One Saturday I casually went to the meeting of Kshiti Foundation at the Mysooru Mallige Park. I guess I was a passive member till then. I just wanted to see what happens in their meetings. After confirming if I can attend, I went into the meeting. I only knew that Kshiti is doing something for rural electrification. But guess what … I was surprised when asked if I can be part of Kshiti team visiting BR Hills along with the solar lighting company members. Felt really responsible and important when I was asked ….

6^th December was the day to visit BR Hills and in particular the Gombegallu hamlet. I was to accompany Sneha and Girish of Kshiti along with 2 members from Kotak Urja. I had 4 days to go. I started getting serious. As a fan of Google Earth browsed through the BR Hills. Searched in vain for Gombegallu and Keredimba hamlets (just now searched for meaning of hamlet as “A small village, esp. without a church”J). Got briefings from the team before we left… First time when I heard word “briefing” from Smita, I was in full laughter (within me)… Till then I had not really knew that Kshiti as really a serious group of people. Now I know the members are really professional….

OK, All this extra info b’coz I am new to Kshiti …

Saturday, 6:30 am a Tata Sumo was in front of our house. Me, Sneha and Sacheth our son were almost ready. Quickly Sneha packed the puliyogare in a hot box and we all jumped into the Sumo. Girish was the only familiar face. There were two members – Bettaswamy Gowda and Ganga Masti Gowda addressed as BS Gowda and GM Gowda respectively (I just now saw their visiting cards to find their full names J). Our journey began. We introduced each other. Our son too was introduced and he felt proud. The Lap1 was over with Girish starting from Banashankari picking up the two men from University and reaching Kengeri. This was a critical lap. Thanks to Girish. It had gone on smooth and in time.

LAP 2: Kengeri to Maddur

We started Lap 2 till Maddur where we had to stop for breakfast. Yes, you guessed it right at Maddur Tiffanys. In Lap 2 Sneha gave some briefing J about Kshiti Foundation. We then got to know about Kotak Urja and some of their products. Their factory is in Peenya, Phase 4. We came to know from them that only Kotak and Tata BP Solar make the solar panels. And the solar panels have inside them the solar cells. But these are not made in India and are imported from other countries like Germany, Israel and Australia. Any one willing to start this in India ?? J.  Mr Gowda also told that the first grade silica goes into the use of computer chips and only second grade silica goes for solar cells. And it costs nearly Rs 200 per Watt of the panel…. We came to something which I never heard of. In Germany and Israel every house uses solar power and also each house is connected to the main power line running across the streets. Surplus power from houses is fed into the mainline. A meter measures how much power a house has given to the mainline and the house owner earns money from govt J. In this lap Mr. B S Gowda suggested us to approach the MLA of the BR Hills area who will have their quota of funds and if they are convinced that it is a good project, we may get their funding. But a word of caution also came from Mr. Gowda “these politicians will help you if they see that this can earn them good publicity”. End of Lap 2.

We got down at Maddur Tiffanys. Had breakfast. Took nature break. Bought some paper plates for puliogare. Got back in the Sumo.

LAP 3 : Maddur to BR Hills

As we had already exchanged lot of information there was a dearth of things to talk. Or may be after having breakfast all of us became like a mouse swallowed snake J. This was the time when there was not much of conversation that we really noticed the taste of Girish in Kannada music. He played “thumba valle bhava geetegalu. Mysooru Anantaswamy mattu Raju Anantaswamy avarinda. Ratnana padagalu, Mankutimmana kagga (anisette…??).” Both of our Kotak friends took rest probably wondering where they are heading … that too with people like us….!!! Girish was silently enjoying the music. We praised Girish for offering such a rare music (at least for me). A song came “Kudididya raste…. Kudididya raste….” When we were literally dangling on beautifully sculptured road between Malavalli and Kollegala. Everyone was into laughter then. Sacheth was so much amused that he kept on laughing. It is these light moments that give so much joy to us inside of this joy there is no making any meaning  but we as a group started feeling much more together. Thanks Girish for creating this. We were now nearing the beautiful Biligiriranagana betta. It was getting cooler as we ascended. At 10.45 am we touched base with Vivekananda Girijana Kalyana Kendra.

End of Lap 3.

Enough kidding….End of all Lap stuff ……….

We entered the VGKK building. Met Mr. Arun. He welcomed us and we sat down for sometime. He briefed about the status of Gombegallu. The issue with lighting and also on lack of a permanent teacher at Gombegallu. He wanted us to check if Kshiti can do something to get them some sponsorship of nearly Rs 1500 to be paid for a teacher who can go to Gombegallu. This will be in addition to the “Gowrava Dhana” of Rs 1000 from Govt. Food for thought for us….  Sneha was thinking why should we not get some estate owner help either for cause of schooling or for our lighting project…

Mr. Arun made all arrangement for us to go to Gombegallu. But due to some communication between VGKK and forest officials it was delayed by 1 hour. Till then we gazed the green covered hills spread around us from the view point near VGKK.

Then we ventured into the forest. The locks were opened by the forest watchmen and our Sumo entered the forest. A forest guard and a VGKK staff Shivamallu accompanied us. I was eager, excited and at the same time  scared thinking what if we get stuck in the forest L.  I again and again asked what has the forest guard got for protection any gun or any knife. But he had nothing other than a stick. Manjunath our driver drove us to Gombegallu facing all hurdles on the way and was the real winner.

We entered the hamlet. It was an area covered by trees and trench around to protect the people from wild animals. But we later came to know many times elephants and “kademme” enter in. We later came to know that there are 32 houses inside. We were greeted by 5-6 Soliga children. They looked puzzled looking at us. We too were ! Their parents had left them there and gone for work in estates. We don’t know how children spend their whole day there.

We started talking to people there and seeing the solar panels there. Our friends from Kotak now suddenly got activated at the very sight the solar panels and batteries of the outdoor lightings which had stopped working. There are 8 solar panels/batteries in total there which were installed some years back. They quickly started inspecting them. We entered some houses are also. Kotak team really appreciated the way in which the people were using the panels and some batteries after the lightings were damaged. They said the people have kept some batteries alive by using them. The issue they faced is the non-maintenance of the lights and also they cannot carry them to any service centre L. Some people have lost money which they gave to electricians who never turned up. We took some photographs also showing the state of the panels and batteries.

We started  moving from house(hut) to house(hut). On the way we also gave to people some clothes we had carried. Sneha was carrying Sacheth who already was asleep by now and talking to people. Girish and Kotak team were inspecting the solar set-ups and interviewing people and I was making note of rough map of the area and writing down which group of house has a solar panel, which has TV etc. Shivamallu was translating the native Soliga kannada to our kannada. Manju, our driver was also involved in our activities. It looked like we were all there for a war against darkness ! At this point I was moved by this project Sandhya Deepa. I imagined how we will be left with when the people get their home lightened. I saluted in mind the person who first dreamt of this project. I salute him again. I also salute each one in Kshiti who have taken something so big that they do not know !!!

I personally feel a breakthrough in the war against the darkness is Gombegallu Soligas cherishing light. Their children seeing things around them at night which is not even visible in the darkness of the day. There lies the transformation. And if this home lighting comes along with the children getting education then there is nothing beyond we can give. The Soligas will themselves get what they want.

Our friends from Kotak said “Sir, Nimma maganige devaru valledu madtane. Neevella intha kelasa madta iddiralla adakke”. I told him that there is a whole team behind this. It just showed how moved were they by being there. I do not know what as a company can Kotak can offer us in this, but we can be assured Bettaswamy Gowda and Ganga Masti Gowda as individuals will do beyond their best to help Kshiti in the project. We visited nearly 10 houses. Other houses were locked. We then met their head and took the names of the residents there. We came to know that there are 32 houses in 9 groups. Each group having 3 to 4 houses.

It was nearing 4 pm. We wished bye to the head of Soliga “Yajamana Sidde Gowda” if I am right and another old Soliga. We got back in the Sumo. I was thinking when we may really come back with the solar lighting materials to install them. On the way back we visited the “Dodda Sampige Mara”. We were told it is 800 years old. Last blog from Sanjeev said 700 years old. So we had visited after 100 years J. Had lunch of Puliogare. We all shared it. Stomach was not full but all were satisfied of having something. I got an extra bit of rice and sambar from the forest guard who bechara delayed his lunch for our sake. When we were to leave from here.  I was caught by a leech. This was my first ever fight with a leech. Even Girish had some leeches. After 30 mins drive we were out of forest. The guard locked the forest gates again.

We on the way offered prayers to Biligiri Ranga Swamy on the top of BR Hills. Looked ancient temple. But we had no time. It was here Sneha saw some blood stains and realized it was the leech work. We all frisked away into the Sumo and back to VGKK. Some of us bought honey, “yavudo berina rasa”, nallikayi adike ….. We said bye to our friend Shivamallu of VGKK, informed Mr.Arun on phone and were to get in to Sumo. It was this time Girish met his “Friend”. He was looking a “hippi” type with a cigarette in hand. Enquired where Girish works now. Which office building in Koramangala …etc. Asked if Girish has had “oota, tindi”. Then came the rocket. “OK, Ega Aivattu roopayi kodi”. Girish Guys visiting next time. Be careful J.

We started back from BR Hills. Content of having done something…. But somewhere we all felt we need more time to really be with the Soligas. It was like tirupathi venkateshwara darshan…J With just 2 to 3 hours with them we hardly know their life.  But all of for sure know we have to show them the light…the happiness with light.

On way back again was the “Kudidiro raste ….” Till we crossed Kollegal and Malavalli. Then on to main road at Maddur. Stopped again at Tiffanys. We had dosas. Girish was searching for tender coconut milk. He does not like to have outside food …Finally had to go for Slice drink. Girish had to travel to Davanagere after reaching home. His family was waiting for Girish’s arrival to start to Davanagere. Again Maju our driver was scolded for putting on some dabba song on Radio Mirchi and Girish’s CD was demanded J.

We talked about different possible options for the solar lighting. It looked they also wanted to give the best possible solution from their side. They promised to give us the designs and estimates in 2 to 3 days time from Monday. At the time of going to press on Tuesday Mr. BS Gowda told me he is waiting inputs from the costing team. We may soon get their quotation.

Reached Kengeri at 10 pm. Then the Sump proceeded towards Bangalore university to drop our Kotak friends. Then Girish had to finally reach his home to again start for Davanagere L. But Girish looked always patient and never looked tired and never hurried us. Infact none of looked tired J. The purpose behind the visit might have been the reason.

 ~Kiran

 We had plans to visit some village close by to do a survey, identify the needs of the villagers, and see if we are capable of providing electricity and its consequent modern amenities. Prasad said that he would talk to Dr.Sudarshan and request for his help. Prasad and myself then met Dr. Sudarshan in this regard, without any hesitation he agreed and asked us to come and visit him at Vivekananda Girijana Kalyana Kendra [V.G.K.K] located at B.R Hills.
 
 We had only 3 attendees, as others excused themselves due to personal commitments. So it was decided that three of us would go and visit the place, Shrivatsa, Sushma and myself[Anil] were the one’s who were visiting. We decided to board a KSRTC Bus from the satellite town bus depot, Mysore road, at 6:30.

 The enthusiastic journey began by 6:30, the team had some new experiences traveling in a government bus and there were quite a few stops. When the bus stopped at Kollegala, we saw something strange where a person boarded the bus and along with a sheep, then while getting down the bus driver and the ticket issuer thought we were here on some research and they wanted us to carry out some research about this particular sheep that was with us in the bus, with a smile on our face we got off the bus.

 We got down at the gate of V.G.K.K., the structure was quite imposing for a remote locality, much beyond our expectations. Immediately we went to meet Dr.Sudarshan, but he was in a meeting, so we were asked to rest for a while. We came out of the office and as I was very hungry asked if we could have breakfast by the time he finishes with the meeting. We checked around to know if we there were any hotels close by, one of the employees there said that there is a hotel at a circle nearby. Within no time we reached the place but unfortunately there was nothing to eat as it was neither breakfast time nor lunch time. So we had 2 bananas each, luckily while at the bus stop I had purchased bread and jam so that we would not have to starve in case we don’t get anything there.

 After we finished our so called breakfast, we went to Sudarshan Sir’s office and met him. He was quite pleased to see us and immediately summoned one of the members, a school staff, Mr Arun, who teaches at the school within the premises. He was to walk us around the campus and take us to the villages for the survey.

 Mr Arun said we would visit the village post lunch. As we were half stomach we agreed to have lunch. We were taken to the dining hall and we sat there hungrily, awaiting few more guests to accompany us. While we were waiting, Sushma took a snap of the plate in which the food was to be served. After some time we were served hot and delicious food, for vatsa and Sushma it was a new experience eating ragi mudde.
            
 After lunch we again went around the campus as the vehicle was still not ready. I should say I had not seen anything this green before, and in between dense green they had their campus neatly planned. The campus was very well planned; “help them to help themselves” was very much the basis for each of the finer details of the setup. There was a honey purification section, weaving machines, jute mat making machines, leaf bowls and plates making machine, turmeric and some other powder making machines, with every department housed in its own structure. The campus included some organic and medical plants; it had school, nursing training institute, ITI training institute, and many more. All of these catered to the local tribal population, providing them skills and resources which would help them to take care of their own lives. The campus is currently run by funds both from external sources and income generated by locals from the amenities in place here. The main intensions behind this campus were to make optimum use of the forest resources to support and brighten lives of the local tribal folk, and also to teach different skill sets whilst also providing formal education, so that they start earning immediately rather wasting time on the same after completing formal education. The place now has an aim to be self sufficient by marketing products collected and manufactured by the locals.

 The success story being scripted here has also forced the government machinery to take note and support their ways of working. They have been successful in persuading the authorities to customize courses to better suit local tastes and needs. There are now proposals for them to offer health services to lots of other areas; this is something in the works. The reverence with which the organization is vividly visible from sighting the many children who have been placed in their care by the locals, and the youth who come here from villages nearby on a regular basis to discover ever new skills that would help make a life financially worthwhile too.

 One of the takeaways from this experience has been the need to get a holistic understanding of the local necessities and involve them to get wholehearted support for implementing the intended tasks. A suggestion made by Dr. Sudarshan in this regard about the greater exigency of home lighting, as compared to streets still lurks. The Kendra is a valuable treasure of advice for us about implementing our projects in the area and in other such places in general. I suggest we utilize this knowledge to the maximum. A commitment to provide electricity to these deprived areas does not need to end with only this single imperative, we can and should endeavor to inculcate the locals with more information and skills for needs of our times, while also preserving and enriching the best of their existing customs and practices.
    
 Bringing our thoughts back to the happenings of the day, after lunch came the most annoying part of the day, the transportation had still not been arranged for, the vehicle that we were planning to use had been taken out and because of some additional work the driver informed he would not come back until evening. Now we had made plans for just a day, and the entire day was ruined because we did not have our own transportation planned. Then after lot of phone calls and talks we decided to return home, we waited in the bus stop to come back to Bangalore.

 After about an hour’s wait we heard from a localite that due to some religious program the buses would be full and they would not stop. We were in a dilemma weather to stay there or to come back, and then at 5:00 in the evening we called and informed our parents that we would stay there due to prevailing circumstances. After deciding this we went to buy required things like tooth brush and paste, and while we were coming back from the stores we saw a bus coming our way and immediately we boarded that and to our misfortune the bus was going only till the next village. But we were guided well by a person, Mr. Madavan, who was residing in V.G.K.K for some research purpose, He also joined us till the next village and we got down there and took a bus to Mysore, now by the time the bus started it was 6:10 in the evening we reached Mysore at 9:00 where we had dinner and got onto a bus that would get us back home. After a tiring journey we reached satellite town bus stop, safely at midnight.

 Then as we came to the end of our journey we had another problem of getting back to our houses, as Shrivatsa was not aware of the route to go back, Sushma and myself guided him, I dropped Sushma home and then went to mine. We messaged each other about reaching home safely, and then we bid good night to each other and awaited a new day.

 Well in the entire day we had seen the serene beauty of the B.R. Hills and also the traffic of the Bangalore city, I wish to change the city to something better.