From Livelihood Security to Life-Saving Action, Balangir Gramodyog Samiti and SATHEE Parivar Showcase the Power of Community-Led Change

Odisha’s development journey is strengthened by grassroots organisations that work quietly but powerfully among communities. These organisations understand local realities, build trust with people, and create practical solutions for long-standing social challenges.

The Shambhavi Puraskar 2026, conferred by the Bansidhar & Ila Panda Foundation (BIPF), recognises such extraordinary efforts. This year, the honour celebrates two inspiring organisations from Odisha: Balangir Gramodyog Samiti, Balangir, and SATHEE Parivar, Angul.

While Balangir Gramodyog Samiti has transformed rural livelihoods through sustainable agriculture and farmer empowerment, SATHEE Parivar has created a life-saving public health movement around snakebite prevention, awareness, and response. Together, these two case stories reflect the spirit of empathy, innovation, determination, and community leadership.

Both organisations demonstrate that development is not only about schemes and systems. It is also about trust, participation, courage, and local leadership.

Balangir Gramodyog Samiti

Strengthening Farmers Through Sustainable Agriculture

A Grassroots Institution Rooted in Rural Development

Established in 1987 under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, Balangir Gramodyog Samiti (BGS) has emerged as an important community-based organisation in Balangir district of Odisha. Its work focuses on improving the livelihoods and welfare of local communities through agriculture, horticulture, livestock management, irrigation support, and capacity building.

BGS works closely with disadvantaged communities, including Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, marginal farmers, landless families, and other vulnerable groups. Its approach is rooted in self-governance, traditional knowledge, and equitable access to natural resources.

Transforming Agriculture in Tureikala Block

Since 2020, BGS has played a significant role in improving the lives of farmers through its collaboration with the Department of Horticulture, Government of Odisha. This partnership has benefited 3,612 farmers across 29 villages in eight gram panchayats of the Tureikala Block.

The intervention covers around 1,787 acres, helping farmers adopt improved agricultural practices and access better livelihood opportunities. By providing knowledge, resources, and institutional support, BGS has helped local farmers become more confident and market-ready.

Promoting Crop Diversification and Better Income

One of the major achievements of BGS is its role in encouraging farmers to shift from traditional paddy cultivation to more profitable vegetable farming. This change has improved cash flow, strengthened household income, and reduced dependency on a single crop.

Through the Crop Diversification Project (CDP), BGS has promoted sustainable agricultural practices. The use of organic fertilisers has helped reduce input costs while supporting environmental protection and community health.

Farm Gate Marketing for Fair Compensation

BGS has also promoted farm gate marketing through the Nariswabhiman Farmer Producer Company Ltd. This initiative has helped farmers connect with markets more effectively and receive fair compensation for their produce.

By linking farmers with intra-state markets, the organisation has strengthened their economic potential and reduced the challenges often faced by small producers in accessing buyers.

Building Climate Resilience and Food Security

The work of BGS also contributes to climate resilience and food security, particularly in tribal and vulnerable regions. By encouraging diversified farming, organic inputs, and community-led natural resource management, the organisation has created a model of sustainable rural development.

Recognition Through Shambhavi Puraskar 2026

In recognition of its empathy-driven, innovative, and community-centred work, the Bansidhar & Ila Panda Foundation confers the Shambhavi Puraskar 2026 upon Balangir Gramodyog Samiti. The award includes a crest, citation, and a cash prize of Rs. 5,00,000.

SATHEE Parivar

Saving Lives Through Snakebite Awareness and Community Response

A Public Health Movement from Angul

Established in 2016, SATHEE Parivar has built a powerful community movement to prevent snakebite deaths and strengthen public health preparedness in Angul district of Odisha.

Its vision is noble and urgent: to eradicate snakebite fatalities by educating communities, training local volunteers, and creating rapid response systems in snake-prone areas.

Addressing a Critical Rural Health Challenge

Snakebite is not only a health issue. It is also a rural safety, awareness, and emergency response challenge. In many villages, delays in treatment, lack of first-aid knowledge, and fear of snakes often increase the risk of death or disability.

SATHEE Parivar has addressed this challenge through awareness, preparedness, and community mobilisation.

Strong Collaboration With Government Departments

The organisation works in collaboration with key government bodies, including the Forest Department, Disaster Management Cell, Department of Health and Welfare, and School and Mass Education Department.

These partnerships have helped SATHEE Parivar create a strong framework for snakebite mitigation. The organisation has also established village-level Snakebite Awareness and Response Teams, making rural communities better prepared to respond during emergencies.

Reaching Villages Across Six Blocks

SATHEE Parivar’s work covers six blocks: Angul, Banarapal, Chhendipada, Athamallik, Talcher, and Kishorenagar.

Its outreach extends to 98 gram panchayats and 426 villages. Through this extensive network, the organisation has identified and trained more than 9,800 youth volunteers, self-help group members, ASHA workers, and health workers as community ambassadors for snakebite awareness.

Training Communities for Prevention and Response

The trained volunteers conduct awareness programmes on snakebite prevention, first aid, and response systems. They help people understand what to do during the critical “Golden Hour,” when timely first aid and medical support can save lives and reduce long-term disability.

This approach has made snakebite response more practical, local, and community-driven.

Saving Lives and Protecting Ecology

In the last three years, SATHEE Parivar has created extraordinary impact. The organisation has supported the rescue of 1,835 snakes, promoting coexistence with nature and respect for ecological balance.

More importantly, its trained volunteers have successfully saved 490 lives through timely intervention and awareness-based action.

This achievement shows how community engagement, preparedness, and correct first-aid knowledge can transform public health outcomes in rural areas.

Recognition Through Shambhavi Puraskar 2026

In recognition of its determination, grit, and selfless service, the Bansidhar & Ila Panda Foundation confers the Shambhavi Puraskar 2026 upon SATHEE Parivar. The award includes a crest, citation, and a cash prize of Rs. 5,00,000.