Background
Right - Map of India showing the location of Rajasthan State. Left - Map of Rajasthan showing all district boundaries and locations of Ajmer and Nagaur districts.
From 1981 to 1997 a field centre for SWRC – Social Work and Research Centre, Tilonia (also known as Barefoot College) had been functioning from Kotri village in Ajmer district of Central Rajasthan. In keeping with the philosophy of decentralisation a team of dedicated workers of SWRC were encouraged and entrusted to start a new organisation in Kotri. Thus, the field cen-tre of SWRC at Kotri was registered as a separate organisation called Manthan in 1998 under Rajasthan Societies Registration Act of 1958. Since 1998, Manthan has been actively working on diverse issues related to the sustainable development of the area.
Manthan is currently working in 60 villages in Ajmer and Nagaur districts. This is a water-scarce area where the communities face severe social, economic, political and environmental challenges.
Villagers working as daily wage la-bour in the nearby salt pans
Due to its proximity to Sambhar Salt Lake the area is characterised by prevalence of brackish groundwater which further intensifies the pressure on the limited water resources. This area has also experienced significant transformations in the livelihoods and lifestyle of the residents. Recent years have seen a decline in agricultural activity due to increasing scarcity of water. During the same period several villagers have gained employment working as wage labour in salt pans and marble cutting factories in the surrounding area. Due to the effects of modernisation, the expectations, aspirations and lifestyle of villagers has also been transform-ing.
Manthan is a team of local villagers, mostly young people some of whom have worked at SWRC Tilonia and others have studied at the night schools that are run by SWRC. They draw upon their in-depth experience-based knowledge of the local conditions and work with other community members in order to expand villagers’ capabilities to lead a secure and fulfilling life.
Vision
Manthan envisages the villagers having equal access to opportunities for enhancing their well-being and empowered with appropriate practical knowledge to deal with emerging challenges. Its overall vision is to create such circumstances in rural communities where all people have access to new knowledge and resources without having to abandon their traditional know-how.
Aim
Manthan’s purpose is to eliminate various forms of discrimination that exist in the society, in-crease political awareness, promote equitable and appropriate use of natural resources; and empower villagers with relevant knowledge.