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Local Field Visit: MPG 01
September 12, 2009
“Visits and study tours are an integral part of our curriculum, because whatever the participants learn in the classroom, it is supplemented by these on-field visits. Visit to National Defence Academy was one such visit at Khadakavasala
Local Field Visit: MPG 01
Ralegan Siddhi (Gram Panchayat)
The students of MPG-01 went on their first field trip to Ralegan Siddhi in Ahmednagar district on October 02, 2005 – Mahatma Gandhi’s Birth Anniversary. Ralegan Siddhi is a small town that gained international recognition because of the remarkable transformation brought about there by the renowned social worker and activist Shri. Anna Hazare with the help of villagers. What was once an obscure village suffering from drought year after year is now a haven of greenery thanks to the untiring efforts of Shri. Hazare. And this is not the only change it has undergone. With the help of the villagers, Anna has been able to eradicate all kinds of vices like alcoholism, gambling, and many others. Shri. Anna Hazare is a shining example of what can be achieved through selfless service, sheer dedication, fearlessness and undaunted willpower.
There are some very basic unwritten rules laid down by Shri. Hazare, which were being followed by thevillagers. No unchecked cattle grazing, no chopping of trees, no employment of unnecessary labour, no alcohol, and other similar rules. The villagers are trained to block water and let it seep into the earth, so that the level of ground water rises and there is availability of water even in the dry months. The village is considered a benchmark of community participation and transformation and is a model for field visits by many national and international voluntary organizations.
This visit to Ralegan Siddhi by MIT-SOG students was a revealing experience for them. They were enormously impressed when they actually saw the kind of work that is being done there, its enormity and its significance on the rural scenario of the entire nation.
The students inaugurated the maiden issue of their very own newsletter ‘Raj Dharma’ at the auspicious hands of Shri. Anna Hazare. Shri. Hazare also had to say a few good words about the endeavour to train young and educated Indians for a career in politics that is undertaken by MIT-SOG. All in all, the first field visit of MIT-SOG students turned out to be a very significant one for not just the students but also the staff who accompanied them.
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Local Field Visit: MPG 01 |
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The MIT-SOG participants visited MASUM on 12th December 2005. Dr. Ramesh Awasthi, the founder of MASUM, accompanied them to the village, Malshiras where they actually operate.
MASUM is a registered public trust established in 1987. MASUM works in the rural areas of Purandar Block, Pune District and Parner Block, Ahmednagar District of Maharashtra with the oppressed, marginalised and minority groups with an emphasis on their participation in all activities and programmes. It aims at creating awareness about various forms of exploitation and abuse faced by the underprivileged and the minority groups in the community and help them organise themselves to deal with these problems. MASUM is a development group with a feminist perspective and a democratic approach. MASUM works on the issues of Health, Domestic Violence, Women's Resource Development and Self-Employment, with a ‘Rights based approach’.
Dr. Ramesh Awasthi and Manisha Gupte have lived in Malshiras village of Purandar taluka for more than five years to develop deeper understanding of community needs and dynamics. Dr. Awasthi shared his experiences in Malshiras with the participants and told them in detail how he, along with his wife, started this organisation, the difficulties they faced, how they raised funds, their objectives and how far they have succeeded in their aim. |
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Local Field Visit: MPG 01
Manavya is an NGO and home for the orphaned and destitute children affected by HIV/AIDS. MIT SOG participants visited Manavya on May 20, 2006
Where they interacted with around 50 children. It was a moving experience for the participants. The participants got to know the problems facing the HIV/AIDS infected children in terms of societal boycott and also the problems facing the NGO in terms of raising funds etc..
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