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Priyanka Kumari
Sitamarhi
Bio
Co-Founder of Gram Chetna Andolan​
It was merely by chance that Priyanka, born and raised in Bishanpur Gonahi Village of North Bihar, got an opportunity to choose a pen over a palanquin. She seized the opportunity with both hands and went on to study at one of the most prestigious colleges in India - Miranda House of University of Delhi. After college, Priyanka worked with Youth Alliance as a rural fellow in a village in Kanpur Dehat, U.P. She worked with school children, women groups, and elderly people in the village. For two years she tested her commitment and capacity to work with rural communities. She left Village Paliya with a firm resolve of returning to her native village to work for Gram-Swaraj and Community lead governance process. Last year she has contested Panchayat Election for Mukhiya Post and with her campaign she has able to shift the local political culture. As a Co-Founder of the Gram Chetna Andolan Priyanka has been mobilising rural community for gram-swaraj and evolve as a problem solver community. She is alumni of Indian School of Democracy and Reap benifit. She aspire to work for the betterment of her village and keen to work on the women political leadership.
Problem Solving
Communication
Citizenship
Data Orientation
Applied Empathy
Hands on
Community Collaboration
Entrepreneurial
2024-08-01 13:12:39
Learning Visit To Hiware Bazar to Study the Development & Gram Swaraj
Hiware Bazaar stands as a remarkable model of rural development. In late February, we had the opportunity to visit this village, where we engaged with key stakeholders, including former Sarpanch Popat Rao Pawar and other community members. Our visit focused on understanding their innovative approach to water management and the strong culture of Gram Sabha participation that drives their success. From Hiware Bazaar, we can draw several important lessons: 1. Effective Water Management:The village's commitment to sustainable water practices has transformed their agricultural landscape and secured livelihoods. 2. Community Leadership: The proactive role of local leaders like Popat Rao Pawar has been crucial in mobilizing the community and fostering a sense of collective responsibility. 3. Active Gram Sabha Participation: Regular and inclusive Gram Sabha meetings have strengthened democratic processes, ensuring that all voices are heard and that decisions are made in the best interest of the community. Hiware Bazaar exemplifies how a unified, well-organized community can drive positive change and serve as a beacon of inspiration for rural development initiatives across the country.
2024-08-01 13:00:15
Co-Facilitated Climate Vulunarblity mapping of Shrirampur
Today, a group of youth from our village and I conducted a climate vulnerability mapping exercise to better understand the factors contributing to our village's carbon emissions and the decline in carbon absorption. We explored how these factors are making farming increasingly difficult for our farmers and causing a rapid rise in temperatures. We also discussed how these carbon emissions are directly linked to the severe water crisis we are facing. This workshop was an important step in deepening our understanding of these challenges.
2024-05-10 10:09:52
Volunteer & Hosted Mushroom Farming Workshop With Anju Jee
Bagmati Mahotsav, organized by Bagmati Vidyapeeth and Regenerative Bihar in Tariyani Chhapra, Sheohar district, aimed to raise awareness about climate-smart farming. I had the privilege of co-facilitating a workshop on mushroom farming alongside Anju Ji during this event.
2024-02-05 15:54:27
Co-Facilitated Skill-Exploring Workshop in Our Programme Dakshta-Diwas
Me alongwith our team at Gram Chetna Andolan is working towards community building among various interest groups of the village. We keep organizing Dakshta-Divas to leverage these groups into the learning community and take them to the level of entrepreneurship. Recently, we organized Dakshta-Divas with youth students on the theme of 'Explore your skills'. During the session we explored our individual skills and also displayed our skill-store. Participants reflected on how many skills exist within our group. And how can one make his/her career by working on these skills.
2024-02-05 15:35:42
Mobilise First ever Ward-Sabha to discuss Water Crisis in Shrirampur
According to Bihar Panchayati Raj Act 2006, Ward-Sabha is the lowest constitutional institution of Panchayati Raj. It empowers the village people to discuss their issues and problems together and also hold their public representatives accountable. We are running an intensive camapaign to catalyze community lead solution in our village to tackle water crisis. We are taking a sustainable route, to build a system of problem-solving. After a long efforts of last several months, we were finally able to organize ward sabha of two wards of Shrirampur. 👉We first organized Jal Chetna-Chaupal to create awareness and necessary understanding in the community on water crisis. 👉The local Prahari (local volunteers/problem solvers) conducted the water audit of the village. 👉We did intensive outreach through various mediums to ensure people's attendance at the ward meeting. 👉Then, organise ward sabha with adequate attendance and discussed the solutions to the water crisis through the data emerging from the water audit.
2024-02-05 13:23:35
Household Survey for Water Audit of Shrirampur Village
In view of the water crisis, a survey was conducted in 325 houses for water audit of Shrirampur village. For this, 14 volunteers were mobilized from the village. And the gross water consumption of the village and the status of various water sources were audited. The discussion in the ward meeting was conducted using the data obtained from this process.
2023-12-07 19:43:08
Organised Community dialogue events to discuss Ongoing Water Crisis
<Aug 2023> Along with my team and community volunteers we have organised a community awareness event called - 'Jal Chetna-Chaupal' to discuss ongoing water crisis. We have shared the root cause of the problem and the possible solution through community participation.
Our villages in Sitamarhi District of Bihar are facing a huge water crisis. Chetna-Chaupal has organised to discuss the Ongoing water crisis and to mobilise community driven solutions.
Almost 150 people from two wards of shrirampur Village have attended the session and understand the root cause of the water crisis. This session has helped to build a fair minimum awareness and understanding of the problem.
After this Chetna-Chaupal we have successfully mobilised a Ward Sabha of the two wards of Shrirampur village to discuss solution.
2023-12-07 19:19:52
Mobilised 2000 Citizens for Participatory Governance
<2021-22> Co-Lead a Campaign Called Chetna-Chaupal to accelerate a culture of community dialogue, citizen participation in Panchayati Raj and healthy electoral culture.
A total of 15 Chetna-Chaupals were organized in 14 wards of different villages of Bishanpur Gonahi Panchayat.
Through this, community dialogue was held with about 2000 common citizens on variety of topic of grassroot importance like - Panchayati Raj Act, Gram Sabha and the importance of participating in it and the budget of the Panchayat.
A team of new leadership from each ward of panchayat has emerged from this process
2023-12-07 18:58:59
Organised Eye Checkup-Cum-Surgery Camp for elderly people of Paliya
<2018-19> A survey of elderly cataract patients was conducted in Palia and five nearby villages in Kanpur Dehat district of Uttar Pradesh.
Organized an eye camp for their check-up and facilitated the surgery process for needy patients.
2023-12-07 18:44:58
Designed and invited members to build Gender Inclusive Kitchen Space
<2017> The responsibility of the kitchen has always been on the shoulders of women. We wanted to make the kitchen of our commune a gender inclusive space. In which the male members of the commune should also contribute equally.
For this, I facilitated a workshop for about 10 people on contributing efficiently & inclusively in the kitchen.
2023-12-07 18:32:19
Facilitated a regular space for peer learning
<2016-18> Co-Facilitated a peer learning activity ‘Samjho-Bujho-Aaspas’ to explore and deepen the understanding of social and natural surroundings.
A better citizen must be critical. The more informed we are, the more critical we will be. I facilitated a peer learning space of two hours a day for two years for ten members of my commune so that together we could build a better understanding of the social and political issues around us.
Bio
Co-Founder of Gram Chetna Andolan​
It was merely by chance that Priyanka, born and raised in Bishanpur Gonahi Village of North Bihar, got an opportunity to choose a pen over a palanquin. She seized the opportunity with both hands and went on to study at one of the most prestigious colleges in India - Miranda House of University of Delhi. After college, Priyanka worked with Youth Alliance as a rural fellow in a village in Kanpur Dehat, U.P. She worked with school children, women groups, and elderly people in the village. For two years she tested her commitment and capacity to work with rural communities. She left Village Paliya with a firm resolve of returning to her native village to work for Gram-Swaraj and Community lead governance process. Last year she has contested Panchayat Election for Mukhiya Post and with her campaign she has able to shift the local political culture. As a Co-Founder of the Gram Chetna Andolan Priyanka has been mobilising rural community for gram-swaraj and evolve as a problem solver community. She is alumni of Indian School of Democracy and Reap benifit. She aspire to work for the betterment of her village and keen to work on the women political leadership.
Problem Solving
Communication
Citizenship
Data Orientation
Applied Empathy
Hands on
Community Collaboration
Entrepreneurial
2024-08-01 13:12:39
Learning Visit To Hiware Bazar to Study the Development & Gram Swaraj
Hiware Bazaar stands as a remarkable model of rural development. In late February, we had the opportunity to visit this village, where we engaged with key stakeholders, including former Sarpanch Popat Rao Pawar and other community members. Our visit focused on understanding their innovative approach to water management and the strong culture of Gram Sabha participation that drives their success. From Hiware Bazaar, we can draw several important lessons: 1. Effective Water Management:The village's commitment to sustainable water practices has transformed their agricultural landscape and secured livelihoods. 2. Community Leadership: The proactive role of local leaders like Popat Rao Pawar has been crucial in mobilizing the community and fostering a sense of collective responsibility. 3. Active Gram Sabha Participation: Regular and inclusive Gram Sabha meetings have strengthened democratic processes, ensuring that all voices are heard and that decisions are made in the best interest of the community. Hiware Bazaar exemplifies how a unified, well-organized community can drive positive change and serve as a beacon of inspiration for rural development initiatives across the country.
2024-08-01 13:00:15
Co-Facilitated Climate Vulunarblity mapping of Shrirampur
Today, a group of youth from our village and I conducted a climate vulnerability mapping exercise to better understand the factors contributing to our village's carbon emissions and the decline in carbon absorption. We explored how these factors are making farming increasingly difficult for our farmers and causing a rapid rise in temperatures. We also discussed how these carbon emissions are directly linked to the severe water crisis we are facing. This workshop was an important step in deepening our understanding of these challenges.
2024-05-10 10:09:52
Volunteer & Hosted Mushroom Farming Workshop With Anju Jee
Bagmati Mahotsav, organized by Bagmati Vidyapeeth and Regenerative Bihar in Tariyani Chhapra, Sheohar district, aimed to raise awareness about climate-smart farming. I had the privilege of co-facilitating a workshop on mushroom farming alongside Anju Ji during this event.
2024-02-05 15:54:27
Co-Facilitated Skill-Exploring Workshop in Our Programme Dakshta-Diwas
Me alongwith our team at Gram Chetna Andolan is working towards community building among various interest groups of the village. We keep organizing Dakshta-Divas to leverage these groups into the learning community and take them to the level of entrepreneurship. Recently, we organized Dakshta-Divas with youth students on the theme of 'Explore your skills'. During the session we explored our individual skills and also displayed our skill-store. Participants reflected on how many skills exist within our group. And how can one make his/her career by working on these skills.
2024-02-05 15:35:42
Mobilise First ever Ward-Sabha to discuss Water Crisis in Shrirampur
According to Bihar Panchayati Raj Act 2006, Ward-Sabha is the lowest constitutional institution of Panchayati Raj. It empowers the village people to discuss their issues and problems together and also hold their public representatives accountable. We are running an intensive camapaign to catalyze community lead solution in our village to tackle water crisis. We are taking a sustainable route, to build a system of problem-solving. After a long efforts of last several months, we were finally able to organize ward sabha of two wards of Shrirampur. 👉We first organized Jal Chetna-Chaupal to create awareness and necessary understanding in the community on water crisis. 👉The local Prahari (local volunteers/problem solvers) conducted the water audit of the village. 👉We did intensive outreach through various mediums to ensure people's attendance at the ward meeting. 👉Then, organise ward sabha with adequate attendance and discussed the solutions to the water crisis through the data emerging from the water audit.
2024-02-05 13:23:35
Household Survey for Water Audit of Shrirampur Village
In view of the water crisis, a survey was conducted in 325 houses for water audit of Shrirampur village. For this, 14 volunteers were mobilized from the village. And the gross water consumption of the village and the status of various water sources were audited. The discussion in the ward meeting was conducted using the data obtained from this process.
2023-12-07 19:43:08
Organised Community dialogue events to discuss Ongoing Water Crisis
<Aug 2023> Along with my team and community volunteers we have organised a community awareness event called - 'Jal Chetna-Chaupal' to discuss ongoing water crisis. We have shared the root cause of the problem and the possible solution through community participation.
Our villages in Sitamarhi District of Bihar are facing a huge water crisis. Chetna-Chaupal has organised to discuss the Ongoing water crisis and to mobilise community driven solutions.
Almost 150 people from two wards of shrirampur Village have attended the session and understand the root cause of the water crisis. This session has helped to build a fair minimum awareness and understanding of the problem.
After this Chetna-Chaupal we have successfully mobilised a Ward Sabha of the two wards of Shrirampur village to discuss solution.
2023-12-07 19:19:52
Mobilised 2000 Citizens for Participatory Governance
<2021-22> Co-Lead a Campaign Called Chetna-Chaupal to accelerate a culture of community dialogue, citizen participation in Panchayati Raj and healthy electoral culture.
A total of 15 Chetna-Chaupals were organized in 14 wards of different villages of Bishanpur Gonahi Panchayat.
Through this, community dialogue was held with about 2000 common citizens on variety of topic of grassroot importance like - Panchayati Raj Act, Gram Sabha and the importance of participating in it and the budget of the Panchayat.
A team of new leadership from each ward of panchayat has emerged from this process
2023-12-07 18:58:59
Organised Eye Checkup-Cum-Surgery Camp for elderly people of Paliya
<2018-19> A survey of elderly cataract patients was conducted in Palia and five nearby villages in Kanpur Dehat district of Uttar Pradesh.
Organized an eye camp for their check-up and facilitated the surgery process for needy patients.
2023-12-07 18:44:58
Designed and invited members to build Gender Inclusive Kitchen Space
<2017> The responsibility of the kitchen has always been on the shoulders of women. We wanted to make the kitchen of our commune a gender inclusive space. In which the male members of the commune should also contribute equally.
For this, I facilitated a workshop for about 10 people on contributing efficiently & inclusively in the kitchen.
2023-12-07 18:32:19
Facilitated a regular space for peer learning
<2016-18> Co-Facilitated a peer learning activity ‘Samjho-Bujho-Aaspas’ to explore and deepen the understanding of social and natural surroundings.
A better citizen must be critical. The more informed we are, the more critical we will be. I facilitated a peer learning space of two hours a day for two years for ten members of my commune so that together we could build a better understanding of the social and political issues around us.