In Udaypur village of Saltora block, Bankura – one of India’s drought-affected districts – villagers faced an invisible yet significant human issue. The single bus stop connecting Bankura to Asansol lacked any shelter, forcing villagers to endure a long, tiring walk only to sit on scorching rocks while awaiting transportation. This affected the most vulnerable – elderly people, pregnant women, and schoolchildren – who often skipped essential hospital visits and classes due to this challenge.
Rather than waiting for external intervention, the community recognized their collective strength and available resources. What followed was a remarkable demonstration of rural resilience and grassroots wisdom:
- Resource Mobilization: Each household contributed materials they already possessed—nails, bamboo, and rope—transforming underutilized items into valuable community assets.
- Dignity Preservation: This approach of mindful giving maintained community dignity while showcasing indigenous problem-solving techniques
- Equitable Participation: Through Goonj’s innovative “Cloth for Work” initiative, villagers became equal stakeholders in co-creating their solution
The community’s voluntary efforts culminated in four days of collaborative construction. The completed bus shelter stands as physical evidence of what determined rural communities can accomplish through collective action and resourcefulness.
“This bus-stand has not only given us a remedy but also helps us get energy for a long travel. I will never skip my class again.” — Jharna Mandi, Student.
Recognizing their collective resources, community members came together and each participant contributed materials from their homes – nails, bamboo, and rope – changing underutilized materials into valuable physical assets. This mindful giving preserved their dignity while demonstrating grassroots wisdom.
Through Goonj’s “Cloth for Work” initiative, villagers became equal stakeholders in co-creating their solution. Their voluntary efforts over four tireless days resulted in a completed bus stand, built through collective action.
Students like Jharna Mandi could attend classes regularly: “This bus-stand has not only given us a remedy but also helps us get energy for a long travel. I will never skip my class again.” Further, healthcare access improved for elderly and pregnant women.
Beyond creating physical infrastructural assets, this initiative fostered community resilience and an abundance mindset. The successful completion built collective confidence to address other challenges. By demonstrating their ability to transform material poverty through cooperation, the village created a sustainable model of self-empowerment that will inform future development efforts. The improved accessibility in consequence leads to better education outcomes and healthcare utilization, gradually enhancing the overall quality of life in this drought-prone region.
Be a Part of This Change
Our invitation to you is, start from where you are.. From a small change of starting a Goonj kee Gullak or Team 5000, joining a long and deep change process, or things in between- organising a collection drive, a volunteering journey, an internship, or simply walking with us signing for a Goonj monthly newsletter subscription.. More on www.goonj.org or write to [email protected].
Many options, but the choice is always one; Taking Action..
