by BIS correspondent
anchayat. The purpose of this programme is to carry out a systematic development plan for all the villages of Thasra Taluka through PRA (Participatory Rural Appraisal). This Seminar was attended by all the Sarpanchs of Thasra Taluka Panchachayat, Talatis including the staff of Mission Mangalam and leaders of the Self Help groups. The program was honoured by Mr. Bipin Sadhu, TDO(Taluka Development Officer) and other dignitaries like Fr. Mayank, Director of DRASTI, Sr. Rita, Director of Pushpanjali, Sr. Vandana, Sr. Ann Rose, superior of St. Ann of Luzern and Mr. Melvin Pangya, Development Coordinator, Bosco Gramin Vikas Mandal, Valvanda. The program was inaugurated with the lighting of the lamp by guest of the honour and the dignitaries. Fr. Issac Arackaparambil, Rector and Director of Don Bosco Dakor heartly welcomed the guest and the participants. He also thanked everyone for their precious time and encouraged the participants to take forward the initiatives of DEEP Don Bosco.
Fr. Mayank spoke about the Model village (Adarsh Gaam) and concluded his speech by motivating the participants to contribute to the development of their own village. After that Sarpanch of Vajewal and Shimlaj shared their experiences of the exposure visit organized by the DEEP Don Bosco in the villages of Ahmedanagar, Maharashtra especially the visit to the Model villages Hirve Bazar and Ralegaon Siddi. The chief guest Mr. Bipin Sadhu addressed the participants and appreciated the initiative taken by the DEEP Don Bosco to conduct PRA and help the Sarpanchs to do the best for the development of their own village. He said that he and his staff will always be there to support such initiative which is mainly for the development.
To lead towards the model village, Mr. Melvin Pangya gave an introduction about PRA as an important method, tool and technique which helps to assess condition, various aspects of the village. He also shared his experience of the PRA undertaken in the Valvanda village and how it has helped the villagers to know about various resources available and problems prevailed in the village.
The program concluded with the vote of thanks by DEEP Coordinator, Vijay Parmar and the National Anthem.