by Hari Krishnan S
“She works on her farm to educate her three younger sisters”, says a villager. “She is an example to all the women in the village”, another adds. “Her father and husband spend all their earnings on toddy. They never support her on the farm.”
With an intense look, Raji adds, “We banned alcohol in our village through an initiative by the women self-help groups. But the men go to the neighboring villages now…our ban makes no difference.”
Early every morning, women in and around Mulukanoor village near Warangal (Telangana) sell their day’s collection of milk from their livestock at the local Milk Collection Centre in the village.
For over a decade now, a Women’s Cooperative Society has successfully ruled the local dairy industry.
Bheema Mitras were appointed by the government to spread awareness on financial security and insurance practices among villagers. Clad in their blue saree uniforms, these women have a challenging task, sometimes visiting between 5 and 10 households a day where deaths have occurred. Seen here, a Bheema Mitra talks to a woman (who had lost her husband recently) about livelihood reintegration schemes and education loans for her children.
“My husband and I used to be daily wagers. A few years ago, we took a loan of 30,000 rupees and set up this kirana store. Once we made profits, we even bought a buffalo.”
“Are you happy with the profits?”
“My three children go to school now. So yes, I’m happy.”
“But it’s rainy. why don’t you have a shed like the others?”
“My husband was supposed to build one before the rains started.”
“Why didn’t he?”
“He fell ill. He’s at home now…That will be thirty rupees, sir.”
These pictures were clicked when Hari worked with Digital Green (a non-profit working on rural livelihoods) in 2013-14.
Wow! This is so beautiful.