Life on the Hills of Chhota Bhanuja
This story comes from Chhota Bhanuja village of Rajsamand district, Rajasthan. The Bhil community lives on the upper hills, where daily life is shaped by difficult terrain and limited infrastructure. Most families depend on daily wage labour and house construction work for survival.
Reaching homes and workplaces requires travelling through narrow, unsafe paths along the hills. During emergencies or routine movement, the risk of accidents is always present. The lack of proper roads has long affected mobility, safety, and access to basic services.
A Winter Evening That Sparked Collective Resolve
On a cold November evening, villagers gathered at a community place. Despite the chilly winds, men and women came together to discuss the future of their village. The meeting focused on community development, especially women’s participation and children’s education.
During the discussion, several challenges faced by the Bhil community came to light. A powerful moment emerged when 80-year-old elder Mangilal shared his personal experience:
“Even today, the pain of not being able to complete my education stays with me. If I had studied, my family’s life might have been better.”
His words deeply moved the community and strengthened their resolve to ensure a different future for their children.
Identifying the Need: Safe Roads and Space for Learning
Living on the hills meant that narrow paths were the only routes for movement, making vehicle access risky. The community decided to first repair an alternative mud road to improve safe movement.
Road Condition Before Repair in Chhota Bhanuja
Eleven Days of Collective Labour
Under Goonj’s Cloth for Work initiative, the community began repair work. Over 11 days, community members, men and women, worked together despite the tough terrain.
Through continuous effort, the community members repaired the road and were rewarded with Family kits that had need based essentials. The repaired road improved safety and access.
Community Repairing the Road in Chhota Bhanuja
Creating Space for the Future
Villagers didn’t stop at road repair alone. The village had many young children, but there was no proper space for learning. Near the hilltop temple, a small unused patch of land was identified. People began breaking stones from the hill and removing soil to level the ground for a future school space. The work was physically demanding, but the motivation to improve children’s education kept everyone going. The community members shared that they would not stop until enough space was created for children’s education. Their commitment showed that this was not a short-term activity, but a long-term investment in the village’s future.
Road After Repair in Chhota Bhanuja
Be a Part of Change
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Many options, but the choice is always one; Taking Action..
