CHLP Report Sudha 2008-09

In search of relevance

My journey towards action and reflection at the grassroots

CHLP Report 2008-09Sudha Nagavarapu

Table of Contents

Those who made it possible - acknowledgements...............................................................3A brief overview.........................................................................................................................5My personal journey.................................................................................................................7A balloonist's view of agriculture..........................................................................................12Our health in our hands – learning about community health in Sitapur dt......................20The nitty-gritty and politics of technology...........................................................................29How to work with a community – lessons and challenges................................................33Future steps.............................................................................................................................38From long-distance to on-the-ground: my field experience...............................................40CHC Orientation......................................................................................................................46Itinerary of visits and field work............................................................................................50ANNEXURES............................................................................................................................53

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Those who made it possible - acknowledgements

Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one. ~Jane Howard

Embarking on the journey to a more socially relevant life is supposed to be challenging, full ofrisks and likely to bring on opposition from family and disconnect with one's peer group. Sofar, my journey has been challenging but I haven't encountered any risks. And I have beenimmensely fortunate in the support, advice and encouragement received from my network offamily, friends, mentors and peers.I would like to thank CHC for conceptualizing and setting up the unique Community HealthLearning Program and Sir Ratan Tata Trust for funding it. Every member in the CHC team hastaken time out of their busy schedules to advise, encourage and support us. Special thanksare due to Sukanya and Eddie Premdas, who have managed the CHLP and provided valuablementorship to me. The openness with which staff members, past fellows and associates haveshared their positive and negative experiences, their mistakes and corrective measures andtheir approaches in dealing with their frustrations and disappointments along the way waseye-opening. I have learnt to look for the silver lining in every dark cloud, and for this I thankthe CHC family.My fellow travelers – Varsha, Adithya, Lakshmee, Savitri, Ria, Karibasappa and Jeyapaul -and those with whom I have shared part of the journey – Sabyasachi, Vashti and Sapna – have provided friendship, entertainment and inspiration. Some of their stories have broughtme to tears, yet others have made me laugh, wince, reflect and provide feedback. We havehad fun on our collective journey and I will always treasure the time we have spent together.My journey towards an alternate paradigm began with my involvement with the Association forIndia's Development (AID) in the US. Through this involvement, I have been exposed tomovements, campaigns and grassroots organizations throughout India. Fellow volunteers inour local chapter in Minnesota and throughout the world have provided valuable insights thathelped build my perspective. In recent months, the friends made through AID have providedhospitality during our travels, served as sounding boards for thrashing out issues andprovided guidance and direction where necessary. I am very thankful to be part of the AIDfamily.All the activists, academicians, journalists etc. that I met through AID have provided valuable

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