IMPRI Team
As the second wave of the covid pandemic rages across our country, engulfing the rural spaces of India, IMPRI has been organizing state-wise discussion to discuss practitioners experiences in tackling the second wave concerning rural realities. Center for Habitat, Urban and Regional Studies (CHURS), IMPRI Impact and Policy Research Institute, New Delhi, organized a panel discussion on “Rural Realities | Punjab and Haryana Practitioners’ Experiences in Tackling the Second Wave in Indian Villages” on 19 May 2021.
The Team at IMPRI initiated the discussion by contextualizing the condition of Punjab and Haryana. Through an audio-visual presentation, the geographic location, socio-economic indicators, the state of the pandemic and emerging issues of both states were laid out in front of the audience.
EMPOWERING ACTION-ORIENTATED ORGANIZATIONS AND AWARENESS
Mr Parvesh Malik: Founder, Mission Jagriti elaborated upon the need to empower organizations and Self Help Groups (SHG) that put theory in practice and impact the grassroots level. He emphasized that volunteers from such organizations can be agents of change that motivate and have a substantial impact. In several rural regions of Haryana, Self Help Groups and committees have emerged as a response to the pandemic; however, he emphasized that awareness is still crucial to solving the dire situation. To further elaborate on the need for awareness, he also mentioned varied perspectives that exist regarding vaccines.
He concluded that people hailing from rural areas often are receptive to the knowledge and wishes of those from urban areas.
Mr Malik emphasized that the lack of political will in Haryana is a probable cause for the worsening situation. He emphasized the need to empower, appreciate, and provide a platform to voluntary organizations and individuals working in rural areas.
