The Philanthropist - TALKING TALUKAS - February 2021 - Issue 04 by GDP Foundation

The Philanthropist | Feb 2021

Feb 2021 | The Philanthropist

Launch of Talking Talukas - Cluster 02 at Shree Mallikarjun College of Arts & Commerce, Canacona

Welcome speech by Dr. Manoj Kamat, Principal - Shree Mallikarjun College Of Arts & Commerce

Launch of Talking Talukas - Cluster 02 brochure

Lunch of The Philanthropist - Feb 2021 : Talking Talukas issue by Dr. Manoj Kamat, Principal - Shree Mallikarjun College Of Arts & Commerce

Student along with faculty members of Shree Mallikarjun College Of Arts & Commerce 2

Launch of Talking Talukas - Cluster 02 poster by Chief Guest - Mr. Bhushan Prabhugaonkar, Entrepreneur

The Philanthropist | Feb 2021

PUBLISHED BY GDP FOUNDATION (Reg No: PNJ-4-12-2019 dt. 18th July 2019)

ADVISORY BOARD Mr. Pramod Vatsa Mr. Balaji Jayaseelm Dr. Dyaneshwar Mulay

EDITORIAL TEAM Mr. Kishore Shah Mr. Ameya Salatry Mr. Prasad Deshpande

INDEX The Revolution Is Here - Editorial

We Can & We Will

Rural Youth Rising

Youth as agents transforming the rural economy

Rural India - The Key To Future Growth

Talking Talukas 14

DESIGN TEAM Owlways Creative

WEBSITE www.gdpideaz.org

The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of the GDP Foundation or its trustess or partners.

Feb 2021 | The Philanthropist

EDITORIAL

The Revolution is here

The Philanthropist | Feb 2021

Rural India is in many ways the most diverse part of the planet. But we and our urban mindset fail to see this gold mine of human resource and tend to neglect creation of better opportunities in the region without hampering the social thread of the Rural India. I spoke with the editorial team - Kishore Shah and Ameya Salatry to understand the things better.

Kishore Shah

Ameya Salatry

Prasad Deshpande: Why do urban thinkers and analysts always look at Rural Youth from a negative perspective? Why do we always look down upon the rural youth? Kishore M Shah: The way I look, it’s the conscious or accidental comparative conditioning that our way of life in the urban area is superior than the rural world. It is very similar to staying in India and settling overseas. Also urbanities carry certain style, grooming which is way different than the rural youth, the cosmopolitan factor, resources and exposure creates the gap. Ameya Salatry: It is a stereotype that urban is evolved and rural is not. Be it for lack of infrastructure or mobility or any other reason. Rural youth or even rural people generally are looked at differently, however, the trend is changing. There has been a huge infusion of urban naysayers into rural areas due to slower lifestyles or wanting to do something progressive in the rural region. I would be comfortable in saying that technology has bridged the gap substantially. PD: What advantage does rural youth have over urban youth? KMS: Rural youth are more grounded and resourceful. The applied knowledge is far more superior. And most important, they are strongly embedded in the socio-cultural-economic ecosystem. They are one with nature.

PD: How do you see Rural youth as a formidable force rising in this new normal? KMS: Nature has given all of us certain unique strengths. For instance for the Middle East it is oil, for Europe it is Engineering /Technology and for India it is Agriculture. The biodiversity we have is second to none. But it is hardly harnessed to its potential the Rural youth should explore and optimise as Food is a need for the entire world. If we integrate and build on it using Technology and if we all collaboratively work towards it. The Rural youth shall rise in real sense. AS: Rural youth, if given the relevant boost and an achievement path, they can emerge as more relevant individuals to make a significant change to their lives and community in general. By identifying opportunities and giving them a belief that they can make a change, they will inevitably emerge as a formidable force in this new normal. The message is loud and clear. We need to look at India’s rural youth through a different lens. What we need is a complete revamp in our mindset. Time to change the equation We must erase the equation Rural India = Backward from our minds. Because when we say Backward, we say it from an Urban point of view. Rural India has its own strengths and yes weaknesses. It’s time we focus on these positives than just brood over the negatives. Redefine Rural India Rural India is not something that lies beyond the boundaries of Urban India. But both co-exit. One can’t stop migration. Don’t we go abroad to explore greener pastures? So what’s wrong if the rural youth wants to migrate to the cities. But what’s worrisome are parameters that compel them to take this step. Also, another grave phenomenon is the youth not returning to harness their knowledge for the betterment of their village or taluka. The need of the day is encouraging the urban professionals to step into the Rural territories and help to make Rural India self-sufficient. India would be a much different country if the Rural and Urban youth work hand-in-hand.

AS: The primary advantage rural youth have is an opportunity to progress and make the change. Urban areas have already crossed the path, and there is minimal to bring about change, whereas rural youth have that vacuum to fill and there lies the opportunity.

Get out of that cozy chair It is easy to be a couch commentator. What we need is thinkers, experts and policymakers to step out and travel the hinterland. What we need to do is go out there and listen to the Rural youth. We need to encourage them to speak about their idea.

PD: What is the best way to channelize the Rural youth’s energy?

The Rural youth is restless. We need to nurture the rising.

KMS: First things first. We need to minimise comparative measurements and increase self-worth. Next we need to build supply demand ecosystems. We need to help technology trickle at the grass root to avoid brain drain to metros. Infact Government should encourage SMART-VILLAGES along with the SMART CITY initiative. We cannot have lopsided growth & development. AS: Through education, training and giving them sufficient access to technology.

Prasad Deshpande Co-Founder, GoaBylane

Feb 2021 | The Philanthropist

GUEST COLUMN

We Can & We Will

Vaikunth Dempo Co-Chair, Young Indians Goa - 2021, am

reach their full potential. To leverage this demographic dividend,

honored and privilege to be part of CII Young Indians. With the

there is a need to have a systematic approach. The need of the

GDP Foundation, we look forward to a wonderful collaboration

day is an environment that can create a suitable environment to

to conduct powerful events that would provide a meaningful

develop opportunities for the rural youth and help them achieve

platform for our Rural youth.

employment or bring out their entrepreneurial aspirations to life. By giving our rural youth a conducive environment to work

Young Indians (Yi) is a movement for Indian Youth to converge,

on their skills set and expertise, we would see these individuals

lead, co-create and influence India’s future. As an integral part

rise and become India’s next famous businessman, CEO of MNC.

of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), a non-government,

Or then an individual who made a difference to our high potential

not-for-profit, industry-led and industry-managed organization

villages.

playing a proactive role in India’s development process. I wish the GDP foundation all the very best and we look forward Through thousands of impactful projects and activities divided

to contributing to this unique cause and see our RURAL YOUTH

primarily into three areas; Youth Leadership, Nation Building and

RISING.

Thought Leadership, Yi hopes to emerge as the premier Indian youth organization having a voice on relevant platforms that

As we say at Young Indians, WE CAN, WE WILL make a difference

solves India’s new-age problems.

and support our Rural Youth.

Rural youth are some of the best talents that we have in our country. This segment has a unique set of skills and expertise in many activities that urban youth often lack. Rural youth have a vision of their own, which is always heartening to see. However, these youth seldom lack proper guidance and investments to 4

Mr. Vaikunth Dempo Co-Chair, CII-Yi, Goa Chapter

The Philanthropist | Feb 2021

RESHAPING STAFFING We are a Startup that was initiated by two driven and young individuals with similar intentions and passionate ideas. Miss Saziya Sayyed and Mr. Anay Morajkar within their minds of starting with something out of the box and from here on “Reshaping Staffing” began its journey. OUR AIM: The main aim of Reshaping Staffing is to empower Unskilled/Semi-skilled housewives & women who are bound to their household and family responsibilities. Our focus lies on providing women with equality and opportunities that are the same as men. Our goal is to eliminate factors of discrimination, wage differences, stereotyping that generally affects the opportunities and program made by women in a general workplace setup. What do we do: “Reshaping Staffing” provides quality manpower services to a variety of companies & organizations, on-job training and work from home facilities: Especially for those who wish to work while they work after their household.

Feb 2021 | The Philanthropist

CSR LENS

Rural Youth Rising

his Pandemic has changed the way we think, act and

What they do not have is Connect, Communication and Platform.

behave. One can see that there is an increased focus on

GDP as an organization will fill up these needs as a facilitator.

personal health, hygiene, fitness, immunity etc. Efforts

are also been put to keep the mental alertness, to acquire new

Youths in India – Are they engaged?

skills and learn alternate ways of handling ourselves.

According to the report ‘Youths In India’ (Released by the Central Statistics Office), India is one of the youngest countries in the

I for myself was affected by COVID-19 and it was devastating when

world. Rural Youths forms 65% of the total Youth population! This

I was tested positive. All of sudden there was a vacuum in me!

is a huge plus point. We need to positively engage them for all-

And was not knowing how to handle it. Slowly recovering from

round development.

this shock and the pandemic, I engaged myself in many things and that had become a new normal for me today.

Our Rural economy runs in Agriculture and allied activities. But, off late, it is dwindling and youngsters feel that Agriculture is not

Apart from physical healthy habits, I got myself engaged in some

lucrative and is not sophisticated. Agriculture lands are shrinking

mentally engaging activities especially in my leisure time. My

and it is time to think differently.

favourite one was to watch “Kaun Banega Crorepati” episodes. The new edition was strikingly different than the earlier editions

Many employment and Entrepreneur opportunities can be

and I felt much more connected with KBC than ever before.

created by partnerships and a participatory approach. Use of modern technology, capacity and capability building, innovative

Two things I can separate out:

ways of handling, better market linkages etc. will actually lead to

Many contestants are women

that.

90% of the contents are from Rural India or from small towns.

People have become more health-conscious – why not Organic

I have always felt that Rural India has talents, zeal and aspirations.

farming? Can we think of – Agri sector like dairy farming? How

The Philanthropist | Feb 2021

about Agri-based e-commerce? Food Processing? We need to

need to be linked to their engagement in some livelihood option.

trigger these questions to get definite and engaging answers.

This would require a responsive entrepreneurial ecosystem that identifies their talent and absorbs them in economic activity.

Education & Employment Education and skill development is an issue of critical importance

Today, the entrepreneurial ecosystem in rural areas of India is

for rural youth. Lack of skills and the opportunity for training are

better than before. India is the third country having the largest

major reasons for increasing unemployment. Education levels are

number of start-ups. There are about 450 agri-start-ups. More

lower and opportunities are less in the rural areas.

and more start-ups are been encouraged and GDP is a platform where hand-holding is done to these rural youths before they

The education and training, that is available, is often so oriented

venture into a commercial activity.

to urban life that it only acts as a further incentive to migrate to the towns. Young women are especially likely to suffer from

Skill development initiatives need to be compatible with

discriminatory practices and habits. Rural young women of

programmes and policies directed towards making a Digital

the region receive less education than young men and fewer

India. The thrust on the skill development of rural youth should

opportunities for vocational training. Thus leading to greater

be capability-based, and the focus should go beyond agricultural

difficulties for young women to get employed. In many of the rural

occupations and traditional courses, such as in the areas like data

areas, we still have a conservative mindset that women have to

analysis, paramedical fields, and so on.

be homemakers and thus there is no need for higher education. This adds to the problem of a lower level of education for women.

Following aspects or to be considered for a combined training and employment opportunities. :

The negative result of this has been that young people who have

Technical & vocational skills training; direct employment

recently acquired some degree of education are pushed out of

generation; reintegration of urban youth in agriculture;

the job market by others who have higher education and must

community development; civic education & work ethics; soft

shift to occupations of a lower rank. There has been a general

skills and hobbies.

downward movement in which the lowest ranks, those with rudimentary education, are driven out of the formal job market.

Rural Youth Raising

This has a particularly negative effect on the products of many

“India’s strength lies in its rural areas,” said Mahatma Gandhi.

rural schools.

This saying fits into anything and everything from every walk of life. It’s only natural for talent to trickle through from rural India

The flip side is, as more and more young people acquire the

as more than 65% of the country’s youth population is located

requisite qualifications for jobs, the number of relevant jobs does

in these areas. Sure, the lack of infrastructure and financial

not increase proportionately. A solution for many employers has

resources makes it very difficult for youths from these areas to

been to progressively raise the educational requirements for the

make it amongst the crème de la crème. Still, there are several

job in question. This makes the rural youths that more difficult to

personalities who have defied the odds to make it to the top.

get employed. It is our collective responsibility to get the Rural youth into the Employability and Skills

mainstream. Given an opportunity, they can excel themselves in

According to NSSO data, the percentage of rural youth, who did

any field – Right Raja, Nattu, Mary and Deepika?

not receive vocational training of any sort stood at 93.7% in 2017– 18. This skill shortage not only reduces the employability of youth but also is detrimental to technology adoption. Furthermore, a lot of the rural youth lack “soft skills,” such as the ability to experiment with new ideas, spot business opportunities, sales and marketing skills, and so on, which could make them

Mr. Shivram Krishnan Head CSR, Tata Motors, CV,PV & ERC - Pune Head CSR Incubator, GDP Foundation

more productive and employable. The skills acquired by the youth 7

Feb 2021 | The Philanthropist

EXPERT’S ANGLE

Youth as agents transforming the Rural Economy We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build

How can young people revive the rural economy? How can youth

our youth for the future

become agents of transformation of the rural economy?

- Franklin D. Roosevelt

Skill development: oung people can and do make productive contributions

Although the literacy rate is high in Goa, yet a large proportion

to their economy and environment. Young talent needs to

of the educated youth in Goa are unemployable. This is due

be harnessed and optimally utilized for the welfare of the

to the lack of required work skills among the youth in Goa.

society and growth of the economy. The youth in the rural sector

Skill development is of utmost importance if rural youth is to

can play a significant role in transforming the rural economy from

transform rural economies. Skill development will empower them

a non-reverberant economy to a vibrant one.

economically and socially.

Goa has a large number of villages dotted with a few cities. The

Providing opportunities:

progress of the State depends on the progress of the villages. A

Rural economies often lack opportunities for the growth and

large number of youth residing in the villages are instrumental

development of young people. This leads to migration and

in bringing about a transformation of the villages and contribute

consequent brain drain. Providing opportunities to the youth in

towards the progress of rural economies.

the various sectors of the rural economy through CSR, handholding of youth in their investment plans and creating awareness about

Villages have often been given secondary treatment. In Goa,

various government schemes and entrepreneurial opportunities,

agriculture has been neglected, there is unplanned development

can transform the youth from risk averters to risk-takers and from

which is often unsustainable, lack of opportunities and training

job seekers to job creators.

for the youth in Goa. How can villages be transformed into vibrant economies and what role can youth play in bringing about

Development of agriculture:

this transformation?

The rural economies are agrarian economies. Making agriculture

“Young people can and do make productive contributions to their economy and environment 8

attractive to the rural youth will encourage them to seriously invest in agriculture. Reclaiming uncultivated land and cultivating existing agricultural land can go a long way in making the State Atmanirbhar. It is important that the youth feel a passion for agriculture; only then, will they put their hands into the earth and feel the soil. Training the youth in the nuances of agriculture, at all levels of education, can create this passion. Social Entrepreneurship:

”

Our world is fast changing. In the name of development, a lot is lost in terms of deterioration of the environment, toxic products and so on. Training youth in social entrepreneurship will not only

The Philanthropist | Feb 2021

make them entrepreneurs but will also empower them to protect

vibrant economies if the youth realize that the sources of wealth

the environment, create green products and ensure a sustainable

lie in the villages.

rural economy. Collaborations: Sustainable development:

Revival of the rural economies rests in the hands of the youth.

This implies development that meets the needs of the present

The youth need to be trained, guided and mentored if youth

generation without compromising the ability of future generations

are to succeed in their business ventures. Collaborations with

to meet their own needs. Villages need to be self-sustaining

organizations like the GCCI, Young Indians, CIBA, Government

economies. The development of the villages must be sustainable.

departments and NGOs, which bring about handholding of the

Whatever business ventures the youth invest in need to be

youth, will go a long way in making young rural enterprises taste

sustainable, be it agriculture, industry or services. Sustainable

success.

development must be the keyword and the basis for any venture.

The rural youth must become change-makers. Their leadership

Harnessing Talent: Youth in the rural areas have a lot of talents –

should catalyze the transformation of rural economies. Young

both manifest and hidden. These talents need to be recognized,

people need to be stirred to contribute towards the revival of their

encouraged and developed. Village mentors could train the youth

villages. Activating youth through awareness, understanding and

to use their talents for the welfare of the village community. This

action will definitely lead to the revival and transformation of the

could also lead to self-employment and the consequent economic

rural economy. If the youth arise and act they have the strength

and social benefits to the village.

and dynamism to generate a huge transformation in society. The youth can bring about the change that they seek for their village.

Change in work attitude: The need of the hour is to bring about a change in the attitude

Mahatma Gandhi has rightly said “Be the change that you wish

towards work among the youth in Goa. The dignity of labour,

to see in the world.” Every voice, every talent, every passion and

passion for work, and an appetite for hard work need to be

determination among the youth can transform the village into a

inculcated and imbibed by the youth. Rural economies can be

vibrant one.

“The need of the hour

is to bring about a change in the attitude towards work among the youth in Goa

”

Dr. Christina De Souza Associate Professor and HOD of Economics Government College, Khandola-Marcela

Feb 2021 | The Philanthropist

PEP VIEWS

Rural India - the key to Future Growth & Private Investment

ural - as the name resounds takes me back to my childhood

Although the Indian economy is dominated by agriculture sector,

with memories of fertile agricultural lands, pump sets

there is also clear occupational shift noticed in rural areas on

flowing with water channelized into cultivating land. At

movement from farm sector to non-farm sector. This is mainly

least each one of the millennial like me would somewhere find

attributed to low agricultural yields, lack of modern agricultural

a connect to rural environment either by their grandparents or

practices & increased awareness & education amongst the rural

ancestors. I am proud to say that I am one amongst them.

youths. Aspirations are increasingly being recognized as an important

Over the last 20 years, India has been among the fastest growing

dimension of well-being. People with high aspirations visualize

economies in the world. The country is primarily a rural economy

the future and engage in forward-looking behavior, whereas

with 70% population living in rural areas. This also indicates that

those with low aspirations lead to reduced efforts in bringing

rural India holds the key to boost demand, revive economy &

about a prosperous future.

sustain market growth. An emerging body of work from education and migration studies 10

The Philanthropist | Feb 2021

shows there is a dearth of recent, empirical studies on the aspirations of the rural communities who depend on agricultural

remote regions at a lower cost. •

activities for their livelihood in developing countries like India. Understanding and nurturing these aspirations is therefore crucial

In addition to above, the confidence in rural economy is owing to

•

Lower dependence of the rural population on farm income

for governments and development programmes to improve the

due to rise in remittance income from a migrant rural

well-being of rural youth.

population •

∙ Increase in farm income due to rise in government

Better employment opportunities, facilities for higher education

procurement prices that has increased the purchasing power

and a higher standard of living in urban areas all attract youth

of rural population.

away from agriculture, yet they find it difficult to live off their

•

Increased government spending in rural areas.

meagre earnings. Migration decreases the rural workforce and

•

Easy access to finance and credit has increased the flow of

exacerbates gaps created due to the ageing farming population.

money in rural households.

Waning interest of rural youth in agriculture will remain unless

From a business perspective, the resilience of the India’s rural

these challenges are addressed. Detailed studies to understand

economy backed by increased rural consumption has positioned

the aspirations of rural youth alongside state and district-level

rural India as potential investment theme. Among the key sectors

training needs assessments for improvement.

that are gathering traction within rural areas include – Agriculture, FMCG, Consumer durables & Banking.

Having said that, India’s rural economy has shown greater resilience emerging as silver lining for contracting economy.

Government is also promoting these sectors & propose forward

Consumer expenditure & business investment are two major

looking policies & intervention to drive

drivers for growth. The indicators point to emerging trends that

investment. Few can be illustrated as below for the benefit of

imply consumption patterns in rural India will spearhead India’s

readers of this article:

economic recovery.

•

Agriculture export policy aims to double exports by 2022

•

Digital Village program intends to provide free WiFi hotspots

Nevertheless, the problem is lack of innovation, dynamism and problem solving, thought leadership from agricultural community

consumption &

at more than 1000-gram panchayats •

& therefore more reforms are required as catalyst for change. It

National policy on Electronics promotes incentives that encourage rural development & increase rural employment

is time to take the opportunity of the current situation and rural youths should upskill and reskill to raise their bars.

Some other rural development initiatives that are of significant are as below:

What are those key drivers that will change the rural landscape,

•

which the rural youth can capitalize on or be prepared?

INR

40,000

stimulus

for

implementing

MGNREGA(Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) that provides guarantee to the “Right to

•

Shift in values: Changing social attitudes and aspirations which are significant drivers of change in rural areas

•

work” •

Rural and skilling initiative under Deen Dayal Upadhyaya

Digital connectivity: Reliable connectivity is vital to support

Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU GKY) that aims to transform

business growth and to make it easier for rural communities

rural youth into economic relevant workforce

to get online. • • • •

Future of Education: Technology can support the education

The Labor and manufacturing reforms undertaken during these

system to better deliver educational services in remote areas

unprecedented times are expected to send positive signals to

Drones: can change a whole range of social and economic

the world about the resilience of rural India in driving India’s

activities (delivering methods, risk mitigation).

economic recovery.

Future of Health: Virtual medical services can help improve wellbeing for rural population.

Most recently due to COVID-19 pandemic, technology adoption,

Energy Systems: rely on small-scale generation from

massive reverse migration, along with the availability of higher

renewable energy sources and can provide electricity to

disposable income of the rural population spurred by government 11

Feb 2021 | The Philanthropist

interventions and spending helped reposition Rural india to lead

Building effective value chains:

the demand resurgence for Indian economy.

There is need to have direct to consumer market infrastructure. Private players can make their business models more competitive

What is the way forward for private sector to contribute to rural

by removing intermediaries at first thereby optimizing time,

development?

reduce food waste, & realize higher value for their product. Procuring directly from farmers will lead to an improved sourcing

Use of Technology in agriculture:

mechanism.

Digital technologies such as Internet of things, Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics & Block chain shall aid productivity,

Increased penetration of ecommerce in rural areas:

soil monitoring, predicting rainfalls and weather, which will help

It has been forecasted that 11% of overall FMCG sales will be

achieve higher agricultural yield. Incorporation of technology

driven by ecommerce segment. With 22.7Cr active internet users

in agriculture will require active participation of private sector,

in rural areas, which is 10% more than users in urban areas, the

which has resources to research and develop these technologies.

potential for higher penetration of e-commerce sales, should be a key focus area for private firms.

Need for agricultural clusters: There is a growing need for investment in agriculture clusters

Mentoring and promoting entrepreneurship for catering to local

to strengthen backward linkages & introduce cost efficiencies.

markets:

Projects of such scale require public private partnerships to

In line with the vision of AtmaNirbhar Bharat, entrepreneurship

leverage each other’s competencies. This will help in catering

promotion & capacity building offers a tremendous opportunity

both local and export demand.

for industries to participate in rural economic development & cater to local markets through village level distributors and retailers. This will help towards self-sufficient rural markets in long term. Investing in women led entrepreneurship channels: Promoting financial inclusion for women will encourage women entrepreneurship & development of cottage industries & other products. For Private sector, this opportunity translates into access to production & distribution channels. Finally, it is about transforming lives and livelihoods through proactive

socio

economic

inclusion,

integration

and

empowerment of rural India toward self-reliance, which holds the key to economic revival and sustainable growth in near future.

Mr. Prabu R

Regional Head – South India TDK India Private Limited

The Philanthropist | Feb 2021

Feb 2021 | The Philanthropist

THE MAGIC OF

The Philanthropist | Feb 2021

FOCUS - TALKING TALUKAS

Time to make India = Bharat

here is a line that we all adore - In our country, we have

2. Sangam Village: Located close to the Indo-Tibetan border in

India and Bharat. And in this concept, Bharat < India. It is

the Trans-Himalayan belt of Himachal Pradesh, this village

time we break this cliché. It is time to change the lens and

has a unique insurance scheme for its highly prized Chamurti

look deeper. Because the rural landscape is fast changing.

horses. 3. Tholang Village: Not only does this village have a 100%

Recently, I read an article on www.betterindia.com that reveals

literacy rate, but also has the largest number of civil servants

five villages which are shattering long-held stereotypes and are,

among all villages.

in fact, adopting norms of inclusivity and social empowerment. https://www.thebetterindia.com/201978/indian-villages-

4. Odanthurai: It is a self-reliant village in the Coimbatore district and actively contributes to the national economy.

smashing-stereotype-kerala-tamil-nadu-himachal-ias/

5. Punsari: A young sarpanch created a model village in Gujarat.

1. Pilantri: In this village in Rajasthan, the sarpanch has made

If we look beyond our horizon, I am sure we will unearth many

it a rule for the family members to celebrate the birth of a

such examples that defy the norms and make you blink in disbelief.

girl by planting 111 trees in the village and nurturing them for 18 years. 15

Feb 2021 | The Philanthropist

But these feats seldom make headlines in mainstream publications

Also, the rural youth is grounded. They can see a problem and

and media. The reason being Rural India has been percieved and

identify an opportunity clearly. Hence they can think of a solution

celebrated as low key. A village comes into focus only where a

to make things easy. But where they lack is in presentation.

tragedy strikes. The positive stories and mind-boggling inititatives

Many brilliant ideas that spring out of the soil aren’t nurtured

go unnoticed.

and groomed. And hence, they either struggle to survive or die a premature death.

The reason? Us. We have never understood Rural India in its true essence. We

That’s only because they don’t have incubation centers and

have always painted it as a frame in which a dusty village path

marketers just the way their urban counterparts do.

winds past a cluster of slumbering cottages and leads one to a weekly rural bazaar or haat, brimming over with din, bustle and

Rural India needs grooming

transaction. It is time to wake up and open our eyes wide. It is

Be it a herbal soap manufactured by a self-help group or then a

time to roll our sleeves up and explore a market that is brimming

college of agriculture in a remote area of a state, it is time they

with opportunities and talent. Big corporates have done that. Take

start talking to the masses. They need to highlight their USPs

for instance, HDFC Bank. The bank launched #HarGaonHamara

and with the help of a sensitive mentor and an insightful brand

Interactive Voice Response (IVR) toll-free number (1800 120

consultant, they can evolve into homegrown smart rural brands.

9655) for farmers and agriculturists in the rural hinterland of the country to access financial services. The IVR is a one-stop

The onus is on us

calling solution for farmers to reach the Bank over the phone to

Yes, it really is. Let us stop pointing fingers at which government

enquire/avail banking products. The toll-free IVR service enables

did what and take matters into our own hands. Let’s get connected

in connecting the farming and agriculture section of the country

to the roots and explore this immense market packed with

to the bank, by just dialing 1800 120 9655 and sharing PIN code

potential. Exactly what my startup - GoaBylane did. We teamed

number. The nearest branch is automatically mapped to the

up with GDP Foundation, Internship Station and Demerg Systems

farmer and a bank representative reaches out to the farmer to

and launched an initiative - TALKING TALUKAS.

address his / her needs. But as corporates managed to penetrate into the Rural markets and make a big noise about it, the Rural

What is Talking Talukas?

enterprises and initiatives couldn’t make themselves heard. The

GDP Talks - Talking Talukas is a platform created for the Rural youth

reason was a lack of communication and branding.

to express themselves. It is a platform that is not judgemental and of a neutral colour.

Rural India needs to be marketed right Branding is a big word for many. A word that many ideas and

It is a much need nudge to encourage the rural youth to bring to

enterprises thriving in rural areas have never heard of. But if you

light issues they face with respect to agriculture, healthcare and

strip off the vanity attached to the term, it just means helping your

education and put forth their suggestions to make their life better.

idea or a product get a personality and a voice to communicate

However, what makes this initiative unique is, we won’t stop at

to the right audience. Rural India is immensely talented. However,

this. We will empower the youth to turn their suggestions into

where it lacks is getting the world to know that such talent exists.

reality. With experts and investors on board, the GDP Foundation

They fall short when it comes to communicating their USP to the

can take the solution suggested by the student to a logical end

world. And this is where we professionals should step up and rise

along with the student. Also, though there are trophies and

to the occasion.

prizes, this is not a contest, but a Manthan of Thoughts that can be put to action for the benefit of the Rural Society.

Everybody needs branding If one wants to attract supply, one has to brand itself. Because if

It is an online initiative open for all students pursuing their

you don’t tell the world that you exist and what your uniqueness

graduation. The students can participate by paying only Rs.75/-

is, why would the world come to you?

and create an impact that can last for generations to come.

The Philanthropist | Feb 2021

As a pilot project, Talking Talukas is being rolled out in the State of

GDP Talks will present a Rolling Trophy to the institution who will

Goa. The talukas of Goa have been clubbed into clusters and the

win maximum prizes in Cluster 02 - Quepem, Sangem & Canacona

team of Talking Talukas has started visiting colleges and orienting

Talukas.

the students, thus encouraging them to participate. Promising ideas and suggestions in all 4 categories will be taken We decided to focus on three sectors - Agriculture, Education and

up for implementation.

Healthcare. What GDP Talks promises*: Four categories in which students can participate:

Mentoring by industry stalwarts | Prototyping assistance

1. Talkathon: 3 min audio clip in which a student narrates a

Industry intervention | Investor readiness

real issue / opportunities related to Agriculture / Healthcare

*Conditions apply

/ Education Salcette is facing and the best entrepreneurial solution from his / her point of view 2. Thinker’s Lounge: Students shall submit a 1,000 - 1,500 words

Modus Operandi Step 01: Approaching colleges

essay describing an entrepreneurial solution for a problem

Step 02: Orienting principals and co-ordinators

or an opportunity related to Agriculture / Healthcare /

Step 03: Orienting students

Education in Salcette

Step 04: Inviting entries online

3. Vocal For Local: Student shall conduct a video 2 min interview

Step 05: Screening all entries

with an entrepreneur from Salcette who has made a mark in

Step 06: Shortlisting promising entries

Agriculture / Healthcare / Education sector.

Step 07: Helping the promising entires reach a logical conclusion

4. Lost In Bylane: A student / group of students shall bring

Step 08: Grooming rest of the entries to become high-potential

to light a lost heritage / treasure from Salcette taluka by producing a 2 min film on the same.

Resounding success so far Talking Talukas was launched in Cluster 01 - Salcette Taluka on

A systematic execution

26th January at Ravindra Bhavan by Shri. Chandrakant Kavlelkar,

To make this initiative successful, each partner brought its own

Hon. Deputy Chief Minister of Goa. 6 Colleges participated and

expertise to the table.

over 100 teams enrolled. The evaluation of the entries is on and

1. Demerg Systems: Built a robust IoT platform that can help

the results will be out soon. The initiative in this cluster was

students register and submit their ideas