“We may adopt modern technologies from the west, but we should never overlook the pragmatic approach adopted in ancient times to restore the eco-system”.

-Dr. Manibhai Desai

Environmental protection has always been the main agenda of BAIF while fighting the war against rural poverty. Following the pattern of earlier years, this year too, World Environment Day, a very important day in the calendar of BAIF, will be observed throughout its operational areas in 12 states, by organising various programmes on environmental security and sustainability on the chosen global theme “Ecosystem Restoration”. A solemn pledge to continue the journey of conservation of natural resources and prevention of ecosystem degradation, will mark the day apart from making dedicated effort to encourage afforestation, prevent environmental pollution and create awareness among the general public who also include the future generations of the country while fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals. 29 years ago, the “Green Cross” was launched by BAIF as its commitment to Environmental Protection and Conservation of Forests. The saga continues.

 A workshop on “Circular Economy” was jointly organised by BAIF and Environmental Management Centre, Pune on March 13, 2021.  This concept aims at redefining growth while focussing on positive benefits to the society. It rests on the belief that this sort of an economy will reform the management of resources and residues in the interest of economy, livelihoods and the environment.

International Women’s Day has become a special day in the lives of women for more than 3 decades. On this day, women revel in their strength which is the strength of the community and the society at large. This day is celebrated all over the world with enthusiasm and hope. BAIF too has been celebrating this day with various events across all its locations in 12 states.

In view of the forced change in lifestyle of everyone over the last one year, this year’s International Women’s Day was virtually celebrated with a special talk on this important topic. A special talk on “Promoting well-being of women and family during and post Covid-19 pandemic” by Dr. Sukhada Chimote Consultant Psychiatrist and Centre Head, Institute for Psychological Health, Pune was arranged on March 10, 2021 which enlisted a very encouraging response from BAIF staff from across 12 states. The talk concluded with an interactive question and answer session related to the overall well-being of women and their families.

On this occasion, 22 women farmers from 4 clusters of 14 villages in Yavatmal and Amravati districts of Maharashtra were also felicitated for promoting kitchen gardens with organically grown vegetables for nutritional security as well as an additional source of income. These women have truly demonstrated women power as an international power!

This important event was also celebrated in other BAIF locations. In Madhya Pradesh with women champion farmers from Satna, Betul, Mandla, Jhabua, Dindori; in Rajasthan by organising a farmers’ fair with farmers participating from 12 villages; in Jharkhand in Khunti, Dhanbad and Giridih and farmers’ fair at Maithon, Dhanbad; in Odisha in all cattle development clusters and Jal Samrudhhi project apart from celebration of 75 years of Indian independence) by all the clusters; in Karnataka in Rangainkoppalu village, Hunsur, Mysuru district and in Andhra Pradesh in Katamvaripalli, Prakasam district.