Vision: Educated, cultured, vigilant and prosperous rural community.

Mission: Attain sustainable rural development with need based, transparent and

innovative approach through value added Education, Health, Environment, Energy,

Animal Welfare, Agriculture, Women & Child Welfare, Capacity building and Livelihood.

THE ANNUAL REPORT

2013-2014 RETROSPECTION

Sanskriti Samvardhan Mandal

Sanskriti Samvardhan Mandal (SSM) is a voluntary organisation working for sustainable

rural development since 1959. Credibility, based on transparency, is the main strength of

SSM which has always been striving to practice the best norms in human relations and

financial management. SSM is progressing confidently to meet the emerging challenges in

every field. Started in village Sagroli, now SSM has scaled its work of rural development to

adjoining districts with supportive interventions.

Vision – Educated, cultured, Vigilant and prosperous Rural Communities.

Mission - Attain Sustainable Rural development with need based, transparent and

innovative approach through Value education, health, environment, non-conventional

energy, animal welfare, agriculture, women & child welfare, capacity building and livelihood.

Gratitude: We are sincerely grateful to the organisations like NABARD- Pune, Caring Friends

– Mumbai, Arpan Foundation – USA, Drishti – HRC - Mumbai, Credibility Alliance – Mumbai,

Habitat for Humanity- Mumbai, Give Foundation – Mumbai, The Brooke – India, etc. for

making funds timely available for the achievement of desired outcome. We are also thankful

to the Government of India, Government of Maharashtra, Our individual donors, well-

wishers, advisors and Chartered Accountants.

SSM, through Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), introduced many developmental activities in

Agricultural sector in the vicinity. On the other hand, Introduction of small, need based

projects enhanced quality and pace of the school education in the past few years. Because of

intensive welfare activities carried out by SSM, the masters of Equine family Animals are

taking good care of their animals, donkeys in particular. The activities under Natural

Resource Management are proving great help in eco-restoration. With the internal synergy

and Unified Vision, we are advancing towards the goals very firmly.

We look forward to receive your continued support in our endeavour in Rural Reconstruction.

Here, I present an impartial Retrospection for the year 2013-2014.

Your valuable feedback is most welcome!

Thank you!

Environmentally yours,

Pandhari Y. Shinde,

Secretory.

Education has been the pivot of all SSM’s activities since its inception

in 1959. SSM has therefore put in efforts to impart quality education

through various need based pedagogical projects to more than 4000 rural children up to

higher secondary level. To groom the students to be well-disciplined youth, SSM takes every

effort with well-planned activities.

Project Speak Well

Initiated in October’11, SSM’s Speak Well project has been

working with the mission to Manufacture English Language

Community and the Aim of Empowering Community with

English Language Skills. This year, the target group was 322

students from 5th to 10th class and the staff who were directly

involved in the activities of Speak Well project.

Activities:

1. Effective Speaking: Group Conversations, sharing Memorable Experience, Narrating

On-going/Past Events, Prepared speech, Telling Jokes, and Story Telling, self-

introduction, etc.

2. Effective Communication: Role Plays, Situational Dialogue, Mock Interviews,

Conversation, Extempore, Seminars and Presentations.

3. Effective Reading: Stories, Newspaper, Magazines, Course Books.

4. Training Programs: Training sessions for teaching and non-teaching staff.

Impact:

1. Students bagged 18 medals in IEO (International English Olympiad) exam.

2. Attentive listening generated among the students.

3. Most of the students have been overcome stage phobia.

4. Interest to gain more knowledge & speak English.

5. Students’ active participation in the activities.

6. Teaching methods of the teachers improvised.

‘A Good Teacher to a Great Teacher’ – Training Session A training program ‘A Good Teacher to A Great Teacher’ has

been conducted for advancement in acquiring innovative

skills according to the need of the present time and nurse

every student with the latest knowledge and information in

English language. Ms. Anusha Singu, an intern of SP Jain

College, a soft skill trainer and a counsellor was the chief

resource for the training. She has incorporated training to the teachers about the power of

Listening, Public Speaking, Leadership Qualities, Mind Mapping, and Positive Feedback. As

an impact, the training has truly added values into their teaching methods and over-all

development which ultimately helps to enhance quality of the students.

1 • Education

Project Sagroli Ahead

The project was conceptualized with a view to create an education

friendly atmosphere by initiating various extracurricular activities

for the students in the village and to provide them special coaching

before and after school hours. First anniversary of the project was

celebrated in the presence of volunteer teachers. On the occasion

of anniversary, the project was reviewed and planned some activities for even better results

in the upcoming years.

Activities:

1. Supervised Study: Emphasis is given on subjects like Mathematics, Science and

Languages in pre and post school hours.

2. Soft Skill and Personality Development: Exercise, evening prayer, presentations,

storytelling, computer education, mediation, sports competitions.

3. Career Guidance: The students are guided for their career by professionals.

4. Exposure: Excursions for the students during vacations.

Impact:

The result can be assessed by comparing the present and previous status of the students.

Fig: Students’ and parents’ development status

The IBT Programme (Introduction to Basic Technology)

The aim of the Introduction to Basic Technology (IBT) program is

complementing the present educational system with innovative,

need based technical/vocational courses. The IBT is introduced at

the Secondary level of school (from 8th to 10th Standards) in the

year of 2012. It also aims at making students more interested in

and inclined towards useful Vocational Courses. IBT is recognized

as pre-vocational program (V-1) by Government of Maharashtra. The innovative aspect of

the IBT is its “Learning while doing” methodology. The four subjects are introduced –

I. Engineering II. Energy – Environment

III. Agriculture-Animal husbandry IV. Food processing - Home and health.

70%

30%

60%

20% 30%

85%

60%

80% 80%

60%

0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

Before commencement

After commencement

Work activities selected are in line with the curricular subject of

Science, Mathematics, Social Sciences, etc. The four subjects are

taught by the instructors, they are working professionals from the

same village. The students will have 15% reservation in diploma

courses based on SSC. Lend-A-Hand India (LAHI), a Pune based

organisation facilitating as the Resource Agency for the program.

Outcome:

1. Increased school attendance because of joyful education system.

2. Students got exposure to the socially useful technologies.

3. Technology transferring through students.

4. Increased self confidence among students.

Trainers’ Training-

The four instructors and the coordinator participated in a training

program organised by LAHI from 11th to 15th June 2013. The

program was aimed to develop their skill and enhance teaching

methods in demonstrative way.

Sujaya English Active Learning (SEAL) Programme

Sujaya Foundation (SF), Mumbai, bridges the digital and

linguistic divide by teaching English Language and Computer

Fundamentals to the underprivileged children. SF has

developed a digital learning platform - SEAL that includes self-

learning and monitored learning which integrates classroom

learning and practical knowledge. SEAL was implemented in

SSM’s schools in 2013-14. The project has enhanced the linguistic and spoken abilities of the

rural children to a remarkable level. The practice of SEAL includes class room instruction,

guided practice of communication and working on computers. The subject teachers took

special efforts before & after school hours for successful implementation. In the next year

we are planning to scale-up the SEAL programme involving two more classes.

N.C.C. Cdt. of SSM represented Maharashtra at the Territorial Army Camp, New Delhi:

The N.C.C Cdt. of S.C. Shivaji High school, Qtr. Master Sergeant

Omkar Mavande participated in the prestigious Territorial Army

Camp held at Dehli, representing Maharahstra. After getting

cleared at the selection procedure, he made a clear sweep over

all the NCC cadets in Maharashtra and bagged 4 Gold and 3 Silver

Medals in Firing at camp held from 29th Sep to 8th Oct 2013.

Long Live The Tradition of ‘Suryanamaskaras,’ an Indian Style of Morning Exercises:

It was an eye catching view to see 4000 students performing the

healthy exercises early in the morning, while the Sun is just on

rising. The Occasion was National Youth Day and Ratha Saptami.

Since 1959, it has been a tradition of SSM to observe ‘Ratha

Saptami,' and conduct mass Suryanamaskaras. Continuing the

tradition, 4000 students and staff members did ‘Suryanamaskaras’ in a circle formation.

Award to Multi-task Apparatus

Omkar Kulkarni, a student of XII std. has developed an

innovative apparatus to record the climatic changes in the

atmosphere. Multitask apparatus is capable to record the

changes in temperature, amount of rain fall, the changes in the

wind velocity and direction. The apparatus stood first among

168 exhibits at the state level science “Inspire award”

competition held at Nanded in September 2013.

Sainiki Vidylaya’s Football team qualified for the State Level

The football team of SSM won in the Subrato Mukharji Soccer

Championship. The championship was held for the students under

age 14 and 17 at Nanded on 19th & 20th July 2013, hosted by the

District Sports Authority. The precise planning, regular practice,

the professional guidance and efforts of the football team coach

and players resulted in this magnificent victory.

Teachers’ Training Programme

A training progarmme, ‘Seven Seas’ has been arranged here for

teachers of Millennium English School on 18th September 2013.

Ms. Mugdha Gore from ‘Helpers of Handicap - Kolhapur’ served

as the Resource Person. The training aimed to impart teaching

skills, communication skills and develop a positive approach in

general and English Language to the teaching and non-teaching staff. The training

programme also aided teachers gain skills in order to deliver knowledge effectively.

Silver Jubilee Celebration of Technical School

Silver Jubilee of the technical school was celebrated last year in the

presence of Mr. Ravinda Balapure, Joint Director for Vocational

Education and Training courses, Maharashtra, Dr. Shambhunath

Kahalekar of Shri Guru Govindsinghji College of Engineering and SSM

Chairperson Mr. Pramod Deshmukh. V-1 (Introduction to Basic

Technology) and fundamental Technical courses are already running in the campus.

Moreover, training course in Mechanical Technology has been sanctioned by the state

government which will be starting from June 2014.

Success in Elocution Competition Ministry for Water Supply and Sanitation, Government of

Maharashtra had organized an elocution competition at

Nanded. Kumari Mayuri Maharaj from Shivaji High school, stood

second among the all participants in the competition. She was

awarded by Hon. D. P. Savant on 26th Jan 2014 with a certificate

and a token of appreciation for her success.

A Juvenile Get-Together organized

As a tradition, SSM organizes a get together for children in the

surrounding villages on the occasion of birth anniversary of

Pandurang Sadashiv Sane, popularly known as Sane Guruji, a

devoted teacher to inculcate moral values in them through story-

telling. This year, Mr. Hemant Barve, an actor and play back singer,

Mr. Abhijeet Rane, Ms Pallavi Ketkar from Mumbai were invited on the occasion in

December 2013. Near about 4000 Students enjoyed various stories, songs and games on the

occasion.

‘Smart Classes’ for Sainiki Vidyalaya cadets

SSM has initiated a concept of ‘Smart Class’ on 26th Jan 2014 as a

teaching tool which was installed as a pilot project. This is a first

step towards switching over to modern teaching methods. The

ocean of knowledge available on Internet and digital media are to

be brought into the class room to make the teaching highly

effective. It is observed that introduction of Smart Class certainly has motivated students for

better achievements and a better tool for teachers to deliver their knowledge. The concept

of smart class will be replicated in all other classes to introduce Info Tech in the next year.

Our Village Goes to School

SSM’s projects for the quality improvement in education aim at

activity based teaching and learning processes for the

enlightenment of the beneficiaries. Thus, an activity has been

executed in the village for creating an environment helpful in

learning English Language. The walls of houses in the village have

been painted with a variety of vocabulary and

illustrations, Mathematical Formulae and different facts in Science. This has increased the

curiosity in learning outside the class room. The village enjoy reading the walls in Sagroli.

Rajnikant Biradar, a student bags the First place in Essay Writing A regional level essay writing competition was organised by the

Ministry of Women and Child Welfare, Government of

Maharashtra. Successful essay writers at Block Level from eight

districts were the participants. Rajnikant Biradar was asked to write

an essay on ‘India-Today’. He stood first in this competition and

was awarded by District Women and Child Welfare officer, Aurangabad on 13th March 2014.

Mr. Lakde received "The Ideal Art Teacher" Award

Mr. Kundalik Lakade, senior drawing teacher at the SSM, is

honoured with the Ideal Art Teacher Award. This award is

announced by the Maharashtra State Art Teacher’s Association

(Pune). Mr. Rajesh Tope, Minister for Higher and Technical

Education, Govt. of Maharashtra, felicitated the Award Winners. Mr

Lakade has not only sketched on canvass but also added colours in

the lives of students, many of whom have become reputed artists.

'Sagroli Sunrise' is a

carefully designed sports project started by SSM in 2004. Given an

opportunity, the rural youth can scale great heights of achievement in

sports and bring laurels to the nation. Under the project, 30 handpicked

young athletes from Sagroli and other villages are given rigorous training

by professional trainers every day. A balanced diet, food supplements

and standard sports material are provided in training. Experts in athletics

are invited for giving additional inputs to the trainer and the athletes.

Simultaneously, this team is also to participate in the national and international marathons

to prove their metal from time to time. It is ensured that they continue their interest in

athletics as a career option even after their education at SSM. Mr. Carlton Pareira supports

in all the possible ways to run the project successfully and give exposure to the rural

potential.

Rural Athletes proved their potential in YMCA Athletics Competitions

Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), Mumbai organizes

state level competitions for different sports every year in

Mumbai. The association runs many clubs for players and

athletes to pursue their sports interests. Through these sports

clubs, the association aims to produce National Players and

Athletes. The 38th State Level competitions were organized from

22nd to 24th Nov'13 at Kandivali, Mumbai. On behalf of SSM, 14 athletes under coaching

through Sagroli Sunrise Project participated in different events. Dnyaneshwar Kondalade,

conquered the 1500 meters event by breaking the previous 04.14 sec record under 18

category. Meenkshi Gaikwad bagged Gold and silver medals in 800 meters and 1500 meters

respectively. Chandrakant Devkamble bagged the Gold and Silver medals in 800 meters and

1500 meters relay whereas Maroti Jadhav bagged the Bronze in 1500 meters relay.

Sagroli Sunrise proves its mettle at the Mumbai Marathon

Athletes from SSM’s Sagroli Sunrise Sports Project performed

satisfactorily in the Standard Chartered International Marathon

held on 19th January 2014 at Mumbai. Dnyaneshwar Kondalade

exhibited an excellent performance and Maroti jadhav was at the

immediate follower at the event. Sunita Kanna, Meenakshi Pawar,

Maroti Takle, Sharadchandra Khapate, Mahav Shewate were the

other athletes to have recorded success in the marathon. Mr.

Carlton Pareira, Mr. Sultan Dharani, Ms. Sanyukta Jadhav from

Mumbai associated with the sponsorship of the project and Mr.

Pramodji Deshmukh, chairman, complimented the success.

2 • Sagroli Sunrise - A Sport Project

Meenakshi Gaikwad selected for National Levels

Meenakshi Gaikwad, although originating from the rural place

like Sagroli, proved herself as a successful athlete with all the

support and guidance from Project Sagroli Sunrise. Initially,

Meenakshi was a bit upset when she missed the opportunity to

participate in the National competition at Patiyala, Punjab, with

little difference of 7 seconds. But her timing to cover 1500

meters within 05.08 seconds gave her opportunity to

participate in the Inter university Athletics competitions at Nasik. There she recorded a fine

timing of 5 min to cover 1500 meters distance, securing her participation in the All India

University Athletics Competition. Shamsingh Thakur, a coach, Sagroli Sunrise Project,

provided her standard time table and training to cut down the excess timing of 8 seconds

and to cover 1500 meters distance within 5 minutes. Meenakshi’s achievement marked as a

milestone and set an example for others.

SSM’s Coach selected for Training at National Institute of Sports, Patiala

Shamsingh Thakur, Coach for the Sagroli Sunrise Sports

Project, attended six week training at NIS, Patiala from 16th

May to 27th June. He was one among the five select trainees

from all over Maharashtra. The training was imparted on all

outdoor sports, the Fitness and Balanced diet for the players

and coaches as well. Shamsing received an ‘A’ grade for his

excellent performance in different competitions during the training. The celebrities in

international Sports, Mr. Dhanraj Pallai, Mr. Narsing Yadhav and Coach Mr. Parmeshwar

Soni were the star guides at the session.

Athletes at practice session…

30

70

Employment Status

Self-Employment

Service

A survey revealed that many of the

rural youth face hardship in

employment because of either low

qualification or lack in technical education. Moreover, due to

improper guidance, poor economic condition and/or lack of

motivation the youth fail to avail

higher education. In a way to tackle the situation, SSM has

initiated the vocational Training Centre in 2009 introducing a

few need based courses. The courses are as follows-

1) Plumbing 2) Nursing

3) Wireman & Motor Rewinding 4) Tailoring

During the course, we also provide computer fundamentals, communications and value

education along with technical skills with a view to strengthen the youth in professional

skills. The trainees go through rigorous training along with practical knowledge on site. After

successful completion of the course, we facilitate market

linkages to place them in the respective industries. As years

passed, we found the scope to initiate even more courses that

can fulfil the demand of skilled workforce in the organisation.

So we have planned to introduce courses such as Electrician,

Police & Defence Pre-Selection

Training, Fabrication and Agriculture. Most importantly, recently

the centre has got recognition as Vocational Training Provider

from Central Government of India. Our ultimate goal is to

motivate the youth towards vocational courses and encourage

them to lead a successful life ahead.

Impact: Impact can be evaluated course wise. The results are as follows –

Fig: Course wise employment status Fig: Trainees’ employment status

3 • 'Utkarsh' - Vocational Training Program

44

27

10 10

Course-wise Employment

Tailoring

Plumbing

Wireman &MotorrewindingNursing

SSM facilitates a platform to present and market the innovative products of ‘Utkarsh’-

Vocational Training Program in the various events. A stall of apparels and decorative

pieces prepared by the trainees were presented in an inauguration function. On the

second stall, food products of Soya bean were presented in Agri Techno Fest which was

one of the biggest marketplaces for them.

A pathway to Success…

A role model for the depressed girls, orphans and many others

who face financial crisis, Varsha Kondawar, from a poor

peasant’s family in Nanded district. Her father’s unfortunate

sudden death, when she was only 8, had left her illiterate mother

confront the crucial social-economic conditions. Being illiterate

and lonely, her mother was anxiously worried about her

daughter’s education and upbringing. Fortunately, she came to know about the Sanskriti

Samvardhan Mandal, Sagroli. After the scrutiny, the facts and conditions, Varsha was

admitted in the Anand Balgram (An Orphanage) along with her two siblings.

Along with a homely stay, SSM provided Varsha with quality school education up to SSC.

After schooling in 2010, she was motivated to join the Nursing course in the ‘Utkarsh’- A

vocational training centre, a unit of SSM. Her qualities of perseverance, hard work and

consistency brought her success when she was appointed as an Assistant Nurse in a hospital

at Nanded. At present she is earning Rs. 10000 per amount enabling her to shoulder the

responsibility of her family.

Joining a vocational course in SSM was the turning point in her life. Thus, the timely support and guidance for the right direction, during her stay at SSM, catered all her requirements after her father’s death and contributed Varsha’s successful rehabilitation.

SSM has been working for Natural Resource Management

since its inception through the activities like plantation,

Awareness and implementation of Watershed Development

Programs, Capacity Building, etc. Watershed Development

Programs have played a vital role in bringing a change in

around 30 villages till today.

A. Watershed Development Programme

Watershed development refers to the conservation, regeneration and the judicious use of

all the resources - natural (land, water, plants and animals) and human - within a particular

watershed. Watershed management tries to bring about the best possible balance in the

environment between natural resources on the one side, and human and other living beings

on the other.

SSM partnered with various organisations for Natural Resource Management, a few

programs among them elaborated below.

1. Indo- German Watershed Development Program (IGWDP)

SSM was involved in watershed development through IGWDP since 1992. The program was

facilitated by the National Bank for Agriculture and rural Development (NABARD) and a

Resource Support Organization (RSO).

In the year of 2008 SSM started 5 new watershed projects with NABARD for the duration of

5 years. The projects were completed in the month of June 2013.

Sr No District Project Villages

Villages Benefitted

Families Covered

Treated Area(HA)

Planted Tree

SHGs Working

1

Nanded

Bamni 01 219 779.0 39670 12

2 Shellali 02 221 1046.50 105800 13

3 Lath (Kh) 02 328 848.49 74820 23

4 Beed

Daithana 01 160 837.14 43595 12

5 Nandagaul 01 281 1227.26 47605 13

Total 02 05 07 1209 4738.39 311490 73

All the project components like Community Development, Soil and Water Management,

Crop Management, Rural Energy Management, Farm and non-farm value addition activities

are interdependent and interactive.

4 • Natural Resource Management

0

200

400

600

800

1000

Before After Before After Before After Before After Before After

Bamni Lath Shellali Daithana Nandagaul

Project wise Impact

Cultivable land (Ha.)

Waste land (Ha.)

Irrigated land (Ha.)

No. of Wells

ground water level (M)

No. of SHGs

Impact:

Other Outcomes of the Program

Increased soil fertility and soil moisture in the area due to execution of soil and water

conservation measures.

Farmers have realized the importance and started adopting micro irrigation systems.

Adoption of new crops like Soyabean, Chili, turmeric, Maize, Sunflower and also seed

production plots introduced in the project villages.

Organised efforts through Farmers’ clubs, User Groups and SHGs.

Increased fodder production promoted Milk production. One dairy unit has been working

successfully.

Credit flow in all the watersheds increased due to the improvement in the overall economic

conditions of the community. Women started small villages based enterprises and have

good linkages with bank in the area. This led to women in decision making in community.

Enhanced community participation in village development programmes.

Increased Green Fodder Increased Ground Water Level Land under Cultivation

Changed Cropping Pattern Village Based Enterprises Agro Based Enterprise-Dairy

2) Watershed Development Fund (WDF)

After successfully completion of IGWD Programme, NABARD has launched the Watershed

Development projects through special reserved funds. The WDF program has the same

vision and approach like IGWD program. SSM initiated the program in four villages of

Kandhar taluka of Nanded district in April 2013. The project duration is of 5 years. The

details are as below –

Sr.

No.

Project

Village

Villages

Benefitted

Area Covered (Ha.) Work Completed (Ha.) Groups

Established Cultivable Waste Cultivable Waste

1 Babhulgaon 01 512.86 249.79 223.00 35.00 09

2 Balantwadi 02 229.04 126.29 80.55 34.30 07

3 Ghodaj 03 530.32 214.35 165.50 48.60 09

4 Umraj 03 538.34 272.80 252.70 06.20 10

Total 04 09 1810.56 863.23 721.75 124.10 35

The Village Watershed Committee Strengthening women through SHGs

Treatments on Waste Land Treatments in Cultivable Land

3) Integrated Watershed Management Program (IWMP)

The program is aimed at restoring the ecological balance by harnessing; conserving and

developing degraded natural resources such as soil, vegetative cover and water. This

enables multi-cropping and the introduction of diverse agro-based activities, which help to

provide sustainable livelihoods to the people residing in the watershed area. This

programme is supported by the Govt. of India & Govt. of Maharashtra. The program has two

folds, Project Implementing Agency (PIA) and Project Training Organisation (PTO). SSM has

been playing both the roles, PIA and PTO.

Project Implementing Agency (PIA): SSM has a vast experience of 20 years in Watershed

Development. SSM has been working as a PIA for cluster - 49 in Dharmabad taluka of

Nanded district. The cluster has 5 villages included viz., Naigaon, Chincholi, Bellur (Kh),

Bellur (Bk) and Jaflapur. The total treatment area estimated is 2889.20 hectors.

During the reporting period we carried out the following

activities –

1. Village Survey - We conducted a Social (Family) and

Technical (Area) survey through the Participatory Rural

Appraisal (PRA) technique. Based on the survey data we

prepared a Detailed Project Report (DPR) of the cluster.

2. Entry Point Activity (EPA) – During the primary village

survey, we noted some urgent needs of the villages. We

included the needs in the EPA component and done the

work as the Entry point in the village. The EPA component

has the activities like Agri library, gymnasium, water tanks

for cattle, drinking water supply and duel desk for school

classroom. The activities are based on the needs came out

during the survey. The villagers are utilizing the facilities at

its optimum.

3. Village Watershed Committee (VWC) – A VWC from each

Gram Panchayat has to be established and strengthen for

further implementation of the project. We have four Gram

Panchayats in the project, so established four VWCs in Gram

Sabha and registered them at Charity Commissioner.

4. Groups – We have established Women groups and

farmers groups as development agents in all the five villages.

We facilitated them for regular meetings and regular saving

as primary activities.

5. Livelihood Component – The livelihood component has a

10% of total budget included in the project. We made a

general survey and selected beneficiary families through a

PRA technique and get them sanctioned in Gram Sabha.

Project Training Organisation (PTO): SSM has been working as a PTO in IWMP projects in

the talukas of Mukhed and Dharmabad of Nanded district. The role as PTO is to –

a. Capacity building of project stakeholders.

b. Develop an effective network in watershed development activities

c. Ensure convergence of various development activities.

We arranged one exposure visit from both the clusters with selected farmers to see the

work done through the program and its impact.

We carried out various activities like street plays, students’ rally, wall paintings, group

meetings, movie show on watershed development, etc for awareness among the villagers

about the program. We arranged training programs for farmers, women and youth.

S.N. Taluka Project

Name

Activities

Awareness Introduction Exposure Visit Total

T A T A T A T A

1 Mukhed IWMP – 04 05 02 19 18 08 06 32 26

2 Dharmabad IWMP - 49 04 04 08 00 04 00 16 04

Training to User Group

Awareness Program Women SHG–Program Introduction

Awareness Rally by students

B. Doh Model for Drought Proofing

In the year of 2013, Naigaon and Kandhar were the most

drought affected talukas in Nanded district received with a

below average rainfall in the last three years. Water scarcity

was on its high. People started calling tankers from the month

of October for drinking water. They used to fetch water from

a nearby open dug well or waterways for other domestic use.

It was the month of February; couldn’t even think of the

situation in summer days.

SSM was in touch with the villages Lath and Kedar-wadgaon,

through various programs like watershed development and

KVK. Worried people called us to discuss on a solution on the

drought condition in the season. While discussing we came to

know that there are a number of defunct water barrier

structures around both the villages. The structures were old,

constructed before 20-25 years and now became defunct

because of a minor construction fault or siltation. We found a

very innovative and permanent solution to overcome the

drought. If we de-silt and repair the structures, every drop of

the rainwater will be saved. The village will have sufficient

water in the next summer also. We explained the idea with

people and they happily appreciated also.

“Caring Friends”, a Mumbai based organisation agreed for

support. The support was on the basis of “Interest-free loan”,

people have to repay the expenditure in suitable instalments

over next five years. People happily welcomed the idea of

repayment. The “Village Development Committee”

established through the Watershed Development Project,

took responsibility of proper work implementation and

repayment. We have repaired the structures which checked its

leakages and restored the Nalla by straightening, deepening

and broadening by 100x2.5x7 meters on the upstream of the

check dams. In this way, 7 check dams from Kedarwadgaon

and 5 from Lath were brought in function again.

Impact:

1) As the first rain received, all the structures were full of

water. The water lasts till the month of Mach. Increased

ground water level visualized in open dug wells.

2) The villagers used the water mainly for Agriculture purpose.

Total 54 farmers have been benefitted from the intervention.

In the last year, many farmers have harvested 3 crops, many changed cops to Garlic,

turmeric, Chilli, etc and many of them kept the same crop – Cotton, but irrigated it well. The

average income per acre increased from Rs. 35000 to Rs. 105000 in just one year.

3) Sufficient water is available throughout the year for cattle and other domestic purpose.

Donkey plays a vital role in agricultural goods transportation in the

rural area. The communities like Kumbhar (potter), Parit (Washer),

Kaikadi rear donkeys for their livelihood. But still today these animals

are deprived of proper health care by equine owners as well as

government veterinary department. The vision of the project is

“healthy working equine”. To attend the most neglected animal, we

started our intervention through Equine welfare project in Nanded

district in the Year of 2010-11. Presently we are working in 100

villages from 7 talukas. We have reached to 5628 donkeys involving 537 families in the

welfare activities. We are partnering with The Brooke – India for the project.

The project consists of five freedoms which are pillars of the project -

1. Freedom from Hunger and thirst.

2. Freedom from discomfort.

3. Freedom from pain, injuries and diseases.

4. Freedom for express natural behaviour.

5. Freedom for fear and distress.

Emergency Health Service

The tool ‘Welfare Need Assessment’ is the base of monthly work plan. This participatory

process helped in planning the need based activities in the month. During the course of

their working lives, most of these animals suffer from malnutrition, exhaustion, disease and

injury often compounded by a lack of accessible and affordable animal health services that

results in many deaths of donkeys. To overcome the severe pain and animal loss because of

wrong traditional practices we provided emergency health service to the needy donkeys. As

an outcome of the service we could save life of 767 donkeys.

Awareness and Capacity Building

We actively involve equine owners and their families in group meetings & trainings for

better animal husbandry practices like feeding, grooming and hoof care. There is a huge gap

between the community and the Local health providers & government institution.

For better accessibility of health services we arranged training sessions on various issues for

community leaders, Local Health providers and government officials. In 2013/14 we trained

76 service providers across the project area. These local resources helped us in saving near

about 465 donkeys and empowered donkey owners to avail government Veterinary services

that saved near about Rs. 29500 of medicinal cost.

5 • Equine Welfare Project

Groups and organization

To ensure the collective efforts, we have established 36 Equine Welfare Groups (EWGs) in

all the villages. A group is consisting of 4-5 equine owners from a village. In the last year we

have clubbed the groups and established a taluka level association (cluster) one each at

Degloor and Sagroli. Cluster is an association of 8 EWGs that is governed by a committee.

Liaison

To minimize the gap between equine owners and the existing animal welfare entities, we

took special efforts to build a stronger relationship between them. We also are advocating

the government animal husbandry department for policy development and better health

service for equine welfare.

Impact:

1. In 15 villages 56 equine owners have built an ideal shelter for their donkeys that helped in

minimizing hoof related problems, heat stress as well as water and feed management.

2. In 60 villages, 247 equine owners have village level First Aid Kits where there is no medical

shop nearby that helped in quick pain relief.

3. Local hair clippers, farrier and saddlers developed through training minimized skin, hoof

and wound problems and also decreased expenditure by 70%.

4. Through linkages now equine owners have access to quality veterinary services. We also

helped the owners to get deworming service and other medicines from government

department. This helped equine owners to decrease their expenditure on medicine by 50%.

5. We provided Health service and advocacy in Malegaon fair, the biggest animal fair in

South India. This year for the first time we built a permanent Ramp at Malegaon this helped

in minimizing lameness and wound problems during the fair.

6. The cluster association now taking lead for equine welfare through various activities

which is a firm step towards sustainability.

Welfare Need Assessment Owners taking right care Welfare service provider

A Stable & First Aid Kit Association of Owners Good practices for Animal

Considering SSM’s remarkable work to encourage the farming

community for advanced mechanism in agriculture, ICAR New Delhi

had sanctioned KVK (Agriculture Science Centre) in October 2011. The

centre covers 8 blocks i.e. 1100 villages in Nanded District.

Objectives:

1. Conducting "On Farm Testing" for identifying

technologies in terms of location specific sustainable

land use systems.

2. Organize front-line demonstrations in adopted villages

on various crops and techniques to generate production

data and feedback information

3. Organize short and long-term vocational training courses for the farmers, farm-

women and rural youths to provide them theoretical and practical knowledge of

improved and latest agriculture technologies.

4. In-service trainings are also conducted for extension functionaries.

Activities:

1. Training Programmes: 84 training programmes were

conducted covering crop production, plant protection,

horticultural crops, animals and farm women

empowerment with drudgery reduction and nutrition

which benefitted 1883 farmers.

2. On Farm Testing was conducted to find the location specificity of the technology.

Total 15 technologies were tested on the 197 farmer’s field including weed

management, new varieties, nutrition, fruit setting, pest

and disease management, use of the small hand tools

and farm implements, fodder production and paddy

crops.

3. Front Line Demonstrations were conducted to exploit

the highest production potential of the technology in the field. Total 28 technologies

were demonstrated on 497 farmer’s field including improved varieties; nutrition,

integrated pest management, plant diseases, soil and

water conservation technology, animal disease, etc.

4. Extension Activities such as field days, Kisan mela, group

meetings, Kisan goshties in the village level. Delivered 50

lectures in the programs organized by agencies, 7 kisan

melas and mahila mela were organized on Shetakari

mela and Technology Mahotsav.

6 • Agriculture (Krishi Vigyan Kendra)

Summary of activities:

Sr. No

Particular No of programs

Male Female Total Beneficiaries

1 Training Programs 84 1065 265 1330

2 On farm Testing 15 174 23 197

3 Front-line Demo 28 387 111 498

4 Extension Activities 147 7093 2754 9847

Agriculture Technology Festival for Farmers

On 28th and 29th December, KVK arranged a Techno fest, ‘Mela’

for two days in the campus. It was aimed to introduce farmers

with the latest technological developments in agriculture. The

farmers were guided on Agri Business, Farmers Group and Govt

schemes. Twenty five stalls were setup to exhibit agro products

like pesticides, fertilizers, handy tools and machinaries for

farmers. Moreover, lectures and seminars of renowned agriculture

practitioners were also held to inculcate advanced technology used

to make agriculture profitable. Thousands of people, including

women from near by villages attended the two days agriculture

techno fest. The Techno fest was inaugurated by Dr. Venkat

Mayande, Former vice chancellor, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh

Agriculture University, Akola.

Dairy Farming helped upliftment of livelihood... - A success story!

Mr. Madhav Gundure, a small scale farmer, holding only 0.2

hectares of land was running a general store at his village

Sangavi, Dist. Nanded. The income from general store was

inadequate for his livelihood. Later he had decided to rear

buffalo and adopt the new business, Dairy Farming. Considering

meagre resources available and capital investment, initially he

bought only two Marathwadi buffaloes and started business. Due to sell of quality milk, in a

very short span of time the product got demand. To justify the demand, he planned to

increase the number of buffaloes but the land was a constraint. With this problem, he has

approached to KVK Sagroli, Dist. Nanded to get a technical advice. KVK advised him

regarding loose housing system, Napier fodder crop, Azola unit,

health precautions, etc. Madhav immediately followed the advice

given by the KVK staff and bought 7 buffaloes. He then planted the

Napier in 0.018 hectare of land as a fodder crop, in 0.01 hectare of

land constructed low cost Azola production unit and in rest of the

area loose housing system was adopted. Now he is getting approx.

30 litres of milk per day from the milking buffaloes. His efforts and frequent guidance from

KVK ultimately helped to increases his standard of living.

SSM has established and nurtured around 200 women Self Help

Groups (SHGs) for sustainable rural development through various

projects. ‘Savitribai Phule Mahila Mandal’, an apex body of the SHGs has been working

independently under the guidance of SSM. The Mandal organizes various programs for

women e.g. health care, capacity building, entrepreneurship development, etc. It also

provides financial help to SHG members for personal development activities, majorly

education and small enterprises like dairy. The Mandal also plays a vital role in development

activities, campaigns and various village level meetings.

The Savitribai Phule Mahila Mandal also took part in 'Tanishka' women empowerment

campaign by Sakal Media. Some of the activities are as follows -

Great Fun Witnessed at the Sagroli Food Festival

The Mahila Mandal (SHG) has arranged ‘Sagroli Food Festival’ here

at Sagroli on 8th February. There were 20 stalls serving various food

items and mouth-watering snacks which attracted overwhelming

response from the people. In addition, the festival was also aimed

at inculcating professional skills by providing such platforms to the

women. A stall run by Ms. Tara Thakur, displayed a message – ‘Educate Girl-Child’, another

stall was focused on ‘Sagroli Ahead' Project, supporting educational activities.

Health Awareness Campaign for Adolescent Girls

The Health Awareness Camp was conducted on 24th March in the

presence of Dr. Vaishali Munde, a gynaecologist. The doctor guided

on personal health and hygiene to the adolescent girls studying in

Shivaji High School and other young women in the surrounding.

Going by the fact, there was a lot of

unawareness and ignorance among the rural women and

adolescent girls in this regard. Therefore, this campaign proved

very helpful for them, as the doctors addressed many of their

problems through informal discussions.

Save Water Campaign

The group has carried out a water awareness campaign and its

judicious use. All water resources in the village are enriched due to

the Manjra River that flows by the village. But village people waste

water carelessly. Thousands of litres of water are wasted every

day. The group has realized this fact and raised ‘Save Water’

campaign to spread awareness among the people of the village and decided to make the

concerned officials too aware of these facts and forced to take reformative steps for

amendments. The initiative has made positive change in the approach of the villagers.

7 • Women in Development

World Women’s Day Celebrated

World Woman’s day celebrated on 8th March, 2013 by the Mahila

Mandal, SSM. On the occasion, various activities and competitions

such as Musical Chair, Singing, etc. were conducted by the group.

Near about 100 women from nearby villages of Sagroli took active

part in the program. This time the activities was organised

exclusively for women labours in the vicinity with an aim to provide

them a platform to showcase their talent and celebrate the

day. Considering the response, the Mahila Mandal has

planned to organise such activities even for labours in

upcoming years. At the end, all the women teachers of SSM

were honoured.

Capacity Building Campaign against Alcoholism

Women’s Day Celebration Training on Goat Farming

Village-Based Enterprise United for Social Issues

A Glimpse on the activities…

Manoj Panchal – Alumni, Donates Bicycles to the needy scholars Manoj has set a noble precedent by his act of philanthropy. He

presented bicycles to the students of his childhood school. There

are so many children in the surrounding villages around Sagroli

who walk more than 8 K.M. every day to reach their school. He

has been a messiah for them when he appeared with six brand

new bicycles. Those bicycles were presented on the occasion of the Independence Day.

Manoj had completed his primary to High school education in the institution and presently

enjoys an assured life with a colourful future. Through his own initiative, ‘We Achievers’ in

Mumbai, he delivers motivational speech to people from different sectors. He expressed his

heartfelt gratitude towards his school and his teachers who shaped his life.

SSM Stood by the Devastated Farmer

The May month in summer this year left a horrifying experience

to a section of farmers in the village. On a day, when the

mercury recorded above 480 C, a row of old houses in the

village suddenly caught fire and within no time nothing left

except ashes. The worst hit victim was ‘Vittal Shivling

Dammaywar’. At the end of the day, the whole family stood in

streets looking into the dark future. Absolutely everything, the food grains and fodder

stored for the year to go, all agricultural implements and the entire house turned to a heap

of ash. The SSM came forward to discharge the social responsibility. All the affected were

provided with complete sets of Agricultural tools, ploughs and food grains, fodder for

animals sufficient for six months, so that they restart their life. This moral support awoke a

sense of responsibility among the youth and elders in the village.

Helping hand to the drought stricken

For the Third consecutive year, the Marathawada has experienced

severe water scarcity and unforeseen drought. Especially the Jalna

district has registered the lowest rainfall and ridiculously high

temperature. Any little help during such crisis proves to be great

service to the mankind. To address the issue the Prayas-Sevankur,

an NGO from Amravati arranged a Social Service Camp for youth at

Ghanewadi (Jalna) between 24th and 28th of April. It was aimed to make the youth know

the value of Labor and a Service. A series of inspirational speeches was also arranged to

motivate them towards cause. Contributing our share in it, The SSM sent a team of 35 young

men to participate the mission. The Youth from all over Maharashtra worked hard to de silt

the Ghanewadi Lake. Dr Avinash Sawji, Mr Shyam Deshpande, Mr Rameshbhai Kacholiya, Ms

Meeratai Kacholiya, Dr Avinash powl, Nilima Mishra, Mr Girish Kulkarni and Mr Shitole were

few of the Elite, present at the camp.

8 • Other Important Happenings

SSM sponsors Education of destitute children

In the villages surrounding Sagroli, the major occupation of

people is agriculture. With inadequate daily wages the farm

labourers can’t afford to send their children to schools. Even if

some parents strongly wish to educate their children, they

have to give up half way, owing to their poor economic

conditions. The SSM supports such children to continue

education uninterruptedly by providing all the study material, uniform, sports material,

health check-up, educational tour and mid-day meal. This year too, SSM has supported 350

such destitute children. An informal distribution ceremony was organized on 29th July 2013.

Extended a helping hand to the hailstorm affected farmers

The hailstorm, followed by unseasonal rain continued for a

week during 5th to 12th March has ruined 100% standing Rabi

crops and many houses with traditional mud tiles in Nanded

District. We had conducted a survey to assess the extent of

damage. The Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) had major role in the

survey. The feedback was immediate need of shelter -

repairing of their houses. Considering their priority we focused

the relief work and surveyed the 4 severely affected villages

namely Shevala (old), Shevala (New), Alur, Nandur and part of

Sagroli. All the beneficiaries are either agri labour or small

farmers. We found 230 houses need roof replacement either

by tiles or tin. On high priority, trucks loaded with tiles were

ordered directly on the site. Same day distribution of tiles and renovation of their houses

was in action. Due to a helping hand, people in the villages were flooded with relief.

Mr. Pramod Deshmukh, participated Asia Pacific Housing Forum at Manila, Philippines

The fourth International Asia-Pacific Housing Forum was held

at Manila, Philippines from 2nd Oct to 4th Oct, 2013. Mr

Pramod Deshmukh, chairman represented SSM on

invitation. The forum discussed various models of houses

affordable to the economically weaker sections of the

society. SSM has been working in association with national &

international organizations and presented 800 houses and

360 toilets for the Below Poverty Line dwellers in Nanded district. Mr Deshmukh shared his

views at the forum on increasing necessity for new houses for the rural level communities,

renovation of older houses, feasible options, etc. He also talked about the diminishing

income sources and the financial support needed for such a noble cause from national and

international organizations.

Our Associates:-

Government of India, Ministry of HRD Government of Maharashtra

Dasra, Mumbai NABARD, Pune

Caring Friends, Mumbai Drishti HRC, Mumbai

Indian Council of Agriculture Research, Delhi Arpan Foundation, USA

Give India Foundation, Mumbai CAPART, Ahmedabad

SOS Children’s Villages of India, New Delhi The Brooke India

Life Insurance Company Rotary International

SOSVA, Pune NASSCOM Foundation, Mumbai

AFARM, Pune Credibility Alliance

How can you contribute?

We need the support of empathetic, public spirited individuals / institutions to sustain our

current activities and to expand the scope of our dreams. Personal / institutional donations

to nurture our projects would be greatly valued. All donations made in India are eligible to

Income Tax benefits under the provisions of Section 35AC and Section 80G of the Income Tax

Act, 1961. We also welcome overseas contributions and are duly registered under Foreign

Contribution Regulatory Act (FCRA).

You can choose any of the above mentioned projects of your interest and donate to the

cause wholeheartedly.

Enjoy the joy of ‘GIVING’ and be the cornerstone to make someone SMILE!

You have two options to contribute -

1. Transfer via Bank Account 2. Online Transfer

Account Details: Bank of Maharashtra, Sagroli. http://ssmandal.net/donate/

Bank Account Name: Sanskriti Samvardhan Mandal

IFSC Code: MAHB 0001070

General Donation Account No: 20243943959

35AC Account No: 20243920409

FCRA Account No: 20243943960

91-9158987787

www.ssmandal.net

admin@ssmandal.net

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SSM Address -

Sagroli, Dist. Nanded.

M.S. India - 431731

8 • SSM in NEWS

THE ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014