High school students of Snehalaya travel to learn about problems of tribals (May 2009)

20 children learning in std. 9th and above arranged trip (exposure visit) to Anandwan, Hemalkasa, Somanath, and Melghat during 23rd, May to 29th, May 2009.  This is the second batch coming up to shoulder the responsibilities of Snehalaya's various projects.  The core team among the students of Snehalaya took initiative to plan the trip and choose the sites for visit.  It was decided to visit model social projects this year instead of visiting fun fares, gardens and water parks.

Visit to Anandwan: 

Anandwan is the place of vibrant activities. It has colleges, rehabilitation centers for blinds, leprosy patients,  deaf and dumb persons. It also has agricultural projects and other vocational units, hospital, orchestra of disabled artists etc.  The students visited all the places and tried to know about the history of Anandwan and struggle of Baba from Respected Vikas Amte.  Mr. Seetakant Prabhu and Mr. Paranjape made all the arrangement for stay and visits to all the projects.  

Visit to Hemalkasa:

The students visited Yuvak Biradari Project at Hemlkasa. It was enlightening to see the conditions in which  the Adivasis live and survive. Dr. Prakash Amte and his whole family are dedicated to serve the tribal community. It is also a great learning to see how they see the process of change  in totality. They care not just for tribal people but also for the wild animals like poisons snakes, tigers, bears etc.Respected Prakashbhau introduced the wild animals to the Students and also explained the strenuous life of Adivasi community. Prakashbhau spent more than one hour to discuss with the students and wed how to be kind with animals and save the environment.    

Visit to Somnath project:  

Somnath Project is one of the important projects of Anandwan.  Somanath project is situated in Tadoba reserve forest area.  It is the agro-based

project.  1200 cured leprosy patients are rehabilitated in this project.  All the cured patients are involved in agriculture activities and growing the crops.Fishery is one of the important aspects to provide employment to cured leprosy patients.  Children enjoyed catching fish. Children were thrilled to see some of the wild animals in this project.

Visit to Melghat: 

Mahan Trust: Mahan Trust is running a hospital for Adiwasis in Melghat near Dharni town.  Dr. Ashish and Dr. Kavita Satav are the founders of  Mahatma Gandhi Hospital.Dr. Satav has published shocking Statistical data regarding deaths of infants and inactive govt. Health system. Dr. Satav is working in 40 villages through 'Arogya Doot'. Arogya Doot is a trained lady giving primary health tips and medicines to the Adivasis. Malnutrition is one of the major problem in this area.  Dr. Satav explained the current social situation of Adivasis and struggle of Mahan Trust while establishing the hospital.  The students were impressed by the dedicated couple and the extraordinary job they have accomplished.      

Meeting Dr. Ravindra Kolhe:

What is unique about Mr. Kolte is that, this person who has never accepted any donation for his social service for the Adivasis. Simplicity and great sacrifice for the cause are the strengths of this man. He is serving the deprived adivasi community  for last 20 years.When he completed 

M.B.B.S. M.D., decided not to involve in professional medical practice.  He is the voice of Adivasis in this area against injustice. Dr. Kolhe organize 'Tarunai Camp' every year and motivate the college youths to involve in social services to create a new and bright India.  Snehalaya's students interacted with Dr. Kolhe and tried to know his attitude e.g.  simple living and high thinking.    

Visit to Sampurna Bamboo Kendra: 

At the end of the trip the students visited Sampurna Bamboo Kendra running by Mr. Sunil Deshpande and Mrs. Nirupama Deshpande at Lawada.  Mr. Deshpande has created thousands of anti-earthquake housed and other furniture made by Bamboo, It is proved long life and attractive.  He is using Bamboo as a alternative for wood and providing employability to the adivasi youths.

The children enjoyed the trip with purpose and learnt many things through the interaction with the people who has devoted their lives for the social cause.