Pauri, What happens when siblings and cousins passionate about making a difference in their home state come together? They get wings! Officially launched on the auspicious occasion of the 70th Republic Day of India, i.e. 26th January 201, Dagdiya which means ‘friends’ across Uttarakhand, is a socio-commercial initiative that set roots in Isoti village in Pauri, Garhwal.
Founded by like-minded people, Anjilee Istwal, Col Asheesh Istwal(Retd) & Kavindera Istwal, the initiative plans to moblise the youth and empower the womenfolk of Uttarakhand. Priority being Health, Hygiene, Sanitation, Education and IT education.
Dagdiya is motivating hill-folks to take control of their own destiny, to be the catalysts, drivers and stakeholders in development of their home in the hills and eventually, reap benefits.
The concept hinges on bringing together the two pillars of society i.e. the Youth and its Women by connecting them on a broader platform through Dagdiya. Akin to a club, Dagdiya soon plans to have a chapter in every village bearing an online presence through a Facebook profile under the name Dagdiya Dagdiya & physical presence as a Dagdiya Center in each village.
Dagdiya Center will be the hub in the village where young, old, men and women will come together under one roof. Equipped with facilities like Broadband WIFI Connectivity, Library, Computers, Video Projection System and Satellite TV connectivity. The centre will provide provisions for games as well as work as a facilitation center providing venue for classes, meetings, workshops, cultural events and various other programs/occasions.
The Dagdiya Youth Centre, will concentrate on motivating and guiding young minds by using the power of sports and social media. The youth will be counselled about various employment/Self Employment options, groomed for interviews and provided avenues for self-growth and development. On the other hand, the Dagdiya Women Connect, will tap into the native enterprise of the women folk. Various self-help initiatives will be aligned and women will be encouraged to produce handmade items and thereafter provided with market linkage so that they are economically empowered.
Just over a week old and Isoti, the native village of the founding members of the Dagdiya Foundation will soon house a ‘Dagdiya Center.’ A small-scale food-processing unit is being established in Dharasu to give opportunities to the womenfolk here. Two Dagdiyas from the village are leading examples of reverse migration and have taken to tilling their ancestral farmland lying fallow for years. Another Dagdiya Pravesh Istwal has established two poly-houses.
Anyone and everyone can contribute to the Dagdiya cause. Material support like donating books, farming implements, old computers desktops/laptops are welcome. Better still, if you have the fire in your belly and wanted to do something for your home in the hills, but dint know how, come be a Dagdiya!
