A Report on the Village stay at BHOGENAGARKOPPA, Kalghatti Tq
I reached the village around 4.00a.m.In the evening, I walked around the village with the youth. I discussed with various persons. I also observed that groups of youth were playing a gambling game in the school premises. After having conversations with various persons, I felt that youth have optimistic attitude when compared to aged persons.
On the second day, I planned to conduct a group discussion involving with various sections of the village.
Based on our observation & discussion, I felt that improving economic priority is their first priority. This is evident, when I observed many youths working in the nearby factories to get better income. Another reason for migrating cities to work is that they have very small land holdings. Due to division of assets between brothers in a family, each family has an average of 3-4acres only.
Though my area of concern was on appropriate technologies, I felt that villager’s priority should be given importance. I planned to do a brainstorming session with the group to identify the income generating activities, they are interested. I was not able to succeed because only women’s came in large number with 3-4youths & a middle aged man. I introduced and all the group members also introduced. Initially villagers did not open up. As the discussion proceeded, they participated. But the brainstorming session was not possible because villagers began to talk about problems. I continued with the general discussion to understand the villager’s view of issues.
After the discussion, I visited PHC, which is 1km away from the village. In the night, I visited a self-help group meeting and observed their activities.
• Make decisions quickly: I was amazed to see how people taking decisions quickly. When the resource person BAIF asked a family to provide accommodation for the two girls’ fellows & me the decision was taken very quickly.
• Relationship with neighbors: The relationship between the neighbors was so close that we were unable to identify them with the houses they belong.
• Respect for outsiders: The respect given to outsiders was such that they did not allowed us to sit without bed sheets. The respect came from their heart and it was not to please us.
• Culture of sharing: Villagers have a very good culture of sharing. They share happy and sad moments with each other. Even children’s also shares with each other.
• Belief in God and Ancestors : The villagers have a great belief on God and Ancestors. We can find photos of God & Ancestors in front of the houses.
