August 2015
Village gets electricity after 4 years – Mukesh Rajak reports for IndiaUnheard
Watch the impact of Video Volunteers’ nationwide IndiaUnheard Network : electricity woes and our success in Jharkhand The transformer in Mathurapur has been defunct since 4 years. Residents claim that the officials demand INR 20,000 as a bribe to fix the transformer. 20,000 is a large sum for the small...
Is India really Independent?
“Long years ago, we made a tryst with destiny and now the time comes when we shall redeem our pledge… At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom.” – Jawaharlal Nehru On 15th August 2015, India celebrates 69th year of...
My name is Mukesh Rajak: Personal Profile
My name is Mukesh Rajak. I am 22 years old. I was born in a Dalit family in rural Jharkhand. Growing up as a Dalit meant that I often experienced discrimination. Opportunities were few but I was lucky to land a scholarship that enabled me to complete my studies. I...
Women lead the battle to ban alcohol in rural India
As dusk falls across the village of Paraghat in Chhattisgarh, women from the community gather around in large groups. Armed with long sticks and whistles, they walk around inspecting every corner for suspicious activities. This daily vigil has become an integral part of making sure that no one consumes alcohol...
A domineering man hides the village handpump | IMPACT
Badasangrah, Madhupur District, Jharkhand | Mukesh Rajak The government has adopted several schemes for distribution of water in rural India. But even after the schemes are implemented the villagers suffer due to acts of people who try and sabotage these facilities. In Badasangrah village there is a handpump which had...
Making the government work in Jharkhand
4th August 2015 | Salaiya village, Madhupur block, Deogarh district, Jharkhand | Mukesh Rajak Birth certificates are necessary for availing the benefits from various government schemes designed for children. Acquiring birth certificates from Jharkhand’s government hospitals can however take years, as this report shows. In this video, a community’s Kafkesque...
Maternal Health at Risk : No Frontline Health Workers or Ambulances
3rd August, 2015 | Hesatu village, Ranchi district, Jharkhand | Nirmala Ekka Pregnant women and children do not receive vaccinations and nutrition on a regular basis due the absence of a designated anganwadi sevika (attendant) for the village. A sevika from the neighbouring village visits Hesatu, however, women say that...