Gram Chetana
Client : BAIF, Karnataka chapter
Location : Village Shrishettikoppa, Dist. Dharwad, Karnataka
Climate : Moderate rainfall 800/1100mm
Material used : Rough timber, bamboo, mangalore tiles, rejected polished granite stones for flooring, bricks with mud masonary.
Motivation : The power of 2000 plus farmers to accept the challenge to grow above poverty line with the excellent concept and work done by BAIF, is the main motivation behind Gram chetana.
Highlights
- The center was built through the participation of these farmers in the form of monetary and material (timber, bamboo) contribution, shramadhan and loads of zeal.
- BAIF was the major contributor both in monies and motivation.
- This led my team and me to zealously explore economical ways and methods to bring down the costs.
- The whole exercise turned out to be a discipline towards cost cutting and yet making aesthetically fine and functional structures.
- We housed offices, classrooms, dorms and toilets as well as kitchen, dining and a guest house not to miss the caretaker too.
- Today the center stands as a legacy for a commune project.
- It's heartening to know that the endorsement of these farmers' endeavour is so huge that now they are talking about promoting agro-tourism at the center.