My Experiences at PAPN Andheri, Himachal Pradesh

            One month in Himachal, that was the only thing which passed through my mind when I got in People’s Action for People in Need (PAPN), for a month’s internship. But my experiences at PAPN

turned to one of the best times in my life.

            Andheri is one of the most beauteous and remote villages in Himachal Pradesh. Apart from all the noises of civilization, Andheri stood on the top of Himalayan Mountains, elegantly like a queen. The villages were magnificently arranged like a coniferous tree. It was beautiful but later I realized the houses are arranged like this because of the extreme caste hierarchy which still prevails among the community. All the lower caste communities are living in the lower parts of the mountains, which restricts them from getting all the basic facilities like, water, transportation, communication etc. And the higher caste on the upper part of the mountains, near to the road and enjoys all the facilities.

            PAPN is an NGO which works for social welfare, caste issues and child & women rights. The important thing to be mentioned is that no burden was laid on us regarding the activities and works to be done on behalf of internship. Instead it was up to each one of us to decide what we can learn and do according to our area of interest.

            Considering this immense caste discrimination we interacted with two of the villages i.e. Sainj and Ranfua, some of the govt. institutions such as Anganwadis, schools, and primary health centres etc. and made a detailed report on the same.

            Most of the days we took a walk through this beautiful place and learned how human race have tied themselves on some lunatic chains of religion, caste, race etc.. Time went really fast and the same mountains looked very different each of the times I see them. One month went quickly.

            Thanks to PAPN for such a great opportunity. And dear Andheri, hopefully I may come and visit you again. J
                                                                                                                                    
Rose Mary
Pursuing MA in Local Governance
Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development
Sriperumbudhur – 602105