In the small village of Mansingh Bheel, nestled within the harsh landscapes of Tharparkar, life was once a constant struggle for survival. The villagers faced a shortage of necessities, including clean water, electricity, proper toilets, and even access to quality education.
Nehal Chand, a resident of the village, vividly recalls the daily battles they faced. “We fought for each drop of water, each ray of light, and every chance at education.” Life in Mansingh Bheel, amidst Tharparkar’s unforgiving landscapes, was an uphill battle.
The scarcity of clean water and proper sanitation posed significant health risks, further hindering the villagers’ progress. Access to quality education was a distant aspiration, with only a small fraction of men able to attain secondary education. Women faced even greater challenges, with their literacy aspirations often suppressed by societal limitations.
Despite these insurmountable obstacles, the villagers of Mansingh Bheel demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination. They persevered in the face of adversity, fighting for each drop of water and every glimmer of light.
Their unwavering spirit and determination serve as a testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome even the most daunting challenges. In a region plagued by necessities, the Thar Foundation, the CSR wing of Thar Block II entities, emerged as a shining light of hope. To deploy this agenda, the company has adopted the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) where, 13 priority areas out of 17 have been adopted for our direct intervention.
The overarching theme of these programs is to alleviate poverty, provide means of sustainable livelihoods, improve access to health care, education, clean water, and sanitation and improve gender equality overall.
Keeping this mind, the Foundation’s initiatives aimed to address the underlying issues of poverty, provide sustainable livelihoods, improve access to education, and promote gender equality in Thar Block II.
Thar Foundation’s intervention brought about a revolutionary change in Mansingh Bheel, as they established RO plants to ensure a steady supply of clean drinking water, eradicating the risk of water-borne diseases. With the help of around 13 skilled operators, over 35,000 residents now have access to safe drinking water.
Furthermore, the construction of 298 pit latrines significantly improved sanitation, leading to a significant improvement in the health and hygiene of the villagers.
What was once a distant dream, a school now stands as a symbol of educational opportunity in the area. Nehal Chand beams with excitement as he shares the transformative impact of the Thar Foundation’s initiatives in Mansingh Bheel.
“Those dark nights are now a thing of the past,” he declares, as the streets are illuminated and lives are brighter. The Foundation’s efforts have a profound effect on the community, with over 5000 students receiving quality education, including a significant proportion of female students. Moreover, the Foundation has empowered 166 women as teachers, paving the way for gender parity in the village.
The Thar Foundation’s commitment to enhancing educational accessibility didn’t stop with the establishment of the school. Understanding the challenges faced by the children in commuting to the newly established educational hub, the Foundation initiated a school bus service. This initiative has been a game-changer, making it significantly easier for the children of Mansingh Bheel to reach the school regularly.
Looking ahead, Nehal is filled with optimism. “As I look ahead, I see a bright future,” he smiles. The Thar Foundation’s initiatives have not only transformed Mansingh Bheel but have ignited a spark of hope for a brighter future in Tharparkar. The Foundation’s efforts have transcended immediate needs, laying the foundation for a more equitable and developed future.
Nehal Chand’s story mirrors the village’s transformation, resonating with resilience and optimism. Through the Thar Foundation’s initiatives, Mansingh Bheel witnessed a paradigm shift, heralding a future of development and equality in Tharparkar.
