On March 8, 2025, Shyam Palace in Kawardha became the hub of progressive thought and community empowerment. Organized jointly by the Chhattisgarh Agricon Samiti and Samerth Charitable Trust, the “Bhuiyan – Jimmewari aur Jatan” program brought together over 400 participants from diverse communities in the Kabirdham district. The event provided a dynamic platform for dialogue on community-led and all-inclusive landscape restoration, anchored on the innovative 4 Returns framework.
A Confluence of Thought Leaders and Change-Makers Distinguished experts and guests from the fields of agriculture, environment, and the social sector graced the event. Key dignitaries included: • Dr. Ravi R. Saxena – VC, MGUVV • Shashi Kumar – DFO, Kawardha • Vishnu Vaibhav Dwivedi – CTO, IIT Bhilai • Dr. Govardhan Bhatt – Assistant Professor, NIT Raipur • Abhishek Singh – SBC Specialist, UNICEF • Dr. N. Sarang – Associate Professor, Fisheries College, Kawardha • Akhilesh Dubey – Assistant Director of Agriculture, Kawardha • Dr. Shubha Banerjee – Assistant Professor, IGKV • Herma Rademaker & Shekhar Kolipaka – from Commonland, Netherlands • Dr. B. L. Raj – CMHO, Kawardha • Isha Jhawar – CEO, Repeat Gud • Dr. Sanket Thakur – Agricultural Scientist and Researcher
Their collective expertise and insights set the stage for rich discussions on sustainable farming practices, environmental conservation, and community development.
Inaugural Moments and Engaging Introductions The program commenced with a warm welcome address by Mr. Krishna Shrinivasan, State Lead of Samerth Charitable Trust, who set a collaborative and forward-thinking tone for the day. An introductory session on the “4 Returns – PRERAK” photo exhibition followed, capturing the spirit and tangible impacts of sustainable practices through visual storytelling.
Kavir Lab: A Beacon of Innovation One of the event’s key highlights was the inauguration of the Kavir Lab. This state-of-the-art facility is a combined entity featuring:
A biotechnology lab for bio-input production
A biofertilizer production training center
A soil testing lab
A behavior lab
Celebrating Cultural Heritage and Community Narratives The program beautifully interwove cultural performances with discussions on sustainability. A mesmerizing Baiga Dance performance by the Palak Baiga Nritya Group highlighted the deep, intrinsic connection between the Baiga community and nature.
Designed with local farmers in mind, the Kavir Lab is set to become a center for innovation and hands-on training. It promises to strengthen the agricultural ecosystem by improving soil health and empowering farmers to become self-reliant. The lab offers a unique platform for farmers to innovate, share experiences, and access the latest research and technological solutions.
This was followed by a series of heartfelt change stories shared by community members such as Omprakash Chandrakar, Kunti Bai, Fagni Masram, Sunita Chandravanshi, Vijay Merawi, and Ballu Singh Baiga. Their narratives not only celebrated community resilience but also showcased the transformative impact of collective action and the 4 Returns-based interventions.
In an inspiring session, Isha Jhawar, CEO of Repeat Gud, captivated the audience with her personal journey as a young entrepreneur in the jaggery-based products business. Her story served as a powerful reminder of how innovation and sustainable practices can drive both economic and social change.
In-Depth Panel Discussions and Expert Insights Multiple panel discussions throughout the day provided a platform for in-depth conversations on:
Sustainable Farming Practices: Exploring how traditional methods can be enhanced with modern technologies.
Water and Environmental Conservation: Delving into strategies to preserve our natural resources amid climate challenges.
Community Development: Fostering an environment where local voices drive progress and innovation.
These discussions, enriched by the diverse perspectives of our esteemed guests, emphasized the need for integrative solutions that combine technical expertise with local wisdom.
Empowering Women and Celebrating Social Transformation A special dance drama performed by young girls from Kasturba Adivasi Vidyalaya, Kawardha. The performance was a celebration of women’s contributions and highlighted the importance of empowering women in driving community change.
Interactive Engagement and Knowledge Sharing The event was further enlivened by interactive stalls that included:
Kavir Kisan Stall showcasing innovative farming techniques
Mental Health Stall emphasizing the importance of well-being
Carbon Credit Stall explaining sustainable financing models
Gender Transformation and PRERAK Stall focusing on women’s empowerment
Additional stalls featuring Children and women drive eco-restoration through traditional practices, STEM activities, and sustainable resource management, fostering resilient landscapes and cultural preservation.
In addition, 25 participants from the PRERAK photo contest were felicitated with exciting prizes, recognizing their creative contributions to capturing the essence of sustainability.
Closing Remarks and the Road Ahead The day concluded with insightful closing remarks by Dr. Ravi R. Saxena, followed by a heartfelt vote of thanks by Rajnish Awasthi. Their words encapsulated the spirit of the event—a shared commitment to sustainable development, community empowerment, and a greener future for all.
Reflecting on a Successful Day of Dialogue and Action “Bhuiyan – Jimmewari aur Jatan” was more than just an event; it was a call to action. It demonstrated that through collaboration, innovative thinking, and respect for traditional knowledge, communities can lead the way toward transformative change in landscape restoration. The discussions, performances, and interactive sessions have set a strong foundation for future initiatives that will continue to empower local communities and protect our natural heritage.