March 2005 Update

March 2005 Update

March 2005 Update

The month of March continued to focus on training of potential entrepreneurs in farming and jewelery making. The farmers concentrated on new drip irrigation methods while the jewelery makers learned new techniques. In addition, a new member joined the GSBG self-help group. A short summary from Vinod Parekh describes the activities:
"The highlight of this month is a young farmer from the Dalit (formerly the so called untouchable) community joining GSBG from the next door village Rajwada. It was a treat for me to observe the processes of:
1) The overcoming of rigid resistance to accept newer/appropriate technology on the part of the older generation;
2) The mingling of different communities and especially the role of the youth, their open mindedness and the general mentality to get out of one's cubby-holed mentality - and above all striking a win-situation with the older generation;
3) The effectiveness of the leadership training put into practice by my once 'shadows', the earlier recipients of the loans. It is dawning on me that I am becoming their shadow!"

Training in drip irrigation continues for the local farmers who will be installing equipment from a well renowned company called the EPC Ltd. (March 2005) 

Kamala Parekh and Vibha Patil are working with local women to provide training in jewelery making. (March 2005)