Traveling through the rice fields of Odisha in the monsoon is an experience in itself. The gentle pitter-patter of rains on our car window and the lush green paddy fields kept us glued to the window.
We were headed to Keonjhar or more specifically the Centre for Youth and Social Development (CYSD) training center at Kapundi. This was to be our base for the next three days. A small signboard greeted us as we drove into the campus. We quickly dumped our bags and headed to the common dining area for some nourishment. During lunch we met other volunteers and members of CYSD. After a brief introduction with everyone we were ready to explore our surroundings. We met Gyaan, a calm and soft spoken coordinator for CYSD’s Agriculture Production Cluster.
With our agenda of meeting a few villages, Gyaan took us to an interesting village called Karanjiyapada. The moment we arrived, we were greeted by the spirited duo, Kuhlona and Apsari Deouri (and a goat that seemed to dream of being a horse). Their enthusiasm and warmth immediately set the tone for a fruitful interaction. Apsari, with her wisdom-laced words, revealed that this humble abode is home to a vibrant community of nearly one hundred families.
As we walked with her exploring her village, Apsari’s candour struck a chord within us. “I am both saddened and contented,” she shared, unveiling the complex contour of this land. The rocky terrain and perpetual water scarcity has long plagued the villagers’ endeavors in rice cultivation and farming, posing seemingly insurmountable challenges.
Yet, the resilience and ingenuity of this community shone through, as Apsari proudly escorted us to the verdant rice fields, where an elder greeted us with a smile, his joy shone on his weathered face. “The rain has finally graced us, and I am sowing the rice anew,” he shared, his words brimming with gratitude and a renewed sense of hope.
As we admired the serene reflections in the water-submerged fields, Apsari’s narrative continued, revealing the transformative impact of CYSD’s intervention. The introduction of Trellis, Mulching, and Stacking techniques had significantly boosted vegetable production, empowering the women farmers. Moreover, the bridging of the gap between the farmers and the veterinary department had enabled the villagers to expand their livestock, diversifying their income streams and securing a more prosperous future.
On our way back, we stumbled upon Milana Mausi, a local woman tending to her herd of goats. I was captivated by a neckpiece she adorned, a traditional design. Hesitantly, I asked if I could take a picture of it. With a warm smile, she graciously agreed to pose. As I captured the photo, she playfully inquired, “Would you like to buy a goat?” Her question, delivered with a mischievous twinkle in her eye, caught me off guard. We both shared a hearty laugh at the unexpected offer.
Kuhlona’s gentle tug ushered us beneath the benevolent shade of the neem tree, where the elders gathered, their faces piqued with curiosity. Here, we learned of Maa Bisoipar, the ancestral deity believed to safeguard the village through generations, a tribute to the deep-rooted cultural and spiritual traditions that bind this community together.
As we were retracting our steps, I noticed a group of curious little friends staring at us. I approached them and greeted them with a “Hi,” they burst into laughter. The villagers wanted my son to join them for a picture, but he shyly hid behind his grandpa. Seizing the opportunity, I joined them myself, and soon, we were all laughing and playfully tumbling over each other. Their innocent laughter was infectious.
Finally we bid farewell, captivated by the villagers’ resilience, ingenuity, communal harmony, and the enchanting beauty that lies in the simplicity of rural life.
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