SUSHMA NAIK
Today is International Women’s Day. this day celebrates the fact that women across the world, India included, have become educated, empowered, and independent. Goa is India’s smallest state, and in that, Talde is a remote village comprising of just 16 dwellings situated in the midst of nature. Here stands the Brahmani self-help group’ set up by hardworking, enthusiastic women. Set up with the help of Mineral Foundation, the group has today benefited not just women but also the families, society, and the village at large. The village itself is located 8 kilometers from the famous Mahadev temple of Tambdi Surla. Situated in remote hilly region, the place faces acute water-shortage. If you speak of connectivity, there is just one bus in the morning that connects the village to the city nearby. Despite such odds, the village has earned a spotlight, thanks to the work done by the hardworking womenfolk here. There are two self-help groups active in Talde village. The women of Brahmani self-help group have started eco-tourism project in the village so that the youth would not have to venture out of the village to seek employment. Taking note of their dedication, a generous person in the village donated a portion of land, and Goa Mineral Foundation provided the aid to setup lodging facilities for tourists. Guests can enjoy lodging, breakfast, and two meals with distinctive Goan flavours at the facility for just Rs 1000 for 24 hours.
Under the guidance of Shivdas Desai, the self-help group functions in a disciplined manner. Desai takes the responsibility for planning the measures to be taken for maximisation of production and revenue. There is considerable shortage of water here, but that too has been resolved, thanks to corporate initiatives. A corporate firm installed pumps on wells and other water sources in the village.
A traditional house, has been taken over by the self help group. It has then added extra rooms and kitchen to the dwelling. The facility can now house 12 guests. That said, the surroundings too are mesmerising, with a beautiful waterfall nearby, the ancient Mahadev temple at Tambdi Surla, and hills that let you enjoy a good hike.
The women who setup and run this beautiful eco-tourism facility are confident that they will do good business in the near future.
Another village that is home to a hardworking women’s self help group is Dabhal- Kirlapal. Here, the women of Shribrahmani self-help group make handicrafts and household items from coconut coir. Apart from ably handling their household responsibilities, the women also exhibit and sell their products. Good quality coir is imported from Kudal. The venture has good cooperation from NABARD. The range of products offered by the self help group include different types of pots, natural footwear made from coir, mats, and show pieces. Apart from this, the women also work their traditional fields.
If the women from Goa’s remote villages can be thus self-sufficient, why not the urban youth?
(The writer is a businesswoman and social worker)
