a field supervisor inthe Vitamin A research project conducted byMadurai Aravind Children’s Hospital. He hasalso functioned as a social reformer coveringrehabilitation work and conductingawareness and health educationprogrammes for the youth.In addition, Settu engaged himself in helpingrural farmers with training in organic farmingmethods such as vermicompost andpanchakaviya in and around his hometown,while also directing mahila mandrams of hisarea to develop socially and economically bydistributing interest free loans amongthemselves. At present he works as a fieldsupervisor in a family health anddevelopment research service foundation inVirudunagar District.Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 201

NVA FELLOWSTamil Nadu399. Ms B Shanthi (Feb-2007)W/o.Baskar.Ananthi Medu,Sathamangalam,Lalgudi Taluk.Trichy District, Tamil NaduB. Shanthi, 35, was born in Ananthi MeduVillage, which is 30kms away from Trichy.She completed her SSLC in a GovernmentHigher Sec School, Lalgudi, Trichy District andalso has a diploma in tailoring. After finishingher education, she started to serve as avolunteer and has successfully made 40women functionally literate. The activities ofthe Computer Based Functional LiteracyCentre at Sathamangalam where she workedwas well appreciated and was also filmedby NDTV.Shanthi aimed to make the women selfemployed which helps in improving thequality of their life style. She is engaged inconducting Tailoring Classes for the CBFLbeneficiaries. It benefited more than 25women in the same village Lalgudi, in TrichyDistrict.400. Ms M Shanthi (Jan-2006)W/o. R. Mathiyazhagan,0/31. Gandhi St, Jeeva Nagar, Trichi - 8,Cell: 9942258912M. Shanthi (39), from Jeeva Nagar, Trichydistrict, Tamil Nadu, has completed 12 th Stdand has a Diploma in Tailoring. A prerak forthe Continuing Education Program, Trichydistrict, she is involved in conducting literacyprogram, tailoring program and organisingself help groups activities.She conducts Computer Based FunctionalLiteracy (CBFL) classes of TCS for two hoursdaily. She has successfully completed batchesof more than 60 women who are nowfunctionally literate, including 25 womenprisoners from Trichy Women’s Prison.Through Shanthi’s involvement in self helpgroup activities , in the year 2004 -05 a sumof Rs.13, 000/- was saved in the group andthey had annual turnover of Rs.70,000/- .Having a good skill in tailoring, Shanthi withthe help of the funds from the governmentwas able to start a tailoring unit in theContinuing Education Centre. Her main aimis to educate and help people generate selfemployment. She enrolled the ComputerBased Functional Literacy (CBFL) women tothis tailoring training and at present 15women are getting trained. Women whocomplete this training can earn Rs.90 toRs.100 a day. Shanthi’s initiative was verymuch appreciated by the District Collectorand her Self help group exhibited their homemade products at the “International LiteracyDay” Celebration.401. Mr C Sivakumar (Jan-2006)27/4, Mailadurai salai,Vaitheerswaran kovil, 609 117C.Sivakumar (30), from Vaitheesvaran Koil,Nagapattinam district,Tamil Nadu, is B.ScD..E.E.E qualified with competency in202 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSTamil Naduagriculture and livestock.He was working asPrincipal in an ITI, and after gettingintroduced to Chiraag through a friend, henow runs a Chiraag center.Sivakumar is conducting Online Tutorial formore than 30 students and educates theyouth of his village. He provides all thecomputer and internet services andinformation including astrological services tohis community.402. Mr K Sivakumar (Feb-2007)Thotraya KaliKuchakiraipatti, Karayankadu Post,Valavandhi Nadu, Kolli Hills. 637411Ph: 04286 247471 PPK.Sivakumar is 34 with Plus 2 education andcomes from Eastern Kolli Hills, which is anagro biodiversity rich, hilly forested region.He is a good facilitator and mobilizer and issincere in performing the tasks assigned tohim, such as training villagers and farmerson SHG, monitoring and managing a clusterof SHGs.Sivakumar is skilled in millet processing andmarketing and has been instrumental instrengthening the millet mill and developinga dehusking mill in Kolli Hills. He alsopossesses skills in public speaking, herbariumpreparation and vermicompost preparation.He assists with surveys and documentationand has been helping the villagers in watersupply to the village. He is an active memberof Nehru Yuva Kendra.403. Ms N Sridevi (Jul-2005)Samiyarpatti, Sinthalagundu (PO),Bagampoor (Via), Dindigul - 624 002.Ph. 0451 - 2480409.Email: samyarpattyvkc@yahoo.com,spnsridevi@yahoo.com- an innovative teacher specializing in adultliteracy and functional literacy usingcomputer technology.Hailing from Samiarpatti village nearSinthalagundu in Dindigul district of TamilNadu, the 21-year-old Ms. Sridevi is adynamic social worker with great zeal andenthusiasm. Equipped with good computerapplication skills, she has used the moderncommunication equipment such as touchscreen,multi-media kits and web camera torun functional literacy programmes for thevillage elders and school dropouts. Herinnovative approach to adult educationprogrammes needs a special mention.She has initiated several self-help groups topromote vocational training in screenprintingand other income-generatingactivities in the rural areas. She has organizedprogrammes to adopt rural children andprovide for their educational and healthneeds.She has been helping the farmers byproviding timely information on agriculturalpractices and market price. She hasorganized farmers’ groups to learn moreabout floriculture, livestock management andpublic hygiene and sanitation. Her workJamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 203

NVA FELLOWSTamil Naduamong rural women and youth in creatingawareness on entitlements and the variouswelfare programmes of the government iscommendable.404. Ms T Sudha (Jul-2005)C/o Centre for Rural Education andDevelopment (CRED)301, Main RoadT. VadipattyMadurai - 625 218TamilnaduPhone No. 95 4543 25445323 -year–old Sudha, a graduate from a ruralBPL background family in Vadipatty inMadurai district, Tamil Nadu belongs to atraditional agricultural farmer’s family. Shehas a strong social commitment and has beenactively involved in social and developmentprogrammes especially for women indevelopment, since 2000.Sudha is a volunteer of CRED for the pastfour years, in its child labour eradicationprogramme and became actively involved indeveloping micro-level planning with aparticipatory approach for assessment,identification of problems and findingsolutions for implementation. She hasexperience in organizing programmes andin report preparation and documentation.She has good ability for communicating andinteracting with people and was involved inimparting literacy skills to the women in hervillage.405. Ms Suganya (Jul-2005)Chiraag Internet Illam, T.Ulagupitchanpatti,Thiruvadhavoor (PO), Melur (Tk),Madurai District - 625 110.Ph: 0452 - 2424350,Email: suganya_sks@yahoo.comSuganya from T.Ulagupitchanpatty, Madurai,Tamilnadu is 21 years old and has completed12 th std from a government school. Thoughshe didn’t have prior computer knowledge,she underwent computer basic training inMadurai and after completion of the trainingshe started a kiosk in her villageT.Ulagapichanpatty.Suganya is earning from DDTP, education,spoken English course, browsing and games,iSee to Aravind Eye hospital, and veterinarydoctors. From the start to date 150 membershave used Aravind services. Agricultural orveterinary doubts and problems of thevillagers are cleared by the doctors throughiSee. For instance when a farmer came toher centre and told her about the diseasethat has affected the ladies fingers crop inhis field, Suganya forwarded his case to theagricultural college. The professor sent thesolution to that disease, so the farmer wasable to earn Rs.1 lacs because of this remedialmeasure. Every Friday she has an iSee sessionthrough which her villagers are able tocommunicate to their relatives (both by video/audio) living abroad.204 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSTamil Nadu406. Ms K Suguna (Jan-2006)C/o.TCS Adult Literacy Program,TATA Consultancy Services,No.1, Jawaharlal Nehru Road,Vadapalani, Chennai – 600 026.Ph: 044 – 6616 5555, 6616 5333Cell: 9994394754stalinmsw@gmail.comSuguna (23), was born in theJagannathapuram village, Thiruvalloredistrict, TN. 20 of the Scheduled Castefamilies from the village were asked to vacateto a hamlet called Arunajothipuram due tocaste issues. She is the only literate femalein the village who is studied up to SSLC fromthe nearby Government school.She aims to make her village a completeliterate village and she is working hard toachieve this. She finds it easy to operate theComputer Board Functional Literacy (CBFL)Software which is framed for betterunderstanding by the rural people. Shemotivates the village people to attend theCBFL classes regularly. She has completed 2batches successfully and more than 30people have benefited. She says, it was achallenging job for her because everybodyspeaks Telugu in that village, but now afterthe CBFL they are able to read and write Tamilletters and words. At the same time, shehelps small children in their education in thevillage. She helps the women who are in SelfHelp Groups to maintain their accounts andmonitors the self help group’s progress.Suguna attended EDP training programmeto prepare baking powder and is on the vergeof starting her own unit.407. Mr J Sundar (Aug-2006)C/o M S Swaminathan ResearchFoundationVillage Knowledge centreBhajanai Koil Street, KovalamKanchipuram Dist.Tel: 27472017At the age of 23, J.SUNDAR is already a wellknownsocial worker in Kanchipuram district.Hailing from the coastal village of Kovalam,the DME educated young man has beeninvolved with community activities since 2004in association with a number of organizationssuch as Dhan Foundation, Rotary Club, TataRelief Committee, Loyola Outreach etc.With the help of all these organizations theyouth group to which he belongs hasdistributed boats, outboard engines, nets,catamarans and other requirements to thelocal fisher community. Along with his grouphe has also assisted schools with furnitureor study materials, and arranged for waterand toilet facilities. The poorest children fromall communities in his area are provided withschool uniforms, footwear and often evenschool and college fees are paid for especiallyin the case of orphaned or physicallychallenged students.Sundar’s other social welfare activities includeconducting health camps and awarenessprogrammes and arranging loans forwomen’s SHGs or for micro enterprisesJamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 205

NVA FELLOWSTamil Nadudevelopment. By organizing the youth groupsin his area, he motivates them to work forpublic interest.408. Mr P Suresh Babu(Jan-2006)Samandhipuram, Kesavapuram,Sandhavasal via, Polur TK,Thiruvannamalai Dt. 606 905.Phone: 04181- 248279Suresh Babu (26), is 12 th Std educated andlives in Samanthipuram village,Thiruvanamalai district Tamil Nadu which islocated in the Jawadhi Hill area in theWestern Ghats.He works has an animator for organinsingself help groups and coordinator for the AdultLiteracy Programme of TCS run by theSrinivasan Services Trust (SST) of TVS group.He underwent training for operating thecomputer and the CBFL software given byTCS. He motivates SHG women membersto attend the adult literacy programmeclasses. At present he coordinates 4 ALPcenters in which 105 learners are gettingtrained.Suresh Babu maintains the attendance of thelearners and verifies their progress and trainsSHG womae to maintain the books. He alsotrains them to access government schemesand bank schemes. His challenge now is tomake 1500 people literate in the next 6months.409. Ms V Tamil Selvi (Jan-2006)W/o.S.Ulaganathan, N. Nedunkulam,Mudukkankulam (PO), VirudhunagarDist-626106, Cell: 9842154068Tamil Selvi (38), is a graduate fromN.Nedungulam, Virudunagar Dist, TN.Starting her carreer as a teacher in a schoolpromoted by ASSEFA, she worked as anorganizer in the same organization, servedas health organizer for 3 years and formed avillage committee on health issues.Tamil Selvi is working as a coordinator inAravind Eye Hospital. She was responsiblefor the health education program and hasbeen serving the community in the FH&DRSFas Community Organiser.410. Mr P Thangasamy(Aug-2006)222, North Street, Senthankudi,Keeramangalam Taluk, Alangudi,Pudukkottai District - 614 624.Ph: 04371-242583 / 9443065446An innovative farmer, 68 year-oldP.Thangasamy who has SSLC education, isan organic farmer, practicing ecologicalagriculture on a long term basis. When hefound that conditions were not favourablefor viable agriculture, he switched over totree farming in his land. He has tried the agroforestrymodels in his dry land for the pasttwo decades, planting species like jack,mango, neem, subabul etc in the beginningand then successfully introduced important206 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSTamil Nadutimber species like teak, rosewood and redsandal as well as bamboo. By converting apart of his land as a good wood lot withabout 200 trees of economically importantspecies in 25 acres, he has developed his ownfarm as a model environmental farm.Every year a large number of scientificworkers, NGOs, officers of Agriculture andForestry Departments as well as many peoplefrom the village and visit his farm and learnabout the economics and the usefulness ofagro-forestry. Due to his continuous efforthe has now proved that tree crop is also acash crop, and has enlightened some cofarmersaround his village, making themplant trees along with their agriculture cropsto improve their living status and economicconditions.Thangasamy takes school children in andaround his village to his farm on field visitsto make them aware of the importance ofplanting trees to protect the environment.He has a large nursery where he raisingseedlings that he distributes generously. Thiseco-development and tree cultivation workhas won him many awards from Rotary, SPICand other organisations including theNetherlands University. Now he is activelyinvolved in NVA activities serving as aResource Person for training programmesand for the establishment of a villageknowledge centre in his areaKeeramanagalam in Pudukkottai District.411. Ms R Thenmoli (Aug-2006)5/77, Gudiyanath St,Poonjery, Pabanasam,Tanjavour - 614 202.Ph: 9842546046.R.Thenmoli is a role model for women inPoonchery, a remote village situated on thebanks of River Cauvery, where most of thepeople are below the poverty line. For thepast five years ever since a Farmers’ Club wasformed supported by NABARD, she has beeninvolved in a variety of activities for thebenefit of her community.Married to an alcoholic who was suspendedfrom government service, SSLC educatedThenmoli had lost hope in the future.However, after undergoing training in goatrearing which is the main occupation for allthe farmers of the village, she developedconfidence and prompted the women in hervillage to adopt scientific rearing, whichresulted in enhanced income for all. Aspresident of The NABARD aided farmers clubshe brought the village under the preview ofthe DOT and made arrangements for phoneconnections and also a metal road andminibus service for her remote village. Untilthis initiative was taken by Thenmoli, thevillage was not connected to the outsideworld. She also formed a women’s groupamong the farm women to cultivate the habitof saving. Taking the lead for creation ofSHGs in her area, and is now associated withthe VRC of MSSRF at Thiruvaiyaru.Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 207

NVA FELLOWSTamil Nadu412. Ms M Thilagavathy(Feb-2007)w/o. RadhaKrishnanMiddle Street, Nachikurichi,Somarasampettai post,Srirangam Taluk, Trichy DistrictThilagavathy, who is a perak for theContinuous Education Centre at Nachikurichivillage, Trichy District, is 30 years old and haspassed 12th Std . This village has a populationof about 5000, of whom more than 1,500were illiterate. Her main aim is to acceleratethe process of eradicating illiteracy. She says,through CBFL it is easy to educate peoplerather than following conventional methodswhich take a long period of time .Thilagavathy’s Centre is one of the first tointroduce CBFL in Trichy District. Afterenhancement with the support of TCS, thecentre gained more momentum and she tooka very vital role in mobilizing the people forthe classes after receiving training to operatethe software and the computer. She hastrained 60 women to become functionallyliterate and 67 are on the process now. Sheis also well experienced at present with thesoftware and the computer and has becomethe trainer for trainers for CBFL methodology.With her good knowledge in tailoring,Thilagavathy has trained 18 women from hervillage with the collaboration of “JANSHIKSHAN SANSTHAN” and helped inarranging loans to get sewing machineswhich has made them self employed.413. Mr S Thinakarasamy(Jul-2005)Koolaiyankadu, Vennavalkudi (PO),Pudukkottai District - 622 201. Ph:04322 - 251056, 290601, Mobile:944364710953 year old Shri S. Thinakarasamy residingat Kooliyankadu Village, Pudukottai Districtof Tamil Nadu is a dedicated farmer, obsessedwith a strong inclination towards attainingself- sufficiency in the farm front ofPudukottai District. His contribution towardsrural development is immense and he is anasset to society and to the nation.As a member of the Scientific AdvisoryCommittee of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK)and National Pulses Research Centre (NPRC),Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, inVamban, Pudukottai District, ShriThinakarasamy has focused on the realtraining needs of unemployed rural youthand aspiring young women of PudukottaiDistrict and has helped prepare a visiondocument. He as supplied quality seedlingsof fruit and coconut trees to needy fellowfarmers of Pudukottai District and has helpedthe District Administration to solve the realissues raised during Farmers’ Grievance Day.He has been instrumental in greening andconverting more than thousand acres ofwasteland to economically viable lands.The issues on farm development, rural credit,marketing of produce, subsidies on inputsetc, raised at grass root level were debatedand brought to the notice of the concerned208 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSTamil Naduofficials under the leadership of Shri.Thinakarasamy. His acumen whileperforming rural development activitiestowards self- employment, wastelanddevelopment, rural resourcefulness,establishing rural nursery, frontlinedemonstrations and communitydevelopment, has impressed the DistrictAdministration and MSSRF. Now he is activelyinvolved in establishing a Village Resourcecentre (VRC) of MSSRF.414. Mr G Thiyagarajan(Jul-2005)2/295, North st., Perambur,Mayiladuthurai-609406,Phone: 04364 257438,perambur_kiosk@tnmay.chiraag.comG.Thiyagarajan from Perambur,Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu has done hisdiploma in Electrical and Electronics . He wasrunning an electrical shop and servicingelectronic items, and joined the Chiraagfamily to educate people in his village andhelp them by using the services. His father isthe president of Perambur village, doingsocial service in his village.His major revenue earning service is DTP andphotoshop. He is currently doing DTP andphoto works for Perambur police station andis also earning well from photos taken forfamily cards. He takes computer courses forstudents. He also does work for thecommunity by sending communications tohigher authorities about village developmentworks like roads etc, and getting theirresponse and sanction.415. Ms K Vasamalli (Jul-2005)4/11 F, Karsh mandh,Toda tribal Village,Tamilagam Road,Ooty- 643 001.Phone : 0423 – 2452119Smt.Vasamalli is a 45 year old woman whois the first woman graduate from the Todatribal community in Nilgiris. She hasorganized a buffalo-keepers association byinvolving Toda community members. She coordinateswith various Governmentdepartments in getting communitycertificates for the members, title rights forland ownership, conservation of nativebuffalo breed and removal of eucalyptusplantation. She is very articulate on the issueof Toda tribes and she is a well knownpersonality in Nilgiris. By seeing herinvolvement she was invited to attend theinternational workshop on participatoryconservation organized by United Nations atDurban during 2004. She has been trainedin computer. She is taking steps to preserveToda culture, Toda language and revivenature worship and prayer performed by theoriginal Toda peoples. She is also a governingcommittee member of the World Alliance ofMobile Indigenous Peoples (WAMIP).Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 209

NVA FELLOWSTamil Nadu416. Mr Velmurugan (Jul-2005)C/o n-logue Communications PvtLimited5th Floor, Gokul Arcade,#2 Sardar Patel Road, Adyar,Chennai 600 020Tel: + 91-44-2445 5212, 39181932Velmurugan from Periakulam in Theni,Tamilnadu is a 25 year old BSc graduate. Hewas very interested in having a computercentre, so when he attended the Chiraagmeeting in Theni, he was very happy to knowabout the n-logue services. He attended thetraining course, after which he started thekiosk in his village. He is earning from DTPWorks, Data Entry in rural areas.Velmurugan is a very active member. He hasa special liking to work for the poor and is aprime motivator in spearheading projects thatwould directly benefit underprivilegedpeople. He is able to establish a very quickrapport with the common man, identify theirneeds and organize his own skills as well ashis contacts, to conceptualize schemes thatwill be beneficial in enhancing the standardof living of the poor.417. Ms V Vijayalakshmi(Jan-2006)Mundalmunai, Pampan (Po),Ramanathapuram Dt. PIN- 623 521Phone: 04573-231203Island, 15 km away from Rameswaram townin Ramanathapuram district, TN.A member of the Ramanathapuram fishworker trade union, though educated onlytill 9 th Std, she has sound knowledge ofconservation of marine biodiversity andbioresources of Gulf of Mannar. She givesinformation to the members of the unionabout the important of marine biodiversity,fishermen rights and the issues related tofishing.She is a good communicator with a strongsocial commitment and has been involved insocial and development programmesespecially for women in development She isa good writer, contributing a regular columnin a community newspaper on SHGconcepts, micro enterprises, women rightsetc.Vijayalakshmi is now actively involved in theMSSRF Village knowledge Centre activity andmotivating women’s groups and adolescentgirls to learn computer, accounting softwaretraining. Apart from that she has motivatedrural women to step out of their homes andmanage their lives better. She is a role modelfor empowering the fishing community.She is an Executive member of the villagemarine council formed by Gulf of MannarBiosphere Trust in Therkuvadi village, and alsoa Leader of Namathugramam Thittam inPamban panchayat.V.Vijayalakshmi (34), from Mundalmunai, asmall fishing hamlet located in Rameswaram210 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSTamil Nadu418. Ms S B Yoganandhi(Jul-2005)C/o n-logue Communications PvtLimited5th Floor, Gokul Arcade,#2 Sardar Patel Road, Adyar,Chennai 600 020Tel: + 91-44-2445 5212, 3918193233-year-old S.B.Yoganandhi is in Thenidistrict, and has studied upto B.E, which shediscontinued. She is a leader and memberof the SHG Trade group. She organisedagriculture campaign meeting for members,organised farmers groups and providedfarmers with training and awareness, andseeds for better crops.She is a very good leader and she has goodcommunication skills. She has organisedmore than 300 members into SHGs. Sheprovides very useful service of spoken English,teaches how to operate the computer alongwith data entries.Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 211

NVA FELLOWSUTTAR PRADESH419. Mr Ajit Singh (Jan-2006)C/o. ITC-IBD31, Sarojini Devi Road,Secunderabad-500 003,IndiaTel: + 91 9949994146E-mail: narayana.rao@itc.inAjit Singh (42), from Kurthiya Village,Chandauli District, U.P is one of the activeSanchalaks in e-Choupal network of ITC-IBDand takes interest and initiative in sharingthe knowledge of ICT with other farmers inthe village. Educated upto 10 th Std., helpedin making a road in the village. According toothers in the village, he has a helping natureand is always ready to solve the problems ofother farmers in the area of agriculture andothers if any.He has obtained training from ITC-IBD in theareas of Computer usage, Internet browsing,importance of Life & General Insurance,quality parameters of agri commodities andtheir pricing and knowledge on variousqualitative FMCG products.420. Mr Akhilesh Kumar Singh(Jan-2006)C/o. ITC-IBD31, Sarojini Devi Road,Secunderabad-500 003,IndiaTel: + 91 9949994146E-mail: narayana.rao@itc.inAkhilesh Kumar Singh (35), Karahipurwavillage, Hardoi district, Uttar Pradesh, is afarmer with Intermediate level educationAssociated with ITC-IBD as Sanchalak of e-Choupal from the year 2004, he shares allhis training inputs and knowledge with otherfarmers in the village.Akhilesh Kumar has done a good job byproviding seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, andfast moving consumer goods directly to thefarmers at reasonable rates. He also givesinformation to the farmers about theweather and about ways of effective farming.He always downloads all the information offarmers’ interest from Choupal Site and getsit printed and distributes the same to thefarmers. ITC has also awarded him for thesecond Best Sanchalak of UP branch in 2004.421. Mr Ashok Singh(Feb-2007)C/o. ITC-IBD31, Sarojini Devi Road,Secunderabad-500 003,IndiaTel: + 91 9949994146E-mail: narayana.rao@itc.in55 Years old, Graduate (Hindi medium)Ashok Singh hails from Baradih Village,Kalikabara Post, Varanasi District (U.P.). Heis active in information and knowledgedissemination. He tells the villagers about thebenefits of bio fertilizers & insurance. Besidesthat, he also provide good quality agricultural212 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSUttar pradeshinputs to the farmers of his village andadjoining villages and by using these qualityinputs, the yield of farmers in that area hasincreased. He also helps schools of his villageby providing facilities and funds to them fromGovernment.He is keen to serve the society and plays aprominent role in social and economicaldevelopment of the village. He educates thefarmers about recent developments inagriculture and other fields. He also assiststhem to take informed decisions for theirbenefit422. Mr Ashutosh Dixit(Feb-2007)C/o. ITC-IBD31, Sarojini Devi Road,Secunderabad-500 003,IndiaTel: + 91 9949994146E-mail: narayana.rao@itc.in35 years old, Graduate (BA Hindi Med)Ashutosh Dixit hails from Ichhanapur Village,Sursa Post, Hardoi Dist, Uttar Pradesh. He isperforming a good role in terms ofinformation dissemination to his fellowvillage men on Weather forecasting & bestagricultural practises through the Internetusage.the challenges. He puts all his efforts for anysocial initiative. ITC has awarded him as thesecond Best Sanchalak of Hardoi hub forwheat procurement in 2004 and 2005.423. Mr Dheerendra Raj Singh(Feb-2007)C/o. ITC-IBD31, Sarojini Devi Road,Secunderabad-500 003,IndiaTel: + 91 9949994146E-mail: narayana.rao@itc.in33 years old, B.COM. A/C HON. DheerendraRaj Singh is involved in providing educationespecially on farming to the youth andchildren of his village (Majhwara, MayangSultanpur, UP), by using the internet. He hastaken initiative to provide electricity in manyhouseholds in his village and has beeninvolved in providing water harvestingtechniques to villagers and in giving waterdrainage solutions to retain ground waterlevel at village level.He has worked in all fields by providingquality products through e choupal network.He has benefitted local farmers by givingthem higher rates than mandi in wheatpurchase.He organised a health camp in his village lastyear in which about 125 people were presentand could get themselves checked by reputeddoctors absolutely free.Ashutosh keeps himself always ready toaccept challenges, and is capable of meetingJamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 213

NVA FELLOWSUttar pradesh424. Mr Devendra Dutt Mishra(Jan-2006)C/o. ITC-IBD31, Sarojini Devi Road,Secunderabad-500 003,IndiaTel: + 91 9949994146E-mail: narayana.rao@itc.inDevendra Dutt Mishra (42), comes from PureDhirja village, Gonda district, UP, and has anM.A. degree. Associated with ITC-IBD asSanchalak of e-Choupal from the year 2002,he won the best Sanchalak award in RuralDistribution of qualitative FMCG & non-FMCG for 2004-2005, received the bestInsurance awards in 2003-2004 andcontributed highest wheat Procurementduring 2003-2004 and enabled farmers toget remunerative price for their produce.Devendra Dutt Mishra gives education tovillagers about internet and usage ofcomputer. He actively participates in all socialactivities and is known as a very goodsanchalak amongst all the e-choupals.425. Mr Jay Singh (Jan-2006)C/o. ITC-IBD31, Sarojini Devi Road,Secunderabad-500 003,IndiaTel: + 91 9949994146E-mail: narayana.rao@itc.inJay Singh (27), belongs to Kapathua village,Allahabad district, UP Associated with ITC-IBD as Sanchalak of e-Choupal from the year2002, he gives knowledge to villagers oninternet usage and weather and mandi ratesof wheat and other agricultural commodities.He organises meetings of villagers and givesinformation on how to improve theirsituation through ITC e-choupal.Jay Singh has training on Computer usageand pricing of agricultural commodities andvarious FMCG products. He takes initiativeto share all his training inputs and knowledgewith other farmers in the village and has wonbest sanchalak award of Allahabad Hub atthe 2005 Sanchalak amsmelan.426. Mr Jitendra Narayan Singh(Feb-2007)C/o. ITC-IBD31, Sarojini Devi Road,Secunderabad-500 003,IndiaTel: + 91 9949994146E-mail: narayana.rao@itc.inJitendra Narayan Singh (33) B.Ed., LLB,actively disseminates information andknowledge to the people in his village (Village& Post: Basantpur Distt – Varanasi, U.P.) onthe benefits of bio fertilizers & insurance. Heis using websites like echoupal.com,Naukari.com, Railways.com, results.com, etcfor the villagers. He is also involved in socialdevelopmentactivities like helping thevillagers with their education, medicaltreatment, legal problems and panchayat.Jitendra is carrying out rural distribution i.e.fast moving consumer goods and agriproducts.214 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSUttar pradeshHe plays a role in social and economicaldevelopment of the village and educates thefarmers about the recent developments inthe farming and other fields and influencesdecisions for their betterment.427. Mr Jitendra Singh(Jan-2006)C/o. ITC-IBD31, Sarojini Devi Road,Secunderabad-500 003,IndiaTel: + 91 9949994146E-mail: narayana.rao@itc.inJitendra Singh (27), comes from LadpurChhinava village, in Auraiya district, UP.Intermediate sducated Jitendra Singheducates the farmers about the benefit of e-Choupal in terms of agri-extension,procurement, rural distribution and financialservices and ensures regular distribution ofFMCG products in the village. He explainsthe usage of internet in farming and bestagriculture practices to the villagers and findsanswers to their problems through mail fromthe hub. Jitendra Singh is a Principal in aJunior High School. He also financiallysupports the education of poor children ofthe village. Recently he won the “BestPerforming Sanchalak of Hub for 2005”award.428. Mr Manoj Kumarr Tripathi(Jan-2006)C/o. ITC-IBD31, Sarojini Devi Road,Secunderabad-500 003,IndiaTel: + 91 9949994146E-mail: narayana.rao@itc.inManoj (35), belongs to Sikandarajeet purvillage, Maharajganj District, U.P, and is aM.A., B.Ed. He disseminates information andknowledge of new agricultural technology.He is involved in agri extension and in givingfull support to villagers on insurance andother facilities. He also provides good qualityagricultural inputs to the farmers of his villageand adjoining villages and the crop yield offarmers in the area has increased. He hasbeen associated with ITC-IBD as Sanchalakof e-Choupal from the year 2002 and takesthe initiative to share all his training inputsand knowledge with other farmers in thevillage.429. Mr Manoj Kumar Dixit(Jan-2006)C/o. ITC-IBD31, Sarojini Devi Road,Secunderabad-500 003,IndiaTel: + 91 9949994146E-mail: narayana.rao@itc.inManoj Kumar Dixit (27), comes from Wasainavillage, near the bank of the river Ganga inUnnao district, in U.P. A biology graduate,he has been associated with ITC-IBD asSanchalak of e-Choupal from the year 2004.Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 215

NVA FELLOWSUttar pradeshManoj Kumar runs a secondary school in thevillage and plays a very active role in the socialdevelopment of the village. He is performinga good role in terms of informationdissemination to his fellow village men onweather forecasting and best agriculturalpractises through the internet usage. Heplays an active role in distributing goodquality products at right prices to the retailoutlets. Having been trained in the areas ofcomputer application and agri-commodities,he takes an active interest to share all histraining inputs and knowledge with otherfarmers in the village.430. Mr Pradeep Mishra(Feb-2007)C/o. ITC-IBD31, Sarojini Devi Road,Secunderabad-500 003,IndiaTel: + 91 9949994146E-mail: narayana.rao@itc.in33 year old Pradeep Mishra completed hisbachelor of education degree and thendecided to give his service to improve theeducation standard of primary schools of hisvillage Holagarh in Allahabad district in thenorthern plains of central India. Therefore,he accepted the job of Shiksha Mitra andnow works for education in rural areas. Healso takes interest in micro-finance andmicro-enterprise development activities andis a resource person for developmentactivities, playing an active role inempowering women by forming severalwomen’s SHGs.A development oriented young man Pradeepcan set an example for others to followtowards the cause of rural development.431. Mr Pradeep Singh(Jan-2006)C/o. ITC-IBD31, Sarojini Devi Road,Secunderabad-500 003,IndiaTel: + 91 9949994146E-mail: narayana.rao@itc.inPradeep Singh (32), from Rampur Rewtivillage, Santkabir Nagar district, UP hold aB.Sc degree and has been associated withITC-IBD as Sanchalak of e-Choupal from theyear 2002. He mobilised a youth group “NavYuvak Mangal Dal” for doing socialdevelopment work in the village.Pradeep Singh is trained in Computerapplication and quality parameters of agricommodities and their pricing. He takesinitiative to share all his training inputs andknowledge with other farmers in the village.432. Ms Priti Parmar (Jul-2005)C/o. TARAHaat111/9 Z Kishangarh, Aruna Asaf AliMarg,New Delhi 110 070Tel No: 91 11 26122881, 26122882Fax No: 91 11 2612 2986rkhanna@tarahaat.comBelonging to the most illiterate and poorestarea of India, the Parmar sisters wouldnormally have got married at an early age.216 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSUttar pradeshBut they chose to bring the benefits ofInformation Technology to their village inUttar Pradesh and also earn revenue for theirfamily. Rajmani is 25 years old with an M.Ain sociology, and Priti is a 24 year old graduatein sociology and economics.The sisters used their foresight and decidedto open a TARAkendra at Punawali Kalan, asmall village in Jhansi with a population of4000. For the last four years, they aresuccessfully running the TARAkendra againstall odds such as power cuts, lack ofconnectivity, poor infrastructure etc. In theseyears they have successfully managed toovercome all social barriers that come alongwith the tag of a female entrepreneur. TheParmar sisters have not only taught studentsIT courses but have also spread a massawareness about the benefits of Internet intheir own and neighbouring villages. Theyconduct sewing classes for young girls underTARAhaat’s Meljol Program, which providesan interactive platform for young girls andwomen to learn new skills. Rajmani and Pritihave become role models for the young girlsof their community. Their efforts in changinga male dominated committee, which was setup for managing community watermanagement system to an all womencommittee and thereby rejuvenating thewater system, has been truly amazing.433. Mr Raghavendra Mishra(Feb-2007)C/o. ITC-IBD31, Sarojini Devi Road,Secunderabad-500 003,IndiaTel: + 91 9949994146E-mail: narayana.rao@itc.inMr. Raghavendra Mishra (27) is a competentfarmer and has done front line demonstrationof wheat sown by zero till seed drill in hisvillage for the first time. He has motivatedhis fellow villagers to use this technique tonot only increase productivity but also helptimely sowing thereby reducing cost ofcultivation. He demonstrated to his fellowvillagers the methods for user soil reclamationby using gypsum and adopting resistantvarieties. He also took part in ruraldistribution by supplying good quality agricinputssuch as certified seeds, fertilizers andpesticides. He has received specialrecognition for active participation in frontline demonstrations and rural distribution byITC Ltd.-I.B.D.,Mr. Raghavendra Mishra is SSLC and he is alead farmer of his village. He has a pleasingpersonality and shares a good rapport withfellow villagers.Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 217

NVA FELLOWSUttar pradesh434. Mr Rajendra Mishra(Jan-2006)C/o. ITC-IBD31, Sarojini Devi Road,Secunderabad-500 003,IndiaTel: + 91 9949994146E-mail: narayana.rao@itc.inRajendra Mishra (35), comes fromJamurawan village, RaeBareli district, U.P. Heis a graduate and has been associated withITC-IBD as Sanchalak of e-Choupal from theyear 2002. Rajendra Mishra activelyparticipates in rural distribution activities,knowledge dissemination through frontlinefield demonstration and gave the Best FieldDemonstration of Paddy in UP conducted byITC Ltd, IBD RaeBareli.He has fair knowledge of internet usage,having obtained training on Computer usageand Internet browsing. He is also trained inquality parameters of agri commodities andtheir pricing and has knowledge on variousqualitative FMCG products. He takes initiativeto share all his training inputs and knowledgewith other farmers in the village.435. Mr Ramdayal Verma(Jan-2006)C/o. ITC-IBD31, Sarojini Devi Road,Secunderabad-500 003,IndiaTel: + 91 9949994146E-mail: narayana.rao@itc.inRamdayal Verma ( ), from Umari, Sulthanpur,UP, a graduate and a farmer, is one of theactive Sanchalaks in e-Choupal network ofITC-IBD who takes interest in sharing theknowledge of ICT with other farmers in thevillage. He has obtained training from ITC-IBD in the areas of Computer usage, Internetbrowsing, importance of Life & GeneralInsurance, quality parameters of agricommodities and their pricing andknowledge on various qualitative FMCGproducts.436. Mr Ravindra Pal Singh(Jan-2006)C/o. ITC-IBD31, Sarojini Devi Road,Secunderabad-500 003,IndiaTel: + 91 9949994146E-mail: narayana.rao@itc.inRavindra Pal Singh (36) is from Gauriyakala ,an interior village of Unnao district, UP. He isa graduate, associated with ITC-IBD asSanchalak of e-Choupal from the year 2003.He has obtained training in the areas ofcomputer application, importance of life andgeneral insurance, quality parameters ofvarious agri-commodities and their pricingand knowledge on various qualitative FMCGproducts. He takes initiative to share all histraining inputs and knowledge with otherfarmers in the village.Ravindra Pal Singh educates the farmersabout the services/benefits of e-Choupal andelaborates the uses of internet in informationgathering, farming and marketing amongsthis fellow villagers. Through the hub team,he finds answers to the questions of farmers218 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSUttar pradeshin his village. He contributes to social causes,and has won “ Best Performing Sanchalakof Hub for 2005” award.437. Mr Ritesh Katiyar (Jan-2006)C/o. ITC-IBD31, Sarojini Devi Road,Secunderabad-500 003,IndiaTel: + 91 9949994146E-mail: narayana.rao@itc.inRitesh Katiyar (30), from Tajpur village, Unnaodistrict, UP, is educated upto high schoollevel. He is a one of the best contributingsanchalak of Bangermau hub. He providesweather information, current Mandi and ITCrates and best practices of agriculture to thevillagers. He also inspires the farmers to adoptnew agriculture technology. He regularlyprovides quality products in his village andnearby villages. He also serves the peoplethrough insurance. All this is not just abusiness for him as he finds e Choupal a toolfor social service.Ritesh Katiyar elaborates the uses of internetin farming, marketing and informationgainingto the villagers. He also usuallyconsults the Hub team for agricultureproblems faced by his fellow village menthrough mail. He has won the “BestPerforming Sanchalak of Hub for 2005”award.438. Ms Rajmani Parmar(Jul-2005)C/o. TARAHaat111/9 Z Kishangarh, Aruna Asaf AliMarg,New Delhi 110 070Tel No: 91 11 26122881, 26122882Fax No: 91 11 2612 2986rkhanna@tarahaat.comBelonging to the most illiterate and poorestarea of India, the Parmar sisters wouldnormally have got married at an early age.But they chose to bring the benefits ofInformation Technology to their village inUttar Pradesh and also earn revenue for theirfamily. Rajmani is 25 years old with an M.Ain sociology, and Priti is a 24 year old graduatein sociology and economics.The sisters used their foresight and decidedto open a TARAkendra at Punawali Kalan, asmall village in Jhansi with a population of4000. For the last four years, they aresuccessfully running the TARAkendra againstall odds such as power cuts, lack ofconnectivity, poor infrastructure etc. In theseyears they have successfully managed toovercome all social barriers that come alongwith the tag of a female entrepreneur. TheParmar sisters have not only taught studentsIT courses but have also spread a massawareness about the benefits of Internet intheir own and neighbouring villages. Theyconduct sewing classes for young girls underTARAhaat’s Meljol Program, which providesan interactive platform for young girls andJamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 219

NVA FELLOWSUttar pradeshwomen to learn new skills. Rajmani and Pritihave become role models for the young girlsof their community. Their efforts in changinga male dominated committee, which was setup for managing community watermanagement system to an all womencommittee and thereby rejuvenating thewater system, has been truly amazing.439. Mr Sanjay Dubey(Jan-2006)C/o. ITC-IBD31, Sarojini Devi Road,Secunderabad-500 003,IndiaTel: + 91 9949994146E-mail: narayana.rao@itc.inSanjay Dubey (35), lives from Kakraha village,Mirjapur district, UP, is a land holding farmerwith a graduate degree. He has obtainedtraining from ITC-IBD in the areas ofComputer usage, Internet browsing,importance of Life & General Insurance, andtakes the initiative to share all his traininginputs with other farmers in the village. Heregularly shares knowledge on weather andcrops which he obtains through internet withthe farmers. He is a generous social worker,always helping the poor people in the villageincluding giving financial assistance for poorgirls’ weddings. He received the 1st prize inInsurance at the 2005 Sanchalak Sammelan.440. Mr Sanjay Kumar Pandey(Jan-2006)C/o. ITC-IBD31, Sarojini Devi Road,Secunderabad-500 003,IndiaTel: + 91 9949994146E-mail: narayana.rao@itc.inSanjay Kumar Pandey (28), hails from BazarDeeha (Pure Badal) village, Gonda district,UP. The Intermediate educated farmer hasbeen associated with ITC-IBD as Sanchalakof e-Choupal from the year 2002. Havingobtained training from ITC-IBD in the areasof Computer usage, Internet browsing,importance of Life & General Insurance,quality parameters of agri commodities andtheir pricing and knowledge on variousqualitative FMCG products, he shares hisknowledge with villagers about internet andcomputer usage.Sanjay Kumar Pandey explains the benefitsof agri inputs to farmers in his village andparticipates in all social activities. He has wonawards for his good work with distribution.441. Mr Sanjay Singh(Jul-2005)C/o. NEFORD1, Dev Lok Colony, Church Road,Vishnupuri, Aliganj, Lucknow, U.P.Phone: 0522-2323463Email: rksingh@neford.org;info@neford.orgSanjay Singh is a village youth from FaizabadDistrict of Uttar Pradesh. The 30-year old220 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSUttar pradeshgraduate has been involved with communitydevelopment activities for last 8-9 years asan active social worker.He is working as a facilitator cum worker inthe community development worksespecially in organizing agricultural training,extension and knowledge spreadingprograms of the university and other agenciesworking in the area. He has beeninstrumental in bringing a number of on-farmprograms of the university and motivatedfarm men and women to participate in theseprograms. He was at the forefront of the IRRI-NDUAT shuttle breeding and farmersparticipatory varietal selection programs.Sanjay organized the seed production ofthese new selections through farmers’cooperative and made them available toothers including farmers of the neighbouringvillages. Sanjay conducted surveys to identifythe agricultural needs of the farmers in theareas, which ranged from varietal choice tothe needs for fodder and fuel. NEFORD, anNGO working in the area, has helped himconnect with World Agroforestry Centreregional office in Delhi and an on-farmtesting programmme has been initiated tofind out the appropriate fuel and forestspecies to meet the dual needs.Sanjay Singh was exposed to various trainingprogrammes organized by the AgricultureUniversity and participated in field visits todifferent parts of Uttar Pradesh in aknowledge sharing program organized byNEFORD. Sanjay could have easily got a jobin a city or town, but he decided to work forthe development of his own village. He keepshimself abreast with new technologies andtechniques in the field of agriculture. He hasalso won the confidence of his fellow farmersand helps them to test, verify and adopt newtechnologies.442. Mr Shiv Bux Singh(Feb-2007)C/o. ITC-IBD31, Sarojini Devi Road,Secunderabad-500 003,IndiaTel: + 91 9949994146E-mail: narayana.rao@itc.in45 year old 12th educated Shiv Bux Singhhails from Seri Village, Kundanganj Post,Harchandpur,Tehsil, RaeBareli district, U.P.and he is a competent farmer and has donefront line demonstration of modern agrotechniquesfor wheat and rice on his ownland on a large scale as well as motivatedother farmers to adopt the same. Currentlyaround 200 acres of land in his village is undermodern agro-techniques adopted by 120farming families thereby raising theirproductivity level upto 40%.Mr. Singh has successfully demonstrated theuse of bio-fertilizers such as PhosphateSolubilising Bacteria and low cost organicmanure such as vermi-compost, itspreparation technique and use. He has alsodemonstrated methods for user soilreclamation by adopting resistant varietiesand water management techniques withjudicious use of irrigation water, which helpsin reclamation of about 50% of the affectedfields in his village.Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 221

NVA FELLOWSUttar pradeshHe participated in activation of several pondsin his own and nearby villages. He also tookpart in rural distribution by supplying goodquality agri-inputs such as certified seeds,fertilizers and pesticides and has received theBest Sanchalak Award -2005 for activeparticipation in front line demonstrations andrural distribution by ITC Ltd.-I.B.D.Being a lead farmer, he enjoys respect andconfidence of fellow villagers.443. Mr Sunil Kumar Rai(Jan-2006)C/o. ITC-IBD31, Sarojini Devi Road,Secunderabad-500 003,IndiaTel: + 91 9949994146E-mail: narayana.rao@itc.inSunil Kumar Rai (31), from Gathia Village,Ghazipur District, U.P is a Bachelor ofEngineering (Computer Science). Hedisseminates information and knowledge onnew agricultural technology, awarenessabout insurance to the villagers with the helpof e-Choupal. He takes an active part in agriextension activities like conductingdemonstrations of new agriculturaltechnologies. Besides it, he also providesgood quality agricultural inputs to the farmersof his village and adjoining villages and hashelped increae crop yield.444. Ms Uma Singh (Jul-2005)C/o. NEFORD1, Dev Lok ColonyChurch Road, VishnupuriAliganj, Lucknow, U.P.Phone : 0522-2323463Email : rksingh@neford.org;info@neford.org32-year old Uma is a graduate from villageChandpur in Faizabad district of UttarPradesh. While residing in the village, Umastarted her career in the field of ruraldevelopment as a school teacher. Sheinitiated her own school in 1995 and startedtaking interest in rural women and children’shealth and sanitation programmes in thevillage. She also got associated with theNDUAT, Faizabad and participated in theirgender-sensitive programs. She played a keyrole in the study on male migration and itsimpact on agriculture.Her association with the NEFORD – an NGOworking in the fields of rural developmentand education, gave her a strong base toexpand her education and health awarenessprogrammes. Now she regularly organizeshealth camps and teaches young girls aboutpregnancy management and provides themwith the current information on suchdiseases as HIV/AIDS etc. She stronglybelieves that only knowledge can empowerrural women. NEFORD has also helped herto run an out-of-school educationprogramme for the girls and elderly womenwho cannot afford to attend regular schools.222 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSUttar pradeshNEFORD helped her to conduct surveys onrural drop out girls and provided them theopportunity to continue their studies in theout-of-the school courses. She alsoconducted surveys on food and nutritionstatus of women and children in the ruralareas. Mostly girls were found to be thesufferers. Her team keeps a strict vigil onprogrammes such as mid-day mealprogramme of the Government.‘I am satisfied with my work. Many peoplefrom the neighbouring villages nowapproach me to extend my work in theirvillages. I feel proud that I am doingsomething for my community’, says Uma.She has motivated a large number of farmwomen to form associations and work as a“pressure group” for the Panchayat todevelop and implement a well chalked-outprogrammme that benefits all. Uma hasexcellent leadership qualities and power tomotivate illiterate women to move forward.445. Ms Urmila Mishra(Feb-2007)C/o. ITC-IBD31, Sarojini Devi Road,Secunderabad-500 003,IndiaTel: + 91 9949994146E-mail: narayana.rao@itc.in30 year old Urmila Mishra who hascompleted matric education belongs toBaraiharak, a very traditional village wherewomen were expected to be conservativehousewives. She broke the restriction to starta vocational training centre where the villagewomen learn different vocational coursessuch as dress making, soft toys making etc.When LAKSHYA approached the village toform self help groups, Urmila took the leadin the project and convinced other womento form their own self help groups, which inturn became inspiration for more women tostart SHGs, micro- credit and micro-enterpriseactivities according to the training theyreceived from her training centre. Throughher hard work, she set an example for thewomen of her village.446. Mr Vijay Bahadur Singh(Jan-2006)C/o. ITC-IBD31, Sarojini Devi Road,Secunderabad-500 003,IndiaTel: + 91 9949994146E-mail: narayana.rao@itc.inVijay Bahadur Singh (34), fromKaramajeetpur village, Deoria District, U.P, agraduate and is associated with ITC-IBD asSanchalak of e-Choupal from the year 2002.Active in information and knowledgedissemination, he tells the villagers about thebenefits of bio fertilizers, insurance, Internetusage, etc. Using the website like e-choupal.com, Naukari.com, Railways.com,results.com, he assists the villagers. VijayBahadur Singh is participating in ruraldistribution of Fast Moving Consumer Goodsand Agri-Products. His social-developmentactivities include helping the villagers in theireducation, medical treatment, problemsJamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 223

NVA FELLOWSUttar pradeshrelated with court, and assisting thePanchayat.447. Mr Yogendra Rai(Jan-2006)C/o. ITC-IBD31, Sarojini Devi Road,Secunderabad-500 003,IndiaTel: + 91 9949994146E-mail: narayana.rao@itc.inYogendra Rai (42), a resident of NishanVillage, Jaunpur District, U.P is a landholdingfarmer with B.A. degree.He disseminates information and knowledgeof new agricultural technology, awarenessabout insurance to the villagers with the helpof e-Choupal. He takes active part in agriextension activities like conductingdemonstrations of new agriculturaltechnologies. Besides, he also provides goodquality agricultural inputs to the farmers ofhis village and adjoining villages and by usingthese good quality inputs, the crop yield offarmers has increased.He has obtained training from ITC-IBD in theareas of Computer usage, Internet browsing,importance of Life & General Insurance,quality parameters of agri commodities andtheir pricing and knowledge on variousqualitative FMCG products. He takes initiativeto share all his training inputs and knowledgewith other farmers in the village.224 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSUTTARANCHAL448. Ms Archana Raturi(Jul-2005)C/o Himalaya Trust274/2 Vasant Vihar,Dehra Dun 248 006, Uttar Pradesh.Tel: 91.135.77308124 year old Archana a resident of Khadi, TehriGarhwal, Uttaranchal discovered her hiddenskill as a broadcast announcer at a trainingworkshop for community radio in 2001. Shehas since become a tremendous asset toHevalvani, the community radio service ofwhich she is an active member.Archana is an emerging youth leader, havingseveral years of social work, particularly inhealth and literacy camps to her credit as amember of the Uttarakhand Jan JagritiSansthan. But she feels that the social servicegroups have developed a style and mannerwhich has become stale and they were alllooking for a fresh way of getting people toparticipate, of getting their messages across.Community Radio provided her with the idealplatform, and Archana has been a verycreative contributor to the popularity ofHevalvani in Tehri Garhwal district.Archana has set an example to her fellowradio enthusiasts by doing the IGNOUdiploma course on creative writing, andwrites regularly for local magazines and AmarUjala, a daily. She also takes part in streettheatre dramas to spread social messages.She has participated in a media “Needs”survey conducted by Equal Access in her area.and has also made programmes for NABARDand for local schools and colleges. Sheorganizes and participates in events topromote local products and handicrafts, andcampaigns for local issues through HevalvaniSamudayik Radio.449. Mr Gabbar Shing Rawat(Aug-2006)C/o. OneWorld South Asia OfficeC5, Qutab Institutional Area,New Delhi 110016,Phone: 0091-11-51689000,veronica.peris@oneworld.netGabbar Shing Rawat, 24, was brought up ina small agricultural village surrounded bydense forests in Garhwal hills at 5000ft inthe Himalayas. His parents are farmers.While studying in school Gabbar Shing usedto attend Bal Panchayat - a children’sorganisation promoting child rights in thevillage, and would lead the group to mobilisepeople to talk about various issues affectingchildren. He is now studying inundergraduate course in Arts and using hisexcellent communication skills acquired whileworking as volunteer communitycommunicator, he participates in variouscampaigns to address child rights in hisvillages.Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 225

NVA FELLOWSUttaranchalUsing a variety of interactive media like streetplays and songs he led his group to campaignon health and environmental issues in manyvillages. Since the year 2003, he has beencontinuously involved in variouscommunication programmes for addressingdevelopment issues.After joining as a community reporter in2005, he has turned into a young journalistwriting about his village problems. His articlescontribute to the open Knowledge Networkpowered by open enrich software. Lately hehas been exposed to radio and internet, andis now undergoing training to use these massmedia for the benefit of the people.450. Ms Padma Rawat(Aug-2006)Paturi Gairsain (P.O)Chamoli (Dist.) Uttaranchal - 246 42820 year old Padma Rawat belongs to anagricultural family in a rural community ofGarhwal Hills in the Himalayas. Born andbrought up in a small village surrounded bydense forest at the height of 5000 ft. abovesea level, she is now studying anundergraduate course in Arts.Padma possesses excellent communicationskills that she has acquired while working asa volunteer community communicator. Sheparticipated in various campaigns to addresschild rights in her villages and moreparticularly on immunization and sanitation.Through a variety of interactive media likestreet plays and songs she campaigned foruniversal birth registration in 43 villages toensure not a single child goes unregisteredand unnoticed. Similarly she lead a campaignon health and environmental issues in 33village. Using her good community leadershipqualities, she formed BAL PANCHAYAT - achildren organisation promoting child rightsin the village, which she now heads.After undergoing training and being exposedto radio and Internet to hone hercommunication skills, she has turned into ayoung journalist writing about her village’sproblems and addressing developmentissues. Her articles contribute to the openKnowledge Network powered by openenrich software.451. Ms Partima (Jul-2005)C/o. OneWorld South Asia OfficeC5, Qutab Institutional Area,New Delhi 110016,Phone: 0091-11-51689000,veronica.peris@oneworld.netPartima is a coordinator with Rural LitigationEntitlements Centre and hails from the newlycarved Indian state of Uttaranchal. A tribalwoman, belonging to the Kolta tribe, Partimawas born in a poor but large family of sevensiblings. She had to drop school at 5th Std.owing to financial constraints. Undeterred,she managed to take up non-formaleducation to complete her graduation. Today,she is sharing and imparting her knowledgeand skills to the ‘Van Gujjars’ a rovingshepherd community in the hills ofUttaranchal.226 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSUttaranchalPartima uses the wireless to educate and trainhundred of Gujjar children and women andto provide them life saving information.Thanks to the wireless technology she usesto empower the tribals, many pregnant tribalwomen were able to receive timely medicalattention for their deliveries.Partima, who herself has overcomediscrimination, as a woman and as a tribal,feels that she has a lot to contribute and feelsthat development decisions must be sensitiveto grassroots realities and concerns.452. Ms Uma Dhaundiyal(Aug-2006)Rikholi, Gairsain (P.O)Chamoli (Dist.)Uttranchal - 246 428Uma Dhaundiyal ,24 , is the daughter offarmers hailing from a rural community livingin the hilly and forested Garhwal area ofUttaranchal. A second year B.A. student ,she possesses good community leadershipskills in organising people to talk abouthealth, environment, social concerns and onvarious issues affecting children. Her specialareas of competency are functional literacyand health.Since 2000, Uma has been active in thesefields. When she was in school, she used toattend Bal Panchayat - a children’sorganisation promoting child rights in thevillage. She is still associated with thisorganization, through which she conductscampaigns in numerous villages on universalbirth registration, immunization and varioushealth problems like diarrhoea, using theinteractive medium of street plays and songs.She has also participated in campaigns toaddress child rights in her village.Uma joined as a community reporter withSBMA-Plan Gairsain, Uttaranchal. Her articlescontribute to the open Knowledge Networkand she writes about problems and issues inher village. Lately she has been exposed toradio and Internet, and is now acquiring newskills to use these mass media for the benefitof the people.453. Mr Vipin Joshi (Jul-2005)C/o Himalaya Trust274/2 Vasant Vihar,Dehra Dun 248 006, Uttar Pradesh.Tel: 91.135.77308129 year old Vipin a resident of Tallihaat,Bageshwar district, Uttaranchal, is an unusualyoung man with a dream. Unlike most of hiscontemporaries in rural Kumaon, he believesthat migrating to the plains in search oflucrative employment will not solve anythingfor his village or his people. Vipin becamean active social worker from an early age,and also thoroughly involved himself in thecultural life of his area.While still in high school he organized youngstudents to form a social service group, theNav Prabhat Yuva Samiti. They began to helpwith the organization of health camps in theirvillage, provide clean drinking water topatients and their attendants, and arrangeJamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 227

NVA FELLOWSUttaranchalfor facilities for hospital stay for patients’attendants. Through these simple beginningsthey began to extend their work to includeliteracy camps for elderly and economicallydeprived persons.Three years ago Vipin joined SIDH (Societyfor Integrated Development of the Himalaya)in Mussoorie where he helped research andimplement an appropriate educationalsystem for hill students. He is an eager andparticipative member of Pradeep SamudayikRadio, keen that this unusual method ofcommunication and its participatory potentialshould be used for intellectual and socialawakening for his people. His researchpapers on Ethnographic Action Research onICTs commissioned by UNESCO through theHimalaya Trust were highly appreciated.228 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWS454. Mr Apurba Saha (Jan-2006)C/o. Grasso336 SDF Building.Salt Lake Electronics ComplexSalt Lake Sector V,Kolkata 700 091Tel: 033 2357 7075Fax: 033 2357 7076Apurba Saha (34), is a B.Com fromKunuri.village, not far from Shantiniketan inBirbhum district, West Bengal. He has beeninvolved with the organization GRASSO formore than 2 years and has experience withtelecommunication information system whileworking as staff of Grasso. He has also takentraining in social service, and has a goodbackground of computer expertise.455. Ms Pinki Chakraborty(Jan-2006)C/o. Grasso336 SDF Building.Salt Lake Electronics ComplexSalt Lake Sector V,Kolkata 700 091Tel: 033 2357 7075Fax: 033 2357 7076Pinki Chakraborty (25), hails fromBhoalrdabri village, Jalpaiguri district, WB, anarea where some parts are forested, and teaindustry is well developed, but watermanagement and health care systems arevery poor.WEST BENGALShe has completed a master’s degree in artsunder North Bengal University and is a socialworker involved with a society whoseactivities are to develop the rural area. Shealso works with the society for health careand literacy, and has experience in rural fieldwork organized by Govt of India.456. Ms Ranu Saha (Jan-2006)C/o. Grasso336 SDF Building.Salt Lake Electronics ComplexSalt Lake Sector VKolkata 700 091Tel: 033 2357 7075Fax: 033 2357 7076Ranu Saha (25), is a graduate living inAndaran Fulbari village, an agricultural areaof Coochbehar district, WB. Havingcompleted her graduation with Englishhonours from North Bengal University, sheis studying computer basic course. Ranu has3 years experience of social work. She andher group have formed a society fordevelopment of their local area.Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 229

NVA FELLOWSwestbengal457. Mr Samarendra NathBhattacharjee (Jan-2006)C/o. Grasso336 SDF Building.Salt Lake Electronics ComplexSalt Lake Sector VKolkata 700 091Tel: 033 2357 7075Fax: 033 2357 7076Samarendra Nath Bhattacharjee (45),belongs to Jalpesh Mandir village, Jalpaiguridistrict, WB, an area with many tea factories.He has an M.Com. degree, and is involvedsince 2 years with GRASSO as a beneficiary.A helpful, hard working, energetic person,he completed his graduation and masterdegree in commerce under North BengalUniversity. He has been engaged with anNGO whose activities promote ruraldevelopment. He has some knowledge aboutcomputer operation and good experiencewith rural connectivity.458. Mr Soumen Middey(Jan-2006)C/o. Grasso336 SDF Building .Salt Lake Electronics ComplexSalt Lake Sector VKolkata 700 091Tel: 033 2357 7075Fax: 033 2357 7076Soumen Middey (19), from Batiswar village,south 24 Panganas district, WB, passed HSin the year of 2005. He is continuing hiseducation for graduation and is also doing adiploma course on Computer Hardware. Hehas already been attached with ruralSanitation programme through Panchayatorganised by UNICEF & Pulse Polio Tikakaranorganised by WHO, and is doing variouskinds of social work in his village area.230 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSIndex of Core CompetenciesKEYWORDS FELLOWS’ SERIAL NUMBERSAgriculture and related science and techniquesAgriculture 32 75 76 81 88 101104 112 225 226 329Agri campaigns 141Community radio 448Cropping 32Drought related data 26Economic farming 334Fertilizer applications 230Gypsum 433Indigenous agriculture information 247Information on crops 131 142 403Market information - rates 26 35 53 62 82 106167 192 203 204 205 220284 344 403Need based information 131 134 140 141 296 342349Other local news / information 20 296 326 342 355 357Seeding 32Soil management 230 433 442Vegetable farming 167Weather forecasting 26 273Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 231

NVA FELLOWSAgriculture technologies / developmentAgriculture technology management 42 90GIS for precision farming 344Innovative agricultural practices 374Modern agriculture techniques 89 108 363 442Watershed programme 42Agriculture training for farmersAgriculture machineries usage 260Farmers training 73 343Identifying card distribution for farmers 119 140Identifying quality of seeds 119 127 418Need based training / discussion for farmers 29 127 149 343 354 397441New technologies and basic trainings 119 140 418 441AgroforestryBamboo 410Ecodevelopment tree cultivation 410Jack 410Mango 410Neem 410Rosewood 410Sandal 410Subabul 410Teak 410232 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSAnimal husbandryArtificial insemination 119Cattle fodder 222Dairy development 266 268 269 272 279Dairy farming 73 215 341Disease prevention for cattle 354Goat rearing 266 268 269 272 411Livestock rearing 39 88 101 111 213 228311 381Poultry 105 266 268 269 272 279Scientific rearing of cattle 248 411Veterinary camps 30 196 251 264 276 279280 282 287 290Veterinary medicine 196Capacity buildingAgricultural related trainings 93 119 441Group discussions 189Market orientation training 149Microfinance 365Participatory training programs 35 64Sharing knowledge and experience 137 161 239 441 247Skill development through interaction 432 438Training membership / participation 125 157 159 184 188 234239 350 441Women’s capacity building 155 179 294 298Women empowerment trainings 129 234 239Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 233

NVA FELLOWSChild careChild care centre 172Child development 15 27 102Childcare awareness 125 148Orphanage 15Cooperative credit and thriftSociety for farmers 49Housing loan facility 250 260Insurance, savings 126 128 130 136 138 140142 145 146 147 150 152156 159 162 163 164 165175 177 180 184 189 202306 311 316 421Interest-free loans 398Loan from savings 131 134 137 146 149 161180 370 381 387Marketing and financefor agriculture products 41 62 192Microcredit / microfinance 51 69 76 80 81 8788 92 100 102 111 325329 365 430 445Microcredit / microfinance for women 37 53 62 82 106 239265 364 370 387 390 407Savings 125 133 134 137 140 146147 148 149 156 159 161162 164 175 176 177 180184 239 343 346 357 364411234 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSCottage industriesCrafts training / sales / exhibition 39 79 92 128 136 139139 155 179 192 193 199248 329 448Detergent blue 248 259 285Embroidery 2 15 21 31 39 44105Energy efficient light 356Environment-friendly gunny bags 50Food processing 70 132 149Fruits packing 228Hand-made paper 50 202 356Ice-cream 285Incense 14 254Income generation activities 9 94 245 291 323 347403 445Juice 285Jute bags 79 356Leaf-cup training 175Local shrubs 50Mud block making 356Mushroom cultivation 39 55 63 65 70 8389 99 109 202 264 277Oil 285 356Papad making 14Phenol 9 248 254 259 285Pickles 248 254Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 235

NVA FELLOWSPlastic recycling 202Pseudomonas,Trichoderma veridi 347Screen printing 63 83 249Small business 24Soap 248 259 356Soft drinks 285Soya marketing 40Sustainable livelihood 14 21 126 136 138 155179 199 201 294Tailoring / Stitching 2 15 27 31 39 483 148 256 387 399 400412 432 438Thoor dal preparation 356Traditional vegetable colour dyed toys 50Washing powder 9 18 254 285Wax candle 9 18 44Weaving 50 105Disaster relief / management / earlywarning system in the VRC / VKCDisaster management 37 68 233Disaster preparedness 125 273Flood control / information 54 68Tsunami and hydro-meteorological 15 33 255 273 274 384Tsunami relief 19 36 266 268 269 272276 280 288 290 291 368Ecosystems / Environment / NatureBiodiversity / conservation 93 202 417236 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSBird conservation 93Coastal Zone Development 2 13 255Community forest management 42Community plantation 190 203 223 378Deforestation prevention 202Ecological security 22 31 39Ecosystem management 31 191Ecotourism 77Environment awareness 31 33 35 41 65 252354 410 449 450 452Environment friendly pesticides 22Environment protection 42 93 191 252 260 300350 354 396Eucalyptus plantation removal 415Livelihood security 22 39 202Ozone protection 252Pollution control 252Riverbed protection 258 260Solid waste management 202Waste land development 170 378 413Waste management 299EducationAdult literacy 1 6 7 8 9 1217 18 21 23 25 2830 38 43 44 45 4647 48 148 151 160 177179 195 198 227 305 345Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 237

NVA FELLOWS360 369 400 403 406 408453 455Children 231 245 268 269 300 322359 388 406 423 430Coaching classes, tuitions for students 359Drop-outs in rural schools 21 47 251 266 269 272276 279 360 444Education / school admission for poor children22 121 129 203 205 312Equipment, water, toilet facility for schools 407Free tuition for school students 286323 349 366 386 444 453247Functional literacy 66 67 92 100 110 111195 197 198 394 399 412General knowledge 372Handicapped students 398Illiteracy removal 367 371 380 395Nonformal education 231 250 257Nonformal education for weak students 229 238Orphaned students 398Spoken English for school students / public 351 386 393 405 418Student scholarship - government 203Student scholarship- through income generation 205Uniforms, footwear for students 407Women literacy 31 51 114 128 133 162177 201 227 231 234 239245 324 357 383 404 444448 451238 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSEmploymentJob opportunities 3 16 82 263 291Self employment 3 12 18 114 117 399Unemployment reduction 11 247Field crops and their productionAlternative method of cropping 374 382Bamboo 77Banana 235Cashew 284Chillies 49Coconut 71 413Coffee 203 204Cost benefit for cultivation of crops 49 236 354 382 433Cotton 49 221 236Crop insurance 183 184Different methods of cultivation 82 106Diseases of crops 26 127 145 149 405Ecofriendly crop production 344Fruits 102 221 354 413Ginger 102Herbal Pesticide 363 379Indigenous Pest control in Cashew cultivation 284Intercropping 257Jatropa 5 77Major and minor millets 354Millet processing 402Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 239

NVA FELLOWSMillet survey 385Paddy 102Pepper 102Pest control in Cotton cultivation 49Pest / disease control of crops 82 106 203 354Pongamia 5Potato 89Pulses 221Rice 77Saline resistant vegetation 291Sativa 77Sorghum 236Soya bean 207 208 209 211 216 217218 374Spices 71SRI method of paddy cultivation 29 363 382Sugarcane 89Sunflower 374Tea 77Vegetables 102 288 354Wheat 236Finance, savings and insurance / microcreditAgriculture marketing and finance 40 49 119Bank assistance / finance for 18 27 39 40 73 84various programmes 119 123 158 160 183 203234 239 250 251 256 260263 264 266 267 272 276279 280 282 287 290 308346 370 390 412240 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSFishing / FisheriesAquaculture 32 59Coastal information 33 249 255 273 275 353Fish culture in community ponds 266 272 279Fish farming information 33 59 108 255 353 362379Fish trading 338Fishing vessels (boat, net, catamarans,outboard engines etc.) 19 33 36 407Weather reports 273Ornamental fish rearing 274Training courses for fishermen 15 255 274 353Wave heights information 273 275Health care and sanitationAlcoholic de-addiction camp 281Anti alcoholism 294Anti-smoking campaign 192Blood donation camps 38 43 190 252Blood pressure camps 253Breast feeding 395Cancer 91 174Care of child and mother 17 193 395Child health 80 165 188 294 444Cleanliness 21 192 193 214 215 220223 294 346 368 371 373Community health program 193 203 346Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 241

NVA FELLOWSDental 253Diarrhoea 452Drainage system 220 223 275 289 423Drug addiction treatment 391 289Eye donation camps 252Eye treatment camps 29 38 252 253 254 255274 285 289 359 361 380397Family planning 38 43 91 345Female health 80 178 188 291 395 444Filaria control 254 267 269 276 279 288290 369Fire accidents 252General health facilities 31 42 118 174 187 193348 349 403 451Health and sexuality issues 118 127 444Health care awareness / camps 1 7 9 17 18 2023 30 38 43 61 9095 103 112 114 115 125131 133 155 164 165 166174 178 188 192 193 197198 200 201 251 253 254264 266 268 269 276 279280 282 287 288 290 297300 305 308 310 312 320323 329 331 336 347 348349 359 367 368 371 376380 396 397 398 403 407409 422 444 448 449 450452 453 455242 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSHealth care training 121 166 175 183 193 200201 253HIV / AIDS 1 7 9 13 17 1823 30 41 47 91 112227 254 267 269 276 279285 288 289 290 297 313336 346 376 444Hygiene 103 192 193 336 346 368371Immunization 310 331 450 452Infant mortality 395Leprosy 254 285 398Low birth weight 395Malaria 254 285 376Mental health 398Mobile medicare unit 185Nursing & treatment 121 165Nutrition 254 444Population control 321Pregnancy 192Pulse Polio immunization 7 9 17 18 23 4547 191 252 253 254 267269 276 279 285 288 290310 321 331 346 371 380397 398 458Road accidents 252 339Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 243

NVA FELLOWSSanitation 1 7 12 25 28 3356 165 166 192 220 289305 346 347 396 403 444458Suicide prevention 35Sexual health 197 198Sports 7Stress reduction and tension 35 192 193TB 17 174 398Telemedicine 53 62 86 91 361Traditional child birth attendants training 193Trauma 192 193Vitamin A 395 398HorticultureAromatic plants 100Economic aspects of prepared plants 378Floriculture / orchid cultivation 31 63 70 77 83 288403Herbarium 340 402Home Herbal gardening 34 42Kitchen garden 277 365Medicinal plant cultivation 99 100 340 365Nursery 108 109 164 170 183 242378 410Seed collection 378244 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSICT enabled servicesAccount record maintenance 123 264 266 269 276 279280 406 408 417Accounting course / software 210 254 366Agriculture market Information 275 316 317 340 352Agriculture marketing 53 62 105Astrology 144 153 168 169 181 182391 393Cable TV operator 168 181CD writing 82Chat and video conferencing 122 182 361 405Community mobilization 54Computer language 261Computer literacy 2 11 31 49 58 113122 133 182 189 206 254255 256 284 391 247 265353Computer literacy for physically challenged 353Computer literacy / training 3 10 16 19 30 3237 41 55 62 63 6772 82 83 85 98 99106 110 116 120 123 136143 144 153 168 169 181185 186 190 220 224 249271 277 281 292 372 373399Computer literacy / training for women 51Content creation / local language 261 273Content generation 278Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 245

NVA FELLOWSData processing / DTP 82 120 129 131 134 144150 153 154 161 163 168181 182 185 186 190 293339 342 351 361 386 393405 414 416Database on SHG and enterpreneur 109Distance education 72District management system 131E-commerce 284Educating students / computer training 6 11 13 13 33 3435 37 39 49 50 5556 58 72 84 105 109113 122 125 127 128 131137 140 146 148 149 150159 160 161 175 180 181224 246 255 263 274 293308 321 327 339 339 341342 348 351 351 357 362366 368 378 382 391 391393 393 403 414 414 416418 432 438 451Educational project work for students 105E-governance 107 122 189 206Electronic address directory of village people 91Email 91 109 122Employment information 327Examination results 72 105Games 144 153 168 169 181 182351 386 391 393 405246 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSHealth care and consultancy services 82 106 168 181Health care and support services 118ICT applications / training / awareness 3 13 15 22 30 3949 57 58 72 89 113128 135 136 142 143 154161 170 175 176 188 206210 224 273 293 308 344372 403 453Internet 3 16 20 55 65 7282 85 106 109 120 122169 181 182 186 190 295297 301 303 308 334 336351 386 391 393 405 449450 452Knowledge centre / Kiosk / VKC 10 11 12 15 16 1718 19 21 23 25 2831 43 44 45 47 4856 58 80 82 83 91103 107 113 122 143 182189 201 203 204 205 224231 234 238 247 249 252254 255 256 257 259 261262 263 265 270 271 273275 277 278 281 283 284285 286 289 292 295 298301 303 338 342 343 344348 351 353 362 367 372373 374 376 377 382 389392 393 394 401 405 410411 412 413 415 416 449450 452Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 247

NVA FELLOWSLaser printing 82 144 153 168Multi media 120 186 403Network connectivity 33 56 58 107 224 261Online examinations: e-parichay 91Online registration for students 72 105Online tutorial 401Photography 120 144 153 169 340Photoshop 339 414Radio 295 297 300 301 303 314318 322 449 450 452Touch screen 403Veterinary problems 72 377Video mail 122 349Voice mail 122 349Web interfaces development 50Weather report 106Web camera 403Wireless technology 451Indigenous knowledgeAgriculture 256 261 350 358Documentation 256 261 358 365 389 402Health 256 261Information / disseminationInformation dissemination 46 74 98 143 225 226231 237 241 275 277 283248 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWS286 295 297 298 299 300301 302 303 304 306 307309 310 311 313 314 315316 317 318 319 320 322325 327 328 329 330 331332 333 334 335 336 337362 373 376 389 394 401415 419 420 421 422 423424 425 426 427 428 429431 434 435 436 437 439441 442 443 446 447 454457Traditional dissemination methods 45 48 238 243 244 248309 313 314 318 322 327336VRC 6 46 51 52 60 6475 78 85 86 96 98112 207 208 209 211 212213 214 215 216 217 218222 223 225 225 226 229230 232 233 237 240 299302 304 306 309 311 315316 317 320 327 328 329330 333 334 335 337 419420 422 423 424 425 427428 429 431 434 435 436437 439 441 442 443 446447 454 457Microenterprises / income generationAgri business 90Agricultural practices 39Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 249

NVA FELLOWSBakery 136 356Banana products 235Candles 254Cloth bag 79Coffee roasting, grinding 205Coir making 276 290 347 382Photography 124Seashell ornaments 254 277 289 353Organic farmingBiofertilisers 29 354 442 421 222Biopesticide 379 268 354 442Biovillage 251 264 268 269 279 280282 287 288 290Green manuring 330Organic farming 22 31 363 374 70 77221 257 379 55 63 6583 89 220 251 268 346354 398 219 228 388 402442Sustainable farming 219Vermicompost 63 70 75 83 93 109202 214 219 340 354 364379 388 398 402 442SHGSHG for physically challenged 360SHG formation 4 8 23 24 27 2841 44 45 47 57 61250 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWS68 77 84 94 104 119127 142 150 152 184 187192 193 194 227 235 254264 268 280 343 350 355362 375 408 411 430 445SHG strengthening 4 5 6 8 9 1820 43 64 65 86 115123 131 134 139 145 151152 158 160 162 172 173191 194 199 205 241 251256 272 276 279 282 287290 311 319 322 331 332338 346 350 352 362 364370 371 375 385 389 400402 406 418 445SHG training 75 94 97 110 138 158202 235 248 262 278Social welfare / awareness / servicesAnti- arrack shop 272Anti- dowry movement 280Anti- poverty campaign 294Birth registration 450 452Child labour eradication 10 12 21 404Child marriage prevention 20Child related issues 243 244 449 450 452Child rights 241 243 244 449 450 452Community certificate 415Community development 292 320 324Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 251

NVA FELLOWSCommunity facilities construction 247 390Community mobalization 40 50 80 187 262 270271 310 324 325 340352 376 385 412Community welfare programmes 152 203 350 415Cremation ground 258Dalits and caste discriminations 31 61 187 268 280 332356 369 390Drainage system 247Electricity cooperative 315Equality for women and female child in family 193Family counseling 227Female infanticide preventing 370Fisherman rights 417Gender equity / rights 291 325Government schemes / subsidies / 12 17 23 24 25 38policies / welfare programs 48 53 62 64 82 87106 117 262 265 270 312319 326 332 353 362 376403 421Hand pump construction 315Handicapped assistance 250 269 272 279 280 398Handicapped children help 253 266Illicit sale of liquor eradication 387 384Land for landless 258Land records 263Legal rights of women 245 254 387 289Mass marriages for underprivileged 328252 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSMid-day meal programme 5 444Minorities 187Pattas for homeless 22Pension for old age / widows 25 31 248 266 268 269272 279 285 311 339Phone connections 411Pregnant women assistance 279 282 287Road development 31 212 223 275 289 309381 411 414Riverbed encroachments control 260Sand theft preventing in riverbanks 258School premises renovation 282 287Society formation 426 456Socioeconomic survey 340Sports promotion among youth 258 359Street lights 247 275Tank bund 275Title legal rights land ownership 415Toilet facilities 1 12 25 192 220 258305 345 346 360 390Transportation streamline 267 282 287 411Tribal groups development 40 115 164 200 227 229415 451Water facilities 352Water tank 335Widows, elderly women destitutes help 41 250 253 266 279 315Women / Counseling 384 265Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 253

NVA FELLOWSTechnical TrainingFax 125 129 133 148Hand pump repair 171 175Mobile phone usage 171Phone 125 129 148 174Photography 125 160 164 171 180 182189 246 351 366 391 414Plumbing 164Radio mechanism 33SATCOM 183Typewriting 386 391 393TV 33 125 133 148VCR - video playing 125 133 148 149 154 164180 183 366Video shooting 125 134Traditional MedicineAlternative medicine 70Ayurveda 181Herbal medicine 289Homeopathic medical camps 103Siddha medicine 368Traditional Local medicines 34 70 278Training programs on home remedies 34WaterCheck dams 328Cleaning of canals 315254 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSDrinking water 22 31 68 127 220 346368 381 453Drip irrigation 135 140 176Ground water 35Waste water treatment / recycling 176Water auditing software 220Water campaign 152 171 178 136Water filtration / purification 232Water harvesting and conservation 31 154 166 171 187 212220 224 237 247 254 354379 423Water management 57 90 115 135 136 147162 164 171 176 178 183188 209 215 220 232 237267 276 288 290 299 302315 329 368 432 438 442Watershed programme 42 93 114 116 117 208219 254Women empowerment / skill developmentCommunity development 205Personality development 191 192 193Self employment 41Skill development 102 191Women empowerment / skill development 242Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 255

NVA FELLOWSList of Main Topics for Fellows’ Competency KeywordsAgriculture and related science and techniquesAgriculture technologies / developmentAgriculture training for farmersAgroforestryAnimal husbandryCapacity buildingChild careCooperative credit and thriftCottage industriesDisaster relief / management / early warning system in the VRC / VKCEcosystems / Environment / NatureEducationEmploymentField crops and their productionFinance, savings and insurance / microcreditFishing / FisheriesHealth care and sanitationHorticultureICT enabled servicesIndigenous knowledgeInformation / disseminationMicroenterprises / income generationOrganic farmingSHGSocial welfare / awareness / servicesTechnical TrainingTraditional MedicineWaterWomen empowerment / skill development256 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

NVA FELLOWSOrganisations that nominated NVA Fellows1. Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural University (ANGRAU)2. American India Foundation (AIF)3. Andhra Pradesh Rural Poverty Reduction Project (APRPRP)4. Ashta No Kai5. Assam Small Farmers’ Agri-Business Consortium6. Association of public Internet Service Access Providers (APIAP)7. BASIX India8. Centre for Environment Education (CEE)9. Centre for Rural Education and Development (CRED)10. Department of Agriculture, Maharashtra11. Drishtee Dot Com Limited12. E.I.D. Parry (India) Limited13. Ekgaon Technologies14. Family Health And Development Research Service Foundation15. Gandhigram Rural Institute (GRI)16. Grasso17. Hear18. Hewlett Packard19. Himalaya Trust20. International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)21. ITC-IBD22. Janakidevi Bajaj Gram Vikas Sanstha (JKVHA)23. Jankidevi Bajaj Gram Vikas Sanstha (JBGVS)24. LAKSHYA for Sustainable Development25. M S Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF)Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity 257

NVA FELLOWS26. Maharashtra Foundation India27. MYS Orissa28. National informatics Centre (NIC)29. NEEDS30. NEFORD31. N-logue Communications Pvt Limited32. OneWorld South Asia33. PEN India34. Polymer Educational Society35. Sehgal Foundation36. Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA)37. Socio-Economic Development Organization (SEDO)38. Sustainable Agriculture and Environment Voluntary Action (SEVA)39. TARAhaat40. TATA Consultancy Services (TCS)41. Teri42. URMUL Setu Sansthan43. Urmul Trust44. World Corps India45. World Food Programme258 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation