Every Child has a Right to Her/His Father.

Gauri Shankar used to be a daily labourer. He spent most of his time outside his village and away from his family, looking for livelihood in the cities like Delhi and Chandigarh.

Although, he was a natural singer and a musician,he could not afford the luxury, with worries of bread and butter weighing him down. 

His growing children would soon need more than he thought he could provide.

Less than two acres of ancestral land was not even enough to provide food for his seven member family. Clothe and education stood in line. 

The Land's fertility was affected by excessive use of chemical fertilizers. In addition, the increasing price of fertilizers and pesticides brought an end to Gauri's wits.

This was a time, where India saw most of its farmers committing suicides, Madhya Pradesh being one majorly hit states.

The farmers had inadvertently lost trust in agriculture and began looking towards bigger cities for survival and livelihood. More than fifty percent of villagers from the region were forced to migrate.

It was at this crucial juncture in January 2011, Caritas India's Harit Prayas made an entry into Bundelkhand region (MP and UP), where Kota was the farthest and one among the twenty villages to be covered under the program.

Today, we have a different picture! 

Gauri Shankar lives with his family. He sings and plays music to communicate and motivate. He is a community leader. 

He is a CIA (Caritas India Agent) of change. He is successfully practicing total organic farming and influencing many others. Under his leadership, we proudly called Kota, a hundred percent organic village.

No, the struggle has not come to an end. But we have been able to restore the lost confidence, trust and hope.

The villagers have new ideas, new support system, strengthened panchayat, farmers club, micro finance system, women farmers, village tourism, major financial back up from NABARD and KVKs, information centers and round the clock support of Caritas India officers.

We are not just talking, we believe in showing it to you. Write to us to see the change as it happens now. Join us in a visit to the village.

You may start with this video now: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OY5dS9YpI-o

The following poster (also attached) narrates the joy of Gauri Shankar with his children.

In our joy of service to the nation, we take the joy of giving back 

Eevery children, their father,

Every wife, their husband,

Every parents, their son and daughter,

Lets unite India by uniting families!

By Mr. Amrit ( Communication Officer, Caritas India, get back to him @ amrit@caritasindia.net