The Fakirani Jats live in the Rann of Kutch, where the 2500 sq-km Banni grassland segues into salt marshes and marine mangrove wetlands abutting the Arabian Sea. The livelihood of this pastoralist community is built around their pack animals, particularly the rare and hardy Kharai camel, a breed uniquely adapted to the region’s terrain and climate. As increased salt extraction and industrialisation fragment the fragile mangroves and force the herdsmen away from their traditional livelihood, the Kharai has become an endangered breed. A local organisation, Sahjeevan, has intervened with multiple initiatives to support the Fakirani Jats and sustain their traditional occupation of camel pastoralism. In the third episode of Stories Of Change with Anuradha Nagaraj, we train the spotlight on Sahjeevan’s work among the camel herders of western Gujarat.

For additional notes on this episode and a comprehensive list of acknowledgements and resources for further reading and exploration, please visit our website: https://azimpremjiuniversity.edu.in/stories-of-change-on-radio-azim-premji-university

How often have you heard truck drivers being described as the “backbone of our economy”?

India owes a debt of gratitude to truck drivers, who transport goods, medicines, raw material, and other articles to destinations across the length and breadth of the country. To meet these unlikely heroes of our story of change, join Radio Azim Premji University on the road as we visit the truck parking lots of Kolkata, West Bengal.

A truck parking lot is a busy, crowded yard that smells of diesel fumes and engine oil. The air is filled with the clamor of conversation, loud horns, and the grunt and growl of truck engines. Trucks trundle in for a quick rest stop before shifting gears and heading back to the highway. Drivers work long hours. They are constantly on the move, day and night, driving up to 16 hours at a stretch. These people, mostly men, seldom have time to take care of their needs. How often do they have a health checkup, or get a toothache attended to, or check on their failing eyesight?

Nonprofit Seva Kendra Calcutta, an Azim Premji Foundation philanthropy partner based in the City of Joy, runs the Sambandh programme that provides an outreach avenue for truck drivers to address such needs and, more importantly, create a nurturing and caring community focused on their wellness and security. Join us on the road and listen along.

Stories Of Change is hosted by Anuradha Nagaraj, faculty at the School of Development at Azim Premji University, Bengaluru.

CREDITS:

Akshay Ramuhalli, Bijoy Venugopal, Bruce Lee Mani, Narayan Krishnaswamy, Prashant Vasudevan, Sananda Dasgupta, Seema Seth, Shraddha Gautam, Supriya Joshi and Velu Shankar

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

Special thanks to the team at Seva Kendra Calcutta and the truck drivers who are the lifeline of this nation.

In our first episode of Stories of Change with Anuradha Nagaraj, we visit Nelamangala on the outskirts of Bengaluru. We are here to listen to the story of the Uhuru program, run by non-profit Snehadhara Foundation at its semi-residential facility for children with disabilities. Uhuru is Swahili for freedom, which Snehadhara attempts to realize through meaningful interventions that contribute to a wholesome and inclusive learning experience not just for the children but for the facilitators as well.

Credits:

Akshay Ramuhalli, Bijoy Venugopal, Bruce Lee Mani, Narayan Krishnaswamy, Prashant Vasudevan, Seema Seth, Shraddha Gautam, Supriya Joshi and Velu Shankar

Acknowledgements:

Uhuru as explained by Snehadhara Foundation

The Stories of Change Volumes

Snehadhara Website: https://snehadharafoundation.org/

Special Thanks to Snehadhara Foundation at Nelamangala and JP Nagar, Bengaluru