In the heart of Karnataka’s Davanagere District lies the village of Suranhonne, home to a close-knit community of 300 households. Here, festivals and joyful occasions are cherished, serving as opportunities for villagers to unite and share their happiness. However, the absence of a community hall posed a significant challenge, forcing them to rely on neighbouring Honnali City, 13 kilometres away, for hosting public or family events.

Transportation hurdles compounded the villagers’ ordeal, as limited bus services made commuting to Honnali a daunting task. The existing community hall in the city, charging a hefty fee of Rs. 25,000 for a capacity of 1,000, remained out of their reach.

Nine years ago, Shimoga Multipurpose Social Service Society (SMSSS), through its women’s self-help groups (SHGs), began nurturing the seeds of empowerment. Within these SHGs, formed by 15 members each, three SHGs—Pallavi, Parisara, and Shree Nidhi—voiced the collective need for a community hall. Their desire was met with support from the Lingayaths community, particularly the handloom weavers, who aimed to contribute to the construction of this communal space.

Driven by the ethos of integrated societal development, SMSSS facilitated capacity-building initiatives within the SHGs through the Caritas India U3 program. It works towards bringing qualitative socioeconomic and environmental changes through community-led intensification of dialogue with the duty bearers. Training sessions encompassed local governance, leadership, issue identification, problem-solving, SHG management, volunteering, and local resource utilization. These interventions kindled discussions about local challenges among the SHG women, nurturing a spirit of community-led action.

The aspiration for a community hall galvanised the villagers into action. Led by the KSP’s volunteers and the sharing community philosophy, 38 dedicated volunteers, along with other villagers, formed a committee of 26 members. Together, they embarked on a resource mobilisation journey. The volunteers garnered funds from local residents, leaders, and individual donors, raising nearly Rs. 9 lakh. With this amount, they secured an 80×40 plot of land as the foundation for their vision.

A pivotal milestone was reached when the SHG members managed to access Rs. 1 crore from the MLA Fund. This substantial contribution facilitated the construction of a 50-foot by 100-foot building. At present, as the construction progresses and a borewell is dug, the village community is moving closer to realising their dream.

The women who spearheaded this movement reflect on their journey with pride. Rajeshwari, a member of the Srinidhi Women Self-Help Group, recalls the initial scepticism they faced. Many questioned the feasibility of their plan due to the substantial funds required. Undeterred, the SHG members remained steadfast in their resolve. They engaged with villagers, rallied individual support, and even travelled to Bengaluru to secure approval for MLA fund assistance. The former MLA, Mr. Renukacharya, played a crucial role in their journey, advocating for their cause.

As the hall takes shape, the village of Suranhonne stands as a testament to the potential of collective action. Through the guidance of SMSSS and the strength of the SHGs, the community turned challenges into opportunities, showing the spirit of empowered local governance. This narrative speaks to the power of unity and determination, proving that when communities come together, they can realise even the most ambitious of dreams.

Rajeshwari’s words encapsulate the essence of this transformative journey: “When we, the members of the women’s groups, started discussing the idea of a community hall, many doubted our ability to turn the vision into reality. But our determination prevailed. We refused to abandon the dream of having our own space. We engaged villagers, sought support from individuals, and even travelled to Bengaluru to secure MLA fund assistance. The former MLA, Mr. Renukacharya, embraced our cause, and we remain forever grateful to him. Our group’s unity and the support from SMSSS have enabled us to achieve something remarkable through our collective efforts.”

In the heart of Suranhonne, a community-led transformation is underway, a testament to the spirit of volunteering, empowerment, and shared aspirations. The journey from shared dreams to the foundations of a community hall underscores the potential that resides within empowered communities. Through local governance and collaborative efforts, they pave the way towards a brighter, more self-sustaining future. The legacy of Suranhonne’s story will forever echo as an inspiration for communities across West Bengal, Karnataka, Telangana, and beyond.