Inaugural Function of MDG Information Resource Centre-District Dungarpur
Date : January 7, 2007
Venue : Rajmandir Empire, Adarshnagar, Dungarpur.
Distinguished Guests present:
Chief Guest : Dr. Maxine Olson, Resident Coordinator in India, UN and
Resident Representative, UNDP
Special Guest : Shri Mahaveer Bhagora, Member of Parliament, Salumbar
Guests of Honour : Shri Dhansingh Rawat, Member of Parliament, Dungarpur
Shri Tarachand Bhagora, Zilla Pramukh, Dungarpur
President of the Function : Ms. Manju Rajpal (IAS), District Collector, Dungarpur
From UNDP, New Delhi : Ms. Ruchi Pant, Shri Ajit Saxena and Ms. Mandakini were also present.
Prior to the formal beginning of the function, VIKSAT Director Srinivas Mudrakartha and the Members of Parliament briefed Dr. Olson on the prevailing conditions of Dungarpur and development efforts needed especially in the context of the MDGs.
Earlier, on the suggestion of one of the MPs, an interactive session was started by VIKSAT Director by briefly explaining VIKSAT’s three decade experience in natural resource regeneration in north Gujarat (Sabarkantha and Mahesana), located just on the other side of Dungarpur. Most of the forest area has been regenerated in Bhiloda taluka with active involvement of the village level institutions formed by VIKSAT. In order that this process continues on a sustainable basis, VIKSAT has promoted a taluka level federation. The president of Bhiloda Taluka Lok Vankalyan Sahakari Sangh, Shri Kantibhai Kharadi, who was present along with a few of the federation members, shared their experience on Joint Forest Management and the enhanced water availability leading to significant changes in livelihoods support. Shri Agnihotri from the Forest Department, Dungarpur shared his views.
The Guests were warmly welcomed by the Director and other VIKSAT staff. Dr. Maxine Olson inaugurated the MDG Information Resource Centre by unveiling a plaque and then cutting a ribbon.
The guests were then taken around the exhibition arranged inside the Centre. A room was dedicated to the posters and a model specially prepared on different MDG themes. Issues of female feticide, hunger, wastage of food, child labour etc. were highlighted through these posters and the model. Finally, a poster with some specific questions on each MDG was put up which would lead an individual to introspection. The poster and the idea of introspection were appreciated by Dr. Olson. In another room, panels depicting various thematic activities of VIKSAT in its various work areas, publications on Joint Forest Management, Water Management and livelihoods, CDs and process document on Rainwater Harvesting were displayed. Some of the products like woolen shawls, jackets and knives prepared by members of VIKSAT SHGs in Bhuj attracted the attention of guests.
The guests were then led to the dais by VIKSAT Director Shri Mudrakartha. He then formally welcomed all the guests. The programme began with the traditional custom of lighting of lamp by the honourable guests. Special Guest of the function Shri Mahaveer Bhagora released the booklet in Hindi describing briefly the MDGs as defined globally, MDGs in the context of Dungarpur, the aims and objectives of the current project and the implementation strategy. Copies of the booklet were also distributed among all the invited guests. While addressing the audience Shri Bhagora said that all the goals are important and contextual. However, they need to be prioritised in consultation with the people and local situation. Implementation should be as per this priority. Shri KN Dewangan of VIKSAT briefly explained each of the MDG, targets to be achieved under each of them and the indicators to measure the progress. Ms. Manju Rajpal- President of the function – then invited Shri Rawat to say a few words. Shri Rawat extended his special thanks to UNDP for selecting Dungarpur as one of the two pilot districts for the implementation of this project and expressed his faith that this would go a long way to help the poor and backward population of this tribal district. He also welcomed VIKSAT in the region and conveyed his best wishes for the success.
In her inaugural address, Dr. Maxine Olson informed that member-nations of UN have agreed upon these development goals to be achieved within a period. For this to happen, there is a need for understanding the MDGs in the local context. The Information Resource centre just now launched will play a key role in providing the necessary information and resource support. The posters designed and exhibited by VIKSAT are a powerful medium and comprise the first step in this direction. Recalling one of the posters which depicted what should one do to contribute to the MDG process, Dr. Olson said that the process of introspection has already begun. She also emphasized on the importance of information technology for reaching out a wider audience which is critical in the achievement of the MDG.
While delivering the presidential address for the function, the Collector Ms. Rajpal said that due to the damages caused by the extensively heavy rains this year, all the available funds under NREGS were diverted for the purchase of foodgrains. This year, she hoped they would be able to use the funds under NREGS for meeting other basic requirements of the people. She informed the gathering that the District Administration is making lot of efforts to bring the people of the District in the main stream and the day is not far when the backward district of Dungarpur will be acknowledged throughout the country for its achievements. She expressed the hope that VIKSAT would help develop Dungarpur with its rich experience from Gujarat which has been depicted through the exhibition panels, publications and people’s institutions.
All the distinguished guests were felicitated with a shawl made by VIKSAT promoted SHG members from Kachchh.
VIKSAT team under the leadership of Ms. Heena Patel then presented a puppet show. The theme of the puppetry revolved around maternal and child health care, education, gender equity and woman empowerment through SHGs.
Himali Desai accorded vote of thanks.