Visit to RDT (Rural Development Trust) and Aame (ఆమె)Artisans, Anantapuramu

 My visit to RDT (Rural Development Trust) and Aame (ఆమె)artisans, Anantapuramu

Before sharing my experience in visiting RDT, I want to throw light on what is RDT and who was the founder of RDT. RDT – Rural Development Trust, Anantapuram. In 1969, Father Vincent Ferrer and his wife Anna Ferrer came from Spain and started the RDT to eradicate poverty in Anantapur. Before coming to Anantapuramu, Father Vincent Ferrer’s social work in India started in 1959 in Mumbai where he helped the poor families in Manmaad, Maharashtra.

RDT’s mission - Empowering rural communities in India and supporting them in their struggle to eradicate poverty, suffering and injustice. This year RDT celebrated its 55 years of journey in the development of Anantapur. They work towards Education for Transformation, Women Empowerment, Community Health, Rural Hospitals, Disability Inclusive Development, Ecology & Sustainable Livelihood, Habitat, Sports & Culture.

My interest in RDT

Both my parents are from Anantapur district, and they were raised in different cities- Kalyandurgam, Tirupathi and Kadiri. My father was much connected to Anantapur and use to always tell stories about RDT. His first job in his career was with RDT in 1970’s and he was very passionate about social work. He earned his master’s in social work in Indore (MSW) in those days and was interested in welfare of others. That’s how my interest and passion towards social work sparked during my childhood. But because of education, job, and other distractions I was unable to spend my time directly with social work.

 But luckily my job with CIEE – Council on International Education abroad where I worked for 14 years before COVID as Language tutor, Program Coordinator and Center Director I was introduced to NGO’s. At CIEE different graduate, undergraduate and high school students from different universities in America came to study abroad a semester or 3 weeks short term summer program with us as part of their education. Apart from education, service learning was part of their curriculum where we use to visit different NGOs in and around Hyderabad and help these NGOs in every possible way. Our students use to teach kids maths, English, art, computers, and other behavioural skills at the NGOs. It was not limited to Education, but they also helped in case studies, designing brochures, websites and developing websites. I was coordinating and engaging both with NGOs and students. That was the only way I was involved in social work. Now as I got some additional hours for myself apart from my working hours, I want to share my knowledge and experience with women and especially disabled women in this sector. They need lot of motivation and confidence to showcase their talents as well as to keep going in their life.

Recently, I was keen in learning more about RDT and was amazed to see their efforts and wonderful work which has benefited thousands of people in and around Anantapur for 5 decades. I approached them and was fortunate to meet Anna madam, Moncho sir and his wife Vishala madam. They open heartedly welcomed my idea to volunteer with them. I personally visited RDT in November 2023 and Jan 2024. I wanted to be part of their Anantapur 10k run and signed up for it for 21^st Jan 2024.

During my interaction I learned about their other branches as VFF (Vincent Ferrer foundation) in Washington DC and Spain, and I also learned about their project Aame in Anantapur Bukkarayasamudram which now is an individual producer company which was started & supported by RDT in earlier days. I reached ATP on 20^th Jan 2024 and decided to visit Aame and met few of the women who were involved in multiple skillful works. I was amazed to see their passion and determination towards learning and standing on their own feet. I met them all shared couple of my experiences and motivated them, they all were so happy to listen to me and Saraswathi one of the women gifted me beads bracelet which was the precious gift I ever received. Ms. Safia and Mr. Chandra have created a positive workplace for these women. There care, support, training and motivation has impacted them.  RDT continuous to support them in every possible way.  Let’s learn more about Aame.

 

Saraswati tying me bracelet made by her

Aame (ఆమె)artisans  - One of the first companies in India completely owned by women with different needs. Please visit - https://aameartisan.com/

 

Aame's mission is inspiring, providing a platform for women with disabilities to showcase their incredible talents. Today these women not only make beautiful products to earn their bread and butter but also are carved into skilful women who are confident, courageous, motivated, and ready to train other women. At Aame they found that they are more than capable to work and survive on their own. All women at Aame artisans are proud financially independent women who don’t have to depend on anyone for their survival.

 

Aame believes in the empowerment of women through entrepreneurship. They aspire to create a supportive and nurturing environment for women who have diverse needs, so that they can reach their full potential. They provide resources and support to help these women become successful businesswomen and help promote equality and diversity in the workplace.

 

sharing my experience and building their confidence.  

  They have two workshops where they learn tailoring, jewelry making, paining, toy making, jute products making and many more. They export these products to companies, events and people in different countries. They make jute bags, coasters, jute door mats, mats, cloth toys, cushion covers, beads bracelets, earrings, etc.

interacting at second workshop women

 I got the opportunity to meet these talented women and Interviewed couple them at both the workshops on 20^th Jan 2024.These were the three questions I asked them. These are the women who are disabled partially but are fully abled to work and earn for themselves. They are not only standing on their own feet but are supporting their families as well.

 

Displayed handicrafts made in Aame

Artisan making beaded bracelet

1. Can you please share with us the story behind your work with Aame and how it has impacted your life and the lives of other women in your community? 2. Aame's mission is inspiring, providing a platform for women with disabilities to showcase their incredible talents. How has being part of Aame empowered you personally? 3. What changes have you observed in your community since the establishment of this social cooperative?

 Saraswathi

Always smiling Saraswati

Saraswati displaying her work

I used to stay at home and do my household works and cooking by dragging myself here and there. I thought there is no point in staying home and doing nothing so decided to stay back. Few of my friends saw me doing nothing and then told asked me if I want to learn something creative and do my work. They told me about the training at RDT. I used to stay with my parents in Nandigiri mandal, Kurnool district. Then I attended the meeting through the communities and came to know about RDT training and joined. Earlier it was with RDT, I learned jewellery training. Initially, I was not very confident about the work and myself, but once I saw ladies who are in more pathetic condition than me, I use to walk with my sticks but there are many who cannot even stand but still are able to learn and work it motivated me and boosted my confidence.

I went home after 2 months and I noticed that my family members and people’s mindset changed, they were proud and praise me saying that I am able to go out and work and earn my own bread butter in spite of disability. I was paid around Rs 800 during my training period and once I started making products and was earning Rs 2000 to Rs 3000/- by seeing that my hard-earned money credited in my bank account gave me more power and confidence. My family may not afford to give me money always, but this was my own earned money, and I can use it anytime I want and that made me feel so happy. By looking at my other friends after Jewelry making, I learned to make Jute products, embroidery toys in training.

 The moment I started receiving more money in my bank account I felt very empowered and confidence. Motivation from the sirs/madams here, people and family I have earned name and fame that I am earning and living with my own earned money. I have a feeling in my heart that I should help others I mean if someone needs money, I am confident that I can support them with my money, I felt courageous that I can send money by using Phone Pay.

After joining this society, I have seen a lot of change in me and in my personality understanding everything. At home I was only with one ideology or was feeling distressed and disappointed that I had a problem nut after seeing so many other problems, understanding them and how to overcome them made a strong person. Now I feel that my problem is not big one at all. Earlier, I was very short tempered and use to get anger very soon but after attending meetings and listening to the talks I learned how to behave properly and not shouting or getting angry all the time. I have decided that I will dedicate my life to help others and I should be able to say yes if someone asks me for help. Thank you so much for coming here and motivating us and talking to us I felt very happy madam.

 

Yellamma 

Soft spoken Yellama

When I first came here, I had a feeling whether I will be staying here or not I may quit in between. One of my friend Gangamma akka (older sister in Telugu) motivated me sharing old stories and she also said that every new person say the same that they may want to leave soon, but once you start training and you have the determination that you want to learn new things for your own survival and bread butter you will stick here and live a happy life. I worked here for 6 months and was called home as my father was sick and he didn’t allow me to go back as he wanted me to stay with him. I stayed at home for 3 years and I lost my father during Covid. Then I got a call from a madam here and I came back as my father was also no more and I need money to take care of my mother and siblings.

During training time, I use to get around Rs 2400/- and I never use to keep that money with me as I used to send them to my parents. Now I am happy that after working here and earning my own money I can help my family. I have spent a lot even for my father’s treatment as well but couldn’t save him. God had different plans for him and I did my best whatever I can do. My village people were happy that I was doing good, few of them opposed me saying that I should stay at home and get married as my friends are getting married and should not leave home. But I fought with all of them and came here where I have a different life for me and an opportunity to work, learn and earn. My mother and siblings are happy and they are supporting me for my decision. Thanks to all women here who teach us and stand in hard times with each other. I have learned tailoring here and I enjoy doing it.

 

 Lalitha

Radiant Lalitha

 

Before coming here, I used to be at home madam, I was not born disabled, but I suffered with high fever then I got these severe pains in joints, knees and hands and was unable to do any kind of work. Later I was told it is called rheumatoid arthritis. I came here through GO sir and after coming I looked at the training and the work and I thought I won’t be able to do it because I was unwell as well and wanted to go back immediately. My hometown is kadiri district. I got trained here by different madams on different skills and after learning I wanted to stay here work and make my own money.

 

Lalitha showing pics on her phone sitting next to her best friend saraswati

Also, I have made lot of friends here and Saraswathi is my best friend with whom I work and stick to lot of times. She keeps motivating me that I can do it and she helps me if I don’t understand the design. I am happy that I don’t have to beg anyone to earn money and instead I am able to help my family and others who need any help. I am learning Jewellery now but can do any work given to me. I am also in debited to RDT as they had spent Rs 2Lakhs on my health when I was sick. I needed monthly doctor check-up and RDT bear the expenses. I don’t want to leave so many facilities and care I get here.

 

Sunkamma

Trainer and teacher Sunakamma

 

I came in 2009 from Yadaki mandal before that I use to stay with my 4 siblings and parents. We came from a very poor family. Now I have lost both my parents, and all my other siblings are married. Before coming here, I used to stay home and do small household works and cooking. I thought that I should do something with my life, and I don’t want to be burden on anyone. On 24^th July 2009, I joined RDT and took training. I was paid after I learned the work quickly and doing regularly.

They used to pay me in every 3 months, and I was earning very continuously and money in my hand me feel more powerful and confident. After 5 years, I became the instructor in one of these training workshops. I have studied till 7^th grade only, even then chandra sir, safia madam and others noticed my talent and gave me the opportunity to teach others as an instructor. I trained 13 students in jute work and showed them different designs and methods. Safia madam or Chandra sir use to show me different designs and patterns from internet, and I use to initially learn myself and then train others later. Now with the money I have earned I buy whatever I want. I don’t spend extravagantly but at least I spend on what I want.

Sunakamma curious to know what will I ask

 

That makes me so happy and confident. RDT gave me shelter, home, and land of my own, I like gold so bought some gold of my own choice. It was less expensive those days so according to my limitations I bought them. I also helped my brother’s family, and I am very motivated. Laksmi madam and other madams and especially Chandra sir motivated me a lot that you should teach all the work to other people and help them. I have learned a lot from Chandra sir and I am always grateful to him. I also visited villages near pavagada district and used to train people meanwhile I wanted to spend time with family so went there for an year but got bored and felt like I was burden on the family as I am just sitting and doing nothing. Now I am happy that I am back.

 

Gangamma

Singer Gangamma

 I am from Urvakonda and I have 4 siblings and I am one of the twins and my sister is not affected with polio but I have it. I have studied till 10^th class. I asked people in my village including the GO (Government Officer) to give me some work to learn and earn, that time they didn't have any suggestions but later, they asked me if I can go to bukkarayasamudram for work at Aame. I came here and was in recycle Centre for 13 years and we were 26 of them and later everyone left, and I was alone. I do all the work I was given and learn new work as well. I learned jute work, jewelry and tailoring as well. With my hard-earned money, I bought my brother a bike and now I am planning to buy a sooty for me.

 

  K Seshama

 I am very new and just joined 10 days back. I came from a very poor family, and we don’t have anything. My family was not interested to send me I came here and then called them to inform that I am here. I started training and want to earn for my own. I will work and learn.

 

New to Aame shy Seshamma

 

What can we do to support these women?

As a community and individual, we can create opportunities for these women so the women who are working with Aame can continue their journey towards empowerment. It can be buying sustainable products, encouraging people with difficulties to change their lives. Always look for enterprises those are constantly working towards upliftment others - by supporting and promoting their products.

Also, all such enterprises should learn from each other so they can apply their learning to help the people associated with them. Fashion brands those promote sustainability need to explore and collaborate, so the work of the artisans reach more people. We talk about sustainability but action matters - and together wherever we are in our own way can create more opportunities and should take help of others to uplift differently abled. Beauty lies in diversity, but our small actions can help many to showcase their talents and change their course of lives.

Jute hand bag

Jute bag

wall decor

Coasters and table mats

Jute bag made with embroidery on it

Display of handicrafts made by women at Aame

Beads bracelet made in process

Run medals designed and made by Aame artisans

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trekker and Tourist in Srinagar, Kashmir !! Trip to Kashmir – Oct 27 – Nov 4, 2023

“Remember that happiness is a way of travel – not a destination.” – Roy M. Goodman

 It’s always fun to travel with a group of friends who love to spend on travel, trek, and explore. This year I went to Srinagar, Kashmir with my MBA classmates and their families. We were 8 people including 2 kids between 2-3 years and aunty who was above 65 years. This was a leisure, touristy cum trek trip as small kids and aunty were with us. It was way different than a regular trek in mountains. The entire trip was organized by ‘Eka Experience’ and its team. Eka is run by a passionate trekker Abhirup who was our first trek leader when we went to Sandhakphu-Phalut trek with Indiahikes (my first trek). Eka experiences have their own trekking destinations, and they also customize them according to the size of the group. They accommodate solo treks, group treks and family treks. Here are details of our trip to Srinagar! Before our trip let’s see where is Srinagar and what is it famous for?

 Srinagar (Source- Wikipedia)

Srinagar is a city in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir in the disputed Kashmir region. It is the largest city and summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, which is an Indian-administered union territory. It lies in the Kashmir Valley along the banks of the Jhelum River, and the shores of Dal and Anchar lakes, between the Hari Parbat and Shankaracharya hills. The city is known for its natural environment, various gardens, waterfronts, and houseboats (Shikaras). It is also known for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts like the Kashmir shawl (made of pashmina and cashmere wool), papier-mâché, wood carving, carpet weaving, and jewel making, as well as for dried fruits. It is the second-largest metropolitan area in the Himalayas (after Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal).

Famous in Srinagar, Kashmir

-          Chinar trees,  Apple gardens,  Walnuts,  Pine trees ,Kashmiri Khawa ,  Kashmiri Pulao ,  Dum Aloo,  Pine trees, Nadru curry, Willow bats , Saffron aka kesar & Mountains and Meadows

 Day 1 - 27^th Oct 2023 (Friday) – Hyderabad to Srinagar

Five of us, me, Sayantan, Shalini their 1.5-year daughter Agnya and Shalini’s mom took a 3-hour flight to Srinagar from Hyderabad. We reached Srinagar around 7 pm where drivers with cabs were ready to pick us and drop at our hotel. It was already a little dark as it was slightly cold in Srinagar. Temperatures were very different from Hyderabad. I was excited and had mixed feelings about landing in Srinagar and traveling around. Security check was tight and there were 100s of CRPF jawans with gun deployed in the entire city. It was a cultural shock for me as I am not used to see so many CRPF men walking next to us. I understand they were for the safety of the citizens, but it was very new to me, but it was normal for locals. Heard they doubled the number because of the recent G-20 meeting. We checked in hotel Royal Batoo and had a must drink Kashmiri Kahwa (Kashmiri Kahwa is a fragrant, warming, mild green tea made with whole spices, saffron, and nuts like almonds or walnuts.) This was our regular drink, replacing our morning & evening tea and coffee for most of the trip. We met Dilshaad, his wife Tarannum and their 4-year-old daughter Inaya who reached earlier for dinner. Tasted local cuisine Kashmiri Pulao and Dum Aloo along with other delicacies. We took a rest for the night.

 Day 2 - 28^th Oct 2023 (Saturday) – Check out and city tour

 Next morning we checked out and went sightseeing. First stop was Pari Mahal - Pari Mahal or Peer Mahal, also known as The Palace of Fairies, is a seven-terraced Mughal Garden located at the top of Zabarwan mountain range. It is an example of Islamic architecture. Got to see the beautiful view from the top and enjoyed the vibrant colors of different flowers. This day was garden and flowers day so went to another garden called Mughal Garden Chashmashahi. This garden was surrounded with flowers, a fresh water pond and saw tall Chinar tree. Entire roads were covered with Chinar trees and the trees were changing colors due to fall. It was one of the mesmerizing scenes while traveling in and around Srinagar. In between when we were crossing the governor’s bunglow we need to scan our luggage again to pass that road for security purpose. The entire stretch had double the CRPF jawans than the normal roads. After that, we Had Lunch at a local restaurant and then our last leg was ride on boat in Dal Lake. Shikaras are very famous in the Dal Lake and were quite expensive as well. We hired two Shikaras and went to the other end of the Lake. It was a unique kind of experience. All the services and products are sold on boats 😊 Yes service at your doorstep!! I mean we were sailing on the boat and in the mid-way small vendors were selling us their products, selling snacks and photo shooting as well. All the shops at the other end were on boats. It is called a floating village in Dal Lake. It is amazing to see how people use different tricks and methods to sustain and promote their business. We should really make it safer by suggesting some safety norms. Like usage of Life Jackets while sailing on the boat. Because not all tourists are swimmers 😊 Shopped in that floating bazar and while coming back it was chilly. We checked in to another hotel, had dinner and took rest.

 Day 3 – 29^th Oct 2023 (Sunday) – Aharbal water falls (The Niagara falls of Kashmir)

Day started with a sumptuous breakfast and went to visit Aharbal waterfalls (Known as The Niagara Falls of Kasmir) was 2 and half hours from Srinagar. The entire travel was having scenic beautiful views and Chinar trees spread over the route. It was such a pleasant feeling for the eyes and soul. Learn about Wazwaan & Shirmal which are purely local delicacies. Finally, we reached the destination Aharbal waterfalls. The kids were hungry so first fed them and later we all walked down around 200 steps to reach the point. The entire view was covered with a fence for safety purposes. But the sound of the waterfalls, the rays of sun on the falls and the chinar trees in between the mountains covering the falls was a breathtaking view. We spent more than 3 hours at the point and enjoyed the beauty. Later had Maggi and Pakoras at the canteen available in the destination. After filling our stomachs, we drove back to Srinagar, and did some shopping on the way back. Reached the hotel, had dinner and took a rest.

Day 4 – 30^th Oct 2023 (Monday) – Doodhpatri

Started to our next destination, Doodhpatri another water falls for which you need to trek for a while.We reached Doodhpatri via Budgam in 2 hours from our hotel. Entire road was filled with Pine trees and Chinar trees. At Doodhpatri we have a trek route where you can wither walk or horses can take you on their back. Shalini, Agnya, Tarunnum, Inaya and aunty chose to hop the horses and me, Sayantan and Dilshaad decided to walk. We walked 3km to the closest Dishkal meadows which took 3 hours to go and come back. The kids enjoyed the horse ride. We walked the curve trails steep and slippery sometimes. It was amazing to get to trek even for a short time. We were walking behind or sometimes near the horses with our group to make sure the kids & moms were not having trouble. On the way back I just wanted to try the horse ride so sat for 5 min and it was the scariest time of my day as we were descending, and the horse was walking down, and I felt like I would fall down. I got down and decided to walk rather than hopping it. We all paid for the horses and started our journey back. Doodhpatri was a touristy place and many small vendors had a stalls selling fresh makki ki roti and saag with other snacks and Khawa. We all enjoyed the hot rotis and had kahwa. Most of us dozed off while our drivers made sure that we reached our hotel safely. We took a rest for the day.

Day 5 – 31^st Oct 2023 (Tuesday) – Manasbal Lake and Naranag Village Homestay

This was the last day we were in hotel and rest of our stays were in homestay. We checkd out and started our journey to Naranag village while stopping at Manas Bal Lake. It was just like any other Lake in Kashmir with less crowd than Dal Lake. It has its own aura and beauty. We had a relaxing time at the park next to lake and then found a small submerged Ancient temple at the Manas Bal Lake. The temple was surrounded by water and live fishes. We also took some pictures wearing local Kashmiri attire and jewelry which was available on rent.  Near this Manasbal Lake we found Nadru or Kamal kakkdi and took with us to be cooked in homestay. It is one of the authentic dishes in this area. We drove for an hour to reach Naranag village where our stay for next 2 days was organized with a local homestay. The route through the valley was breathtaking. We literally were cut off from the media, internet and outside the materialistic world. Looking at the locals with minimal things for survival makes us think how they are so happy. We checked in our homestay with Aslam bhai who runs this homestay, certified by Govt of Jammu and Kashmir. On our way we saw Amarnath yatra starting point.

Day 6 – 1^st Nov 2023 Naranag Gangabal Trek

The valley and the homestay were chilling. It was around – 4, -3 and -2 degrees in the early hours of the day and the highest was between 15 to 18 degrees in the afternoon and again temp dips. We started a 3-hour trek after having our breakfast. Naranag-Gangabal trek is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful treks in Kashmir region of Jammu & Kashmir state. Gangabal is nestled at the foothill of Mount Haramukh and overwhelmingly one of the most beautiful lakes in the region. We didn’t hike the entire trek but made to halfway called Dumail point. Spend some time with rocks, water, and nature. It was a narrow path uphill and down and at some points freshwater ponds were there. Shalini’s mom and she was the trekker of the day. Aunty did a great job at her age by finishing the trek while taking short breaks and Shalini was a super mom carrying her baby in the carrier and climbing was a tough task. Dilshaad too hiked carrying his kid on his shoulders. A little tough for parents to carry kids on treks but not impossible if planned well.

Day 7 – 2^nd Nov Aru Valley, Pahalgam - Saffron crops, shopping and willow cricket bats

Our next destination was Aru valley in Phalgam. We said goodbye to our homestay after breakfast and started to Aru Valley. On our way we saw beautiful meadows, houses, and chinars all the way. We also stopped at a village where we saw Saffron crops and shopped at local shops and bought some Saffron, dry fruits and Khawa. I was surprised to see so many bats’ shops as famous willow bats are manufactured here in Kashmir. The entire street was covered with willow trees and shops. Finally, after 4 hours we reached Aru Valley and checked into Milky way cottage. It was simple, clean, and decent. Had some Khawa and ventured out to shop again, bought some beautiful shawls, sarees and kurtis. Had our dinner at the hotel and took rest.

Day 8 – 3^rd Nov  Trek Aru Valley

Next morning, I was excited to walk around in -4 degrees temperature putting on 3 layers of clothes and warmers. It was amazing to see the beauty of nature. Surrounded with mountains which were covered with snow and greenery everywhere. I trolled sometime and came back to cottage. we decided that only me, Sayantan and Dilshaad will go for a trek and rest of ladies and kids will go to near by sightseeing. We 3 started with trek guide and went to Kooth Pathri and green point which was total 7km trek and we took 3 hours to complete the trek. It was narrow cum bedded route throughout the trek. We stopped in between and clicked some beautiful pictures of tall pine trees, chinar trees, meadows, horses, and flowers throughout the trek. We came back and went to troll again with the entire group. We had dinner and took a rest.

Day 9 – 4^th Nov Srinagar to Hyderabad – Apple gardens and Juice

The last day of the trip arrived. We checked out our cottage in Aru valley and then started to the airport. On the way back we stopped at Apple town shopian where we saw Apple gardens and drank the best Apple juice of my life. Never saw so many apples on the trees. Apples were sold as tomatoes and potatoes are sold here in Hyderabad on small carts. On our way we quickly grabbed our last meal at the hotel and reached the airport. There are 2 security checks at the airport where you need to scan your luggage multiple times. Dilshaad and his family left to Delhi and we went came to Hyderabad.