Transforming Lives in Pattaithan

Moving from a bleak, subsistence-level existence to realizing that their strength lies in unity and in letting go of caste divisions, the villagers of Pattaithan chose to work towards self-sufficiency and dignity, through the SHG and the tola sabha, by utilizing government funds available to them, leading to transformation of the entire village

“Ek din aisan howi jato bhaiya ki jilla se aadami dekhto au sikhto hamar gaon me aake! (One day, the district officials will come to our village to learn how to work),” said Sulochana Devi of Pattaithan village proudly. Her were words were immediately endorsed by Shakuntala Devi, who added, “Ab to Bangal jabo na, murgi palwo, chas karwo aur gidada ke padhaabo likhaabo. (I will not migrate to Bengal any more. I will rear poultry, grow crops and educate my child).” These declarations by the women in a tola sabha (hamlet-level committee meeting) acknowledged the significant change that had taken place in their lives and the confidence that they would be able to sustain it in the future.

T he time I had invested in all the promotional activities for the SHG and for livelihoods had paid off and the villagers’ unity and sustained efforts had definitely changed their lives and the village. I remember the meeting I had attended some three-and-a-half years back in Pattaithan. The village at that time had four SHGs, segregated on the basis of caste.

During an earlier village meeting, members from all the SHGs had gathered at one place. Very soon, the members belonging to the different communities began to argue and the meeting degenerated into mayhem. The people did not trust each other and held many grudges against each other. I listened to them silently and patiently for almost an hour and then tried to calm them. When they stopped to listen, I asked them, “Do you really believe in your heart that what you are saying is right and that this is what you want for your village?”