My endeavor has been to unite all the sections of the village so that they all work together and help each other for achieving 100% literacy for their village. One of the objectives of every Sunday's program was primarily intended for the same. But in spite of inviting the youth associations the presence of youth has never been felt. Even, the district collector during his visit last Sunday pointed that youth was missing.
In order to motivate the youth I was planning to invite some popular film star and have been in touch with a veteran and well respected Telugu film maker for some time. He had already spoken to a star earlier but because of Collector's planned visit I requested him to wait. Now that the collector's visit was over I was planning for the film star's visit. But I have been told that there could be a festival in the coming days and hence it may not be a good idea to invite any film personality. There was no confirmation, yet.
I visited the village again on Wednesday, 27 July, and checked with the village leaders. They promised to sit together the next day and would let me know by afternoon, the same day. The next day when I called Sarpanch he told me that "Bonalu", the festival, was cancelled for this year and I could go ahead with my program. I immediately called the film maker and requested him to arrange for a poplar figure to visit the village on coming Sunday, 31 July. He responded positively and promised to arrange somebody.
The next day, when contacted, Sarpanch told me that some people opposed the festival cancellation plan and they had to again declare the festival celebrations for the coming Sunday and Monday.
It was very embarrassing for me to again contact the film maker and ask him to stop arranging one. But, I had no choice. Called him and requested him not to arrange anyone. He understood the problem and accepted my request.
We can only let go the things which are beyond our control!!
Friday, July 29, 2016
Pushing the envelope
No choice but to take leave:
My frustration was fast catching up. Not because the learning progress was too slow. But, because of the laid back attitude of most of the stake holders despite the fact that we hardly had time. No one was interested to know the facts and figures of the project and its progress like, where we are, how we are progressing etc. All were dreaming that it would happen automatically. I was left with no choice, but to take leave from my work and rush to village and try to push all the stake holders.
Visit to Adult Education department:
On Wednesday, 27 July, I dashed to Adult Education department at Nampally, first. Met Mr.Srinivas Babu and after a long wait met the Dy. Director Mr.Ramdas Naik also. Requested them to look for any Mandal coordinator who could visit the village on daily basis and push the project. They discussed among themselves a few names but felt none were suitable. Later, along with Mr.Srinivas Babu set to visit the village.
Visit to village:
We raeched around 5 pm and the Sakshar Bharat office was in dark, like the current project situation :), as the power was disconnected by the Electricity authorities. I did some analysis of the progress of learners and found that 23 learners were lagging behind by a very big gap compared to others. As there was no power in the Sakshar Bharat office my system's battery was getting drained out. Hence took a snap of the 23 names and whatsapped to Sarpanch.
In the morning itself requested the Sarpanch and Meenakshi to arrange for a meeting with all the Ward members. Slowly people started coming. There were 5 ward members, Sarpanch, Meenakshi and Jyoti. I also called Chandra Sekhar and Jagan who have been with Sakshar Bharat and I was requesting them to help the project for some time. We also called youth association president.
With all the people we had a detailed discussion. Firstly, I made it amply clear that the documents handed over to ward members by the Collector were to make sure that each of the Ward members has to visit the learning center on daily basis and update the document with the learner's progress and their attendance. I had told them that these documents needed to be given to Collector on weekly basis, either by me or by the ward members themselves.
With this strategy I expected the ward members to work for their respective wards with more responsibility and to ensure that all their respective learners would be made to learn with minimum absenteeism.
Tried to motivate Chandra Sekhar, very experienced in this field, to work seriously and help in achieving our goals. Told him that he was the need of the hour and with him around we were sure of making the project a success. He appeared interested and assured us to start his work from the next day. Earlier also he promised. Hope this time he kept his promise. I whatsapped the 23 members details to him also. Likewise, requested Jagan, employee at Gram Panchayat's office, to help. He also agreed. But, I doubted if he would really help.
Requested the youth president to invite all the youth of his association for the Sunday programs and asked him not to sulk for not being invited earlier. It was surprising that the Sunday programs were primarily meant to invite youth and the people still feel that they were not invited.
Also discussed to involve School teachers, Anganwadi people etc.
Cine Star's visit plan:
Discussed about the next Sunday's program. I was planning to invite a Cine Star in order to attract the youth. But, the leaders said there could be a festival in village, called Bonalu, on coming Sunday. They were to meet the next day and finalize the festival date. Based on that, requested me to plan accordingly.
I did not know how fruit full my visit was but I was happy that at least I was able to buy fresh vegetables, which was a rarity in cities, at cheaper price in the village.
:)
My frustration was fast catching up. Not because the learning progress was too slow. But, because of the laid back attitude of most of the stake holders despite the fact that we hardly had time. No one was interested to know the facts and figures of the project and its progress like, where we are, how we are progressing etc. All were dreaming that it would happen automatically. I was left with no choice, but to take leave from my work and rush to village and try to push all the stake holders.
Visit to Adult Education department:
On Wednesday, 27 July, I dashed to Adult Education department at Nampally, first. Met Mr.Srinivas Babu and after a long wait met the Dy. Director Mr.Ramdas Naik also. Requested them to look for any Mandal coordinator who could visit the village on daily basis and push the project. They discussed among themselves a few names but felt none were suitable. Later, along with Mr.Srinivas Babu set to visit the village.
Visit to village:
We raeched around 5 pm and the Sakshar Bharat office was in dark, like the current project situation :), as the power was disconnected by the Electricity authorities. I did some analysis of the progress of learners and found that 23 learners were lagging behind by a very big gap compared to others. As there was no power in the Sakshar Bharat office my system's battery was getting drained out. Hence took a snap of the 23 names and whatsapped to Sarpanch.
In the morning itself requested the Sarpanch and Meenakshi to arrange for a meeting with all the Ward members. Slowly people started coming. There were 5 ward members, Sarpanch, Meenakshi and Jyoti. I also called Chandra Sekhar and Jagan who have been with Sakshar Bharat and I was requesting them to help the project for some time. We also called youth association president.
With all the people we had a detailed discussion. Firstly, I made it amply clear that the documents handed over to ward members by the Collector were to make sure that each of the Ward members has to visit the learning center on daily basis and update the document with the learner's progress and their attendance. I had told them that these documents needed to be given to Collector on weekly basis, either by me or by the ward members themselves.
With this strategy I expected the ward members to work for their respective wards with more responsibility and to ensure that all their respective learners would be made to learn with minimum absenteeism.
Tried to motivate Chandra Sekhar, very experienced in this field, to work seriously and help in achieving our goals. Told him that he was the need of the hour and with him around we were sure of making the project a success. He appeared interested and assured us to start his work from the next day. Earlier also he promised. Hope this time he kept his promise. I whatsapped the 23 members details to him also. Likewise, requested Jagan, employee at Gram Panchayat's office, to help. He also agreed. But, I doubted if he would really help.
Requested the youth president to invite all the youth of his association for the Sunday programs and asked him not to sulk for not being invited earlier. It was surprising that the Sunday programs were primarily meant to invite youth and the people still feel that they were not invited.
Also discussed to involve School teachers, Anganwadi people etc.
Cine Star's visit plan:
Discussed about the next Sunday's program. I was planning to invite a Cine Star in order to attract the youth. But, the leaders said there could be a festival in village, called Bonalu, on coming Sunday. They were to meet the next day and finalize the festival date. Based on that, requested me to plan accordingly.
I did not know how fruit full my visit was but I was happy that at least I was able to buy fresh vegetables, which was a rarity in cities, at cheaper price in the village.
:)
Monday, July 25, 2016
100% Literacy Project - Pressure mounting
With collector's visit to the village and all the fanfare on every Sunday, all are thinking that the 100% literacy is just a stone throws away. Surprisingly, some people, who were never seen, even started taking the credit for its success. But, no body knows that we are way too far to even come close to the success mark.
There are, literally, 26 days left for the examination and all the 263 adult learners will have to complete the learning of the two prescribed books before August 21 so that they become exam ready.
There are several challenges, like a few below, which might deprive the village of 100% literacy tag by August 21. These are other than the health problems, rain, power cuts, differences of opinions and lack of coordination among village leaders etc.
1. No time - Many people do not have time as they leave early in the morning and come back only in the night
2. Late beginners - Many started learning very lately. Some started just a few days back
3. Absenteeism - Too many absentees still
4. Second Book - Many are still in the first book learning process only
5. No Ground level leaders - There are no smart leaders on ground level who could analyze the progress on daily basis, identify the challenges and provide appropriate solutions etc.
6. Lack of fire - With little time left some people still display laid back attitude and have no sense of urgency
7. Local leaders - Just a couple of ward members are working and the rest do not care
There are just two village coordinators who are working and trying to monitor from Sakshar Bharat, the organization responsible for the adult literacy programs. They are not sufficient to monitor 263 adult learners and 50 odd volunteers.
Then, what is the way forward?
Option 1:
I need to be there in the village for all the 26 days to drive each and every person and make them toil while addressing the problems of those who hardly have time etc.
Option 2:
Each of the ward members should take responsibility of their wards and drive the way I am trying to drive. They need to have fire and zeal to take this forward.
Option 3:
The village Sakshar Bharat volunteers need to be more smart and more efficient in discharging their duties. My observation is that they work very hard, they don't make analysis of the progress in a systematic way.
Option 4:
The Sakshar Bharat department must station a couple of officers at the village level to monitor the program. The Deputy Director, when requested for this tried his bit but could not help.
Option 1 is not possible. At least I am planning to be available in the village in the last week before the exam. So, just trying to control and monitor over phone which is not as effective as being on the ground. Option 2 may not be fully exercised as many Ward members are too old and have any hold on anything. But still tried to make them accountable in the presence of the District Collector.
Option 3 I have been trying for some time. Attitudes are very difficult to change. Hopefully, by the end of the program they would become more smart in dealing with things.
Option 4 is the only thing which is almost impossible.
Need to see how the things would shape with time. Will the village attain 100% literacy? Will the efforts of the volunteers, the two Sakshar Bharat village coordinators go in vain? Will the additional expenses incurred by the Sarpanch in arranging the weekly programs go in vain? Let's wait and see.
There are, literally, 26 days left for the examination and all the 263 adult learners will have to complete the learning of the two prescribed books before August 21 so that they become exam ready.
There are several challenges, like a few below, which might deprive the village of 100% literacy tag by August 21. These are other than the health problems, rain, power cuts, differences of opinions and lack of coordination among village leaders etc.
1. No time - Many people do not have time as they leave early in the morning and come back only in the night
2. Late beginners - Many started learning very lately. Some started just a few days back
3. Absenteeism - Too many absentees still
4. Second Book - Many are still in the first book learning process only
5. No Ground level leaders - There are no smart leaders on ground level who could analyze the progress on daily basis, identify the challenges and provide appropriate solutions etc.
6. Lack of fire - With little time left some people still display laid back attitude and have no sense of urgency
7. Local leaders - Just a couple of ward members are working and the rest do not care
There are just two village coordinators who are working and trying to monitor from Sakshar Bharat, the organization responsible for the adult literacy programs. They are not sufficient to monitor 263 adult learners and 50 odd volunteers.
Then, what is the way forward?
Option 1:
I need to be there in the village for all the 26 days to drive each and every person and make them toil while addressing the problems of those who hardly have time etc.
Option 2:
Each of the ward members should take responsibility of their wards and drive the way I am trying to drive. They need to have fire and zeal to take this forward.
Option 3:
The village Sakshar Bharat volunteers need to be more smart and more efficient in discharging their duties. My observation is that they work very hard, they don't make analysis of the progress in a systematic way.
Option 4:
The Sakshar Bharat department must station a couple of officers at the village level to monitor the program. The Deputy Director, when requested for this tried his bit but could not help.
Option 1 is not possible. At least I am planning to be available in the village in the last week before the exam. So, just trying to control and monitor over phone which is not as effective as being on the ground. Option 2 may not be fully exercised as many Ward members are too old and have any hold on anything. But still tried to make them accountable in the presence of the District Collector.
Option 3 I have been trying for some time. Attitudes are very difficult to change. Hopefully, by the end of the program they would become more smart in dealing with things.
Option 4 is the only thing which is almost impossible.
Need to see how the things would shape with time. Will the village attain 100% literacy? Will the efforts of the volunteers, the two Sakshar Bharat village coordinators go in vain? Will the additional expenses incurred by the Sarpanch in arranging the weekly programs go in vain? Let's wait and see.
Sunday, July 24 - Collector and MLA's visit
Laptop suddenly unearthed - Courtesy Collector's visit:
Saturday, 23 July, a day before District Collector's planned visit, I visited the village and had a discussion with Meenakshi and Jyoti, Sakshar Bharat's village coordinators. For the first time they started keying the attendance and progress of the Adult learners in the system. Though the excel with volunteers and adult learners was ready long back, may be a over one and half months back, now a computer was found for them, thanks to Collector's planned visit. When I strictly told all that Collector would be interested to see the progress in the system, their minds started working and they found a small laptop within the Gram Panchayat, apparently lying idle for a long, long time. Till date I was being assured that the Desktop systems which were not in working condition would be repaired. Had these people arranged for this computer long back, the progress of the literacy program would be been much, much better.
I reviewed the updates in the excel and after talking to Mr.Srinivas Babu, Supervisor, Adult Education, over phone, finalized the list of adult learner's to 263. I needed this to show to Collector and also wanted the prints of the following to be handed over to each of the Ward Members by collector so that they are made accountable for the adult learners attendance and progress.
1. Progress Sheet of adult literates
2. Attendance sheets
Collector's confirmation:
On Sunday Morning at around 8.30 am I called Mr.Ranghunandan, IAS, over phone to confirm his visit to the village. He confirmed to visit the village by 7 pm, though my requested time was 7.30 pm :) Informed all the concerned about collector's visit.
Print outs for Ward Members:
Again this Sunday, I had to cancel my regular session with the volunteers as there was a small function at home. While all my siblings and their families arrived at my house, I had to leave for the village in the afternoon. Spent some time on system, before starting, and modified the excel sheets which had the adult literates attendance and progress so that the right info is printed in few pages. En route to village I stopped at an Internet center and took print outs of learners current progress sheets (8 pages) and their attendance sheets (10 pages), 11 copies of each as there were 10 Ward Members and one for Sakshar Bharat office. I spent almost one hour there.
Arrangements for Collector's visit
While I was entering the village road I saw Sarpanch, coming from the city, rushing towards village at around 4 pm. Earlier, in the Morning he mentioned to me that he was planning to give a bouquet and shawl to Collector. I told him that I was also thinking of bouquet and it was a good idea. I was happy as I need not buy it now. I did not comment on shawl part as I did not know the importance of it on this occasion.
Once I entered the Sakshar Bharat office I found a few girls practicing songs. They were of the opinion that as they were given a chance during the previous Sunday's program, this time too they would be asked to perform. But, I doubted if they would get any chance. I asked Meenakshi, Sakshar Bharat village volunteer to prepare the list of adult learners who completed their first book so that we could request Collector to hand over the second book along with a gift (steel plate). She was happy and told me that she would prepare one.
Sarpanch called me outside to discuss about the arrangements. He left the option to me whether a stage needs to be arranged, and if yes where. I had to give the Collector some presentation and it was a challenge to have a screen in the visible range from the stage. Some how set up both the stage and the projectors, though distant apart. I also learnt from him that he was planning for Harita Haram (planting trees) with the collector and MLA.
From 5 pm I observed a few cars arriving one after the other and various officials started coming in. After some time even the MLA, Mr.Kala Yadaiah arrived. I felt his arrival as a bumper offer. I met him a few days back and invited to the village. Though he mentioned that this Sunday he would visit, but I was not sure. Apparently, Sarpanch invited him for this event.
Meanwhile, Mr.Srinivas Babu spoke to me over phone and again mentioned about the learning centers arrangements for the Collector to visit. Previous Sunday also it was arranged and Mrs.Pamela was happy to see the centers. Hence, I told him to go ahead, even though I was not happy forcing people to set up, as already we have updated everybody that learning centers were only seen on week days.
Collector's arrival:
Upon Collector's arrival he was greeted by the MLA and all the other officials along with Sarpanch. I felt amongst the people surrounding him, he was looking for me. I made my way though the people and greeted him. Srapanch pulled out a Shawl and Collector was surprised. He said it would be better if this was done on the Dias. Sarpanch was in dilemma. He already raised the shawl to a height and, apparently he did not want to withdraw. The Collector gave his nod and the Sarpanch happily put a shawl on his shoulder. I was expecting a bouquet to be given to Collector, but to my surprise, I found him giving a tall plant. :)
Sarpanch also repeated this act of shawl and plant to the MLA. The same act was repeated by a few other people.
Just in time somebody told me that Harita Haram plan was cancelled as it was too dark, otherwise I would have misguided or messed up in answering Collector's question. He asked me what was the plan. Now, I could confidently tell him that we would be visiting learning centers.
Visiting Learning centers
We set out to see the learning centers. En route he was checking if I knew the MLA. I told him that I met the MLA the same day I met him, at Joint Collector's office. He also inquired about how I got involved in this project etc. We reached the first learning center, It was in front of a house. I introduced Collector to all the adult learners. The Collector immediately advised me, in a low voice, that I should always introduce MLA first. :) I introduced MLA also. There were around 8 adult learners seated in a semi circle. They were now surrounded by tens of officials and others with the noise of photo clicks and flashes. Collector and MLA started checking them. They asked them what they were reading and writing. Some people answered and some people could not.
We proceeded to the second learning center. I expected this center to be a saving face as the previous one was not up to the mark. There were around 12 adult learner's seated in a circle. Here the MLA and Collector pierced the circle and sat along with them and started inquiring. A few people were able to write and read properly and a few were not able to write or read.
I really felt embarrassed. The same people were happily writing and reading in front of Mrs.Pamela, IAS, just a week ago and now they were too afraid to write or read anything. Possible reason could be the fear of Collector and MLA and the tens of people surrounding them with the continuous photo clicks and flashes. Both the Collector and MLA chatted with them for a few minutes and also inquired like why were they studying, what are the advantages of studying, are their husbands allowing etc. Collector also checked "Muggulu" with alphabets in front of a house.
Later I checked with Collector, if he would like to visit the next center and he said we should proceed to the venue straight. Explained him on the way how it was going on and the next plan was to meet the Ward Members in the gram Panchayat's office. Once we reached Gram Panchayat, Sarpanch asked me not to plan that as it would lead to unnecessary discussions. Collector then mentioned that it might not work that way and said, 'lets talk at the venue only with all'. Do I have an option :D.
The Speeches
Mr.Srinivas Babu, as usual, wielded the mike and started inviting the chief guests, starting with the MLA, followed by Collector, Sarpanch, Dy.Director of Adult Education and many other officials. Probably the last invitation was for me and my colleague from IBM, Sunanda, and we run the programs on every Sunday :)
After Dy.Director's small speech I was invited to talk. I held the sheets which I wss planning to be given to ward members by the collector. I turned to Collector and told him that the volunteers are very young village girls and they were gems. Also, appreciated the adult learners. Reminded the villagers that the time is very less and we all needed to work more harder and so on. I mentioned about working smartly and forgot to explain about the smartness plan.
After a couple of more speeches MLA Mr.Yadaiah spoke. He spoke about the adult education and also about the achievements of his party and his leader and so on as expected.
The Collector spoke very well and appreciated the volunteers and the adult learners. He encouraged the villagers not to stop learning and should develop the capability to read newspapers and learn more about the happenings in the society and so on. He pointed out that the volunteers were mainly girls and the boys also need to come forward. With the assurance of providing all the support he concluded his speech.
Communication woes:
While speeches were on I went to the Sakshar Bharat village volunteer for the list of adult learners who were to be given gifts, I was surprised by her answer. She told me that she (or they) decided not to give. I asked her when was decision taken and why was it not informed to me. I just asked her to get the gifts and provide me the list. This was actually a big problem in the village. We were not going hand in hand. We talk something and later plan something else without intimation. There was a big communication problem. And I was really worried about the communication problem.
My second speech
Immediately after Collector's speech I requested Mr.Srinivas Babu to give me the mike once again. Dy Director commented, in lighter vein, saying I was not satisfied with my earlier speech and I wanted to talk more. Mr.Srinivas Babu also commented saying I will not be satisfied even if I stay in the village the whole night :)
I referred a point from Collector's speech, boys not in volunteers list, and told all that I have been requesting youth associations to come to the Sunday programs so that we could ask them to help us in driving the 100% literacy program. I have told all that the volunteers alone are not enough and the entire village has to work together. Whatever problems and hurdles we have we could solve and proceed. If people were working from morning to night, we could still find a solution. If all do their work efficiently we would definitely achieve our objective. In this regard I told them that we will also need to work smartly. The Sakshar Bharat village volunteers would use a Computer for tracking the progress from now on-wards. For the Ward Members, I told a few were running around just like that and from now on they would carry the List of Adult learners sheets which would have the list of volunteers and adult learners with progress and attendance updating options. I requested Mr.Srinivas Babu to call each Ward Member one by one over mike. I then requested the Collector to distribute the adult learners information sheets to Ward Members which he did happily. One of the primary objectives of inviting the Collector was met by this. The objective was to make each Ward Member accountable for the progress of the adult learners in their respective wards. And this, according to me, was very crucial for the success of the literacy program.
Then I requested Collector to hand over the second book to all those adults who had completed learning the first book and also requested MLA to give away gifts (steel plates) to these adults. While Mr.Srinivas Babu read out names the adults came on to the Dias and collected the book from Collector and the gift from MLA.
I concluded my speech by saying that with such big people visiting our village the pressure was more on us to perform. And drawing an analogy with diamond told them that with pressure diamonds are created.
Leaders
When the program concluded I requested the collector for a snap with all the volunteers and he obliged. After the snap when I asked the volunteers, 'who are you?' they all shouted, 'volunteers'. Again when I asked 'who are you?' they all shouted, 'Leaders!!'
Hope, the collector left the village satisfied.
Saturday, 23 July, a day before District Collector's planned visit, I visited the village and had a discussion with Meenakshi and Jyoti, Sakshar Bharat's village coordinators. For the first time they started keying the attendance and progress of the Adult learners in the system. Though the excel with volunteers and adult learners was ready long back, may be a over one and half months back, now a computer was found for them, thanks to Collector's planned visit. When I strictly told all that Collector would be interested to see the progress in the system, their minds started working and they found a small laptop within the Gram Panchayat, apparently lying idle for a long, long time. Till date I was being assured that the Desktop systems which were not in working condition would be repaired. Had these people arranged for this computer long back, the progress of the literacy program would be been much, much better.
I reviewed the updates in the excel and after talking to Mr.Srinivas Babu, Supervisor, Adult Education, over phone, finalized the list of adult learner's to 263. I needed this to show to Collector and also wanted the prints of the following to be handed over to each of the Ward Members by collector so that they are made accountable for the adult learners attendance and progress.
1. Progress Sheet of adult literates
2. Attendance sheets
Collector's confirmation:
On Sunday Morning at around 8.30 am I called Mr.Ranghunandan, IAS, over phone to confirm his visit to the village. He confirmed to visit the village by 7 pm, though my requested time was 7.30 pm :) Informed all the concerned about collector's visit.
Print outs for Ward Members:
Again this Sunday, I had to cancel my regular session with the volunteers as there was a small function at home. While all my siblings and their families arrived at my house, I had to leave for the village in the afternoon. Spent some time on system, before starting, and modified the excel sheets which had the adult literates attendance and progress so that the right info is printed in few pages. En route to village I stopped at an Internet center and took print outs of learners current progress sheets (8 pages) and their attendance sheets (10 pages), 11 copies of each as there were 10 Ward Members and one for Sakshar Bharat office. I spent almost one hour there.
Arrangements for Collector's visit
While I was entering the village road I saw Sarpanch, coming from the city, rushing towards village at around 4 pm. Earlier, in the Morning he mentioned to me that he was planning to give a bouquet and shawl to Collector. I told him that I was also thinking of bouquet and it was a good idea. I was happy as I need not buy it now. I did not comment on shawl part as I did not know the importance of it on this occasion.
Once I entered the Sakshar Bharat office I found a few girls practicing songs. They were of the opinion that as they were given a chance during the previous Sunday's program, this time too they would be asked to perform. But, I doubted if they would get any chance. I asked Meenakshi, Sakshar Bharat village volunteer to prepare the list of adult learners who completed their first book so that we could request Collector to hand over the second book along with a gift (steel plate). She was happy and told me that she would prepare one.
Sarpanch called me outside to discuss about the arrangements. He left the option to me whether a stage needs to be arranged, and if yes where. I had to give the Collector some presentation and it was a challenge to have a screen in the visible range from the stage. Some how set up both the stage and the projectors, though distant apart. I also learnt from him that he was planning for Harita Haram (planting trees) with the collector and MLA.
From 5 pm I observed a few cars arriving one after the other and various officials started coming in. After some time even the MLA, Mr.Kala Yadaiah arrived. I felt his arrival as a bumper offer. I met him a few days back and invited to the village. Though he mentioned that this Sunday he would visit, but I was not sure. Apparently, Sarpanch invited him for this event.
Meanwhile, Mr.Srinivas Babu spoke to me over phone and again mentioned about the learning centers arrangements for the Collector to visit. Previous Sunday also it was arranged and Mrs.Pamela was happy to see the centers. Hence, I told him to go ahead, even though I was not happy forcing people to set up, as already we have updated everybody that learning centers were only seen on week days.
Collector's arrival:
Upon Collector's arrival he was greeted by the MLA and all the other officials along with Sarpanch. I felt amongst the people surrounding him, he was looking for me. I made my way though the people and greeted him. Srapanch pulled out a Shawl and Collector was surprised. He said it would be better if this was done on the Dias. Sarpanch was in dilemma. He already raised the shawl to a height and, apparently he did not want to withdraw. The Collector gave his nod and the Sarpanch happily put a shawl on his shoulder. I was expecting a bouquet to be given to Collector, but to my surprise, I found him giving a tall plant. :)
Sarpanch also repeated this act of shawl and plant to the MLA. The same act was repeated by a few other people.
Just in time somebody told me that Harita Haram plan was cancelled as it was too dark, otherwise I would have misguided or messed up in answering Collector's question. He asked me what was the plan. Now, I could confidently tell him that we would be visiting learning centers.
Visiting Learning centers
We set out to see the learning centers. En route he was checking if I knew the MLA. I told him that I met the MLA the same day I met him, at Joint Collector's office. He also inquired about how I got involved in this project etc. We reached the first learning center, It was in front of a house. I introduced Collector to all the adult learners. The Collector immediately advised me, in a low voice, that I should always introduce MLA first. :) I introduced MLA also. There were around 8 adult learners seated in a semi circle. They were now surrounded by tens of officials and others with the noise of photo clicks and flashes. Collector and MLA started checking them. They asked them what they were reading and writing. Some people answered and some people could not.
We proceeded to the second learning center. I expected this center to be a saving face as the previous one was not up to the mark. There were around 12 adult learner's seated in a circle. Here the MLA and Collector pierced the circle and sat along with them and started inquiring. A few people were able to write and read properly and a few were not able to write or read.
I really felt embarrassed. The same people were happily writing and reading in front of Mrs.Pamela, IAS, just a week ago and now they were too afraid to write or read anything. Possible reason could be the fear of Collector and MLA and the tens of people surrounding them with the continuous photo clicks and flashes. Both the Collector and MLA chatted with them for a few minutes and also inquired like why were they studying, what are the advantages of studying, are their husbands allowing etc. Collector also checked "Muggulu" with alphabets in front of a house.
Later I checked with Collector, if he would like to visit the next center and he said we should proceed to the venue straight. Explained him on the way how it was going on and the next plan was to meet the Ward Members in the gram Panchayat's office. Once we reached Gram Panchayat, Sarpanch asked me not to plan that as it would lead to unnecessary discussions. Collector then mentioned that it might not work that way and said, 'lets talk at the venue only with all'. Do I have an option :D.
The Speeches
Mr.Srinivas Babu, as usual, wielded the mike and started inviting the chief guests, starting with the MLA, followed by Collector, Sarpanch, Dy.Director of Adult Education and many other officials. Probably the last invitation was for me and my colleague from IBM, Sunanda, and we run the programs on every Sunday :)
After Dy.Director's small speech I was invited to talk. I held the sheets which I wss planning to be given to ward members by the collector. I turned to Collector and told him that the volunteers are very young village girls and they were gems. Also, appreciated the adult learners. Reminded the villagers that the time is very less and we all needed to work more harder and so on. I mentioned about working smartly and forgot to explain about the smartness plan.
After a couple of more speeches MLA Mr.Yadaiah spoke. He spoke about the adult education and also about the achievements of his party and his leader and so on as expected.
The Collector spoke very well and appreciated the volunteers and the adult learners. He encouraged the villagers not to stop learning and should develop the capability to read newspapers and learn more about the happenings in the society and so on. He pointed out that the volunteers were mainly girls and the boys also need to come forward. With the assurance of providing all the support he concluded his speech.
Communication woes:
While speeches were on I went to the Sakshar Bharat village volunteer for the list of adult learners who were to be given gifts, I was surprised by her answer. She told me that she (or they) decided not to give. I asked her when was decision taken and why was it not informed to me. I just asked her to get the gifts and provide me the list. This was actually a big problem in the village. We were not going hand in hand. We talk something and later plan something else without intimation. There was a big communication problem. And I was really worried about the communication problem.
My second speech
Immediately after Collector's speech I requested Mr.Srinivas Babu to give me the mike once again. Dy Director commented, in lighter vein, saying I was not satisfied with my earlier speech and I wanted to talk more. Mr.Srinivas Babu also commented saying I will not be satisfied even if I stay in the village the whole night :)
I referred a point from Collector's speech, boys not in volunteers list, and told all that I have been requesting youth associations to come to the Sunday programs so that we could ask them to help us in driving the 100% literacy program. I have told all that the volunteers alone are not enough and the entire village has to work together. Whatever problems and hurdles we have we could solve and proceed. If people were working from morning to night, we could still find a solution. If all do their work efficiently we would definitely achieve our objective. In this regard I told them that we will also need to work smartly. The Sakshar Bharat village volunteers would use a Computer for tracking the progress from now on-wards. For the Ward Members, I told a few were running around just like that and from now on they would carry the List of Adult learners sheets which would have the list of volunteers and adult learners with progress and attendance updating options. I requested Mr.Srinivas Babu to call each Ward Member one by one over mike. I then requested the Collector to distribute the adult learners information sheets to Ward Members which he did happily. One of the primary objectives of inviting the Collector was met by this. The objective was to make each Ward Member accountable for the progress of the adult learners in their respective wards. And this, according to me, was very crucial for the success of the literacy program.
Then I requested Collector to hand over the second book to all those adults who had completed learning the first book and also requested MLA to give away gifts (steel plates) to these adults. While Mr.Srinivas Babu read out names the adults came on to the Dias and collected the book from Collector and the gift from MLA.
I concluded my speech by saying that with such big people visiting our village the pressure was more on us to perform. And drawing an analogy with diamond told them that with pressure diamonds are created.
Leaders
When the program concluded I requested the collector for a snap with all the volunteers and he obliged. After the snap when I asked the volunteers, 'who are you?' they all shouted, 'volunteers'. Again when I asked 'who are you?' they all shouted, 'Leaders!!'
Hope, the collector left the village satisfied.
Saturday, July 23, 2016
Collector - will he visit tomorrow?
Ever since I met Mr.Raghunandan, IAS, Collector Ranga Reddy District, on 16th of this month I was in touch with him for his visit to the village, Bakaram Jagir, in connection with 100% literacy mission. He had indicated to me that on 23 July, Saturday, evening he would be there around 7 pm.
But, today morning I got a message that because of his health problem it had to be postponed to tomorrow, that is on 24 July, Sunday. I am banking on his visit heavily for various reasons. I wanted him to appreciate the volunteers, motivate Adult learners, talk firmly to the Ward members to focus on this project till it is completed and also tell the Sakshar Bharat (Adult Education dept) to do their job efficiently, a few are really working hard.
The major problem here is lack of urgency among people. The exam date is on August 21 and there is hardly any time, with so much work to be done. Ward members have to be on toes. We cannot afford a laid back attitude. In order to make this program successful the entire village and the Adult Education department has to be aggressive and focused.
With Collector's visit I am expecting the project to move at jet speed.
But, today morning I got a message that because of his health problem it had to be postponed to tomorrow, that is on 24 July, Sunday. I am banking on his visit heavily for various reasons. I wanted him to appreciate the volunteers, motivate Adult learners, talk firmly to the Ward members to focus on this project till it is completed and also tell the Sakshar Bharat (Adult Education dept) to do their job efficiently, a few are really working hard.
The major problem here is lack of urgency among people. The exam date is on August 21 and there is hardly any time, with so much work to be done. Ward members have to be on toes. We cannot afford a laid back attitude. In order to make this program successful the entire village and the Adult Education department has to be aggressive and focused.
With Collector's visit I am expecting the project to move at jet speed.
One Adult Learner expired
This week has been very bad for the village Bakaram Jagir where the 100% literacy program is running. One of the learners who was a cancer patient expired in this week. May her soul rest in peace. Her son is a volunteer who teaches other Adult Learners also. I am told he is shattered. May God give him strength to come out of grief soon. Planning to meet him tomorrow.
There is another Adult who had a brain surgery recently. We were planning to remove her name also as she was also not in a position to learn anything. Along with these two names we also removed three more names who are not in a position to be taught. So, the total count of Adult Learners came down to 263.
There is another Adult who had a brain surgery recently. We were planning to remove her name also as she was also not in a position to learn anything. Along with these two names we also removed three more names who are not in a position to be taught. So, the total count of Adult Learners came down to 263.
Wednesday, July 20, 2016
July 17, Sunday's Program - Asst. Collector's visit
My blunders:
Generally, on every Sunday I visit the village at 11 am, sharp, and have a session with volunteers where in I talk, discuss and teach things to keep them motivated. Motivation is like fire, unless you keep supplying fuel it dies down. Hence this Sunday session was also very essential as it would serve as fuel and keep them motivated, like the burning fire, for the entire upcoming week. But, this Sunday I had to cancel the 11 am session because of some personal work and postpone the session with volunteers to 3 pm. This was my first blunder.
I started from my residence in time to reach the village by 3 pm but after covering considerable distance I remembered that I did not pick up Projector from residence. This was a second blunder and surely this was going to spoil the session with the volunteers.
During last Sunday's program Sunanda, my colleague at work who attended the last Sunday's program, suggested me to keep the projector with myself and hence it was with me. The projector belonged to her. I had to rush back, collect and proceed again. By the time I reached it was around 4 pm. Not many volunteers were present by that time. Hence no session. :( I asked them to start listing down the names of the illiterates who were to be given gifts in the evening program.
Mr.Srinivas Babu's proposal:
Meanwhile, Mr.Srinivas Babu, Supervisor from Adult Education, called me and proposed a plan. His plan was to show the Asst. Collector some learning centers and then will make her attend the program. I was against showing learning centers as on Sundays there won't be any centers because the illiterates assemble at Gram Panchayat's office for the evening program. I told him I had already communicated to her that learning centers were seen only on week days and on Sunday the villagers assemble for the program. I also indicated to him that it would look fake if we show centers on that day only for the sake of showing. Moreover the program would also be disturbed with the new addition, as I was planning for many interesting things. I could sense his unhappiness with my decision. Later, I called him and gave my consent to go ahead, so that he was not upset.
The arrangements:
Sarpanch came, asked for the requirements, instructed people to make arrangements for the evening program and left. Since the focus mainly was on the illiterates learning something, I requested the people to arrange the tables for the chief guests to a side. This would ensure that the illiterates would face the wall to which projector was to be focused and from the side table the guests could also watch the computer projections.
Asst. Collector's arrival and visiting of learning centers:
The Asst. Collector, Mrs.Pamela Satpathy, IAS, arrived along with Srinivas Babu, who picked her up en route. She was a very young and graceful lady. She enthusiastically visited the learning centers and upon seeing her the illiterates were eagerly handing over their slates and books to her so that she could see what they had written. The Collector appeared happy to check their writings. She tried to read their writings with difficulty and most of the time was successful in identifying the Telugu words. Some wrote their own names or their village's name, some even wrote the Collector's name, amusing her.
The commotion:
Later, we reached the gram panchayat's office where our regular Sunday programs were conducted. We asked her and Sarpanch to occupy the chairs behind the table and I started displaying some learning based video's. While the illiterates were watching it keenly we heard somebody shouting. He was a man and was drunk. He was shouting for a while and none were ready to go and stop him. He was raising a big ruckus and Sarpanch had to get up and try to stop him. But the man was not heeding and was further raising the voice. Sarpanch tried to push him away, but the man fell down. Then came a few people shouting on Sarpanch. Now there were two gangs jostling, shouting and there was a commotion. There were other male ward members who could have got up before Sarpanch but they were just watching the drunkard as if he was providing some comic entertainment.
Smart and bold girls:
The Volunteer girls asked me if they could go and stop them. I was really amused as there were men who could have stopped this nonsense in the beginning itself and here were a bunch of girls who wanted to try and stop the melee. The girls then advised me to stop the video so that they could start singing the song. I had asked one of the girls earlier to prepare to sing a song which she was singing one day, when I visited a learning center, for entertaining the illiterates while they were learning. The girl sang it very well, with the help of couple of girls as chorus. The song stopped and the commotion was also dying down. But one gentleman was shouting unnecessarily. Collector madam remarked that this guy is too fearless and she appeared little upset. But, she maintained her composure through out.
The Speeches:
Later Mr.Srinivas Babu addressed first and surprised everybody by taking just one Ward member's name when there were many ward members. He then handed the mike to me. As promised to the illiterates during my last Sunday's program, I had shown them one of the questioning pattern on screen explained how simple it was to answer. Then told them that we were left with just 33 days to go for exam. Also announced, as promised, that this time all the people who had attended the learning centers for all the 6 days in the week would be given a gift.
Mr. Srinivas Babu then requested the same ward member to talk. I clearly told him not to make this program formal and bore the villagers with speeches. He has his own way. The ward member, apparently belonged to a different party, is very much against Sarpanch. He spoke for a considerable time, that too the things which were not related to the subject. I could see the villagers getting bored. When the Sarpanch was asked to talk he was reluctant because of the ward member's speech content. When requested he had to speak certain things only to counter the ward member's points. Probably that was the reason he chose not to talk initially.
It was the turn of Madam Pamela, IAS. I think, she hesitated initially to talk as she was not well conversant in Telugu. But, when she spoke, she spoke with excitement, saying, "your village is very good" in Telugu. I wanted to translate her Hindi speech, as people there don't understand Hindi, but her flow was so smooth and she was talking with such enthusiasm I did not feel like interrupting. She told the people that some people create nuisance like this and we should not fear or care. She also told the people to listen to our heart and if our heart says what we want to do is right then we should definitely do it. She concluded her speech by promising that the next time she would speak in Telugu more fluently. As there was no time I decided to translate her Hindi speech and share it with all the people in the next Sunday's program.
Wrist Bands and Gifts
Mr.Srinivas Babu bought some wrist bands and wanted all to wear/tie it. The intent was that it could serve as an oath for accomplishing 100% literacy program. The idea was good. I hope he also understands that just by garlanding a cow, the cow does not yield more milk. One has to feed the cow with appropriate fodder and take care of it well. Likewise the project does not progress with bands alone, he or somebody with capabilities has to be available on ground to steer it forward. Mrs.Pamela was requested to tie the bands for a few people.
There were more than 100 gifts to be distributed to the illiterates who attended learning centers for all the 6 days of the week. Earlier I bought 25 steel plates only and wanted to have lucky draws with regularly attending illiterates and and pick 25 names only. Later, for a change decided to give gifts to all and took the help of Dr.K.V.Ramanachari for buying more plates. As the time was running out we decided to give gifts to only 5 people. Advised the volunteers to hand over the gifts personally to their respective illiterates.
We randomly picked a few names and Mrs. Pamela did the honors of handing over the gifts to the illiterates. The funny part here was certain people, whose contribution in the literacy project was almost nil, were found adjusting themselves for the photo session while Mrs.Pamela was distributing the gifts.
My worry continues:
I ended the program by saying that we all have roles and if we just perform as per our respective roles we would definitely see 100% success. But, I was 100% sure, it fell on deaf hears. I was directing this to Sakshar Bharat people, except Meenakshi, and the Ward Members, who appear whenever there was a chief guest or photo/video event. On other Sundays responsible people of the Sakshar Bharat and Ward members were hardly seen. But this day, their attendance was full. I wish their attendance would also be there on daily basis. Their attendance and keen interest is the main mantra for the project's success, as there was a lot of work to be done. I think the time has come for me to talk tough.
Every Sunday people were going back happy and probably I was the only one who was not happy. Nobody seems to be interested in facts and figures. The facts and figures were, in reality, terrible from the fast approaching examination day perspective. Two of the important objectives of my Sunday program were not met. They were to gather more than 80% of illiterates and also the village youth. The illiterates attending the program could be around 70 people out of 268. The youth is conspicuously absent in spite of inviting them. I am now wondering whether the program is successful or not, of course I would still conduct the program till August 21, the day of exam. Leaving aside the success part, the attending illiterates have to be really lauded and appreciated as many of them were coolies and have come to the program after a tiring long day of hard work, but still sat through the program which lasted till 9.30 pm or so.
Newspaper release - Surprise quotient:
The next day when some gentleman called me over phone and asked about the designation of Mrs.Pamela as the matter was being printed in newspaper, I clearly told him to select only the snap which also displays Meenakshi as she was the one who was leading the project on the ground making many sacrifices. The gentleman promised he would do it. When the paper came out Meenakshi was no where to be seen in the newspaper photo. But, that gentleman was there very much :) Ironically, the same gentleman very recently told me and Sarpanch that Meenakshi should be highlighted everywhere as she was doing wonderful job :)
Generally, on every Sunday I visit the village at 11 am, sharp, and have a session with volunteers where in I talk, discuss and teach things to keep them motivated. Motivation is like fire, unless you keep supplying fuel it dies down. Hence this Sunday session was also very essential as it would serve as fuel and keep them motivated, like the burning fire, for the entire upcoming week. But, this Sunday I had to cancel the 11 am session because of some personal work and postpone the session with volunteers to 3 pm. This was my first blunder.
I started from my residence in time to reach the village by 3 pm but after covering considerable distance I remembered that I did not pick up Projector from residence. This was a second blunder and surely this was going to spoil the session with the volunteers.
During last Sunday's program Sunanda, my colleague at work who attended the last Sunday's program, suggested me to keep the projector with myself and hence it was with me. The projector belonged to her. I had to rush back, collect and proceed again. By the time I reached it was around 4 pm. Not many volunteers were present by that time. Hence no session. :( I asked them to start listing down the names of the illiterates who were to be given gifts in the evening program.
Mr.Srinivas Babu's proposal:
Meanwhile, Mr.Srinivas Babu, Supervisor from Adult Education, called me and proposed a plan. His plan was to show the Asst. Collector some learning centers and then will make her attend the program. I was against showing learning centers as on Sundays there won't be any centers because the illiterates assemble at Gram Panchayat's office for the evening program. I told him I had already communicated to her that learning centers were seen only on week days and on Sunday the villagers assemble for the program. I also indicated to him that it would look fake if we show centers on that day only for the sake of showing. Moreover the program would also be disturbed with the new addition, as I was planning for many interesting things. I could sense his unhappiness with my decision. Later, I called him and gave my consent to go ahead, so that he was not upset.
The arrangements:
Sarpanch came, asked for the requirements, instructed people to make arrangements for the evening program and left. Since the focus mainly was on the illiterates learning something, I requested the people to arrange the tables for the chief guests to a side. This would ensure that the illiterates would face the wall to which projector was to be focused and from the side table the guests could also watch the computer projections.
Asst. Collector's arrival and visiting of learning centers:
The Asst. Collector, Mrs.Pamela Satpathy, IAS, arrived along with Srinivas Babu, who picked her up en route. She was a very young and graceful lady. She enthusiastically visited the learning centers and upon seeing her the illiterates were eagerly handing over their slates and books to her so that she could see what they had written. The Collector appeared happy to check their writings. She tried to read their writings with difficulty and most of the time was successful in identifying the Telugu words. Some wrote their own names or their village's name, some even wrote the Collector's name, amusing her.
The commotion:
Later, we reached the gram panchayat's office where our regular Sunday programs were conducted. We asked her and Sarpanch to occupy the chairs behind the table and I started displaying some learning based video's. While the illiterates were watching it keenly we heard somebody shouting. He was a man and was drunk. He was shouting for a while and none were ready to go and stop him. He was raising a big ruckus and Sarpanch had to get up and try to stop him. But the man was not heeding and was further raising the voice. Sarpanch tried to push him away, but the man fell down. Then came a few people shouting on Sarpanch. Now there were two gangs jostling, shouting and there was a commotion. There were other male ward members who could have got up before Sarpanch but they were just watching the drunkard as if he was providing some comic entertainment.
Smart and bold girls:
The Volunteer girls asked me if they could go and stop them. I was really amused as there were men who could have stopped this nonsense in the beginning itself and here were a bunch of girls who wanted to try and stop the melee. The girls then advised me to stop the video so that they could start singing the song. I had asked one of the girls earlier to prepare to sing a song which she was singing one day, when I visited a learning center, for entertaining the illiterates while they were learning. The girl sang it very well, with the help of couple of girls as chorus. The song stopped and the commotion was also dying down. But one gentleman was shouting unnecessarily. Collector madam remarked that this guy is too fearless and she appeared little upset. But, she maintained her composure through out.
The Speeches:
Later Mr.Srinivas Babu addressed first and surprised everybody by taking just one Ward member's name when there were many ward members. He then handed the mike to me. As promised to the illiterates during my last Sunday's program, I had shown them one of the questioning pattern on screen explained how simple it was to answer. Then told them that we were left with just 33 days to go for exam. Also announced, as promised, that this time all the people who had attended the learning centers for all the 6 days in the week would be given a gift.
Mr. Srinivas Babu then requested the same ward member to talk. I clearly told him not to make this program formal and bore the villagers with speeches. He has his own way. The ward member, apparently belonged to a different party, is very much against Sarpanch. He spoke for a considerable time, that too the things which were not related to the subject. I could see the villagers getting bored. When the Sarpanch was asked to talk he was reluctant because of the ward member's speech content. When requested he had to speak certain things only to counter the ward member's points. Probably that was the reason he chose not to talk initially.
It was the turn of Madam Pamela, IAS. I think, she hesitated initially to talk as she was not well conversant in Telugu. But, when she spoke, she spoke with excitement, saying, "your village is very good" in Telugu. I wanted to translate her Hindi speech, as people there don't understand Hindi, but her flow was so smooth and she was talking with such enthusiasm I did not feel like interrupting. She told the people that some people create nuisance like this and we should not fear or care. She also told the people to listen to our heart and if our heart says what we want to do is right then we should definitely do it. She concluded her speech by promising that the next time she would speak in Telugu more fluently. As there was no time I decided to translate her Hindi speech and share it with all the people in the next Sunday's program.
Wrist Bands and Gifts
Mr.Srinivas Babu bought some wrist bands and wanted all to wear/tie it. The intent was that it could serve as an oath for accomplishing 100% literacy program. The idea was good. I hope he also understands that just by garlanding a cow, the cow does not yield more milk. One has to feed the cow with appropriate fodder and take care of it well. Likewise the project does not progress with bands alone, he or somebody with capabilities has to be available on ground to steer it forward. Mrs.Pamela was requested to tie the bands for a few people.
There were more than 100 gifts to be distributed to the illiterates who attended learning centers for all the 6 days of the week. Earlier I bought 25 steel plates only and wanted to have lucky draws with regularly attending illiterates and and pick 25 names only. Later, for a change decided to give gifts to all and took the help of Dr.K.V.Ramanachari for buying more plates. As the time was running out we decided to give gifts to only 5 people. Advised the volunteers to hand over the gifts personally to their respective illiterates.
We randomly picked a few names and Mrs. Pamela did the honors of handing over the gifts to the illiterates. The funny part here was certain people, whose contribution in the literacy project was almost nil, were found adjusting themselves for the photo session while Mrs.Pamela was distributing the gifts.
My worry continues:
I ended the program by saying that we all have roles and if we just perform as per our respective roles we would definitely see 100% success. But, I was 100% sure, it fell on deaf hears. I was directing this to Sakshar Bharat people, except Meenakshi, and the Ward Members, who appear whenever there was a chief guest or photo/video event. On other Sundays responsible people of the Sakshar Bharat and Ward members were hardly seen. But this day, their attendance was full. I wish their attendance would also be there on daily basis. Their attendance and keen interest is the main mantra for the project's success, as there was a lot of work to be done. I think the time has come for me to talk tough.
Every Sunday people were going back happy and probably I was the only one who was not happy. Nobody seems to be interested in facts and figures. The facts and figures were, in reality, terrible from the fast approaching examination day perspective. Two of the important objectives of my Sunday program were not met. They were to gather more than 80% of illiterates and also the village youth. The illiterates attending the program could be around 70 people out of 268. The youth is conspicuously absent in spite of inviting them. I am now wondering whether the program is successful or not, of course I would still conduct the program till August 21, the day of exam. Leaving aside the success part, the attending illiterates have to be really lauded and appreciated as many of them were coolies and have come to the program after a tiring long day of hard work, but still sat through the program which lasted till 9.30 pm or so.
Newspaper release - Surprise quotient:
The next day when some gentleman called me over phone and asked about the designation of Mrs.Pamela as the matter was being printed in newspaper, I clearly told him to select only the snap which also displays Meenakshi as she was the one who was leading the project on the ground making many sacrifices. The gentleman promised he would do it. When the paper came out Meenakshi was no where to be seen in the newspaper photo. But, that gentleman was there very much :) Ironically, the same gentleman very recently told me and Sarpanch that Meenakshi should be highlighted everywhere as she was doing wonderful job :)
Saturday, July 16, 2016
16 July - Lucky Saturday
I felt disappointed as Joint Collector who was to visit the village on 14 July could not visit. Also, Trainee Collector's planned visit for the upcoming Sunday program (on 17 July) was also not likely to happen. I was in a quandary as I had informed the villagers of Bakaram Jagir about both visits during my previous Sunday's program. I had shared this info based on the info passed on to me by officials of Adult Education.
While I was planning for some adjustments, I got a call from Mr. Srinivas Babu of Adult Education saying that his boss instructed him to take me to asst. collector immediately. So, I had to complete my Steel Plates shopping for the villagers (which took one hour as for each of the 108 plates 100% literacy/village name was being written) and rush to Collector's office. Though Trainee Collector was not available this visit became a blessing in disguise as I could use this visit to meet the following people, personally, despite Mr.Srinivas Babu being hesitant.
1. Mr.Raghuram, IAS, District Collector
2. Ms.Amrapali, IAS, Joint Collector
3. Mr.Yadaiah, MLA
4. Ms.Pamela Satpathy, IAS, Asst. Collector(Spoke over phone)
Mr.Raghuram, IAS, asked me to get in touch to plan out things.
Madam Amrapali, IAS, promised to visit on any day (except Sunday) and we finalized the day as coming Thursday (21 July).
Mr.Yadaiah, luckily, visited Madam Amrapali's office and I caught him on his way out and requested him to visit the village. He told me that he would visit on next Sunday (24 July, tentatively).
Ms.Pamela Satpathy, IAS, Asst. Collector, though was not available I spoke to her over phone and she agreed to visit the village the next day, 17 July and attend the evening program with the villagers. As I was planning to distribute steel plates to all the regular attendees (illiterates) it could be great if the Trainee Collector does the honors.
Hopefully, all these visits materialize so that the villagers would feel the heat/action and get motivated further.
While I was planning for some adjustments, I got a call from Mr. Srinivas Babu of Adult Education saying that his boss instructed him to take me to asst. collector immediately. So, I had to complete my Steel Plates shopping for the villagers (which took one hour as for each of the 108 plates 100% literacy/village name was being written) and rush to Collector's office. Though Trainee Collector was not available this visit became a blessing in disguise as I could use this visit to meet the following people, personally, despite Mr.Srinivas Babu being hesitant.
1. Mr.Raghuram, IAS, District Collector
2. Ms.Amrapali, IAS, Joint Collector
3. Mr.Yadaiah, MLA
4. Ms.Pamela Satpathy, IAS, Asst. Collector(Spoke over phone)
Mr.Raghuram, IAS, asked me to get in touch to plan out things.
Madam Amrapali, IAS, promised to visit on any day (except Sunday) and we finalized the day as coming Thursday (21 July).
Mr.Yadaiah, luckily, visited Madam Amrapali's office and I caught him on his way out and requested him to visit the village. He told me that he would visit on next Sunday (24 July, tentatively).
Ms.Pamela Satpathy, IAS, Asst. Collector, though was not available I spoke to her over phone and she agreed to visit the village the next day, 17 July and attend the evening program with the villagers. As I was planning to distribute steel plates to all the regular attendees (illiterates) it could be great if the Trainee Collector does the honors.
Hopefully, all these visits materialize so that the villagers would feel the heat/action and get motivated further.
Thursday, July 14, 2016
No Contribution, but want credit!
Many people are eagerly waiting to take the credit for the success of 100% literacy program without any contribution from their side. All are happy that every Saturday and Sunday I am visiting the village and providing trainings to volunteers, conducting programs for illiterates, distributing prizes and making announcements etc. They are thinking that just with these kind of actions the literacy program will become a super hit. None wants to come forward and contribute. Their intent could be well understood with the following examples.
1. There are banners with Village illiterate's photos which I got arranged so that others get motivated and start studying. They are folded and thrown to a corner and are lying there for the last three weeks. Nobody cares.
2. There is a Computer in Sakshar Bharat office which is not in working condition. I have been requesting them to get it repaired so that the progress of all illiterates could be recorded and also the volunteers could start working on the Computers and learn some basics which I am imparting for their motivation. Nobody bothers.
3. How many illiterates are actually coming to the learning centers? How many or not learning? Why they are not learning? What remedial measures are to be taken? Nobody is interested to make and analysis and work for progress.
Then what are people interested in? They are interested in snaps, videos and opportunities to talk using mike during the programs in front of all and give lecture. And eventually to take the credit, if the program is successful.
I visited Deputy Director of Adult Education's office on 13 July and met the DD. I had asked him whose responsibility was it to monitor the progress on day to day basis and who was going to identify the issues on the grounds and work for solutions. He immediately picked up the Mandal Coordinator, who was in his office on that day, and spoke to him very seriously. He instructed him to visit the village daily and work with he local coordinators and update me with the required info etc.
I spoke to the Computer guy myself who was supposed to check the computer in Sakshar Bharat office, and he complained that he visited the office on Sunday and it was locked. Waited for an hour and left when he was told that the key was lost. The most irritating part was nobody contacted him later. I had to contact that guy myself. Though he promised to visit the office once again, I doubt if he would really visit.
For banners, I am fed up with people out there. I have decided to take leave for a day and visit the village to tie it myself, by climbing walls and trees!
1. There are banners with Village illiterate's photos which I got arranged so that others get motivated and start studying. They are folded and thrown to a corner and are lying there for the last three weeks. Nobody cares.
2. There is a Computer in Sakshar Bharat office which is not in working condition. I have been requesting them to get it repaired so that the progress of all illiterates could be recorded and also the volunteers could start working on the Computers and learn some basics which I am imparting for their motivation. Nobody bothers.
3. How many illiterates are actually coming to the learning centers? How many or not learning? Why they are not learning? What remedial measures are to be taken? Nobody is interested to make and analysis and work for progress.
Then what are people interested in? They are interested in snaps, videos and opportunities to talk using mike during the programs in front of all and give lecture. And eventually to take the credit, if the program is successful.
I visited Deputy Director of Adult Education's office on 13 July and met the DD. I had asked him whose responsibility was it to monitor the progress on day to day basis and who was going to identify the issues on the grounds and work for solutions. He immediately picked up the Mandal Coordinator, who was in his office on that day, and spoke to him very seriously. He instructed him to visit the village daily and work with he local coordinators and update me with the required info etc.
I spoke to the Computer guy myself who was supposed to check the computer in Sakshar Bharat office, and he complained that he visited the office on Sunday and it was locked. Waited for an hour and left when he was told that the key was lost. The most irritating part was nobody contacted him later. I had to contact that guy myself. Though he promised to visit the office once again, I doubt if he would really visit.
For banners, I am fed up with people out there. I have decided to take leave for a day and visit the village to tie it myself, by climbing walls and trees!
July 10 - Program in the Village
On 9 July, Saturday, when I visited the village one of the ward members suggested that we should call local CI and SI as chief guests for Sunday's event. Like every Sunday, this Sunday also there was going to be a program for all the illiterates. I felt, as no chief guest was organized for 10 July, the plan was good. I gave my consent to him. He immediately spoke to somebody over phone and after hanging up announced that SIs were coming as chief guests. This ward member was the same person who once spoke to someone over phone, about slates for illiterates, and announced that the next day slates would be arriving. Its been over a month the slates were yet to arrive. I had somehow arranged slates without waiting for him, as at least I needed to be practical :).
On July 10 as usual reached village by 11 am. Surprisingly no volunteer turned up. At around 12 volunteers started coming and by 12.30 we started our regular session, which started with a lecture on discipline :). Imparted some basic computer knowledge like MS office etc. I was very keen about these volunteers learning excel and applying the acquired knowledge for updating the illiterates attendance and progress in the system which was lying at Sakshar Bharat office in the village. It was not in working condition. I have been requesting all the people right from Sarpanch to get it repaired. Luckily the computer repairer responded on that same day, but we do not know when he would repair it. With the promise that we all would assemble by 5 pm to list out the names of all the illiterates who have been learning on regular basis we got dispersed.
The objectives for this Sunday were to:
1. Update the excel with right information as many volunteers were replaced etc.
2. Invite youth associations for the evening event
3. Demonstrate short film to motivate the villagers
4. Distribute Charts to illiterates (Telugu Alphabets)
Requested Sunanda, who arrived around 4 pm, to take the help of Meenakshi, Sakshar Bharat Village coordinator, and update the excel. Without blinking an eye she did it and used pivot also.
Requested youth association representatives to be present during the evening program.
In the evening, as usual Sarpanch was in two minds whether to organize the program inside the Gram Panchayat's office or outside. Upon my insistence he organized, though very late, outside. He had to arrange for mats for the villagers to sit, power connection for connecting projector and system and a sound box. Sunanda was organizing the projector every week.
We started the program with a video from Sakshar Bharat, which I collected some time back, which had some songs and short films. The first film was on the importance of education. An adult who was supposed to attend evening learning centers stopped going and mocked his wife who encouraged him to study. This same man was insulted by people when he was trying to board a wrong bus because of his illiteracy. He then took a firm decision of continuing his education.
The second drama was related to the importance of education for women.
Both the dramas were very keenly watched by the villagers and we hoped that it really inspired them. Later, I addressed them and told them that a short film with themselves was being made in the coming week. Informed them that we were left with 41 days exactly for the exam and promised to show them how easy the exam would be during next week's program. While distributing Charts (Telugu alphabets) announced to them that the next Sunday definitely gifts would be given to all the regular attendees.
Observed during the program that youth was not present and not to mention about the planned chief guests, SIs, which I mentioned in the beginning of this writing :)
On July 10 as usual reached village by 11 am. Surprisingly no volunteer turned up. At around 12 volunteers started coming and by 12.30 we started our regular session, which started with a lecture on discipline :). Imparted some basic computer knowledge like MS office etc. I was very keen about these volunteers learning excel and applying the acquired knowledge for updating the illiterates attendance and progress in the system which was lying at Sakshar Bharat office in the village. It was not in working condition. I have been requesting all the people right from Sarpanch to get it repaired. Luckily the computer repairer responded on that same day, but we do not know when he would repair it. With the promise that we all would assemble by 5 pm to list out the names of all the illiterates who have been learning on regular basis we got dispersed.
The objectives for this Sunday were to:
1. Update the excel with right information as many volunteers were replaced etc.
2. Invite youth associations for the evening event
3. Demonstrate short film to motivate the villagers
4. Distribute Charts to illiterates (Telugu Alphabets)
Requested Sunanda, who arrived around 4 pm, to take the help of Meenakshi, Sakshar Bharat Village coordinator, and update the excel. Without blinking an eye she did it and used pivot also.
Requested youth association representatives to be present during the evening program.
In the evening, as usual Sarpanch was in two minds whether to organize the program inside the Gram Panchayat's office or outside. Upon my insistence he organized, though very late, outside. He had to arrange for mats for the villagers to sit, power connection for connecting projector and system and a sound box. Sunanda was organizing the projector every week.
We started the program with a video from Sakshar Bharat, which I collected some time back, which had some songs and short films. The first film was on the importance of education. An adult who was supposed to attend evening learning centers stopped going and mocked his wife who encouraged him to study. This same man was insulted by people when he was trying to board a wrong bus because of his illiteracy. He then took a firm decision of continuing his education.
The second drama was related to the importance of education for women.
Both the dramas were very keenly watched by the villagers and we hoped that it really inspired them. Later, I addressed them and told them that a short film with themselves was being made in the coming week. Informed them that we were left with 41 days exactly for the exam and promised to show them how easy the exam would be during next week's program. While distributing Charts (Telugu alphabets) announced to them that the next Sunday definitely gifts would be given to all the regular attendees.
Observed during the program that youth was not present and not to mention about the planned chief guests, SIs, which I mentioned in the beginning of this writing :)
Tuesday, July 12, 2016
Progress is great - Information and Communicaton is poor
Amongst several challenges I encountered at Bakaram Jagir literacy program, two challenges were related to information and communication. Information related to the number of people attending the learning centers, number of people studying at home, people not attending etc. I have been waiting for this split information for long. The second one being communication. Communication with the village level Sakshar Bharat volunteers. If somebody's phone does not work, then the other person has several other problems.
I needed the information badly to chart out further action plans. Rather than waiting for them to provide information with the poor communication system I dashed to the village on the day of Ramzan, that is July 6. I sat with them and made an analysis of the illiterates and found the figures as following, out of 268.
5 illiterates - Not started yet but are now ready to start
1 illiterate - Resides a little far away
6 illiterates - No Time, working from morning till night
2 illiterates - Patients
9 illiterates - Not interested in learning at all
TOTAL (illiterates who have not yet started learning) - 23.
I was happy that merely 26 people have not yet started learning.
My next question to them was about count for the day before. That is Tuesday's illiterates attendance. Pat came the reply that as it rained the day before, Tuesday, there were hardly any training centers.
Later in the week I had been chasing people to let me know the count for each day in the week and also the number of people who have been attending regularly. As expected the bad communication did not allow me to get proper information. I needed this information to buy gifts for the illiterates. Hence, again I had to dash to the village on Saturday, that is 8 July. Here I get the figures for each of the day as below. Shocking!!
Monday - 163
Tuesday - 201
Wednesday - 191
Friday - 183
It was shocking because during my last visit, on Wednesday, I was told there were hardly any learning centers on Tuesday. But now I see Tuesday had the biggest count. The reason I was told was that the illiterates were learning inside their homes. I really wanted to check this out. This day also being cold and raining slightly I thought was ideal to check and confirm. I visited 10 centers, as time was already 9.10 pm I could not check more, I found people learning in their homes. That is for each of the volunteer they themselves identified somebody's house and they were studying there. The count came out to be more than 50. So, for 10 volunteers if the count is 50, then for 50 Volunteers the count could be easily 200 or so.
I needed the information badly to chart out further action plans. Rather than waiting for them to provide information with the poor communication system I dashed to the village on the day of Ramzan, that is July 6. I sat with them and made an analysis of the illiterates and found the figures as following, out of 268.
5 illiterates - Not started yet but are now ready to start
1 illiterate - Resides a little far away
6 illiterates - No Time, working from morning till night
2 illiterates - Patients
9 illiterates - Not interested in learning at all
TOTAL (illiterates who have not yet started learning) - 23.
I was happy that merely 26 people have not yet started learning.
My next question to them was about count for the day before. That is Tuesday's illiterates attendance. Pat came the reply that as it rained the day before, Tuesday, there were hardly any training centers.
Later in the week I had been chasing people to let me know the count for each day in the week and also the number of people who have been attending regularly. As expected the bad communication did not allow me to get proper information. I needed this information to buy gifts for the illiterates. Hence, again I had to dash to the village on Saturday, that is 8 July. Here I get the figures for each of the day as below. Shocking!!
Monday - 163
Tuesday - 201
Wednesday - 191
Friday - 183
It was shocking because during my last visit, on Wednesday, I was told there were hardly any learning centers on Tuesday. But now I see Tuesday had the biggest count. The reason I was told was that the illiterates were learning inside their homes. I really wanted to check this out. This day also being cold and raining slightly I thought was ideal to check and confirm. I visited 10 centers, as time was already 9.10 pm I could not check more, I found people learning in their homes. That is for each of the volunteer they themselves identified somebody's house and they were studying there. The count came out to be more than 50. So, for 10 volunteers if the count is 50, then for 50 Volunteers the count could be easily 200 or so.
Monday, July 11, 2016
Prizes for all - Courtesy Dr.Ramanachari, IAS
On July 4 I met Dr.Ramanachari, IAS, along with Jaihind, short film maker. I first mooted the idea of Charts with Telugu alphabets and he liked it and promised to arrange the charts soon. He then picked a point from my earlier mail wherein I mentioned that credibility was very important with villagers as I had already promised them to give away gifts to all. He appreciated my point and promised to arrange gifts for all the regular attendees. When I mentioned that I had already bought 25 steel plates he immediately handed me a cheque to buy 100 more.
I also reminded one of my earlier requests of arranging computer kiosks for which he responded by saying he would check with people.
He also discussed with Jaihind the various concepts for making a short film and finalized one. Jaihind after talking to me and discussing with Mr.Srinivas Babu of Adult Education department, and also visiting the village a couple of times, came up with several concepts to make a short film.
With his promise of arranging Projector for the Sunday event, I left his place. But only to receive a call from him on 9th July expressing his inability to arrange the projector this time too. But made me happy by announcing that he had bought 100 charts to be distributed in village. With the promise to arrange more later he hung up.
Villagers rejecting Lucky Draws - July 3.
On June 26 when lucky draws were taken and prizes were distributed by officials a few villagers displayed their anger on me. Their complaint was that only those who got last time only got the prize this time also. They were not ready to believe that the draws were genuine. I had to assure them, which I had already announced during my speech, that next time there won't be any draws and gifts would be given to all those who attend learning centers for the entire week. I took this decision after consulting Dr.K.V Ramanachari, IAS, who promised to buy gifts for all.
Now comes the new Sunday, 3 July. The irony was that Dr.Ramanachari could not arrange for the gifts, citing his own reasons, for the second consecutive week. I would be embarrassed in front of villagers. I had to do something. So, I purchased 25 steel plates. In addition I also purchased individual polythene bags, costing Rs.4 each, and placed each these plates in individual polythene bags.
This Sunday, my regular sessions with the volunteers was cancelled as the Deputy Director of Adult Education organized for retired Director of State Resource Center to train the volunteers on teaching methodology. Expected him to open the text books and give them a full length training, but it somehow turned out to be a dud. Probably there was some miscommunication. He explained how easy it was to teach by drawing a circle, breaking it into two halves and using them for writing Telugu alphabets. In one go I doubt, if people found it easy. He spoke more about SRC, certain personality traits etc. He was not to be blamed as he had to consume time to accommodate volunteers late arrivals etc. I had to go, along with other volunteers, to houses of volunteers who had not turned up, another major problem.
In the evening, in spite of my request Sarpanch wanted the weekly Sunday event with the villagers inside Gram Panchayat's office. My request was to organize outside the office as the office was too small to accommodate the gathering. The villagers and volunteers gathered inside the office. As expected the place was too small. All the volunteers had to stand outside. When I looked at Sarpanch in despair he just expressed helplessness but promised to arrange well the next time.
We ran a video downloaded from Internet, using a projector organized by my colleague Sunanda, which played Telugu alphabets with pictures (a - amma, aa - aavu, e - illu). The illiterates watched attentively as if it was a Chiranjeevi's movie :). This gave me an idea, which was in the back of my mind for a long time, that these illiterates must be given Telugu alphabets charts so that they could put it on their walls and learn on their own. I was for long planning to organize computer kiosks with these kind of videos, but not able to get the right people who could help me.
After the video I spoke to them. Inquired about the progress. Indicated that the time is fast running out. Urged them to spend more time for learning etc. While concluding I had shown them the gifts, steel plates which I had for them, and told them that as they were not interested in lucky draws, will plan for better option next time. All agreed in chorus as they were thinking that the lucky draws are being manipulated. But when Sarpanch started talking all got up and started leaving. This clearly indicated that they were unhappy even with the decision of not giving anything, which was actually theirs :)
Thursday, July 7, 2016
Learnings on the ground
If this how the villagers are learning, that is from the snaps perspective, the reality is a little bit on the harsher side. The street lights are too dim. The learners are aged and cannot see properly. Some people use emergency lights, which also don't illuminate much. Also some times it rains and there are power cuts.
In spite of all the hardships many villagers are very serious about learning. Sometimes I wonder what is the motivation for them to learn? They are hardly ambitious to learn. They are not expecting any job opportunities or better life with this basic education. I don't think they are learning for any prizes. What else could be the reason? It could possibly be for the sake of volunteers or for the sake of village. Apparently these villagers wanted their village to achieve 100% literacy and create history. I hope the other illiterates who have not yet started learning would jump on the bandwagon, soon!!
Friday, July 1, 2016
June 26 - Officials visit
My invitation:
It was June 26, the day top officials of Adult Education Department were planning to visit after accepting my invitation. My invitation was a part of my ongoing plans and strategies to motivate the villagers and make the literacy program a grand success. I requested them to come at 7.30 pm, the time I interact with villagers on every Sunday and give them prizes. The officials visiting the village were: 1. Mr. Satyanarayana Reddy, Director, State Adult Education (Sakshar Bharat) 2. Mr. Sainna, Director, State Resource Center (the department which designed the curriculum and the books) 3. Mr. Ramdas Naik, Dy. Director, State Adult Education (Sakshar Bharat)
Surprise:
I reached the village at around 11 am as usual, for my regular sessions with volunteers. The volunteers, around 20, came to attend along with Meenakshi and Jyoti of Sakshar Bharat village coordinators (VC), who oversee the literacy project at village level. Most of them came on time. But when I asked them to raise hands if they are volunteers, I saw only around 10 hands going up, to my surprise. The rest of them came to gain computer knowledge. The volunteer count was supposed to be 50. Even if we consider the reasons that some are not well, some are busy, just a couple of them went to work etc. and discount 20 people, still 30 volunteers should have been there. I decided to go to each and every volunteer's house along with the existing volunteers and check whats happening, of course only after the session.
Session:
I again had a pep talk on discipline and leadership. They all made me happy when I heard from them listing leadership qualities one by one as vision, leading from the front, positive attitude, discipline, brave, being friendly etc. They said they would add a few more qualities later. Taught them some basics of computers like Desktop, Folder, creation of Folder etc. They were very happy to create a few folders on my system. We dispersed with the promise to meet again at 3.30 pm.
Assembling again:
By the time people started assembling around 4 pm (planned time was 3.30 pm, discipline?) my colleagues Sunanda, Anand and Jyoti have arrived. I them to volunteers. Also, Adult Education department officials Mr.Srinivas Babu and Mr.Vikram Verma, Assistant Project Officer arrived to oversee the arrangements for the evening program, as their bosses were to descend on to the village. I requested Mr.Srinivas Babu to handle the arrangements along with Sarpanch so that I could focus on volunteers and the mobilization of villagers. Banners were ready and were being tied at the same time. All the Banners were displaying the photographs of villagers in learning poses.
Touring village:
I along with my colleagues and all the available volunteers went around the village. We went to each of the volunteer's house who was missing in the morning. Many people, after our visit, came along with us. Surprisingly even though they did not attend the session in the morning they were enthusiastic upon seeing us and joined us. A couple of girls were not well but were still happy to join us. My colleagues and I tried to interact with others like boys and some educated people in the village to join us, but none showed interest. It appeared many were feeling shy. One girl ran inside upon seeing us and her mother was also not happy that the girl was not coming out.
We all reached the Sakshar Bharat office. Asked them to check their attendance books if they are up to date with illiterates attendance so that chits can be prepared with only those names who have attended for full 6 days in the week. Finally requested all of them to freshen up and bring all the illiterates for the meeting, on time.
The program:
Tables covered with nice cloth and chairs were arranged for the chief guests. Big mats were laid in the front, and chairs on either sides. The time was 7.15 and none of the illiterates arrived. I told the officials earlier that the program starts at 7.30. The assistant project officer walked up to me and checked about the people. I requested Meenakshi and Jyoti to go around the village and mobilize people. A few minutes later project officer again came back to me and expressed the concern that the Directors would be arriving within 5 minutes and place was still empty. I assured him that by 7.30 people will come, but the time was 7.25 already. Again the project officer rushes to me, appearing very concerned, after just 3 minutes or so and this time announced that the Directors have already arrived and there were no trace of people. I wished the directors and they went inside for a while to see the office. They then came back and sat on the side chairs along with Sarpanch.
The time was 7.30 and people start coming. By 7.40 the place appeared full with people. Meanwhile my colleagues had set up the projector which was running basic Telugu teaching videos. The projector belonged to Sunanda.
The program started with Mr.Srinivas Babu anchoring it. He called the chief guests one by one and they occupied the chairs behind the tables. To my surprise I was also called and I also sat along with them. Mr.Ramdas Naik was the first one to speak, followed by Sarpanch. As usual Sarpanch said if 100% literacy is achieved Chief Minister would visit the village and he would shower so many funds and facilities to the village. This statement of Sarpanch irks some people in the village (politics?) Then I was asked to talk. I felt I was aggressive in my talk. I told in clear terms that out of 100 days, 50 days were already gone and we hardly covered one book and there were two more books to cover. The only option was to put more effort than what we were putting before. Also shared my opinion that if the program is successful we all would take the credit but if the program failed who was to be blamed. I told them to regroup and work together to make this program a grand success.
After me so many people spoke, but the highlight was Mr.Sainna's speech. He not only showed all how easy it was to learn, but threw a surprise by when he suddenly started singing a song. His song, with an essence of sympathizing with women, was really spell bound. This was what I was expecting from officials. Motivation!
The program concluded with the distribution of prizes. I had arranged steel tiffin boxes as prize, 21 in numbers (why 21? I myself do not know. For that matter the previous week I had organized 23 steel bowls, why 23?) Chits were picked and the winners were called to collect the prizes. Starting with the Directors all have joined in distributing the gifts. Before leaving all the chief guests appreciated my work and more importantly the Project officer happily shook my hands saying that the arrangements were very good.
Hectic week and the decision
The week starting from 20th (Monday) to 25th(Saturday) was very hectic. To speed up progress literacy project, which was moving at a snails pace, I needed to put the pedal to the metal. On Monday shot a mail to Dr.K.V.Ramanachari, IAS requesting for help. Tuesday met him in his office and discussed the requirements. He promised to give gifts to all the regular attendees of the week, amongst others. On the same day had a meeting with my colleagues to form a team so that more brains and hands are added to take the literacy project forward. For the next few days worked with Mr.Srinivas Babu of Adult education department for Flexs and Banners, along with the printer.
Also met higher officials of Adult Education department to invite them to the village and address the villagers. The officials invited included Mr.Satyanarayana Reddy, Director, State Adult Education department, Mr.Sainna, Director, State Adult Education department, Mr.Ramdas Naik, DD, Adult Education department etc.
A mail from Dr.Ramanachari shook me up on Friday. Apparently he had a different take on giving gifts. Through an email he mentioned that we should wait for a week more before giving away the gifts for all the regular attendees of the week. I thought his perspective was different from mine. I had a two pronged strategy. One, the gifts would act like dangling carrot. Two, once they assemble to collect it would be an opportunity to address them all and motivate them. The most important thing being the promise made to them that they would get gifts. I had to take a call now. I decided to continue the same thing what I did the last time at least, that is give away a few gifts based on the lottery system. I informed the same that I cannot go back on my promise and I will go ahead with my plans. He also expressed his inability to help me with projector too.
Saturday was too hectic. Meeting Dr.Ramanachari and collecting slates from him. Of course discussing my plans of going ahead with gifts and arrangement of projector myself. Along with my father did shopping for gifts for illiterates. This time I chose steel Tiffin box, around 21 in number. Then requesting my friend Deepti for projector who asked me to pick it up from her residence as she was away assisting her father who was undergoing some medical procedure. While I was about to pick up the projector, my colleague with whom I was planning to visit the village the same day called me and told me that she also has a projector and she is carrying it with her. I along with my 6 colleagues visited the village. Plan was to go around and see the learning centers which happens to be in the evenings, around 7.30 to 8.30. I introduced the team to Sarpanch and the two village coordinators of Sakshar Baharat, but because of rains they could not stay longer. Their first visit to the village unfortunately was not fruitful.
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