A pandemic, tsunamis, wildfires, earthquakes and massive global destruction in just the past two years, have made it abundantly clear that there is an error in our ways. With an increasing desire for urbanisation and development, more and more forests are being cut down and wildlife is being displaced. This deforestation and displacement are causing an increase in landslides, floods and other natural disasters but, it is also the root cause of the spread of deadly viruses across the globe.
In an article with Forbes magazine, David Bressan talks about the direct correlation between the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change. He states that “Climatic changes including increases in temperature, cloud cover, and atmospheric carbon dioxide – which affect the growth of plants and trees – have changed natural habitats… This created a suitable environment for many bat species that predominantly live in forests”. Bats, themselves, are “a reservoir for new mutations and asymptomatic carrier for viruses”.
These bats then transmit viruses to other animals, that interact with humans, transmitting it further. Hence, with the increase in global temperatures, the number of bat species is continuously multiplying, increasing the possibility of more viruses being transmitted in the future, and becoming epidemics. In order to control this spread of viruses and ensure the safety of future generations, it is important for us to take action.
Marta Vanduzer-Snow has been working in small villages in India since 2012. After completing her MA in the United States, Marta moved to India to bring her theories about healthcare, education and infrastructure to life.
She started her own organisation called Safalgram and with the help of a small team, has built more than five hundred toilets in seven states in India with a focus on Uttar Pradesh. These improvements in infrastructure and basic facilities allow residents to develop their lives in smaller towns and villages, instead of having to migrate to metropolitan cities for basic opportunities and facilities.
Marta has also been working on building permeable roads and slow sand water filters which can further improve the quality of life in the villages. For India to be able to combat its issue of excessive urbanisation, it is essential that residents find pride in their villages and that their homes receive the same facilities and care that is extended to homes in more developed areas.
Safalgram and Marta’s work
According to Marta, Uttar Pradesh has “some of the hardest working people in the world” but she believes that a lot of them are forced to travel to metropolitan cities like Delhi or Mumbai to share this work ethic and improve their quality of life. To her, the answer to combating issues of increasing urbanisation is to improve the quality of life in small villages.
For this reason, not only does Marta work towards offering solutions to real-life problems of hygiene, healthcare and education but, she also ensures that they are user-friendly, sustainable and affordable. These developments in villages alleviate a lot of the difficulties that residents have and are also the solution to a lot of health issues from which they suffer. For example, her Evapotranspiration toilets use a tank that requires no cleaning or maintenance and can last a family of five, a whole lifetime. This helps combat issues of open defecation in villages and allows residents an easy alternative that also saves them from contracting deadly diseases.
Why should metropolitan cities have all the fun?
If you ever visit metropolitan cities like New Delhi, you will see local artwork that graces the walls of many residential complexes, market places and parking lots. Often, this work is undertaken by the government to facilitate a sense of community and increase the vibrancy in certain areas.
While working in villages in Raebareli, Marta realised the importance of building this sense of community. She has helped in building roads, toilets and water filters but, in her opinion, the most important part of this process is to encourage locals to use and maintain these facilities. If residents take pride in their communities, they are more likely to do so and work towards building their lives in the villages rather than migrating to larger towns.
For this reason, Marta states that:
Art is a way to get people to take ownership of their space, instil pride in that space.
Generally, toilets are undervalued by the community but artists can help transform the space and change how they are perceived. From being considered “dirty”, they are transformed into spaces that need to be regarded with the same care as an art gallery. She also believes that inculcating this sense of pride will further encourage residents to keep their villages clean and free of waste and garbage.
Hence, in the past year, Marta has invited several talented artists from all over the country to help paint homes and buildings in villages like Hardi Tikar, Choti Chandauli, Dhakolia, Tikatha Musallepur in Jagatpur, Raebareli.
The artwork and its reception
With the project well underway, many artists have already visited the villages and painted homes and buildings. Residents have also quickly taken a liking to the project and many have asked for their homes and walls to be added to the project. But some of Marta’s most memorable moments include the impact that the project is having on children. They are excited, inspired and uplifted by the events. Marta has also found young children drawing and painting alongside visiting artists and asking questions on how to make a living with art. This exposure to some of India’s best artists is not only helping build a greater sense of pride and community but also, encouraging children to learn and create.
These artists- Ayushya George, Anpu Varkey, Soumya Shukla, Avantika Mishra, Vivek Pal & Ashra, and Tanya Maheshwari & Tan Sen, have taken time and energy to contribute to this space with Marta. Together, they have built something beautiful for the residents of these villages to be able to cherish. Even with the pandemic, they have worked tirelessly to help others, hoping to bring back the pride that we, Indians should have in our villages and small towns, ensuring that they are appreciated as much as any metropolitan city.
What’s next?
If you find this project exciting then keep reading!
You can learn more about this project and other initiatives taken by Safalgram on their Facebook page or their website.
This week, on my blog, you will find a photo gallery of more artwork done in the village. I will also be sharing an interview with the very talented artist- Anpu Varkey. You can also keep track of these articles on my Instagram.
Don’t forget to leave your thoughts in the comments section below!
