JEEVAN programme in the past has revived the hopes of the distressed farmers in agriculture by enabling collective farming aided by a successful administration of organic farming which are hazard-resistant and traditional agricultural practices including for soil testing and management of fertilizers.

The second phase of Jeevan – Empowerment Animation (EA) programme was launched on 1 November 2018 at Bandar Retreat House, Mumbai. Fr. Paul Moonjely, Executive Director of Caritas India, Fr. Varghese Mattemana, Director, Seva Social Service Society and Fr. Francis Dabre, Director, Vasai Janhit Trust were the dignitaries of the occasion. The participants were welcomed to the programme with garlands. The programme began with a prayer led by Coordinator Kisan Dhangada in Adivasi language and Dr. Saju MK, Manager, West Zone welcoming all the dignitaries on the dais.

Fr. Francis Dabre in his address reinforced that the people led empowerment is not a project but the process which has taken a paradigm shift, passive recipients to active participants in the development work. He also urged that the Adivasi community can empower and develop themselves if they follow the people led empowerment approach. Fr. Varghese Mattemana appreciated the commitment and active participation of the participants during the workshop.

Fr. Paul Moonjely emphasized the four-strategic pillars of Caritas India and its relationship with People Led Empowerment approach. Caritas India is taking new shape in the development area as empowering and animating people and community.  There should be an open dialogue with the community, duty bearers and with the bureaucrat. He also stressed the three-important aspect of the programme as participation, food security and tribal identity.

Books collecting 100 impact stories from the past titled “Empowering Movement” was released during the programme to showcase the impact created by the JEEVAN programme in the past.

The programme concluded by the vote of thanks by Mr. Melvin Pangya, State Officer- Maharashtra.