“To forget how to dig the earth and tend the soil is to forget ourselves” these words from Gandhi highlights the strength of our farmers and the importance of agriculture in the Indian economy. Team Goonj working with people of Papeshlana village in Ramban district of Jammu recently evoked this
strength to benefit them in a big way. Situated in a subtropical region with erratic rainfall, 70% of Jammu’s population is directly or indirectly dependent on agriculture for livelihood, using traditional irrigation.
In Papeshlana village, canals called ‘kuls’ have been an important source of irrigation. These canals have sustained the locals in droughts but lately many kuls have gone out of use due to neglect. When Goonj’s team mobilized and motivated people to revive a nearby defunct Kul, immediately 35+ people collectively cleaned, re-dug and reconstructed the canal with their own hands! As a reward for their efforts we reached carefully designed “Family Kits” including basic clothing essentials, toiletries, woolens and brand new shoes for upcoming winters.
This is a joint giving effort of GOONJ & TOMS (TOMS.com/improving-lives), a California based market leader in shoes. TOMS started its partnership with Goonj in 2013, pledging to give a new pair of shoes to a child in need on its every purchase, it strengthened the work and also validated our philosophy that small gaps do make a big difference..
You too can do your bit for those bracing harsh winters this year. Contribute your woolens and sarees this #OdhaDoZindagi and spread the warmth! Know more here – www.goonj.org/odz
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.