In 1996 the Parliament of India enacted Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996, also known as the PESA Act. The landmark act gives rightful powers to gram sabhas in Scheduled Areas. The key feature of this act is to give native residents of these areas the ability to govern themselves through reservations for tribal individuals in Panchayati raj institution, manage natural resources through Gram Sabhas, and ensure each tier of local government is independent.

Despite being a Schedule-V territory with a 100% tribal population, several tiny villages and hamlets in Mokhada do not have PESA status. The bureaucracy is apathetic, and the public is mainly oblivious. In 2014-15, the government launched a push to declare PESA communities, and several hamlets submitted documentation for registration. These submissions were ignored. By organising meetings and designating training motivators for every village, AROEHAN’s Pada Samitis increased awareness.

With our initiatives to make people aware of the PESA Act and ensure their active participation, we have facilitated the submission of proposals for declaration of PESA villages. With regular follow-ups with the Project Officer at the Integrated Tribal Development Project (I.T.D.P) Jawhar, the submissions were accepted and villages were self-decalred as PESA villages.

In the last five years, through various initiatives, AROEHAN successfully helped 30 villages to be declared as PESA villages. Earlier this year, AROEHAN conducted a month long campaign for PESA and Panchayati Raj awareness, engaging over 3,220 individuals from 80 villages in Mokhada, Jawhar, and Dahanu.

There is a common misconception that fallow lands, also called wasteland, cannot be restored or provide habitat for biodiversity and agriculture. Owing to the hilly structures of regions in Mokhada and Jawhar, fallow lands increased. The livelihood options for local tribes were reduced, forcing them to migrate. AROHENA works closely with farmers and in the past two years, AROEHAN has specifically focused on bringing fallow lands under cultivation, enhancing soil health, and conserving water through ASHA, a collaborative project with Siemens Ltd. 41 farmers from 3 gram panchayats were part of this initiative with a mission of turning 100 hectares of land arable.

The farmers mentioned that a large quantity of soil is washed away with water during rice and paddy cultivation in monsoons. To tackle torrential flow, water structures such as earth dams, rock-fill dams, contour bunds, and trenches were built on the slope in regions with minor streams before monsoons. The embankment structures were raised for the unused land from ages, making it permeable for paddy cultivation.

At the same time, furrows were dug in orchard cultivation zones, and the water stored through dams increased the water table, helping natives throughout the year. With the soil no longer being washed away, the farmers were able to continue with diverse agriculture practices and earning a decent amount of income, thus preventing migration. Enthused by the results they have demanded the Gram Rozgar Sevak to facilitate similar works under MGNREGA, a rural employment scheme, in collaboration with the Agriculture and Forest Department, helping more villages for both local employment and agriculture.

Science exhibition provides age-appropriate possibilities for inquiry-based learning while also encouraging kids to think critically and inquisitively. Through realistic simulations, it helps mentors and educators to communicate scientific theories and facts. Students can demonstrate their understanding of complex theories and know its practical applications. Among other benefits is also skills likes project management since selecting and committing to a scientific project requires long-term planning, collaboration, and preparation.

With key focus on STEM Education in tribal areas, AROEHAN conducted school level science project exhibition at Dabosa and Eklavya Ashram Schools. Students in Dabosa demonstrated models for the following topics:

1. Satellite Communications
2. Air Exert Pressure
3. Drone
4. Air Conditioning (AC)
5. Wind Energy
6. Solar Energy
7. Oxygen is Necessary for Combustion
8. Hospital Innovations
9. Save the Planet
10. Earth Revolution and Rotation
11. Waste Water Treatment
12. Light Effects
13. Organic Farming

Whereas Students in Eklavya Ashram Schools demonstrated following topics:

1. Drip Irrigation System
2. Same Energy Used in Different Areas
3. Green house Effect
4. Neuron System
5. Plant Cell and Animal Cell Models
6. Types of Motion
7. Satellite System
8. Rain Drop Sensor
9. Drone Making
10. Volcano Model
11. Acid Rain Model
12. Newton’s Law Demonstration
13. Organic Farming
14. Light effects
15. Solar system
16. Dam model

External Moderators were invited to evaluate the projects based on creativity, scientific concept, presentation, and overall impact. The event was attended by the school trustees, principals of higher secondary and primary, teachers, who showed their support and encouragement to the students. Teachers and Higher Management lauded efforts of AROEHAN to incite creativity among students to present complex understanding of physics, chemistry, biology, and technology. Based on the moderation, prizes were distributed among students with aim of motivating and inspiring young innovators.

In association with the Taluka Department of Agriculture, AROEHAN conducted a Wild Vegetable Festival and Culinary Exhibition and Competition in Mokhada. 30 women from 9 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) participated in this event. The Chief Guests at the event were the Chairperson of the Panchayat Committee Mokhada Mr. Yuvrah Girandhale Saheb, Deputy Chairperson Mr. Pradeep Wagh, and members of the Agriculture Department. Along with AROEHAN’s activists, the students and locals from different villages also attended the event.

The SHGs fetched wild vegetables from the forest and cooked traditional recipes while displaying various vegetables on their stall. The winning group displayed over 48 recipes and 24 wild vegetables. The Mokhada Taluka Deputy Chairman, Mr Pradeep Wagh, offered insightful advice to the women’s self-help groups and encouraged them to keep selling them while the government is also working on providing a market for these vegetables. Not only are these vegetables a healthy part of the diet but they also serve medicinal purposes. Mr. Girandhale stressed the need for these vegetables in both rural and urban areas. While there is a community nutrition deficiency in rural areas, people in urban areas are also vulnerable due to the mass consumption of unhealthy foods. Both regions need to include wild vegetables in their regular diet and should take advantage of the availability of these vegetables within the country. Agriculture Officer Mr. Salunkhe guided SHGs about the production and marketing of wild vegetable-based foods and products.

At the end of the event, all participating groups were honoured and the winning groups were given cash prizes. Suhasini Bachat Gat and Panchsheela SHG from Shirasgaon won first and second prizes respectively and Gurukripa Mahila Bachat Gat from Ghatkarpada won the third prize. The other groups participating were Sauli Women’s SHG, Samarth Women SHG, Renuka Women’s SHG, Anusaya Women’s SHG from Gharkarpada, Mogra Women’s SHG from Sakharwadi, and Jaswandi Women’s SHG from Sonarwadi.

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), established as an autonomous body in 1929, celebrated its Foundation Day on July 16th, 2024. While agriculture is entering the technology revolution in India, there are various communities especially tribal farmers deprived of various needs for improved and allied livelihood practices. AROEHAN collaborates with farmers and different institutions to integrate farmers’ needs like spheres of crop production, orchard plantation, livestock management, and goat rearing, among other practices. On ICAR’s 96th Foundation Day, AROEHAN conducted a study tour for farmers of Jawhar to Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Kosbad Hill, Dahanu.

Senior Scientist Dr. Vilas Jadhav briefed farmers about Krish Vigyan Kendra (KVK) which is an integral part of the National Agriculture Research System (NARS) that aims at the assessment of location-specific technology modules in agriculture and allied enterprises, through technology assessment, refinement, and demonstrations. Subject Matter Agronomy Specialist Mr. Bharat Kushare talked about utilising modern technology for lower cost of rice production and gave information on nursery cultivation, tray rice, mattress steam, and modern machinery.

Mr. PV Wartha, Farm Manager at KVK, elaborated on techniques like the token method of paddy cultivation, Saguna Rice Technique, Derm Method, Benefits of mulching paper planting – which can help retain moisture in the soil, which reduces the need for irrigation. Mr Ashok Bhoir, PA of Soil Science, gave instructions about orchard plantation, and the farmers were also briefed about bee-keeping for honey production and poultry farming by Mr. Uttam Sahane- an entomology specialist.

KVKs have been functioning as a Knowledge and Resource Centre of agricultural technology supporting initiatives of the public, private, and voluntary sectors for improving the agricultural economy of the district and linking the NARS with the extension system and farmers. 35 Farmers from Nyhale and Borale Gram Panchayats of Jawhar benefitted from AROEHAN’s expedition to Kosbad’s KVK.

AROEHAN is paying special attention to bridging the gap between tribal groups and technology by using modern technology in all aspects like water conservation, agriculture and agro-based livelihood tools. Through AROEHAN’s Resource Centre – Shramik Adivasi Bachat Gat, Mokhada – the local farmers, self-help groups and other beneficiaries witness demonstrations of various technologies as well as the state-of-the-art farming methods. The latest installation in our centre are Hydroponics for growing green fodder.
An evolving technology, hydroponics is a method of growing green fodder without soil in an environmentally controlled machine or space. This device has been estimated to utilise 98% less water than traditional methods, and the water is recycled. It is possible to generate up to 1000 kg of green fodder per day from 480 square feet of area, which is comparable to 25 acres of cultivable land producing 25 acres of traditional fodder. Fodder can be produced round the year irrespective of the failure of monsoon, land availability, natural calamities, labour shortage. The green fodder is more palatable, digestible and nutritious, it enhances the immune system of animals and augments their productive and reproductive performance.
After thorough testing of the machines, AROEHAN aims to provide training to local tribal farmers in technology usage and maintenance. This will enable ease in adopting new technology and fulfil their requirements for livestock-feeding as well as endorse cultivation in a sustainable and eco-friendly manner.

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When we think of summer in childhood, we remember playing games, meeting friends, drinking refreshments, eating sour foods, listening to stories by elders, road trips and so on. Children in tribal areas do not always have luxury of vacation trips or summer camps during vacation. AROEHAN decided to bring summer fun to them through an initiative called Bal Anand Melava. 21 such camps were held from 15th April to 29th April, 2024 at Zilla Parishad Schools in Mokhada.

In Bal Melava, children were taught to make simple drinks on their own like lemon juice and Rasana. They made them and excitedly shared it with their friends. To ignite their creativity the participants were taught the art of origami and were guided through the process of creating intricate paper hats, boats, and planes. Old newspapers were used for these crafts and children were instructed to ensure zero waste to imbibe environmentally responsible behaviour. They were encouraged to perform local folklore and sing songs in front of their peers as a way to foster confidence. In an attempt to demonstrate the importance of sports in school, we organised a variety of enjoyable, classic activities to encourage physical activity and well-being.

While the study break is important, recreational activities during this period are just as valuable and crucial in poverty-stricken areas to prevent children from being pushed into child labour and domestic work, as they lose touch with their learning capacities. 96 students, between 1st to 7th Grade, were a part of this initiative. The Bal Melava were held in 21 Zilla Parishads in Swaminagar, Bhowadi, Adoshi, Saprewadi, Sadakwadi, Dudhgaon, Dhamanshet, Vasind, Behtwadi, Pendakwadi, Bramhangaon, Bedukpada, Thakurwadi, Amle, Ikharichapada, Bhawaniwadi, Sakharwadi, Dolhara, Shelampada, Kakdoshi and many other places.

Ragi (Nachni), also known as finger millets, are highly regarded as nutritious yield and incorporating millets in the diet could tackle malnutrition, and digestion issues, reduce the risk of heart diseases, and aid a myriad of occurring ailments. Finger millet crops are drought-resistant, tolerate adverse weather, and are a primary crop and a staple in hilly regions like Mokhada. While crops like rice and wheat have dominated the Indian market for decades, due to their nutritional value, finger millet and its products have gained a significant market value in recent years.

In light of the same, AROEHAN conducted Food Production & Processing workshops for Women’s
Self Help Groups in Mokhada. Food expert Ujwala Bhore and her colleagues from Jawhar Farm facilitated two workshops on March 13th and March 27th respectively. With on-ground demonstrations, they covered essential topics like manufacturing, packaging, and marketing. They gave elaborate information on the recipes while demonstrating how to make ragi-based chocolates, laddoos, and papads.

“Earlier we used to make papads only to eat at home, but now we will use this training to make
more such products through our self-help groups and earn profits by selling them,”
affirmed the participants.

The participants also made products like chocolate and ladoos on the spot, giving them practical
understanding as the facilitators encouraged them to ask questions. The women’s concerns were allayed after the training was over. The Nachni papad was kept in the sun to aid the cooking process. These papads were loved by everyone during lunchtime. 52 women from 6 villages participated in the first training and 39 women from other 4 villages in the second training. The main objectives of the training sessions were to make ragi-based products as well as gain an understanding of selling them in the market. This could be a game-changer for millet-based products to enter the mainstream market and provide delicious yet healthy snacks to consumers.

AROEHAN is creating public awareness about the silk industry and get government subsidies for farmers. In collaboration with the Silk Development Officer, a study tour was conducted for farmers at Pimpurna village in Dabhosa Gram Panchayat, Mokhada.

In honour of Savitribai Phule on her 127th death anniversary, AROEHAN organised a show of “Vhay, Mee Savitribai”, a one-act play written and directed by renowned theatre personality Sushama Deshpande. “Vhay, Mee Savitri…” presents the story of life and work of the 19th century social reformers Savitribai Phule and Jotirao Phule. Sushama Deshpande wrote this script 25 years ago. She has presented over 2500 shows as a solo-performance at several places in Maharashtra and elsewhere in India. The play is translated in 5-6 other Indian languages. Very recently its English version is also staged.

The show was organised on 10th March 2024 at Mokhada Ashram school.
The play was performed by the brilliant actresses Shilpa Sane and Shubhangi Bhujbal, who are famous popular actors on Marathi television channels. Savitribai Phule and Jotiba Phule are simultaneously played by the actors alongside other significant people in their journey of revolution. The play presents different phases of Savitribai’s life through monologues, actions, and descriptions. While the acting left the audience spellbound, the struggles of Savitri and Jotiba Phule depicted in the play left one speechless. From young Savitri enjoying her childhood to her marriage with Jotiba, the journey towards becoming the student herself and then becoming a pivotal part of women’s education, each act was gracefully carried by actors. Other people such as Sagunabai, Tatya Saheb Fatima Shaikh, Yashwantrao, Dnyanoba Sasane and many others who played a pivotal role in Savitri and Jotirao’s journey were also depicted in the play.
Jotiba Phule and Savitribai were among the first social reformers in pre-independent India who pioneered new paths and opportunities for the socially disadvantaged, including women, Dalit communities, widows and strived to abolish discrimination and unfair treatment of people based on caste and gender.
Ms. Sushma Deshpande accompanied the two young actors to Mokhada for this performance. Nandita Patkar, who performs the English version of the play was also present. After the performance, Sushama Deshpande interacted with the audience. She said that she has tried to make this play as accessible as possible to all and anyone can present this play without her prior permission as Savitribai belongs to all. She told the young girls of the Mokhada Ashram School that one 11 year old school girl from Nandurbar district presents the Pawari version. She asked the Mokhada audience to try and stage the play in the local Adivasi languages.