UDHAMPUR: Jammu Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKRLM) and Heritage School, Jammu, jointly celebrated ongoing ‘Meri Mati Mera Desh’ campaign by organizing a field visit for students to Panchayat Mand West, here.
The initiative was led by Mission Director, JKRLM, Indu Kanwal Chib, who is also the Prabhari officer of Panchayat Mand West, Block Tikiri of Udhampur district.
The visit organized for the students of Heritage School Jammu to Mand West, was meticulously planned to provide them with a transformative and enriching experience. The aim was also to promote cross-learning and social integration as part of the ongoing Meri Mati Mera Desh campaign.
During their time in Mand West, the students immersed themselves in village life and had the opportunity to explore its rich culture and traditions. They formed genuine connections with the locals and gained valuable insights into their daily lives, challenges, and aspirations. This hands-on experience brought the students closer to understanding the diversity and resilience of rural communities.
As part of the intercultural exchange, the students had the chance to dine with local school students, fostering friendship and camaraderie. This shared dining experience bridged the gap between urban and rural communities, allowing for open dialogue and meaningful interactions that nurtured a sense of belonging and unity.
Moreover, the students had the privilege to visit and explore the JKRLM and Anganwadi centers in Mand West. These institutions play a crucial role in uplifting rural communities by providing livelihood opportunities, empowering local industries, and offering essential services.
Witnessing the commendable initiatives undertaken by JKRLM and Anganwadi firsthand, the students gained a deeper understanding of their role in improving the lives of the rural population.
During their visit, the students were shown the famous Gobar Diyas made by UMEED Self Help Groups (SHGs) supported by JKRLM. These SHGs demonstrated their traditional craftsmanship and eco-friendly practices by making diyas out of cow dung. The students were amazed by the creativity and sustainability of these Gobar Diyas.
Water conservation was also a focus of the visit, as the students had the opportunity to see a water bowli, a traditional method of storing rainwater. This experience helped them understand the importance of preserving water resources and the efforts made by the local community to tackle water scarcity.
In addition, the students experienced a unique dining experience where they had their meals on leaf plates in a traditional mud house. This not only exposed them to traditional dining practices but also highlighted the simplicity and sustainability of such practices.
Furthermore, the students visited a mushroom unit constructed by JKRLM in collaboration with the Agriculture Department. This unit showcased the entrepreneurial skills of rural women and their ability to engage in income-generating activities while promoting agricultural diversification.
Through these experiences, the students gained an understanding of how the three-tier system of Panchayati Raj works. They witnessed the involvement of different stakeholders, including the Gram Panchayat, SHGs, Block Development Council, and government departments like JKRLM and Agriculture, in implementing developmental initiatives and improving the lives of rural communities.
During the visit, the students also had the opportunity to interact with the Gram Panchayat Mand West and its sarpanch, Arjun Singh. They also met Chairman, Block Development Council Tikri, Nisha Sharma. The PRI representatives provided valuable insights into the functioning of the local governance system and the initiatives taken by the local administration to uplift the rural communities in Mand West to the students.
Mission Director JKRLM, Indu Kanwal Chib, expressed her delight about the successful visit. She emphasized the positive impact of such initiatives on the students and highlighted the aim of encouraging cross-learning, fostering empathy, and nurturing compassionate leaders for the future.
The Mission Director highlighted that the ‘Meri Mati Mera Desh’ campaign has been an eye-opening experience for the students of Heritage School Jammu. “By immersing themselves in the local culture, connecting with the people, and participating in various activities, the students have broadened their horizons, cultivated empathy, and developed a deeper appreciation for the diverse fabric of our society”, she said.
The Mission Director remarked that JKRLM and Heritage School Jammu are proud to facilitate such initiatives that foster cross-learning and social integration.