AREAS:

Areas of Service Presence

In the past, VRO India carried out its Village development activities in Twelve Regions across India. VRO’s Service Presence is divided into 4 major Areas with its Regions, namely:

Area – I:    Odisha -- North Odisha and South Odisha

Area – II:   Andhra North -- Hyderabad, Rajahmundry and Kothakota

Area – III:   Andhra South -- Guntur, Nellore and Kadapa

Area – IV:  Tamilnadu -- North Tamilnadu and South Tamilnadu

Regions: VRO in Orissa

At present there are two regions in the State of Orissa ie., North and South Orissa covering seven circles as mentioned below:

ACTIVITIES

Survey of Micro Villages (Community, Family, Literacy, Water, Disaster victim and Social)

Training programmes for:

• Village Management ( Training Centre, at Chandikhole)

• Village Leadership Training ( Gonasika)

• Volunteers Training ( Selection and Inservice) at Gonasika

• Volunteer Regional Training Centre (at Chandikhole and Kuangbasa)

• Women Training ( at Ashapuri)

Environmental activities

• Land Development ( Agriculture, Kitchen Garden)

• Tree planting ( Nursery, Wasteland Development)

• Village Forestry Training Centre ( at Benerbahal, Tumadibandh)

Technologies

• Solar cookers

• Fibre cement sheet making

• Cement blocks

• Cycle Trailers

• Solar Light

• Windmills

• Water wheel

Education- Six steps of education

• Community Child Care Programme

• Village Learning Estate

• Basic Productivity Training Centre for Boys and Girls, separately.

• Village Health and Child Development Guide Training Centre at Ashapuri in Ghasipura block of Keonjhar District, North Orissa

Health and Sanitation

• Residential Health Centre

• Mobile Medical Unit

• Drainage System

For better sanitation, septic tanks and latrines have been provided at all Circle Offices.

Construction

Village Rebuilding Programme (co-operative total Village housing) Village communities, Service Centre buildings.

Culture and Communication

• Fortnightly wall magazine

• Educational charts and painted pictures

• Celebration of Village festivals

• Service camps

Organisational Development

• Village council formation

• Youth clubs formation

• Mahila mandal formation

Resource development

The VRO aims more at quality of service than quantity.

VRO ACHIEVEMENTS 1971-96

• No. of Homes built ( in 12 Villages)

• No. of Villages served - 5000

• No. of volunteers trained - 700

• No. of children in learning centres - 5000

• No. of patients - 20000

• No. of youth trained in skills - 600 Boys, 500 Girls

• No. of Village people - 700000

REGIONS

• HYDERABAD

• RAJAHMUNDRY

• Kothakota

VRO in Hyderabad Region

• Hyderabad is the capital of Andhra Pradesh (A.P.) a federal State of nearly 60 million inhabitants. For administering our developmental activities, VRO selected Hyderabad as a regional base. In this State, VRO has at present 6 regions, of which the Hyderabad Region is the largest (undivided) area, including several districts: Rangareddy, Hyderabad (city) itself, Nalgonda, and potentially all the northern and western districts (Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal, Adilabad, Mahaboobnagar, Kurnool etc.)

• At present the work is mainly in Ranga Reddy & Nalgonda district, up to the border of Guntur District (Nagarjuna Sagar Dam): covering a population of about 5 million people and a diameter of 150km to the east. The whole region is of 280 km diameter approximately.

• The Socio-Cultural character of the region is particularly determined by the presence of a tribal out runner from North India - the Lambadies. A unique cultural conservative and socially rather exclusive tribe that has its origins historically in Afghanistan, and descended through Rajasthan and Gujarat to the old Nizam - districts of Hyderabad State. Their life-style and habitat (at first migratory) is very distinct. Living with their lean underfed cattle in degraded forest - areas, along river-embankments, made them victims of the new reservoirs - construction, so they became displaced persons 30 years ago, seeking refuge in remote, in-accessible barren regions.

• The Hyderabad Region has other historical cultural attractions: it was the homeland of a forgotten flourishing pre-historical, pre-Buddhist kingdom, the tombs of their kings being preserved in one of the VRO Service Centres.

• Being for centuries a Muslim dominated state, and the base of several Christian denominations ( Baptists, Lutherans, Methodists, Catholics, etc.,) adds to the cosmopolitan character of the region. Buddhist shrines and monasteries favoured by the royal indigenous dynasties, made it also the international famous pilgrim centre and university-centre of ancient India, even before the start of the Christian era.

• The Environmental appearance of the region also has touristic value, more than economic value: the high Deccan Plateau (1500-3000ft or 500-1000m) has certain coolness, but makes it a dry, stone land with fantastic shaped granite rocks. Water is hard to find, outside the Krishna river-basin and a couple of tributaries. Rainfall is irregular and scarce (60-70cm p.a.): for drinking water, wells must go to great depth (50-100m or more). We are spared cyclones, but not drought therefore. Green rice cultivating oasis’ are rare. So mostly people cultivate only some semi-arid crops like castor or millet. Not so long ago there was atleast the balance of hill forests, but after independence these too have gone; so goats and sheep scrounge for food.

• The region has the largest number of landless people; though Vinoba Bhave (Gandhi's successor) in 1951 launched a voluntary land gift programme in our region, he came too late, and could do too little. The clamour for land continues and local terrorist movements (Naxalites) occupy a large segment in the north of our Region. On the land that could be gifted and distributed, it is still difficult to make a living; one of the unique programms of VRO is on a land-area of 1500 ha-(for 500 families) where we continue to dream, and though alone, hold out hope for thousands of landless.

• The Role of this region in the VRO Village development context is in many ways unique. It is our national advertising region in a way. International and national visitors pass through our region, and can in a continuous chain of Villages, observe the "Movement-character" of VRO. But also the diversity of the programme and the regional change-impact.

• Along the national highway of 150km, the VRO programme unrolls like a long widening stream of impressive renewal of Village life. The more so, that we are practically alone to have developed this part of the region, with consistency and creative initiative. The Village Technology-achievements of VRO are best seen and understood, practiced and produced here more than anywhere else. The greatest variety and survival of the tree planting programme is here and the largest number of all-India training centres of VRO are also located in this region, which doesn’t mean that work is going to be easy in this region. WE have our problems too, apart from the environmental challenges. The VRO programme took a long time to get off the ground, longer than any where else, in fact, Peoples participation in the work was difficult to generate, Lambadis work casually and preferably in small groups, not as a whole community. Being moreover deprived of support and security, holding on to that land like climbers hanging from a cliff, neither governmental nor non-governmental assistance is easily forth- coming or continuing. Being an area also of very low literacy and few institutions of higher learning outside the capital city, it was and remains harder here to find and train local volunteers, with a "Social Service" motivation. A feature also common with traditional Muslim Villager, more family bound than others, reluctant to live and work in outside communities, as we usually do.

• Anticipations: The exceptional dynamics of this region gives hope that, before long, a new thrust in the western and northern direction will begin. Surveys have been started of Villages in the Vikarabad, Warangal, and Khammam districts and people start coming to our weekly meetings, while gradually making initial choices for community-development through community action. It will still need the appearance of a charismatic VRO representative to break through but it is clearly on the horizon. We have been fortunate also in the recent political and administrative initiatives of the Government, which have been inspired in more than one way by our VRO innovations and achievements.

• The fact that the Head Office of VRO has been shifted to our region, augurs well also for more inspirational central guidance and assistance and more frequent personal contact with the Village communities.

HISTORICAL EVENTS

• 1974: The roots of Hyderabad region lie in Nagarjunasagar where a small Lambadi Village was started in December, '74.

• The Hyderabad area got its "Regional" Identity officially in 1983 only. In between, 10 years of casual but continuous contacts with the tribal’s went on. It was till then a 'remote' transit area, with no visible Villages along the deserted single track road, where only tappers could be seen.

• 1974-76: But through the frequent inevitable travelling, we got to know the people, forcibly stopping our vehicles to beg while dancing, but also gradually interesting, we would follow them to the interior sites where they lived.

• The good offer of an English lady to Fr.Windey, brought us permanently to Hyderabad in our Himayathnagar - Liaison Office.

• 1976-80: The Bhoodan people invited us to take charge of the Bhoodan land in Vinobanagar (3000 acres for 500 families). This was our first operational base. The first 4 years at Vinobanagar were the turning point of our action in the region. Then every year the A/B/C and D parts were developed with the help of Dutch engineers. It became our Central Training facility and technological experimentation centre, in fact our most challenging demonstration centre for the whole organisation.

• 1981-82: From there the detailed village surveys began. It revealed tragic Village situations and brought urgent appeals, which made us decide to establish road side Service Centres.

• 1983-84: The founding of these centres were made easy by the Village people, who freely offered 'land-for-service'. So started the 4 main centres at Rajulaloya (52km), Vinjamur Thanda (75km), Devatpalli (92km) and Needastali (116km) all within the period of one and half years.

• 1985-94: In these 10 years, the VRO 'exploded' literally in the area, in an irresistible demand from an awakening tribe that had decided to try and change their condition by following the VRO Village vision. A unique group of German 'visionaries' made it possible to respond fully. At the same time a growing number of special semi-professional training centres were built up for child care teachers, (VCDG) for forestry trainees, (Vinobanagar), for youth-formation (92km), for Village technology training (Vinobanagar).

• 1995-96: The Hyderabad region became the Head-Office region also, with a new temporary office, where the acting Operational Director could work with a few central staff.

• At present, the VRO Central Office functions from Pedakakani (Guntur)

VRO in Rajahmundry (The Godavari Region )

The Godavari-region, covering two districts (East and West Godavari) is one of the most attractive regions of VRO in Andhra Pradesh State. With a combined population of some 8.9 million people, and an area of 250 x 200 KM, it marks the break line of the eastern coast from the south to the north: everything, roads, hills, landscape, takes a turn here to the North East.

Once upon a time, it was the Circar-region: a hard-wood and palm tree-region sloping down from the 3500ft. high hills to the mighty delta of "wild river". A resting "harbour" for the eastern sea-traders, it was also the homeland of Vedic brahmin scholars, and the capital of ancient indigenous Kingdoms. (Rajahmundry = King's residence).

The Socio-Cultural character of the Region:

The reason of the VRO presence in the region is our pre-occupation to reach out to the indigenous tribal population, which has lived for centuries on the forested hill slopes: The Konda-reddys (hill-tribes) together with the Koyas and Kondakamaris mainly. The common language is "koya", an unwritten tribal dialect, gradually losing its dominance. Their habitat and traditional lands have been officially protected since British times under a special administrative structure: the "Agency", which covers the entire western part of the Region from the plains to the hills. It is a very attractive forest region, with dancing hills, alongside the banks of the River Godavari. The Tribal Festivals, which are seasonal and familiar, are celebrated with great fan-fare and religious fervor. During these times, the women-folk, especially, display their original costumes, arts and dances.

The eastern part of the region is totally different: green rice-fields, thousands of coconut-trees, small winding paths and roads, hovels in between new bazar-townships, and here and there the first oil-derricks of the Godavari-basin. Here Scheduled Castes (Dalits, depressed classes) live in hundreds of tiny hamlets, owned by large landlord-properties, working on their fields - Communities and sub- castes here are mixed with various minorities. They are the "not-so-poor" in the midst of the "not-so-rich", both bonded by tradition and lack of alternatives to the fertile land.

Environmentally:

The eastern part is a very exposed and disaster-prone area: another reason of our VRO presence in the region. Cyclones are practically annual events, floods for a change, with all its disruption of shelter and roads. The Western part is occasionally affected by river floods, but spared from cyclonic winds.

East Godavari is the timber and fruit-region. West Godavari the Bamboo-region, with its mile-long river-born bamboo platforms floating to the city.

VRO has not much expanded its work in West (South-Godavari) because of the relative higher rural wealth (lakes, fisheries, industries). There are fewer poor Villages in between the sugarcane, maize and rice-fields, fed by a series of Krishna irrigation canals.

The Role-Significance:

These Godavari Districts in the region, is specially determined by the tribal poverty and the coastal island Villages, which are always worst affected by the natural calamities.

The Difficulties:

Encountered in this region are special challenges. There is the tribal language (though we have tribal language study, there are no communication facilities in the hill, only our boats can get us there for a while, before the hour long hill climbs begin) and there are the administrative imbalances (District Headquarters at the coastal edge) and the fast increasing environmental pollution in the rivers. Recently the added groundwater-spoiling shrimp-industry has entered the region. Coastal Villages, surrender under the onslaught of multinational land-acquisition, leaving them with an uncertain future. In the last two years, we had also there two enormous gas-blowouts, one of which lasted over a month.

But Godavari remains for us very important, because of the special problem of widespread "Child Labour", for whom we have already setup three child-labour "Wonderlands", one of our most appreciated VRO-Innovations.

HISTORICAL REVIEW OF RAJAHMUNDRY REGION

1986

• In response to Village appeals and in cooperation with the AELC (Andhra Evangelical Lutheran Church), the Godavari Delta Service Centre was inaugurated in August in an abandoned nurse’s hostel in Lutheran Lady Hospital Compound.

• Flood relief survey was done both in East and West Godavari Districts by two teams led by Mr. Samuel Gopal and Mr. Janardhan Rao.

• At first we hired a boat for our Mobile Medical Programme along the Godavari River. It was also used for carrying the flood victims and sick people. Village motivation was carried on.

1987

• In the first phase, 08 Villages were selected for an integrated rebuilding programme, with the support of CARITAS-INDIA

• Mr.Koen Cappon a Belgian Architect set up a boat office and started the construction programme in 6 Villages.

• Community child care programme was also started in 05 Villages.

• Mr. Andreas from Sonnenhaus (Germany) started the Homeopathy Health programme from the boat.

• An Ananda Jyothi Brothers' Service camp in Gonduru Village brought a radical Village attitudinal change that led to other Villagers joining the movement.

1988

• We purchased one larger river boat for material transportation and for the health programme, with the support of Canadian friends.

• We also started to construct the model learning estates in 5 Villages along Godavari river the most attractive in our programme.

1989

• The first four of 08 Villages were inaugurated during the year by the local Government officials.

• The new learning programme started in 05 Villages.

• The second phase of construction programme began in the Rampachodavaram circle.

• On an invitation from the District Collector, Mr. Jayaprakash Narayan asking us to start the Child Labour Rehabilitation Programme in Jaggampeta, we made an intensive Village and factory survey.

• Brothers from Ananda Jyothi surveyed child labourers who are working in tiles factories.

• Teachers were selected and trained to start the CLRP programme ( under the supervision of Mr. Ramsingh assisted by Mr. Ramana Rao)

• In December, 1989 the first CLRP started in a rented building with 100 children.

1990

• We purchased land for our "Dreamland" CLRP and started infrastructural arrangements. The Centre became operational in June, 1991.

1991

• Land was obtained from a Swamy for Dreamland-II and for the CLRP extension programme (phase-II)

1992

• The Class Rooms and Workshops for Dream-land II and for the extension programme were started.

• Dreamland-I was officially inaugurated by Mr. Julius Dillig and Mrs. Maria Baertl and the programme shifted to our own buildings.

1993

• CLRP extension programme started functioning at 48 KM (Prathipdau) for 50 youth (BPTC)

• We also entered the Hope Island and made a survey of the 80 families. We also made contact with the Government to provide facilities (fishing nets and boats) for fishermen communities. However bureaucratic obstacles and delays prevented further action.

• Mr.Burkarrt from Germany assisted in the Village building programme (Sirivaka).

1994

• We purchased "Fibre speed boat" for fast communication.

• Mr Rombaut and Ms. Anne, Belgium worked in Sirivaka Village in construction and educational programme in agency area.

• Diesel Pump was installed at Gonduru to lift water from Godavarri river for drinking water purpose, the first of many.

• Mr. Nick and Dr. Susan from Scotland (UK) spent one remarkable year in Jaggampet and prepared their "Village Science" book and a book on "Health Education".

• Mr. Theo and his wife Kathey from Belgium helped in the educational programme in the agency area for a few months.

1995

• Two solar pumps were erected at the river side Villages for drinking water purpose.

• The third CLRP unit was started at 9th km, (Rajanagaram) by Dr. Robert Wychera, Austria on an extensive roadside plot.

• Mr. Peter and Mrs. Griet (Belgium) assisted in the educational programme in agency area.

• Eye camp was organised in Madipalli, around 150 patients attended the camp from 35 Villages and cateract operations were done for 30 patients, lenses were distributed by the Lutheran Hospital.

1996

• Entered in Konaseema area after the heavy cyclone.

• Surveyed 20 Villages and selected 10 potential Villages for the building programme, out of them we have started two already, after completion of testings.

• The 13th BPTC programme was started in Madhapuram with the support of the friends from Knokke, Belgium.

VRO in Kothakota

It is only in 1995 that the Vizag Region was officially detached from the Rajahmundry Mother-region, under the guidance of our senior most Volunteer Sri S.Jesudas, the VRO Deputy Director.

For a long time the significance of this Vizag Region, was apparent to us. It needed, as usual, a calamity to compel us to enter and respond to the clamor of Villages there. The Region includes the whole Vizag district with some 4.2 million inhabitants, the 3rd most important harbour of India, and the northern link to Orissa.

The Socio-cultural character of the region is specially determined by the contrast ( as in the Rajahmundry Region) between the Western hilly tribal "agency" Villages, and the Eastern lower-level coast-linked Villages. The division is clear-cut by the National Highway (NS). The North-South division is also marked by the vital Railway Junction of Waltair-Vizag where the U-boat and Naval-base operate, side by side with an intensive export-import trade, and in the shadow of the giant Steel plant with its auxiliaries.

Tribal Villages in the west are more mixed with other groups here than elsewhere. They are ideologically situated at the floor of green hills, or on less accessible hill tops. The 40-50 odd Villages inhabited by fisher-folk have been pushed further away from the central harbour in the last 10 years, but survive somehow, in poverty.

The environment is characterised by the predominantly conal type of leaf huts, the same for cattle and for humans. A bunch of bamboos, the leaves of some 100 palmyrah trees, and a lot of bark rope suffice for a house, plastered with mud all around. The hills give them some sustenance, but only for few months. The remaining time they try to earn a daily wage on the valley-fields. For women, there is an additional income from the skilful large leaf-plate gathering and fabrication.

Large-scale fruit-tree plantation has been taken up in recent years by Government and voluntary agencies alike, on a fruit sharing basis. But the lure of the city in times of scarcity and insecurity demands protective and progressive assistance: so then, VRO!

The importance of this Village-region cannot be underestimated. The unexpected rapid break-through we made there with the help of the Belgian Government has already shown how value-Villages can still be moved to lead other Villages. Other voluntary agencies begin to look for us and follow us.

As yet we do not experience any special problems: may be because of valuable terrain preparation by Wing Commander Ramana, who lent us his Health Centre as a service base or because of the real dire need of the people. But in the coastal region, where prawn factories again have cropped up in a terrible hurry to beat the Supreme Court against them, we expect a longer struggle.

HISTORY OF THE REGION

1994-95: Under the coordination of Wing Commander Ramana, preliminary socio-economic survey was conducted in 2 mandals each, in a total of 07 villages after surveying some 25 Villages, which were tested and tried, we initially took up 07 Villages.

1. Dharmavaram

2. G.Cheedupally

3. Chilkavanipalem

4. Gadabpalem

5. Z.bennavaram

6. Mulakalampalli

7. Pedimpalem

1995: Under an agreement with ABOS (a Belgian Govt. Dept.) we started the first constructions and within the space of a year

1995-96: The first 2 Villages were inaugurated. Soon to be followed by 4 other Villages. The Regional base office was extended to accommodate more people and volunteers.

1996: After settlement of land-issues, and training additional volunteers, 2 more Villages were started and before the end of 1996, 2 Villages were inaugurated.

A pride really in our crown, because of their color and solidarity and beauty. In Chilakavaripalem Village, the largest ever found bamboo (25m), became the flag post.

1997: In-spite of delay of funds, and of adverse weather, the work intensified, and we look forward to completing the last 4 Villages before the year end.

Meanwhile the survey has intensified also of the eastern part of the region in the fishermen Villages. Up to date we have already visited 58 Villages, tested 6 Villages and started material gathering in 2 Villages.

Andhra South Area : Comprises four operational regions namely, Guntur, Nellore, Cuddapah and Tamilnadu

VRO in Guntur Region

The Guntur Region comprises the districts of Guntur, Krishna and a part of Prakasam District. They form the "home land" of VRO, where everything began in 1969 as "a daring dream", with a combined population of nearly 8.4 million inhabitants, and a combination of three major cities (Vijayawada, Guntur and Tenali - 35 km diameter), the region is marked by the Krishna river-delta and it’s radiating irrigation canals.

The Socio-cultural configuration: The region from the VRO-view point and priority of service, is mainly coping with the "Dalit" - situation in this rapidly expanding agro-industrial area. Because Tobacco, Cotton, Chilly, and other intensive commercial crops are easily cultivated in this black cotton soil. In the recent past, large numbers of out-caste people were called to settle near the land-owner's residence, where they did double the service. Land was not given to them, and for residence, only temporary huts were allowed. They grew in large numbers, but their living conditions remained poor, while Guntur became an intensive-banking region, handling and attracting large capital.

This socio-cultural imbalance was highlighted by the historical cyclone of 1969 (May) which provided the opportune entry point for the VRO-presence, and assistance. It remains the most intensively studied region, and the most demonstrative area for those keen to understand the VRO-movement.

The environmental condition of this region shows further kinds of imbalance. The district has lost practically all its forests to industry or city-extension. The ancient Kondaveedu range, home for centuries to kings, running through the District, has become mainly a mining area. The Villages along the sea coast and river-Krishna remained deprived of most amenities, while the mushrooming bazaar-cities experienced rapid expansion and modernization. In the western part of the District which is covered mostly with limestone and sandstone or slate-layers, yet poverty increases. The construction of the new (and the world's third largest) Nagarjuna Sagar dam brought a sea change to the region, along the eastern downward fields.

The impact of VRO in this region was unique. Not only because of its radical, innovative Village-perspective, but because of the Government interest and initial support to this programme. Our 25 year presence in this region has also been the proto-type model for other numerous service societies. Internationally VRO-Guntur became a focus of interest for those concerned with rapid rural development: from the World Bank to the various voluntary organisatons from overseas. The biennial International meetings where our Founder Prof. M.A. Windey, s.j. spoke, were invariably starting points of joint action with other Villages.

There is no such success possible without its problems: Though there were many religiously motivated groups in this region, and volunteers were readily forthcoming, we had to count with misunderstanding regarding our "secular" character, our "non-professional" volunteers approach, our Village community-condition of initiative and assistance, our "crisis" base for radical change ( not relief), our "durable" sustainable shelter-approach, our non-individual, non-institutional, non-charity policy ( refusing eg. imported US food, etc).

Historical perspective of Guntur Region:

1969-71: The starting and testing years, when the structure and the base was set up, the "saptasheela" formulated, the core-group trained and the first 10 Villages done.

1971-75: After the official registration (Oct 6th) the work expanded to the interior and to the coast, and the first environmental and educational programmes were started.
In two other States, the work began (Orissa, Tamilnadu) in 1971-72, and in new districts (Krishna, Khammam) with the help of this region.

1975-80: After inaugurating the Nellore region in 1976, and the second major flood gulf in 1977, new sectors of programmes were taken up: Technology, Forestry and Leadership Development. This period saw the birth of a massive adult education Program and the expansion of our BPTCs, and the first CCCCs, together with the tripling of our Village-building program. In 1979 our new office in Pedakakani was inaugurated by Mother Teresa.

1981-86: Was a period of consolidation, and Intensive training both for Villagers and volunteers, Eastward the Lambadi contacts intensified, and Southward, the Vinukonda area. From Guntur the first North India contacts (Delhi/UP ) began, and in 1983 Pondicherry-Villages were taken up, while inside the region itself the Central services were organised. In 1982 the training centre for Balasavikas was started.

1986-91: Guntur again supplied the early volunteers for Rajasthan, the Hyderabad Region, and the major central study centres. The Rajahmundry region was launched from here. In 1991 the teachers training was started in Rajupalem.

1991-96: Were the years of crisis and renewal. The decentralization of the Organisation, the regional responsibility, the increasing scarcity of good volunteers, the administrative over-burdens, all these worked together to renewal resulting in the shifting of the Head Office to Hyderabad, (1995) and the arrival of Fr. Bosco as Voluntary Acting Director.

VRO in Nellore Region

Socio-cultural character of the region:

The Nellore and Cuddapah regions are the two VROs arms of Southern Andhra Pradesh. In the Nellore region, we work mostly with traditional Fishermen communities. On one side of the region is a drought area and on the other side is the flood affected area. Every year the region suffers badly from severe floods resulting, affecting the masses - living on the Banks of the Sea and the Buckingham Canal – resulting in the fishermen migrating to safer places inland. The Nellore region is the size of Luxumburg in Europe (13000 sq.Kms). The total population of the Region is 2.5 million only, because there are very extensive wastelands.

The economic situation is critical for the poor because the fishermen communities mainly depend on fishing from the sea during the 4 month season. On the other (dry-land) area, people (Tribals) depend on the forest, where they cut firewood to sell it in the market. The income which they get from this is very low, and not adequate to maintain their families. On remaining days they have to depend on some casual agricultural labour work. AS per the statistics, there are about 200 fishermen Villages in Coastal Andhra. Out of them about 60 Villages are in Nellore District, VRO works in about 40 Villages.

Besides these groups, there are also some traditional artisans in the district (puppet makers, musicians, etc.,) which now-a-days are not able to display their skill, because of the dominance of mass visual aids.

In Nellore there is also a strong Christian influence. There are very few tribals. It is also politically disturbed area. Many Chief Ministers are from this district. The major dominating community in the district are the "Reddys" who also are investing in the industrialization of the district. In Nellore town, there is also a historical Muslim place called "Barah Bahsi Darga" where 12 muslim kings died in the battle and were buried near the lake. Every year people celebrate 3 days festival near Darga (a Pilgrimage center) and many people from Saudi Arabia participate. There are also a few Hindu temples which were built during the Cholas’ period.

Environmental Urgency:

Our region is a calamity prone area in more than one way (Cyclone, Flood, Drought). Every year, these affect the environment so the planned growth is slow. There are also a number of irrigation water-tanks in the district, through which they cultivate agricultural fields. Plenty of land is occupied by these tanks and lakes. The lakes are filled with saline or brackish water which spoil fields and the environment. The ground water situation at many Coastal Villages is good, whereas in other dry land areas, we have to drill up to 200 feet depth for drinking water.

Here is also the largest extent of Government wasteland. It is not developed since many years, so gradually the people have started to clear the wasteland and try to make it useful for cultivation. For the past few years, the environment at the Sea side is polluted because of the Prawn-tanks and Hatcheries; even the ground water has become salty, the trees are not growing; the cultivable land has been destroyed, and many people moved from their homes.

There are two important lakes where the birds come from all over the World to lay eggs, hatch chicks, and stay till they manage on their own. These two places are ‘Nelapattu’ and ‘Pulicot’. Every year, many visitors from all over the country visit these places.

The impact of the Region:

In the beginning the participation of the people was very slow, but gradually the people have come forward to improve their Villages. From the Northern part of Nellore till near Madras, we have expanded our activities year by year. Locally we opened a service-base at "Pelican Nivas" half way from Nellore to Madras towards South India. There are now communities near the border of Madras who are coming forward slowly.

The impact of the VRO Nellore Region in 20 years of activity has been already exceptionally great: not only by the dynamic steady increase of Village contacts and services, but by becoming the focal region for the various innovative schemes that have changed the life and future of the fisher-folk. It is also the best managed 'information-centre' for VRO's policy and training. It is here that the first central "VRO-Spirituality Training Centre" was opened in 1985.

The difficulties of the Region:

The fishermen in the area are not traditionally very interested in "development" like others. They are sometimes difficult to handle, a quarrelsome community and they are poor in leadership. However, they have a residue of loyalty and conviviality, faith and honesty that are outstanding.

For the past many years, the coastal environment has become polluted due to massive prawn cultivation. The coastal zone has been commercialised, driving people from their land and homes.

There are also many vast saline lakes occupying plenty of land-area in the district. The National Satellites area occupies a lot of place and is disturbing every day life.

DEVELOPMENT REPORT OF NELLORE REGION:

The Nellore region started in Nov-Dec, 1975 after a great devastating cyclone in the district. Since most of the coastal Villages were affected by it, we started our activities in fishermen communities, having our base in a Baptist Church building in the town. In the beginning, Mr. Lazarus, retired Tahsildar was kind enough to help in our activities in the district; later other retired government officers came forward to help the people.

In the first decade, we concentrated our work in the Eastern part of Nellore, later we expanded our activities towards North and South of Nellore District. At present we are working in 12 Mandals in the district, divided into 6 circles, covering about 15-20 Villages in each circle, a total of 120 Villages.

Historical review of the Nellore Region:

1975

• Started survey and a Mobile medical assistance programme in Coastal Villages with JMJ sisters.

1976

• Our office established in the Baptist Church building in the town with the help of Mr. Samuel.

1977

• Some Government land was made available near Nellore for a model education programme at Adarshnagar.

1978

• The model learning programme at Adarshanagar was inaugurated by the then Collector Sri C. Arjuna Rao.

• Two youth skill training centres were started in Gandhinagar (for boys and for girls).

1979

• The Village building programme commenced in the coastal area in 3 Villages for fishermen near Indukurpet

• Community child care centres started and also adult Education programme.

1980

• Land was acquired at Anantavaram for the Agro-forestry programme and the training started at Anantavaram with 11 trainees.

1982

• We shifted the BPTC from Gandhinagar temporarily to Anantavaram.

• Start of the partnership with friends from Austria.

1984

• The Village Forestry Training Centre was re-started in Anantavaram with a horticultural extension programme for Matriculation level candidates.

1985

• The VRO Spiritual Training Centre was opened at Sagar Sangam

• We completed 4 first phase Villages along the sea coast.

• A Survey was made in other areas for expansion of our programmes.

1989-92

• Extended our activities towards Kavali (North) and towards Naidupet (South) after the devastating cyclone of 1989.

• SWIVRO partnership was started in 1989 (Pallipalem, P.G.Palem and T.P.Gudur)

• Brothers from Ananda Jyoti made a survey of fishermen Villages that opened the road to 37 Coastal Villages.

• The Village building programme was started in Anantavaram circle and in Naidupet circles.

• Our VRO Health centre began at Varenyanagar with the support of JMJ, Holland.

1993-94

• Fishermen co-operative societies were organised and anti-prawn action mobilised.

• We organized meetings with fishermen to protect against prawn cultivation.

• A flow of visitors from Switzerland.

• The basic education programme was started in Puderu and in Pallepalem.

• The Girls BPTC was started at Varenyanagar.

1995

• We founded a new Service base in between Nellore and Madras (Pelican Nivas)

• Made a road from fishermen Village to the sea.

• A Forestry programme started in Molakalapudi 11 acres site.

1996

• The fishermen developmental programmes were initiated in Kavali circle (with a circle base in Pallepalem) where we occupied government land for our Learning Estate.

• Ms.Christine visited the region for 10 days with her team members for an appraisal

• CIBA friends inaugurated the BPTC workshop complex at Varenyanagar.

• Circle VCP meetings started in "Pelican Nivas" and in "Pallepalem"

• Entered in the Prakasham district after cyclone in October, surveyed 32 Villages

• Initiated our programmes near the border of Tamilnadu in Tada mandal

1997

• HINWIL friends visited the region to inaugurate their Village Singanalatur.

• Organised 2 Children’s Festivals during January.

• Inaugurated R.R.Kandrika Villages by Member of Parliament Mr. Tirupati.

• 2 new Villages have been started.

The region in the beginning was meant specially for the development of fishermen communities, but after 1989, we have also entered the tribal areas in the Southern part of Nellore. Under the fishermen development programme, we have mainly concentrated on Education, Skill training, Forestry, Primary health, and Village building programmes.

So far 30 Villages have benefitted under the Village building programme, 7 Villages benefitted under the education programme, 60 young people are learning skills every year in our skill training centers, and 15 youth people in forestry programme. We have also a health center in the coastal area, covering 18 Villages. Since 1989, our programme has been extended towards Madras with the support of the friends from Switzerland.

After a cyclone in October, 1996, we entered in Prakasam district and got in touch with 32 Villages and assisted them in health relief activity. We have also done some common programmes for 15 Villages in Ulavapadu Mandal in Prakasam district. Also towards Madras, we entered in the border of Tamilnadu and surveyed in 12 cyclone -affected Villages. We also started our activities in both the new areas.

VRO in Cuddapah

Introduction:

Formerly part of the original Nellore Region, Cuddapah became an operationally separate region in 1989 after heavy flooding of the usually dry ‘Pennar’ river. One of the very interior Indian Regions, known for its annual drought - problem, its barren hills, its single remaining nature reserve, and for its floor-stone production (Cuddapah slabs), made it a marginal district.

With a population of scarcely 2 and half million, and an area the size of Scotland, Cuddapah's development has been slower than that of many neighboring districts.

Its environmental physiology is distinct: a large hill surrounded by central plain where the district head -quarters are located, and towards the edges in all directions, slivers and outcrops of barren hills, - that leave one in doubt whether the "Nature Animal Reserve" has any game or fauna left.

Throughout most of the year the landscape is depressingly grey and dusty, the water level is very low in the wells, and very few industries, rising up in the neighborhood of the few fast developing market-towns. Large tracts of co-operative lands, to grow groundnuts, or melons, or the indigenous kind of sweet lime. The forest department - notices are visible in many places, but the results of the re-forestation efforts are difficult to find. Along the riverbed are a few oases of green ordinarily. Temples and village churches abound, but chimneys and water-towers are very rare. Our work is mainly for the landless and dry land people.

The socio-cultural significance of the region derives mostly from the presence of tribal surviving communities and many more backward caste groups, with a very insecure life - pattern. At the same time, the most favoured caste-settlers indulge in very intense Political rivalry, so that the region has a high incidence of political violence.

There are quite a number of mission-centres scattered in all directions, some of them very extensive, and there are also traces of co-operative experiments, that seem in many cases to have gone bankrupt. In all there are more than 10,000 Villages and some 3,000 primary schools, 228 higher secondary and 70 colleges.

It is an area with fore-seeable significance not only within the VRO frame work but also on the State-level. The concentration of the Forest-department may lead to remaking the district a worthwhile wildlife reserve again. Similarly the growth of the coolie-sangams in the district has been unique in central India: Wage Justice has improved. At the same time the region is a bridge area to further waiting districts specifically Kurnool and the Chittoor districts, from where regularly strong appeals reach us.

The main - problem in the region is ofcourse the water-problem, both for drinking water and for irrigation water to increase field productivity. A part of the Telugu-Ganga canal (reaching the Krishna water to Madras) passes through the district, and should help Villages too, as well as the forest-improvement efforts of Government and people.

As in other regions, too the future depends on the availability and motivational equality of the Villages to supply animator - volunteers willing to identify with them in their need.

Historical overview of the VRO in the region:

With many years of history, the Cuddapah region's service record is in its initial stage in more than one way. Even so, significant development has been achieved on several fronts:

1989

• Our Service base was started at M.P.S.S premises, Cuddapah with Fr.Peter Daniel and Mr. Raghunathan.

1990

• The Sanjeeva Nagar and R.C. Puram Village building programme was started. The Community Child Care Programme was started in 2 Villages.

1991

• The Muttukur Village building programme was started and 2 Villages inaugurated

1992

• Our service base was shifted from MPSS to an SBI colony quarters in a double-storeyed building.

• The Agraharam and Thotlapalli Village building programme were started.

1993

• The Jandlavaram Village building programme was started after 2 years of preparation.

• Micro Programmes were initiated in 13 Villages.

• Land was purchased for our own service base in Cuddapah town.

• The Pagadala Palli and Papireddy Palli Village building programme was started.

1994

• 7 acres of land were donated near Arogyanagar in the Badvel Circle for a service base, BPTC Centre and planned the forestry programme.

• A Festival for the entertainment of Physically Challenged was organised with the participation of 900 handicapped people. This was organized near Porumamilla.

• The drinking water programme survey was conducted and started in 13 Villages.

• The Joint forest management programme was started in Jandlavaram and P.P.Kunta with the Government assistance.

• Thotlapalli Village (BuildingProgramme) inaugurated (74 families)

1995

• Village Learning Programme was taken over from a local parish priest of Karunagiri at Jandlavaram.

• Women Vocational Development Training centres started in two Villages ( Sanjeevanagar + Agraharam )

• Sunflower seeds project with special machinery were given to the Agraharam Village with Swiss Aid.

• New area surveyed towards Nandyala in Kurnool district.

1996

• In February Ms. Christine, SWIVRO visited the region with her team members.

• In the month of March - work on the new Service Centre building was commenced and completed in December.

• Heavy Floods affected the region once again. 38 Villages were visited and surveyed. .

1997

• January - Girls BPTC Building construction work started and BPTC Trainees Survey work started in Thotlapalli Area.

• March - New Service Centre Building Work completed.

Regions: VRO in Tamilnadu

"The history of India begins in the south" scholars said. In a way the history of VRO also began in the south of India: from Andhra, it sprung over to Tamilnadu within 2 years of its existence. Why?

The Socio-cultural character of the Dravidian homeland cannot be overstressed. Politically a succession of long lasting dynasties made their rule remembered in impressive temples, water-reservoirs, tree -lined roads, as one can find with difficulty in other Indian states. More than the North, it is the south of India (Tamilnadu in particular) that attracts hundreds and thousands of tourists every year.

But there are also special social/cultural shadow-aspects: the continued existence of temple-Villages (owned by the temple), the incessant flow of refugees, the seasonal migration of drought-affected people deserting their Villages (often never to return), the drying up of open tanks - reservoirs not maintained, the deforestation even of the highest hills, the rapid urbanisation of industrial or railway cities, it is a long list of desolated, frustrated Villages, uncertain about their future.

Environmentally the region shows a great range and variety of scenery and landscapes: scattered short ranges in the north, and larger out crops of the highest hills of south India (5000-7000 ft or 1500 -2000 mt). Similarly rich rice fields along the canals of the few rivers, and the sudden barrenness of stony lands, a few meters higher, with here and there new or old stone quarries. Educational high quality institutions abound in ancient towns, not far from more ancient leather workers, colonies, and great railway concentrations next to temple forts. Descending from the western Kerala high hills, the Tamilnadu region where VRO is working runs along the Cauvery river to the coast. Everywhere we were in search of the smallest Villages: Tamilnadu has 40,000 Villages, mostly small: a world of work to be done.

The significance of entering this region for VRO lies specially in the awareness of the polarisation of wealth and poverty in that area. But also in the availability of better motivated personnel and of a deep strain of social awareness, still running through the region.

The reform is the work-environment, the extension of the educational opportunity for disadvantaged Villages. The linkage of social liberation to ancient religious traditions of service, and the proximity of environmentally great opportunity and urgencies attracted us. The tea-estates, the coffee plantations, the forest-challenge together with the urgency to fight pollution, continued bondage of people, landlords, all requires some kind of generous, dynamic offer of support.

The problems are many, but surmountable: the relative small concern or sympathy of struggling political parties for voluntary agencies (in their desire to harvest all the people's political sympathy), the lack of leadership in the Villages, the still widespread illiteracy and ignorance of Villagers (still fascinated more by saints and miracles) are only a few of the daily difficulties we encounter, the scarcity of volunteers is also great, both in north and south Tamilnadu.

THE HISTORY OF VRO IN TAMILNADU

1971

• Great fire in some Villages near Trichy (Pullambadi, Sembarai), Director was called, invited to help, by officials.

1972

• Setting up of first regional team of 4 volunteers, under guidance of Fr.Bergeron sj, and several youth training camps in St.Joseph's College Trichy.

1972-74

• Construction of first 3 Village units of Pullambadi, with the help of a Swiss Industrialist.

1975-77

• Intensive survey of other districts. (Thanjavur, N/S Arcot), construction of Vairapuri began, completed in 1982.

1978-82

• Setting up of the first specialized Youth skill Training Centres in Puthur, Vairapuri, health centres and Pudukottai (Madagam)

1983-85

• Starting work in the Pondicherry area / Large Adult educational programme in Yercaud and in Karur area; first Village surveyed near Velur.

1986-91

• Completing first Yercaud Village (inaugurated in 1988 Feb by Raf. Windey in Azhagumalai)

1992

• VRO Tamilnadu divided into two regions - South and North Tamilnadu.

• Survey of Utramerur, Kanchipuram and Cheiyyar areas.

• Sevapalli site formation and Service Centre building construction completed.

• Village building programmes started in Sevapalli circle ( Vetrampakkam, Irumbuli and Parukkal)

• Windmill erected at Sevapalli site

1993-94

• Programme extended to Dindigal, Palani and Ramnad districts

• Madhanagar, Vilakunandal, Palapatti Village construction programme started.

• VFTC hostel building constructed at Puthur.

• Handicapped children care centre started at Pondy. (M.Chavadi)

1995-97

• Survey of new Villages in Namakkal area

• Villages building programme started in 6 Villages ( 2 in NTN & 4 in STN)

• Madhanagar and Palapatti Village inaugurated

• VRO Tamilnadu made as Autonomous Trust called VRO Tamilnadu Village Development Trust

• Solar pumps, compressed cement bricks making technology started in Puthur and Sevapalli.

• Survey of Villages in Palayamkotai area

• Survey of Elementary Schools in Trichy district.

• Regional Assistance to Sector Activities (RAASA) programme started in the region.

• Village maintenance camps organised in old Villages.

• Old BPTC boys meeting and old VRO volunteers meeting held in Puthur.