Bhumi Bandhu Sansthan Success Story: The journey of ‘The Bhumi Bandhu Foundation ‘ began with a strong resolve in 2022, with a mission to uplift the marginalized communities of Chhattisgarh. Established in Ambikapur,(c.g.) the foundation aimed to protect the rights of deprived and weaker groups, promote village development, and bring about social change. The founding members of the organization were part of the famous Jan Sangathan movement in Ambikapur which played a significant role in several social movements in the state of Chhattisgarh.
This movement had a vision of social justice, peace, and fraternity. Inspired by these values, the Bhumi Bandhu Foundation was formed to work for the empowerment of underprivileged communities and to ensure their access to constitutional rights. Vision and Mission of the Organization The ”vision ” of the Bhumi Bandhu Foundation is to build a society where poverty in all its forms is eradicated, and constitutional values such as respect, rights, and opportunities are established for everyone.
The ‘mission ‘ of the foundation is to ensure the development of livelihoods and alternative sources of income by involving the community in planning and increasing the capacity of disadvantaged groups. The foundation is particularly focused on improving the lives of ‘women and children’, to create self-reliant villages. Organizational Background and Development The Bhumi Bandhu Foundation was established in Ambikapur in the development block of Surguja District in 2022.
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The Journey of Bhumi Bhandu
Its formation aimed at addressing the pressing needs of the weaker sections of society, especially the tribal communities in Chhattisgarh. The founding members, who were also part of the Jan Sangthan movement, had been actively involved in the state’s social movements for years. They realized the need for a dedicated platform to protect the rights of marginalized communities and promote social justice. Initially, the foundation’s work focused on Mainpath, Surguja, under the leadership of the second line of activists.
In 2023, the organization expanded its work to Sukma District under the leadership of the third line of leadership, marking a significant milestone in its outreach. Today, the organization operates in several districts of Chhattisgarh, including Balrampur, Sukma, Surajpur, Surguja, and Raigarh, with a special focus on ‘tribal communities ‘ and the implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA 2006).
Objectives of Bhumi Bandhu Foundation
The Foundation’s Objectives and Core Activities The main objectives of the Bhumi Bandhu Foundation are:
1. Social Service for Promoting Peace and Human Rights: The organization is committed to promoting peace, human rights, and community development.
2. Promotion of Education, Health, and Environment: The foundation works to improve education, health, and environmental conditions through training programs, awareness campaigns, and strategic activities.
3. Rural Development for the Welfare of Needy and Vulnerable Groups: The foundation strives to ensure rural development for the welfare of marginalized groups, especially women, children, and the destitute.
4. Empowering Traditional Artisans and Promoting Self-Reliance: The foundation works to uplift traditional artisans and fosters scientific temper for self-reliance within the community.
5. Promoting Socio-Cultural Values: Bhumi Bandhu Foundation also focuses on promoting the positive socio-cultural values of the community, fostering harmony and unity among different social groups.
6. Networking with Like-Minded Individuals and Organizations: The foundation collaborates with other organizations, government bodies, and like-minded individuals to achieve its objectives and to work towards sustainable social change.
Bhumi Bhandu Sansthan Legal Documentation
Registration and Legal Status The Bhumi Bandhu Foundation was officially registered as a non-political, non-profit organization on 1st February 2022 with registration number 122202222216. The foundation’s work spans across Chhattisgarh, with a special focus on Balrampur, Sukma, Surguja, Surajpur, and Raigarh districts. The intensive work of the organization is centred around tribal communities, particularly in the Wadrafnagar block of Balrampur district, where it is actively working on the Forest Rights Act and its implementation in 10 villages.
Key Achievements and Activities
Some of the notable activities and achievements of the Bhumi Bandhu Foundation include:
1. Training and Awareness on Forest Rights: The foundation has provided training to over 10,000 tribal families about their rights under the Forest Rights Act (FRA 2006). The aim was to raise awareness about their legal entitlements to the forests, land, and natural resources they traditionally depend on.
2. Individual and Community Claims: The foundation assisted over 600 individual families in filling out their Forest Rights claims and submitting them to the Block Committee. Additionally, the organization also helped submit 2 community claims to secure collective rights for entire villages, ensuring that community-owned land, water, and forest resources are legally protected.
3. Empowerment of Tribal Communities: The foundation has played a pivotal role in empowering tribal communities in the regions it serves. Through workshops, awareness campaigns, and legal assistance, the foundation has helped these communities claim their rights and become self-sustaining.
4. Creation of Self-Reliant Villages: The foundation works to create self-supporting villages by focusing on the sustainable use of local resources, skill development, and entrepreneurship within the community.
Bhumi Bhandu Sansthan Future Plans
Future Plans and Outlook Looking ahead, the Bhumi Bandhu Foundation aims to expand its outreach further, ensuring that every tribal family in Chhattisgarh is fully aware of their legal rights and has the necessary support to claim them. The organization is committed to continuing its work of empowering women and children, improving livelihoods, and promoting sustainable development in rural areas. It also plans to deepen its focus on environmental conservation through community-based natural resource management.
The foundation firmly believes that community participation, education, and awareness are essential for bringing about long-lasting change. The foundation also plans to create stronger networks with government agencies, other NGOs, and like-minded individuals to further its mission of achieving social justice, equality, and sustainable development in Chhattisgarh The journey of Bhumi Bandhu Foundation is a story of commitment, perseverance, and social change.
Through its dedication to protecting the rights of marginalized communities, empowering local people, and promoting constitutional values, the foundation is making a significant impact on the lives of tribal communities in Chhattisgarh. The organization’s work stands as a model for how community-driven initiatives can bring about real change and uplift entire communities, paving the way for a future that is just, inclusive, and self-reliant. Bhumi Bandhu Foundation’s story is one of hope, and its future is driven by the belief that every individual, regardless of their background or status, deserves the opportunity to thrive and contribute to the prosperity of their community.
