IDOLIZE POSITIVELY

IDOLIZE POSITIVELY


“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world”
‘Anne Frank’

Societies, regions, countries do not develop overnight. But there are some positive happenings in the societies; at individual level, at village level, at Government level that need to be idolized for progress and development. Nyabil village in Cachar (Assam) and efforts of Andhra Pradesh Government for village upliftment are two diametrically opposite examples of Will Power and commitment: one for manual commitment and the other for optimal use of technology and transparency. Three villages of Mizoram have earned All India Nirmal Gram Award. One village of Mizoram is excelling in grape production. With a little initiative district administration of Sivasagar district (Assam) has been able to make 500 youth self employed. At individual level, Tsu Tsu Mary of Kiphre Disrict (Nagaland) working against drug abuse and 10 youths (Five (Nagas plus 5 Manpuris) who made in UPSC civil services final list are leading the way for others to follow.

Nyabil village along with other two villages (Borja lenga and Dakbungalow) of Cachar (Assam) were taken up under Assam University Rural Communication Project (AURCP). The aim
was to improve socioeconomic status of these villages with least assistance from outside. The project commenced in 1998 and with drawn in 2001. Thrust was laid on improving the communication strategy. Now the villages are basking in the glory of success with increased agricultural produce, self sufficiency and self dependency. There was a canal which used to flood and spoil the crops due to weak banks. With only self help and guidance of AURCP the villagers repaired and made the banks of the canal stronger by spending just Rs 5000/- as compared to Government estimates of Rs 1, 00,000/- minimum. What an achievement? North East is an agribased society, therefore; it is time to take the lead from Nyabil and revolutionize economic dependency? Why postpone local development waiting for outside help and face inconveniences because ‘Self Development is higher duty than self sacrifice’. This does not absolve the administration from their responsibility, yes! It will hasten the progress.

National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) is a buzz word these days. As an extension of this; Andhra Pradesh Govt has launched India’s first e-governed social security scheme covering 13000 villages in the state. The scheme, Andhra Pradesh Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (APREGS) guarantees 100 days of assured daily work and workers are paid through computer generated pay bills. The web site www.nrega,ap.gov.in developed by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is being fully monitored by the community with click of a mouse. All the data are meticulously fed i.e. estimates, investment, expenses etc. Any one can access the web at anytime in Telgu and Tamil language to know the details. The best part of this is; it has eliminated the ever-growing fears of exploitation by contractors and vested interests. Wow! Why can’t other states follow this example and adopt system as applicable to respective states?

Mizoram was in the news; for being the most peaceful state, generating 2.37 lakh employment under NREGA, three villages (two from Lungleh district and one from Serchip district) have been awarded All India Nirmal Gram Puraskar (Clean Village Award) by the President of India and Hnahlan, a Mizo, village near Indo Myanmar border is doing extensive grape cultivation and production which is likely to be highest in India. What positive news!

With the initiative of Sivasagar (Assam) district administration 500 youth of 15 villages of Kakotibari area, who had long been lured by the UG outfits have come forward to bring an economic revolution. The project called Suikapha Yuva Smridhi Yojana is an extension of Swaranjyanti Gram Rojgar Yojna(SGRY). Seeing this more number of youths are coming forward to be part of this project. What a progressive step at district level!

North Eastern states of the country abound in fertile land, rich forests, verdant valleys with salubrious climate, various scenic spots and unharnessed tourist potential despite inherent natural advantages. Tourism is a growth engine on which this region can happily ride on and reap the unprecedented benefits. Sikkim, the smallest and youngest state has already led the way by enhancing its tourist traffic by 30% in last decade. The state is visited by large number of domestic tourists (approx 250,000) and foreign tourists (approx 10000) annually. Two reasons for this spurt are; safer destination and value for money a tourist wants. Wish other states of this region are able to follow this that will make this region an envious tourist destination and harness the revenue that is lost out otherwise.

It is not only the organisations but individuals who form the society have to make a difference. It will not be wrong to quote an example of TsuTsu Mary whose story appeared in the July 06 issue of Outlook. She is working for a local NGO, International Border Area People Welfare Organisation (IBAPWO) at Kiphire, against drug abuse. Her dedication and commitment has earned her titles like ‘Angel in the Town’, ‘Florence Nightingale’ etc. Probably she is following the quote of Norman Vincent Peale in letter & spirit “when every physical and mental resource is focused, one’s power to solve a problem multiplies tremendously”. I am sure we have many people, in every town, who can duplicate this example. Recently 5 Naga youths and 5 Manipuri youths have made it to the final list of 474 successful candidates of UPSC. What a pride for the family, village, district and state?

These are some of the examples but there are many. From the foregoing only one conclusion is arrived at; it is not the quantity of resources but the commitment, dedication and devotion at individual, village, district administration and govt level that can overcome off repeated deficiencies in the region ie Development. Do not wait, Get started! Be happy and spread happiness. Make this region “Owners Pride Neighbors Envy”.
“The achievement of your goal is assured the moment you commit yourself to it”. Mack R Doglas.

Geoffery
(Request readers to forward comments/views on e:mail-
jaey_geoffery@yahoo.co.in)