Shramik | Empowerment of Traditional Shepherds

The northern districts of Karnataka state have a large population of traditional nomadic shepherds. SAS tries to empower them socio-economically and politically. SAS trains them in better sheep care, judicious use of modern medicines and modern breeding practices.

A SMALL STEP FOR BIG REWARDS The women and children of Bendigeri village 14 kms from Belgavi, gathered on 26 October 2014 for a special function. The shepherds constitute 20% of the village - 400 persons. They have over 800 sheep and goats. They have a beautiful community hall and a temple on the main road with greenery all around. About 75 women and 40 men established “Bhakta Kanakadasa Seva Sangh”. Dr. Z Baig, Mr Sanjay Upari of ShramikAbhivrudhiSangh, inaugurated the sangh along with Mr Sudhir Gadde of All India Shepherd Sena, Belgaum and Mr Gajanana Kagnikar, presedient of the Jana Jagaran’s North Karnataka Shepherd’s Federation.

More than 110 people including local shepherd leaders and elders of the community attended the function. Women played proactive role in forming this organization. Their pivotal aim is to improve their economic status through the self-help groups and educate their children. Presently, all children up to the age of 16 attend the school.

Towards forming Cooperative Society (PARTICULARLY MAHILA C0-0PERATIVES)

“Iron rusts from disuse, stagnant water loses its purity, and in cold whether it becomes frozen; even so does inaction sap the vigors of the mind.” This quote of Leonardo Da Vinci definitely comes alive among the SHG women from the shepherding group to initiate forming of Co-operative societies. Forty women gathered at the ROC in Belgaum on 20^th May, 2014 they were facing a challenge for realizing a long cherished dream of their shg movement.

Dr. Z Baig brought to the notice of the women about the training that is given for understanding co-operative society. He said, “When you need more facilities from the government, you need to come together as SHGs to form Cooperative Societies. Thus there can be higher loan facility with less rate of interest, more Self-employment opportunities, medical aid for cattle and sheep, and many more uses. When you form the Mahila Cooperative Society you get Rs One lakh as capital on every Rs. 25000 share capital.”

Mr. Sanjay Upari elaborated on the various gainful opportunities and thus the need to form the co operatives. Mr. D G Bhat, Deputy Director of sheep and wool development Corporation. He also mentioned that the women have the required capabilities, and enthusiasm to take up this task. He enlightened them with the various facilities and subsidies available for the shepherding community from the government of Karnataka.

Dr R Lakkannavar the Vet.officer of KMF Belgaum briefed on various facilities provided under ‘STEP’ program, exclusively to support Milk co-operatives of Women. He promised necessary assistance in development of the shepherding Community.

Empowering the Shepherds

The aim of SAS to empower and motivate men and women to fight for their rights has also led it to organize a meticulously planned one day programe on 31^st May, 2014 at Reach Out Center in Belgaum, connecting the shepherd group with the Sheep and Wool development Cooperatives of Belgaum district. Sixty-two secretaries attended this program.

Having the Program inaugurated by the President of The Karnataka State Shepherds Group, Bengaluru, Fr. Joe Chenakala SJ., the director of SAS shared the sole purpose of the program i.e. the betterment of the shepherd community in Karnataka. H. B. Patil the Assistant Director of Handloom and Textile Department, Belgaum was very much impressed to see the crowd and shared information about the schemes for the shepherd community in Karnataka. Dr. D J Bhat the Deputy Director emphasized on the schemes after death of the sheep and the medicines to be availed at the Karnataka sheep and Wool development Corporation, Belgaum. Dr. Shrikant Kovalli the Deputy Director of Institute of Animal Health and Veternary Biologicals, Belgaum also stressed on taking care of the sheep with regular vaccinations.

Mrs. Vasant Geeta Hiremath the Principal of Karnataka Institute of Co operative Management, Belgaum gave an insight into Law and its use for the shepherds. Dr. Baig the JJ Co ordinator of empowering the Shepherd Community shared his mountainous achievements such as weighing the sheep along with its wool then selling it in APMC. Sanjay Upari along with his colleagues was on his toes to systematically execute the program and make the connection of shepherds with the Co operatives.