To support the families of farmers, who have committed suicide!


A Novel Project by

Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini


Suicide of farmers in the Vidarbha is a very serious social issue. For at least last five years, suicides are happening unabatedly and the government appears almost clueless. The much-talked-about PM's package was declared for the families of those who had committed suicides. But this package has completely failed to wipe out the tears from the eyes of those who continue to suffer. The rate of suicides is still on rise. The plight of the families of the deceased farmers is devastating. The distress may lead to various social problems in the future. Rambhau Mhalgi Praboodhini has decided to focus on the post-trauma situation and lend a helping hand to the hapless family members who have lost their bread-winner. RMP is making serious efforts to address some of the fundamental issues through a novel project namely 'Annadata Sukhi Bhava'! (Let the food-giver lead a happy life!)

The Project 'Annadata Sukhi Bhava' was initiated in December 2006. Due to a spate of suicides in the Vidarbha region several families have lturned homeless. In these circumstances, two serious questions have arisen. The first, about the means of livelihood for the widows and their kids. The second, about the continuation of school education of those kids who may bid a good bye to their schools to go for farm labour and help their mothers.Our thinking in this direction got an impetus with the coming forward of Ajit Bhure, producer of Marathi Film 'Restaurant'! He offered to adopt five schools going kids 'educationally', belonging to these families. With his efforts five students from the district of Yawatmal-almost the capital of this region of suicides---- , received financial and moral support and they continued their education. RMP became a bridge between these kids and their adoptive 'guardians'. What was started with the initial help of an individual has now become a full-fledged project. The outline of this project is as follows:

Educational Guardianship Plan:
Educational guardianship is for those students from the suicides affected families whose education is threatened due to difficult financial and family circumstances. After conducting an informal survey and consultations with the local social workers, students would be selected for unstinted social and monetary support up to the 10th standard.

For one student, the expenditure on notebooks, stationary material, extra reading books, school bag, school dress, pair of shoes and traveling etc. would be approx. Rs. 3,000 per annum.

If it is considered that for one student the financial support required would be for five years, then funds expected for the adoption for education would be Rs, 15,000. Under this scheme one "Mentor" will be appointed for every group of five students.

Under this plan a sincere attempt has been made to build relations of Individuals or organizations with students they are expected to adopt for education.

Family Support Plan: The Family support plan is designed to create environment of self-sufficiency for the suicide affected families, especially the widow who is now the family head. The widows of dead farmers have to bear trauma of being dependent. Once completely dependent on the husband for everything, now thousands of mothers in the Vidarbha region are becoming breadwinners of these families for the sake of their children. These women have every right to live life of dignity and it is for the society to help them overcome the unexpected turn of destiny. They need psychological support, guidance and right kind of help. Through this 'Family Support Plan' RMP aims exactly at that.Under the Family Support Plan, two social workers will visit suicide affected families in the coming months. During this visit these volunteers, preferably women; will talk to these new 'heads' of families.

Through this interaction, resource-needs of these women would be reviewed, based on which an income-generating, self employment oriented device (like say, a sewing machine) would be presented to the wife of the deceased farmer. Besides, the woman will also receive Rs.10, 000 as Emergency Fund through a FD receipt in her name. This Program is expected to be completed before the Bhaubeej. To remember our Social Responsibility, Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini sincerely appeals to your sensitivity so that The Families who feed us can eat some morsel of food with happiness and the path to their future is illuminated with hopes.

You can contribute to 'Annadata Sukhi Bhav!' Project in the following manner:
Educational Guardianship:
  • To adopt one student for the education of one year- Rs. 3,000/-
  • To adopt one student for the education of five year- Rs. 15,000/-


Family Guardianship:
To create a strong support base by helping senior woman of the unfortunate family- Rs. 15,000/-

You may send your contribution money to the following address by Demand Draft favoring 'Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini- Annadata Yojna'
All the donations given for this project are eligible for tax exemptions under section 80-G

For details, contact
Co-ordinator,
Annadata Sukhi Bhava Project
Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini 17,
Chanchal Smriti, G D Ambekar Marg,
Wadala, Mumbai- 400 031.
Phone- 022- 2413 6966.