On 17th December 2025, the day following TinkerFest, we visited Banwasi Seva Ashram to gain deeper insights into grassroots development, traditional knowledge systems, and sustainable livelihood practices. The visit offered a meaningful opportunity to understand how community-led initiatives can create long-term social, economic, and environmental impact.
Banwasi Seva Ashram works closely with tribal communities, focusing on self-reliance through education, health, agriculture, and small-scale industries. Every workshop, centre, and school we visited reflected a strong connection between livelihood, nature, and community well-being, making the experience deeply enriching.
Visit to the Agricultural Processing Unit
Our journey began with a visit to one of the agricultural processing units at Banwasi Seva Ashram. Here, we interacted with Mr. Shiv Charan Singh, the Agricultural In-charge, who shared valuable insights into how the ashram consciously preserves the quality, medicinal value, originality, and indigenous identity of crops while promoting sustainable and ethical agricultural practices.
We observed how natural products are prepared using traditional yet scientific methods. One of the key products being manufactured was turmeric oil. The team explained the complete process of extraction and highlighted its medicinal properties, particularly for pain relief, inflammation, and skin-related issues. We learned that due to its high concentration, turmeric oil cannot be used directly and is diluted with safflower oil to make it safe while retaining its therapeutic benefits.
In addition to turmeric oil, the unit also produces haldi powder and neem powder, both known for their antibacterial and medicinal properties. Turmeric processing is carried out using two methods:
- Boiling method: Raw turmeric is boiled and then dried
- Solar drying method: Turmeric is dried using a solar dryer, helping retain most of its nutrients
While the solar drying method is more effective nutritionally, we observed that the boiling method is more commonly used due to familiarity and ease of adoption. This highlighted an important learning—the challenge of bridging the gap between effective technology and community acceptance.
We also observed the production of Palma Rosa oil, an essential oil valued for its fragrance and medicinal uses. Overall, this visit clearly demonstrated how local resources can be transformed into value-added products, creating sustainable livelihood opportunities rooted in traditional wisdom.
Visit to the Khadi Workshop
Following this, we visited the Khadi Workshop of Banwasi Seva Ashram. We learned that most raw materials are sourced directly from the ashram’s forest areas and used to produce a wide range of handcrafted products, including silk and cotton sarees, dress materials, gamchas, shawls, dupattas, and other handwoven textiles.
The workshop reflected a strong culture of self-sufficiency. From spinning and weaving to traditional screen printing, the entire process was fascinating. The artisans skillfully combined age-old techniques with thoughtful designs, connecting traditional craftsmanship with contemporary needs.
We were also introduced to handmade washing soaps, bathing soaps, and detergents, prepared using natural ingredients and free from harsh chemicals. These products are carefully crafted to be safe for both people and the environment, reflecting the ashram’s strong commitment to health and sustainability.
Additionally, we learned about the collection of natural honey, harvested using traditional methods that ensure purity while respecting the forest ecosystem. The ashram also prepares handmade sabji masala and haldi powder without artificial preservatives, retaining authentic taste and nutritional value.
Visit to Kasturba Gandhi Balika Avasiya Vidyalaya, Myorpur
We then visited Kasturba Gandhi Balika Avasiya Vidyalaya, Myorpur, where we were warmly welcomed by enthusiastic students and teachers. The children greeted us with great affection and joy, making the visit truly heartwarming.
We were graciously received by the Principal, Mrs. Asha Kumari, who shared positive feedback about the students’ progress. The school has been associated with our learning initiatives, and witnessing the students’ growth in confidence and problem-solving skills was highly encouraging.
From this school, two student teams participated in TinkerFest Sonbhadra 2025—
- One team in the Rover Challenge
- Another team in the Rocket Challenge
The students proudly showcased their completed workbooks and shared their learning experiences with clarity and confidence, reflecting the strong impact of hands-on learning.
As a heartfelt gesture, the students sang a song for us:
“Dariya ki kasam, maujon ki kasam,
Yeh tana-bana badlega…
Tu khud ko badal, tab hi to zamana badlega.”
The song carried a powerful message of self-belief and transformation, emphasizing that meaningful change begins from within. Sung by young girls, it became a moving symbol of courage, aspiration, and empowerment.
Visit to the Banwasi Seva Ashram Centre, Faripan
We then visited the Banwasi Seva Ashram Centre at Faripan, one of the 13 BSA centres across Sonbhadra. Visiting during lunchtime allowed us to experience the values, simplicity, and culture that define the ashram’s way of life.
We were warmly welcomed by Mr. Ramesh Yadav (Ramesh Bhai Ji), the Centre In-charge. Along with members from the BSA and Mission Samriddhi teams, we shared a traditional meal prepared at the centre. The food—Makke ki Roti, Sarson ka Saag, Chane ka Saag ki Chutney, and Amla ka Achar—was simple yet deeply memorable. Notably, the Amla ka Achar was prepared at the centre itself, reflecting their focus on homemade, nutritious food.
After lunch, we visited their workshop, where handmade pickles such as Amla, Mango, and Green Chilli are prepared using traditional methods. Impressed by the quality and authenticity, we brought some of these products with us.
We also learned about the centre’s history—it was established in 1970 during a major flood to provide food and support to affected communities. Over time, it played a vital role in teaching irrigation methods to farmers, reflecting BSA’s long-standing commitment to rural development.
Visit to the BSA Centre, Bakulia
Our final stop was the BSA Centre at Bakulia, where a Kabaddi match was being organized among different panchayats. Both girls’ and boys’ teams participated enthusiastically, and the entire village gathered to witness the event.
With dust in the air and players covered in soil and sweat, the match was filled with energy, determination, and teamwork. The loud encouragement from the audience added to the excitement, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere. Potatoes roasted over an open fire were served, adding to the warmth of the occasion.
After the match, an award ceremony was held to honor the winning team. We also spent joyful moments with students from Jivanshala Purva Madhyamik Vidyalaya, Bakulia, whose energy and sense of belonging beautifully reflected the strong integration of education, sports, and community life fostered by Banwasi Seva Ashram.
After this, our team spent time soaking in village life—riding tractors across the fields, laughing and playing with the children, and simply enjoying the warmth and simplicity of the surroundings. Those moments of shared joy and connection made the experience even more memorable.