Sumeru’s Initiative to Empower Villages

‘Business for Social Transformation’ is one of key reason for Sumeru’s existence. As part of our Social Responsibility, we have taken the ownership of developing villages surrounding our Head Quarters (HQ) in Bangalore. One such village is O.B Chudarahalli, located about 3 kms from Sumeru’s HQ.

Our first Step at O.B.Chudarahalli
O.B. Chudarahalli has a population of about 1000 people across various economic and literacy levels. We realized early on, that if we have to be seen their friends in solving their community problems, we had to have strong personal bond with the entire group of villagers. We reached out to youth through cricket matches and to the women through Rangoli competition (as part of Sankranti celebrations) and children’s talent show. These highly successful initiatives were an important factor in encouraging camaraderie, breaking the ice and rising above the barriers of caste and economic status. Many in the village shared that it was for the first time, that fun events like these were organized which not only brought about joy in everyone but also led them to share and celebrate together.

While celebrations were on one side, a team from Sumeru started discussions with the villagers to understand the village problems. We then systematically brainstormed issues pertaining to various groups i.e. women, youth and children. The village is plagued by issues in varying magnitude, from no street lights, lack of proper sanitation and hygiene in pockets of the village, addiction to cigarettes and alcohol, unemployment, caste and economic differences.

Involvement in Various Projects
The Sumeru team started off with the Street Lights Project, by approaching each family in a door-to-door signature campaign. This was a display of solidarity by the villagers, unanimously asking for street lights from the village to the main highway. This initiative made the villagers realize that they also had common problems irrespective of their social status, which had to be addressed in unison. A request letter along with over 200 signatures was submitted to the village Panchayat for further action.

There was a Bal Chetana Shibir program conducted for approximately 180 children in the age group of 8-15 in the village government school. This Shibir included simple and fun ways of experiential learning for the children, to realize their own skills, their inner potential, team work and taking responsibility. The children were also taught simple yoga and spiritual practices to help them improve their health, focus and concentration.

Vision for the Village
The vision of the Sumeru team is to empower youth in the village to be so strong that they can unite and lead the improvement initiatives on their own such that the village becomes self-reliant. On this front, the Sumeru team has been grooming village youths to take up the YLTP (Youth Leadership Training Program) offered under the Vyakti Vikas Kendra India. Youth Leadership Training Program, or YLTP, is an intensive residential program for youth. A focus on leadership, teamwork and communication skills creates a strong team of volunteers with an emphasis on service that gives back to communities in need.

Going forward
As we progress forward with more and more active involvement from everyone in this village, the bigger vision comes to mind. In every village, there need to be youth leaders who can bring resources and people together towards improvement and uplifting their own village. This wave needs to be spread and result in social transformation across India and the globe. Initiatives are taken towards English speaking course, Computer Class, free-medical camps, de-addiction workshop for the villagers.

With each step in this direction, a sea change can be observed in our society and community!