Promoting Millets, Advocacy and CBR

Last week, we had one of the major melas in the region - the Dubiakhand fair. We had set up shop here last here. This year, we decided to go out full steam with a major aim to promote finger millet usage in the local communities . . . And of course, then there were sub-sections on advocacy and promoting rights of the disabled. 

Snaps from the mela, which is also known as Tribal Kumbh Mela . . . 

A view of our stall . . .

The District Councillor visiting the stall

A view of the fair before it became really busy and crowded

One of our hired chefs who made puris and noodles made out of finger-millet

Another view of the stall . . .

Satyaprakash explaining to a person with disability

Learnings from the stall .. .. ..

1. Finger-millet, although it was commonly used in this part of the region long back is not thought of as a food for the common man. There are quite a lot of misconceptions. I heard one lady say to her child who begged to get him a packet of ragi biscuits that it was not a good thing for him. Even though our staff explained about the benefits of the cereal, the lady appeared quite apprehensive. We sold about 40 plates of noodles, 20 plates of pooris and just 2 plates of idlis. Lot more work needs to be done . . .

2. There were quite a lot of people who came interested in RTI act, books on advocacy etc.

3. It was quite encouraging to see people with disability frequent the stall and learn more about rights of the disabled and the avenues of opportunity they have in a changing social scenario. 

Dr. Howard and Becky were quite supportive and encouraging about the initiative. Dr. Howard is the first Executive Director of Emmanuel Hospital Association (1972-77). 

Dr. Howard and Becky having Ragi noodles for breakfast. Later, we went to the police station in Daltonganj to foreign citizen registration. And on the way back, they had Madwa pooris for lunch

And we got some free publicity on television and radio, especially with regard to promoting millets and the Community Based Rehabilitation for the Disabled. . .

Mr. Satyaprakash and myself got to do couple of television interviews . . . 

Tomorrow (19th February, 2014), we are planning a Krishi Mela in the local block where the focus would be Finger Millets . . . Please remember the initiative in your prayers . . .