Community Correspondents

Vrinda Aazad

Vrinda Azad is the former Sarpanch – or Chief – of her village, one of the most challenging positions that a woman, a dalit and a social worker can find herself in. She was elected Village Chief after more than a decade as an activist. As Sarpanch, her primary struggle was to bring electricity to her village, a quest that lasted three years. Electricity did come. Today her children study in the bright light of a bulb. But unable to balance the pressures of home and office, Vrinda resigned from office and continued her social work as a part of organizations and individually.

Videos from Vrinda

Child Delivery in the Middle of the Night

 
/ October 1, 2013

Community Correspondent, Vrinda Azad reports the struggle they go through due to absence of a doctor at their Health Center in Jairam Nagar, Chhattisgarh. In emergencies compelled to take a road at night which is in shambles. Vrinda says, “The road is such that chances of accidents doubles up during...

IU Impact: No More Waiting for Water

 
/ March 26, 2013

The 300 residents of Jayramnagar had been facing a severe shortage of water. There was only one functional hand pump in the village and the residents wanted more. When the village council and the headman did nothing for the community, the people put their faith in Community Correspondent Vrinda Aazad...

Railway Station without any facilities

 
/ February 8, 2016

Many have to run to catch their trains as they halt. Many of them miss their trains if they are not fast enough. Many don’t even get tickets on time. These are everyday scenes at a Railway Station in Kotmi Sonar village, which has a population of 3,350 people. Many...

Self Help group: Empowered or Enslaved?

 
/ January 25, 2016

Women from a self help group in Jagjir Champa, Chhattisgarh have not been paid for stitching work done over past 7 months. 19 women from Jairamnagar gathered together and started stitching uniforms for government schools to tackle unemployment. Even though they continue to work tirelessly, this work contributes nothing towards...

Unique Wedding Celebrations!

 
/ March 10, 2015

10th March 2015| Jangjir-Champa, Chhattisgarh| Vrinda Azad This video documents a unique cultural practice where young children are married-off in a community ceremony. The ritual has particular importance for young girls as they are supposed to participate in this ceremony before puberty. Community Correspondent Vrinda Azad, who is from Chhattisgarh...

Heavy rains destroyed a dalit’s house

 
/ January 20, 2015

January 20; Bilaspur, Chattisgarh Heavy rains destroyed a dalit’s house in Kachhar village, and the administration is proving to be of no help. Community Correspondent Vrinda Azad reports.

Tapering Hopes

 
/ March 17, 2014

Every household in ward no. 3 of Jairamnagar has taps installed. Access to a stable and clean source of water is one of the most basic facilities that an individual, a family or a community requires. By installing these taps the government has made sure that every household in the community –...

Broken Hand-pump & Tired legs

 
/ March 12, 2014

The hand pump in Ward no. 5 of Jairamnagar in Chhattisgarh, which used to provide water to more than 50 families has not been functional for a year. Community Correspondent Vrinda Azad’s friend lives in Jairamnagar. Vrinda has been listening to her trouble’s mounting up every time she meets in...