Collaborative Community Development in the Himalayas
Mountain communities face immense challenges that often exceed the capacity of any single organization to address them effectively. Recognizing this reality, Experiments in Rural Advancement (ERA) has adopted a collaborative approach, uniting like-minded organizations under a shared mission and strategy. This partnership model leverages the strengths of locally based NGOs while benefiting from the support of a seasoned state-level organization. The relationship is founded on mutual respect, valuing the knowledge and experiences of all parties and acknowledging their contributions.
Among its formal partnerships, ERA collaborates closely with the *Himalaya Rachnatmak Jan Kalyan Samiti (HRJKS)*, located in Bagoli, Karnprayag Tehsil of Chamoli district. This remote area is characterized by a lack of basic facilities, including hospitals, communication networks, and roads. The founders of HRJKS, Chandrakala and Girish Nautiyal, were motivated by their struggles for livelihood and a passion for community welfare, which led to the establishment of the organization.
HRJKS: A Model of Community-Based Development*
Since its inception in 1993-94, HRJKS has embraced a participatory model of community-based development to identify local issues and work toward sustainable solutions. The organization focuses on education, health, employment, and agriculture while raising awareness about broader socio-economic issues. Although HRJKS prioritizes the concerns of children, its approach is holistic, aiming to improve the status of women and children across various dimensions.
Initially supported by ERA as a nodal agency for the CRY Trust, HRJKS now operates in villages within the Karnprayag Block of Chamoli district. Under the Child Rights program, the organization has enhanced health and education in the region primarily through the establishment and revitalization of women's self-help groups, Village Health Committees, and Village Education Committees. These institutions serve as the foundation for the community's assertion of rights and act as focal points for demands made to the government.
*Recognition and Impact*
The collaborative efforts of ERA and HRJKS have continued relentlessly even after financial assistance ceased. With progressing guidance from ERA, the Nautiyals have transformed barren land into a flourishing orchard by planting a variety of fruit trees, which now yield produce that is processed and sold. To further support local agriculture and local produce, they opened a ‘Natural and Organic Produce’ shop in Bagoli, sourcing additional products from neighboring villages. It’s a successful model for containing out-migration of youth for greener pastures.
Their work has garnered recognition from various government departments. Chandrakala Nautiyal received the prestigious *Teelu Rauteli Award* from the Chief Minister for her contributions to women’s empowerment and child development. Additionally, she was honored with the *Women Empowerment Award* by the Feel-Good Women’s Wellness Foundation and received a Scooty as part of the *Nari Shakti Samman* from the Care & Cure organization. Girish Nautiyal was also recognized with the *Gaura Devi Samman* for his courageous leadership for the year 2023-24.
