About us
‘SAMVAD’ is a group of people who rely more on collective efforts. It is committed to promote sustainable community based resource management and is involved in participatory action and study for Self-Rule and Self-reliant society.
‘SAMVAD’ provides collective platform to the Identity, Art and Culture. It is an initiative for collectivity, gender equality, community rights on Natural Resources and establishment of a people’s democracy through collective action. As a group we examine critical issues in the media and communication sector and their implications for development, as reflected through its publications. As a resource centre it gathers and disseminates knowledge about communication and its effects upon people. By conducting training and professional consultations it is active in capacity building for the media and their users. Samvad has been unwavering in its commitments in these sectors and over the years has broadened its expertise base to encompass new challenges reflective of the changing scenario within media and society in general.
One of Samvad’s key strength is having major development partners and strong academic credentials, in addition, it is also actively involved in working with other like-minded organizations and networks in facilitating dedicated efforts to restore livelihood security, discuss indigenous governance system and discuss emerging issues like Climate Change. We use human rights and gender based approach in analysing and understanding the fundamental problems in social justice, self-rule and gender equality in society. It is the main plank of our advocacy work.
Vision
SAMVAD envisions a society where relations between human beings and nature is balanced for preservation of the indigenous social values and creation of sustainable livelihood for people towards establishment of a society on a communitarian lifestyle, labour-oriented and egalitarianism which accepts the diversity and differences among human beings. This is the society of Indigenocracy.
Mission
SAMVAD strives for self-reliant and self-respectful society based on equality, gender-equity, labour-oriented universe and self-governance by strengthening the communitarian lifestyle of the indigenous and marginalized people.
Legal Status
- Register under Trust Registration Act- 1882, No. IV 278/2001/Ranchi, on 21.03.2001
- Register under FCRA, 1976, Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt. of India, No. 337800125, Dated 24 May 2004.
- Register under Income Tax Act 1961, 12A-VIII-48/12A/03-04 on 18 June 2004.
- PAN (Permanent Account Number): AADTS7279Q
- TAN (Tax Deduction at Source Account Number): RCHS03187C
- ISO 9001:2008 : 1014QO03
Objective
- To promote and strengthen Self-Rule through Empowerment of Gram Sabha and Community Based Oraganisations (CBOs).
- To empower indigenous skills and technology for promoting sustainable livelihood and resilient development.
- To capacitate youth for Gender Sensitivity, Social Justice and Communal harmony.
- To preserve & rejuvenate Indigenous Art & Culture from de-culturisation.
- To develop a training and resource center for documenting and promoting regional Art, Culture and Crafts.
- To develop Audio-Visual materials for awareness of the people.
- To promote Networks with like-minded groups and individual for policy center Advocacy.
- To promote Child Rights for joyful life of children.
Strategy
- Alliance building with like-minded groups and promote networks for social transformation.
- Public policy analysis, discourse, and dissemination.
- Capacity building for sustainable livelihood.
- Resource material collection, compilation, and dissemination for awareness generation.
- Developing potential human resource base.
- Promotion and strengthening of local institutions and youth groups.
- Promote development models for encouraging sustainable livelihood.
Our Reach
SAMVAD is working directly in 14 district of Jharkhand and 3 district of Bihar.
Areas in Jharkhand
| Sl.No | District | Block |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deoghar | Madhupur, Margomunda, Devipur and Deoghar |
| 2 | Dumka | Dumka Sadar, Jama, Jarmundi,Shikaripada |
| 3 | Pakur | Maheshpur |
| 4 | Sahebganj | Mandro and Borio |
| 5 | Giridih | Giridih Sadar, Gandey |
| 6 | Dhanbad | Baghmara |
| 7 | Bokaro | Gomia |
| 8 | Kodarma | Domchanch |
| 9 | Hazaribagh | Katkamdag |
| 10 | East Singhbhum | Musabani,Potka |
| 11 | West Singhbhum | Chaibasa Sadar |
| 12 | Gumla | Sisai |
| 13 | Ramgarh | Shankarpur |
| 14 | Ranchi | Sadar |
Areas in Bihar
| Sl.No | District | Block |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gaya | Dobhi |
| 2 | W.Champaran | Bairia |
| 3 | Madhepura | Shankarpur |
Our Network and Alliance
- CRA (Child Rights Alliance)
- Swashasan Abhiyan Purvi Bharat
- FRA Watch, Jharkhand
- Jharkhand Adivasi Manch
- Mahila Garima Abhiyan
- Jharkhand Vanadhikar Manch
- NCDHR
- NACDIP
- INSAF
- CANSA
- NAA-National Adivasi Alliance
- Coalition on Climate crisis.
Objective 1
At least 300 out of 350 Gram Sabhas have improved their functionality as defined by a performance scale in four qualifying criteria (Regular meetings, attendance of Adult population, participation of women, prepration and approval of a Micro Plan at least by 1 step on the scale.
Activity Done
- Women leadership and Gender per-spective build-ing trainning was organized from 15-17 April at Madhupur facilitated by Dr. Aasha Ramesh. Total pariticipants-34 (F-16, M-18)
- Women leadership training was organized in Dumka on 11-12 May 15, Total participants-40 (F-36, M-4)
- One Conference organized in Hazaribag on 20th June 15, Total par-ticipants-116 (M-50, F-66) Another Conference organized in Dumka on 27th June 15. Total participants - 176 (M-88, F-88)
- Annual State level women convention was organized on 29 Sep 2015 at S.D.C, Ran-chi Total paritipants-119 (F-110, M-9)
- A Semi-nar on Child Right Projection was organized from 5-6 Sep 15 at Madhupur . Total participants 133 (M-114, F-19)
- Eastern India Dialogue Forum meet-ing was organized on 28-29th July, 2015 at Sundergarh (Odisha).Total Participants 17 (M-15 & F-2)
- MIS trainning organized from 20-21 July 15 at Ranchi of Core Staff of SAMVAD. This training facilitated by Mr.Edwin from Bangaluru. Total participants-23 (F-3, M-20)
- Campaign on MNREGA in 8 Blocks of 5 Districts was organized in the month of September 2015. These Campaign covered around 45000 people of 96 villages.
- Citizen's Report on MNREGA launched on 16th July 15 at S.D.C., Ranchi. Total participants-75, M-51, F-24.
- Half yearly meeting of Forest Rights Committee (FRA Watch) was organised on 8 June 2015 at SDC, Ranchi. Total participants-30 (M-19, F-11).
- A State level Seminar "Community Rights over Forest: Past and Present was organized at S.D.C, Ranchi on 9th June 2015. Total Participants 77 (M-54, F-23)
- One village (Media) selected in Musabani Block of East Singhbhum District This village is dominated by Santal Community. All farmers are engaged in traditional Agriculture practices
- Annual Regional Gram Sabha Federation Convention of Santal Paraganas Region was organized in Dumka on 29 Feb 2016. Total Participants 176 (M-81 , F-95)
- Annual Regional Gram Sabha Federation Conven-tion of Chotanagpur Re-gion was organized in Ramgrah on 17 Feb 2016. Total Participants 150 (M-82, F-68)
- Annual Regional Gram Sabha Federation Convention of Kolhan Region was organized in Potka on 10 & 11 March, 2016. Total Participants- 100 (M-82 , F-18)
- One Convention of regional representatives of Gram Sabhas Federations organized in Ranchi on 7 & 8 Jan 2016, Total participants-40 (M-27, F-13)
- Meeting of Eastern India Dialogue Forum (SAPB) was organised from 16 to 19 November, 2015 at Sundergarh (Odisha). TotalParticipants 18 (M-15, F-3)
- Meeting of Eastern India Dialogue Forum (SAPB) was organised on 27 & 28 Feb, 2016 at Sarguja (Chhatishgarh). Total Participants 18 (M-15, F-3)
- Internal Evaluation conducted by PRAXIS, Patna during Feb to March 2016
Achievements
- 1.1. Out of 350 Gram Sabhas(GS), 246 have achieved as follows:-
- Regular meeting with proper documentation are going on.
- Women's active participation has changed the Gender scenario of respective villages.
- Process of Micro Planning within the GSs which has in-creased their self-confidence among the villagers and women active participations has in-creased in village development.
- Intervention made in 350 GS. Out of them 246 are towards moving up. In this reporting period, out of 350 Gram Sabhas total meetings 555, Total participants -56953, women – 24473
- Men - 32480
- Women Participation - 43%.
- Proposed and Op-posed by women in GS meetings is a significant achievement. It is on an average 26%.
- The various issues raised in GS meetings were mostly concerned to women and village development.
Objective 2
In 250 villages in which SAMVAD is working Sustainable On-Farm and Off-Farm Livelihood is improved
Achievement
- Out of 21000 households, during this reporting period 5105 households got Job in MNREGS. (M-3719 & F-1386) Average 20 days of work.
Following assets developed under MNREGA
50 irrigation wells, 2 PCC roads length of each road is 50' ft, 38 re-soiling of village roads, 35 acres of land was leveled in 11 villages, 22 ponds, 7 Check Dam, 7 Small bridge, 5 Contour fencing, 6 Drainage, 2 mini pond (traditional water harvesting structure), Emphasis is being given on sustainable livelihood promotion through MNREGS.
Achievements under Off Farm Initiatives
Individuals engaged in Off farm activities - Total-264.
(Piggery-32, Goatary-115, Poultry-81, Leaf Plate-7, Animal Husbandary-20, Puffed Rice-9 )
Off Farm through 52 SHGs- Total women members-682, (Tussar Silk Thread-13, PDS-63, Goatary-339, Piggery-242, Tailoring-12, Poultry-11, One Tea Stall-(running by 2 women of one SHG )
- 708 women given skill trainning in diffrent trades (as goatary, piggery, tailoring, mushroom production, leaf plate making, Mahua laddu making etc.
- 499 women were given Rs. 1500 each as seed money for doing businesses for income enhancement.
2.2
12 HHs applied for forest land patta (deed) in this reporting period. But the total 446 have applied for land deed under FRA, out of which 219 (women headed family 25) obtained the land deed.
Two villages (Chechali and Tumbo) of Deoghar District applied for Community Forest Rights.
2.3
713 HHs involved in On Farm Livelihood. Following is the current status :-
Paddy-
Cultivated Land - 1396 Acres
Production cost - Rs.13775245
Production -20633 quintal
Value - Rs. 23810775
Profit -Rs. 9793490
Wheat
Cultivated Land - 58.34 Acres
Production cost - Rs.885818
Production -978 quintal quintal
Value - Rs. 1476364
Profit -Rs. 590545
Vegetable
Cultivated Land - 225 Acres
Production cost - Rs. 2346766
Production - 4367 quintal
Value - Rs. 6630340
Profit -Rs.4283574
Pulses
Cultivated Land - 53 Acres
Production cost - Rs. 1669500
Production -530 quintal
Value - 4770000
Profit -Rs. 3100500
Oil Seeds
Cultivated Land - 22.25 Acres
Production cost - Rs. 226032
Production -Rs. 645806
Value - Rs. 23810775
Profit -Rs. 9793490
2.4
In the selected village of Media under Musabani Block in East Singhbhum district, 26 traditional water harvesting system rejuvenated. In that area it is called DOBHA (backyard small pond).
Case Study
A step forward towards Organic Cultivation
At a time when there is scarcity of job, getting employed through own endeavor is praiseworthy. Matu Mardi of Lavkeshra village under Media Panchayat of Musabani block in East Singhbhum district has set the similar example for others to follow. Matu not only did find livelihood through organic cultivation but also created employment opportunities for fellow villagers.
Matu Mardi got training of Organic Farming in a training programme organized by Samvad. He went back home and experimented with the knowledge of making vermi compost he had gathe#a92727 and used it in his farming. The result was quite encouraging. Today, Matu is cultivating beside Paddy and Wheat; Turmeric, Ginger, Gram, Gourd and Mustard in big scale. Apart from cultivation of above crops, he is also doing Animal Husbandry and Fisheries as well. In this way he is earning Rs.1,50,000/- (rupees one lakh fifty thousand) annually as income. Matu wishes that his fellow farmers should also adopt the organic cultivation and is imparting knowledge about it among them. The farmers in neighboring villages are gradually being aware about the Organic Farming.
Where there is will, there is way
This is the story of Malti Oraon, who did not lose courage even in the adverse situation. Malti is the resident of village Majha in Pandariya Panchayat under Sisai block of Gumla district.
Malti is squint eyed and was ignored and neglected by her co-students. However, she completed her graduation course with arts subjects. During formation of ‘Sanjivani Group’ ( SHG group) of women, the Samvad volunteer asked her to become a member of the group. Malti was selected Chairperson of the SHG group by the fellow village women as she was educated and concerned about well being of people. After being selected as Chairperson, she has been functioning nicely doing justice to the post she was selected.
Observing her capability and dedication towards social work, the villagers made her a candidate for Panchayat Samiti member in the PRI elections of the year 2015. Since she had already established her identity in the society through SHG, all the social activists supported her and she won the Panchayat Samiti elections. Today Malti is functioning as member of the Panchayat Samiti with dignity.
Board of Trustee
Ms. Roj Kerketta (Chairperson)-Former Professor of Ranchi Universityand noted social activist on Women Development issues. A Ph.D. in Hindi has been teacher by profession and has written several articles on women issue. Dr. Kerkatta has been awarded Maharani Durgawati award by the Government of Madhya Pradesh in 2008 for her active participation in conservation and promotion of Adivasi literature. She is active in organizing and educating women groups on the tribal issues.
Mr. Ghanshyam (Secretary) - A noted Environmentalist and Social Scientist and a prominent Social Worker engaged in spreading awareness among the rural masses, particularly Adivasis, minorities and women folk. He actively participated in J. P. movement in 1974 and was an active member of the Chhatra Yuva Sangharsh Vahini from 1975 to 1984.
He was Special Correspondent of Jansatta newspaper, New Delhi 1988-93.
In recognition of his social concern, and active participation in spreading the message of socialism, he was awarded the “Lok Nayak Jayaparakash Narayan National Award” by the Maniklalji Balkishan Dasji Gandhi Charitable Trust at Nagpur in 2003, persented by the late Dr. Baba Amte,
Books to his c#a92727it:-1. Jab Nadi Bandhi, 2. Drishti Aur Disha, 3. Jharkhand Vikas Par Vimarsh,4. Deshaj Gantantra, 5. Indigenocracy. He participated as part of Indian Civil Society delegate in climate Change Conference held at Copenhagen, Denmark.
Mr. Shekhar (Treasurer) - A cultural activist and artist, who has given a new dimension to “Manjusha” painting of Bhagalpur region in Bihar.
He is one of the leading documentary film makers of Jharkhand and has many educational, cultural and socio economic based documentary films to his c#a92727it. Some of his noted films: 1. Shikchha, Samaj Aur Satta, 2. Akchher Ki Barsat 3. Nishane Par Akal 4. Job Chahiye Hamen Hamara Khwab Chahiye 5. Hum Hain Mahila Kisan, 6. Boond Boond Sagar, 7. Marti Nadi : Damodar, 8. Baiga Vikas ke Rah Par, 9. Moving towards Rights, 10. Ek Pahal, 11. Dutta Bhau : Yayawar Sahyatri, 12. Ladai Jari Hai, 13. Ekal Hain Hum Nahi Akelee.
Mrs. Dayamani Barla – Dayamani is an indigenoustribal (Adivasi) journalist and activist from the state of Jharkhand. She became notable for her activism in opposing Arcelor Mittal's steel plant that tribal activist say would displace forty (40) villages. She has won a number of prestigious awards for journalism and leading movement against displacement of poor people.Opposing displacement of local people caused due to forcible acquisition of land for IIM and National Law University at village Nagri under Kanke Block in Ranchi district, she had to spend about 3 months in jail.
Dayamani Barla won the Counter Media Award for Rural Journalism in 2000 and the National Foundation for India Fellowship in 2004. Counter Media Award is funded by royalties from journalist P. Sainath's book Everyone Loves a Good Drought, and is meant for rural journalists whose (often outstanding) work gets ignored or even appropriated by the larger press at the State or national level in India. In 2013, she was confer#a92727 the Ellen L. Lutz Indigenous Rights Award instituted by Cultural Survival, an international NGO.
Mr.Uday - A noted social scientist and trainer. A post graduate and graduate in law with Bachelor of Law degree holder had taken active part in campaign against communalism during 1989 riots in Bhagalpur, Bihar. He has been continuing campaign in support of the slum dwellers in Bhagalpur. He has written many songs and dramas during working with Massey Award winner Mr.Gaur Kishore Ghosh. He is one of the founder members of Paridhi, a society for social action at Bhagalpur, and organised Bihar Lok Adhikaar Munch to campaign for Child Rights. He held the post of Managing Trustee of NAFRE and continuously participated as member of the Executive Committee of NAFRE in their campaign for Common School System and other People's movements.
Ms. Shobha Tudu – A post graduate in History from Ranchi University and M.Ed. from Patna University she is working as a Lecturer in Bethesda B.Ed. College, Ranchi and has active participation in social activities and women's issues including tribal culture and language in Ranchi.
Ms. Poonam Ranjan–She has got activism and social concern as a legacy from her family. She is a well-known social worker and leading various social organizations to fight against social inequality and women’s issues in Patna, since 1997. She has been active in various social movements in Bihar.