Leslin K Seemon
| 324 views | 5 min read
A few weeks ago, a group of 10 Rang De Social Investors, along with their families and friends, embarked on a visit to Kariyappana Doddi, a village located in an ecologically sensitive area just an hour away from Bangalore.
This visit was an opportunity for the investors to witness the impact of their social investments in the region, specifically in supporting the Self-Help Group (SHG) women they had funded through Rang De. The day was set to be an immersive experience for the group, allowing them to see firsthand how their investments had helped transform the community’s livelihood.
The first stop on their journey was the Kai Thota farm, a pilot project initiated by the SHG women. The farm spans one acre and focuses on growing native varieties of vegetables organically. This initiative was made possible with the financial support of the Rang De Social Investors, who helped fund essential amenities like drip irrigation systems and electric fencing. These tools have enabled the SHG women to cultivate their land efficiently and sustainably.
During the visit to the farm, the Social Investors learned about the day-to-day operations of the farm, from the planting process to harvesting. They were particularly interested in understanding how the women managed their time on the field and the income they generated through this venture.
The organic produce, grown without the use of harmful chemicals, is sold directly to consumers, with weekly deliveries made straight to their doorsteps. One unique aspect of the Kai Thota initiative is that consumers can choose which varieties of vegetables—out of the 60 to 70 native options—they would like to see cultivated on the farm.
As a parting gift, the Social Investors were given freshly harvested produce, including bottle gourd and gongura leaves, a reminder of the farm's bounty. The visit to Kai Thota left a lasting impression on the visitors, but the day's experiences were far from over.
Next on the itinerary was a visit to the sericulture pods located in the homes of the SHG women. With the support of loans provided by Rang De, the women had been able to set up small-scale silkworm cultivation units in their homes.
The silk is cultivated in a monthly cycle, with each pod generating a steady income of Rs. 18,000 to Rs. 30,000, depending on its size and capacity. The Social Investors were fascinated by this process, gaining a deeper understanding of how these small enterprises had empowered the women to become financially independent.
After the brief but informative visit to the sericulture pods, the group reconvened at the Buffalo Back Centre, where they met with Vishala, the founder, for an in-depth discussion. The conversation provided a historical overview of the work that had been ongoing in the region for over 20 years, highlighting the struggles faced by the local population due to a lack of consistent livelihood opportunities.
It became clear that there was a stark contrast in living conditions between the people in the village and those just 30 kilometers away in urban Bangalore. For many of the Social Investors, this was an eye-opening moment, one that underscored the importance of their support for the community.
The discussion also ignited enthusiasm among the visitors, with several Social Investors expressing a desire to return with friends and colleagues to further support the initiatives they had seen. Many also showed interest in subscribing to the weekly vegetable deliveries from the Kai Thota farm, especially as the SHG women planned to expand their operations with a second farm soon.
Following the meeting, the group was treated to a traditional, home-cooked lunch prepared by the SHG women. The meal was unlike anything the Social Investors had tasted before, offering a unique and soulful culinary experience. The dishes, filled with local flavours and ingredients, left such an impression that many of the visitors asked for recipes to recreate the dishes at home.
After the meal, there was time for some final exchanges. The Social Investors shared contact details with the SHG women, purchased bakery items produced by the Ragihalli Bakery, and left the village with not just memories but a deeper understanding of the positive impact their investments were making.
This visit had left the Social Investors with lasting impressions, new friendships, and a renewed commitment to the cause they had chosen to support. It was clear that this experience had solidified their belief in the power of community-driven change and the importance of sustainable, grassroots efforts in transforming rural livelihoods.
To invest in communities and create livelihoods, become a social investor today at rangde.in
