Zombies of Maharashtra

we at IAC-Mira bhayender had collected a donation of old clothes ,toys and books under “Ek Jodi Kapda” campaign to be distributed in advaasi and rural ares of Maharashtra especially areas which are near Mumbai,we got a very generous response from everyone and managed to collect over 5000 jodis of kapda,which was more than enough for 4-5 villages.we decided to distribute the same on 19^th feb as it was shivajimaharaj’s birthday.For this purpose the villages selected in the first phase were Aina,Dibhon and Ohiliwadi (dist Dhaanu).we at IAC do not feel that donations of any kind can solve the problems of people but as it was one of the coldest winters in the country and we needed something to break the ice with the people so that they can trust us with their problems we selected the donation of clothes.Eight IAC volunteers along with a truck driver ,who was generous enough to offer his service to us free of cost , left for Dhaanu from Mira road station at around 8.30am.

We reached there in less than 3 hours as the place is around 50-60 km from mira road station.The village sarpanch came to show us the way in tata indica.we had contacted a trust run by one of the IAC volunteers to help and guide us locally and assist with the distribution. After distributing clothes in each of the villages we went inside their houses to know about their problems.

· the villagers were severelly malnourished which was clearly seen.

· the only thing they get to eat is a very poor quality of rice and rock salt

· they didnt have any work,there is no irrigation system there ,and only in rainy season they are able to grow rice in their land.

· There is were no hospitals and the sole  primary aid center was in  Aina that is around 10 km from oiliwadi .There also only first aid is offered, if there is a doctor available .

· There were only 2 schools in the region both were  only up to 3^rd standard.

· The biggest problem there was of liquor mafia,the villagers did not have any other job and were  forced to work at the liquor plant and in return they used to get some rice and liquor.most of the village men as well as women are drunk at all times and hence are not able to get steady jobs and are forced to work at suck places which has turned them into ZOMBIES.

· There is a presence of a prominent nation political party in the region which has very strong ties with the liquor mafia or rather they go hand in hand and these ZOMBIES are remembered at the time of election and given some booze or sometimes things such as Dish T.V. to vote for the same party again.These people who have been turned into zombies have a very poor opinion of themselves ,they think they are not even good enough to have anything for free,so a bottle of booze does the trick and buys the votes.

· We also spoke to some social workers in the region about the probable solution to this problem.they told us that there are many gov. schemes and these people are taking the benefit on papers but actually some authorities including the gov and political ones take the money and get their thumb impression.According to him till the villagers are cured of their  addiction noting can be done.Even if you get them cows or goats in the gov schemes they will sell it and buy a bottle of booze.

· To stop this liquor mafia is not an easy task, they are political people who are into crime also.

· We are really disappointed with the people who do not vote because they are also responsible for this mess of our country being made by the politicians and they choose to be mute spectators.

· U.P. villages are also not the best places on earth but things are not this bad. Thougt of effect of Youvraj’s campaigning there is giving me jitters