Project Global Parli

Article - Sudhir Pai

Shri Mayank Gandhi needs no introduction. A torch bearer in IAC (India Against Corruption), then a senior member in AAP (Aam Aadmi Party) and now a full time social activist heading an ambitious project in rural Maharashtra called as Project Global Parli with a spiritual touch.

I was following Mayank ji on social media, TV, newspaper since his IAC days and was very impressed by his integrity and honesty. When I came to know about his involvement with social activity called as Global Parli, I was very excited to know more about this humanitarian work, so I sent a message on Facebook. Within 3 days, Mayank ji gave me appointment and I was in his office at sharp 1 pm in Santacruz.

He was conducting meeting with a team of social activists and suggested me to join in. His meeting was conducted in a very open, friendly and focussed. After the meeting, we straight away came to one to one discussion about Global Parli. And this is what he told me about his current project. Mayank ji seemed to be inspired by some spiritual and mystical energy as he was talking about Global Parli.

Project Global Parli.

There are three key buttons in national life that can lead to transformation  - Politics, economy and thought process. Mayank ji had been involved with politics with a view to change the political agenda of the country, that could form the right policies for the nation. The churning in politics had begun and now it was time for him to disengage from politics and work on the second front – economy. He quit politics completely in November 2015.

While the urban economy is alright, it’s the rural economy that needs rejuvenation. The fountainhead for that is water. With adequate water, it would be possible and easier to kickstart the rural economy. With that in mind, Mayank ji took up a cluster of 12 villages in Parli tehsil of Beed district in Marathawada. He, along with his team intends to develop these villages in a 360 degree manner to increase their per capita income by 250% in 3 years in a sustainable manner.

Therefore, water conservation, water management, crop selection and management, direct-to-consumer supply chain, cattle and dairy activities, education and vocation training, health and replication of these practices is what he has worked on. 

Drip Irrigation

Considering three consecutive years of drought in Marathwada region and weak monsoon last year, drip irrigation is the need of the hour. It is an incredibly efficient watering method that slowly delivers water directly to a plant’s root system (where it is really required). Other common irrigation devices like sprinklers spray water onto plant leaves as well as the surrounding soil wasting a lot of water in the process.

The villages in our target region mostly grow cotton so drip irrigation will bring down their water requirement to 1/10th. Drip irrigation not only makes agriculture possible within limited water but also brings about higher yields by 20-30%. To put it in perspective, it will almost double the income of the farmers.

The cost to set up drip irrigation is Rs.1, 30, 000 per hectare. Jain Irrigation, who is the drip irrigation provider, is giving a special discount of 12.5% for Global Parli. The govt. subsidy to marginal farmers for buying drip irrigation systems is 45%. Over and above, UPL, India’s foremost agri-input company and our donor will pay 12% of the cost.

Transforming India using a replicable model of Rural Rejuvenation.

·         - Global Parli is not just social work, but an endevour to build India..

·         - Global Parli will act as a platform for other NGOs/CSR depts. /individuals that want to support the villagers directly in these 15 villages.

·         - Govt passes its duties to NGOs, which is unfortunate. Global Parli will act as catalyst to implement govt schemes for the people.

Principles on which Global Parli is operating.

·         Villagers are used to doles which has diluted their self respect and character. Global Parli will stir villages to self reliance.

·         Will focus on what is good for the people. No imposition of political, religious, social or moral ideology on the villagers.

·         Global Parli will act as a platform for other NGOs/CSR depts. /individuals that want to support the villagers directly in these 15 villages.

For more information on Global Parli or to support or donate:

·       Visit website www.globalparli.org

·       Contact Ms.Bhairavi on 9619075733


Writer of this article Sudhir Pai can be contacted on 9820073993 (Mumbai)