What is Development?

This is a guest post by Azim Premji University students who were hosted by Living Farms for 12 days in Muniguda, Rayagada district, Odisha. Going around few villages and immersing themselves, here is what Sougandhi, Sreeja, Sharat, Aniket, Sravani, Anshul, Nancy, Harihar, and Shahiqa had to say at the end of their immersion.

First day of us being in Muniguda and we were able to sense a confirmation to Bharat Bandh in the air and our conversation with the city dwellers who stated bandh was highly successful, we questioned ourselves whether it made any difference in Adivasi’s life which determined around 68% of the population in the area.  They had no direct connect per se with the outside world, and the doubt was for whom was the bandh there and who measured the success when someone on top hill was in crisis of their own identity. There were series of questions running in our minds and what is it to be called as modernised? Is it the modern technology and cemented houses? Does that call me a modernised and civilised person? What governs the value system and who reflect the system of one’s existence and call them developed?

Gradually, trying to fix the puzzle and end of the day reaching no conclusion as the quest felt to be a never ending task, we identified education as an important tool that was the major influence in life of the people- As narrated by Jaganath bhaiya- our field practice coordinator for one of the village,  told being decently dressed and having short hair what was expected from school and in turn children left the school, our thoughts surrounded on what is etiquette was conflicted. The culture of Adivasi’s was seen as backward. Change in identity and lifestyle by so called educated public was considered as superior, progress, decent and civilised. The constant interference in their life stating how should they live has got them identity crisis and shook the ground of their own existence. But what is important is to rationalise the ends, what fascinated us by Dr Johnny’s interaction was education as basic tool through which people don’t get cheated and it is importance that one feel confident with their language and culture.(Dr. John Cherian is the deputy medical superintendent of Bissamcuttack hospital and also runs MITRA trust)