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Project Description
Nandlal Master is a grassroots social activist who has been working with the communities near Rajatalab, Varanasi since 1994. Most people in Rajatalab engage in Banarasi saree weaving to earn their livelihoods. In 1994, Nandlal started evening schools for the children, most of whom work to make sarees. At present, there are 10 night schools and 2 day schools that reach out to around 500 children. The schools are run under the name of an organization called Navjyoti Swavlamban Seva Sansthan and more information about the schools can be found on the NJSS project page.
In 1999, Nandlal and his colleagues founded Lok Samiti in Rajatalab. Lok Samiti has spread to 25 villages today and the various Lok Samiti groups focus on educating the people about their rights, raising awareness about problems specific to each village. They believe that to bring about economic, social and political change, groups like Lok Samiti need to act as watchdogs, demanding that their elected officials truly represent them. Lok Samiti raises awareness of social issues through the street play team, Kala Manch. Lok Samiti has also played an important role in the creation of 35 self-help groups for women.
After a Coca Cola plant started its extensive bottling activities in Rajatalab, the communities in the neighboring areas have been suffering from water shortages and health problems due to the harmful waste from the plant. Since 2003, Lok Samiti has been actively campaigning for control over its water. More details about this struggle can be found at: www.mehdiganj.org
Nandlal is also actively involved in the National Alliance for People's Movements (NAPM).
Project Type: Fellowships
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Primary Focus: creating resources
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Secondary Focus: children who are working
Area: Rural
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