Events

Organized by: NSS and Department of Psychology, Vishwakarma University, Pune
Date of Visit: October 19, 2024

As part of the Community Work, a field visit was organized by the National Service Scheme (NSS) and the Department of Psychology, Vishwakarma University, Pune, to Malavali village in
Lashirgaon, Maharashtra. 30 students of B.A. Psychology accompanied by Prof. Aditi Jain and Prof. Kailash Bhosale. The objective of the visit was to explore the socio-economic conditions,
employment patterns, mental well-being, and life satisfaction of rural women, with a specific focus on their participation in self-help groups known as Bachat Gats. Additionally, the visit aimed to foster community awareness by conducting an emotional intelligence and child safety session for school children.
During the field study, we conducted in-depth interactions with five women from the village who are actively involved in various Bachat Gats. These interviews provided insights into their day-to-
day lives, occupational challenges, financial habits, emotional resilience, and overall satisfaction with their lifestyle. The employment opportunities in the village ranged from farming and poultry
keeping to running small-scale businesses such as incense stick production and retail shops. One of the key informants, Rekha, is the head of the Kulswamini Mahila Bachat Gat and manages two businesses while leading a union of seven self-help groups. Her experience illustrated the importance of collective savings, decision-making skills, and financial independence.
Another group comprising Neerabai, Aruna, and Vandana shared how the Bachat Gat helped them transition from informal savings to structured financial planning. By saving ₹100 monthly
and availing low-interest loans, they felt more secure and confident in managing household needs and emergencies. The unity among the women not only fostered economic resilience but also
created a safe emotional space where they could relax, converse, and find relief from daily stress. Similarly, Nividita Kodekar, a Community Resource Person (CRP), described how her role
allowed her to connect nearly 50 villages with government schemes and educate women about the benefits of structured financial engagement. She noted a significant increase in her financial
literacy, networking skills, and leadership capabilities.
The visit also focused on understanding mental health aspects in the rural context. Most women expressed that being part of the Bachat Gat improved their emotional well-being, helped manage stress, and provided a platform for peer support. They reported increased self-esteem, better time management, and stronger decision-making abilities. The informal evening gatherings of the Bachat Gat served as a space for emotional expression, reducing feelings of isolation. The collective empowerment process was evident as the women encouraged one another to balance household, work, and community responsibilities effectively.
An important component of the visit included a community engagement activity with children at the local Zilla Parishad primary school. An awareness session was conducted on emotional intelligence and the difference between good touch and bad touch. This session aimed to enhance children's emotional awareness and personal safety, contributing to early life skills development in a rural setting.
In conclusion, the field visit to Malavali village was a meaningful experience that highlighted the transformative power of community-based self-help groups in rural India. The visit demonstrated
how collective savings, peer learning, and supportive networks contribute to women’s financial stability, emotional strength, and social empowerment. It also allowed students from the
Department of Psychology to apply theoretical concepts to real-life settings, making the learning experience richer and more impactful. This initiative, under the guidance of NSS and the Department of Psychology, served both as a platform for student learning and as a catalyst for community engagement and development.