On February 14, 2024, Jaratoli and Kamta village under Angara block of Jharkhand inspired by the principles of Gram Nirman, unveiled a unique celebration – “Pass on the Gift.” This delightful practice, born from the essence of ABCD, embodies the spirit of giving and sharing resources within the community. It transcends the conventional boundaries of farming; it’s a celebration of collective growth and empowerment.

The genesis of this innovative concept traces back to the ABCD exercise conducted in the villages during 2021-2022. The approach focuses on identifying existing resources within the community and exploring avenues for expansion. It’s about recognizing what the community already possesses and amplifying those strengths. “Pass on the Gift” emerged as an extension of this philosophy, encouraging participants to share their gains from the program, be it seeds, livestock, knowledge, or any other resources.

During the years 2022–2023, 83 farmers from Jaratoli and Kamta received finger millet seeds as input support, cultivating and harvesting them to meet nutritional and economic needs. Witnessing the success of millet cultivation and the associated health benefits, the farmers decided to pay it forward. Despite budget constraints limiting seed distribution, the villages pooled their surplus finger millet seeds and, on February 14, 2024, gifted them to fifty new farmers in Arwabera village.

The act was not merely a transfer of seeds; it was a gesture of empowerment and inclusion. Farmers from Jaratoli and Kamta covered a distance of almost 20-25kms, transporting 2 kg of finger millet seeds to each farmer in Arwabera, enough to cultivate at least 1 acre of land. This act went beyond the conventional boundaries of agricultural assistance; it was a communal effort to ensure dignified lives for all.

Through this act of generosity, the farmers of Jaratoli and Kamta expanded the program’s reach to another village, not relying on external support but through their own collaborative efforts. The initiative not only welcomed new farmers into the fold but also showcased the power of community-driven development.

Caritas Australia’s support to the Gram Nirman initiative recognizes the transformative potential of ABCD in increasing community livelihood income for a dignified living. Operating in 165 villages across Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, Gram Nirman is not just a program; it’s a movement towards collective prosperity. The “Pass on the Gift” celebration has become a community spirit, and exemplifies the program’s commitment to replicating this zeal and community ownership in other areas.

In Jharkhand, where the soil is not just a means of cultivation but a canvas for communal growth, Caritas India’s Gram Nirman program is nurturing a legacy of unity, resilience, and prosperity. It’s not just about farming; it’s about fostering a community where each seed sown is a testament to the shared journey towards self-reliance and dignified living. This transformative initiative isn’t just about agriculture; it’s about celebrating inclusivity and empowering communities to be self-reliant and food secure.