Deccan Development Society

In the realm of education, the Deccan Development Society (DDS) established distinctive programmes. Pachasaale - The Green School, initiated in 1993, diverges from conventional schooling, catering to slightly older children aged 9-10, some of whom have previously dropped out or missed out on formal education. The night schools, a project in place since 1991, specifically target underprivileged Dalit children, granting them their initial educational opportunity through village-based night classes. Additionally, the organisation's Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) aligns with DDS's overarching values, offering an agricultural learning centre that embodies the societal ethos and philosophy.

In DDS's context, women play a pivotal role through various initiatives. The foundation of DDS relies on the village sanghams, composed mainly of Dalit women yet inclusive of impoverished women from diverse backgrounds such as Muslims, Gollas, Tenugus, Mangalis, Reddys, and Sakalis. Acknowledging the need for a secure haven, DDS established shelters for single women and girls, prompted by concerns raised within the sanghams about violence against women and coerced child marriages of young girls aged 10-12.

An innovative endeavour, the Community Media Trust, trained 10 Dalit women from Andhra Pradesh in videography. Significantly, these women have gained ownership of this tool, empowering them to voice their perspectives and grievances effectively.

Demonstrating a significant feat in asserting control over food sovereignty, DDS empowers more than 1500 women farmers from sanghams to reclaim their agricultural independence. By cultivating an array of crops on marginalized lands, these women have successfully instituted Community Gene Funds in 60 villages, reviving over 80 land races that had been eroded due to modern agricultural approaches. Beyond the restoration of robust agro-biodiversity on their lands, this drive reinstates women's authority and leadership in safeguarding and transmitting their community's germplasm knowledge.

DDS's women's sanghams have significantly enhanced natural resources through various initiatives. They have regenerated 1000 acres of common land by establishing neighbourhood forests and planting a million trees on degraded village commons. Winning the national Vrukshamitra award, they have distinguished themselves as the sole Dalit women's group to achieve this recognition. They have cultivated 30 Village Medicinal Commons, nurturing 60 medicinal plant species for traditional healthcare and reclaiming control over their bodies. In eight Dalit Watersheds, they have reshaped small land areas as watersheds, promoting biodiversity-based farming systems on different land types. This marks a substantial contribution towards improving natural resources.

DDS strategically addresses market control through initiatives like establishing its own marketplace in 1999 with about 2000 members. This self-sufficient market allows sangham members to trade their agricultural produce and essentials. A mobile van was introduced in 2001 for easier access to this market. The Zaheerabad Consumers Action Group extends this concept to urban consumers, advocating ecologically produced safe food and rebuilding local markets through a consumer-producer network. These consumers are gradually embracing organic foods from DDS sanghams, facilitated by the Community Media Trust's cuisine films and a millet cookbook. CAFÉ ETHNIC, a millet restaurant in Zaheerabad, takes this endeavour a step further by promoting millet and organic food culture among urban consumers. This comprehensive approach not only empowers marginalized communities but also reshapes market dynamics.