Mrs. MITTAL MAULIK PATEL
DATE OF BIRTH
13th January 1981
EDUCATION
M.Phil. Journalism with distinction in 2008 from Gujarat Vidyapith
Master of Journalism Study (M.J.S.) with distinction in 2005 from Gujarat University
Bachelor of Communication, Journalism and Public relation (B.C.J.P.) with first class in 2004 from Gujarat University
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc. – Physics) in 2002 with first class from North Gujarat University
AREA OF WORK
To reestablish Societal Recognition of Nomadic and De-notified Tribes (NT-DNT) and facilitating them in availing various Citizenry Rights. To help NT-DNT families find right alternates to their traditional occupations that they had to forgo due to technological advancements. And thereby, saving them from getting engage into any illegal or socially unacceptable activities for their livelihood. To help settle down these communities and secure a permanent house – an address of their own. To help NT-DNT Communities’ children and the future generations to get access to education, livelihood and socio-economic stability. Working towards the recharge of underground water through the medium lake de-silting Work of environment conservation through tree plantation drives in Banaskantha
PRESENT ASSIGNMENTS
Founded Vicharta Samuday Samarthan Manch (VSSM) for the welfare of the most downtrodden Nomadic and De-Notified tribes in 2010 and currently heading the organization, which works on several social, economic, education, livelihood, human rights, and Housing and environment related issues. Honourary member of Development and Welfare Board for Nomadic, Semi Nomadic and De-notified Communities, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, New Delhi
PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY
Undertook a research program involving intensive fieldwork with sugarcane cutters of south Gujarat on ‘Migration and Migrant workers’ for a month as a part of the fellowship in the year 2004. Joined Golden Corridor Yatra organized by a NGO called ‘Pravah’ for 15 days to study the environment damage caused by Industrial Development. Carried out an intensive multifarious ground research on the social and economic condition of NT – DNT Communities with a mission to work dedicatedly for the welfare of the communities during the year 2008 to 2010 though it has not yet over as each dawn brings a yet new perspective to the issues surrounding these nomads. Founded Vicharta Samuday Samarthan Manch (VSSM) for the welfare of the most downtrodden Nomadic and De-Notified tribes in 2010. Currently working as the Secretary of Vicharta Samuday Samarthan Manch. Appointed Member of Development and Welfare Board for Nomadic, Semi Nomadic and De-notified Communities, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, New Delhi
BRIEF PROFILE AND ACHIEVEMENTS After completing my masters in Journalism Studies, I was enrolled in Gujarat University’s Department of Journalism where I was selected for the scholarship on the ‘Social and Economic Study of Migrant Workers’ by ‘Charkha’-Development Communication Network. In this context, I conducted a study on the ‘Sugarcane workers of South Gujarat’. The experiences gathered while staying with the families for a month were so profound that their upliftment became a mission of my life. In year 2006, I joined an organization called ‘Janpath’. Initially it was an idea to do research work on Nomadic Communities. But during fieldwork, the plight of the communities made me work for the cause of the community. Later in 2010, VSSM was created and registered under Society and Trusts Act. The challenging task taken single handedly to go to these far flung nomadic communities, establish relations with the inhabitants, and carry intensive efforts for provide socially acceptable livelihood alternates and the path-breaking task of sending the children of these communities to school has brought changes. The communities of NT-DNT become subject of social discrimination and governmental neglect. The villages have never ever allowed these communities to be part of their societies, while the political and bureaucratic authorities remain blissfully unaware of the struggles they endure to survive. The situation they are in today is as a result of fine amalgamation of societal resistance, political apathy and their own cultural mindset. Most of the communities have no access to the basic needs of existence like shelter, water, health and education. They even do not have documents that can prove that they are citizens of this country. Since its inception, VSSM has strived to bring identity and dignity in the lives of these communities. When I had begun this initiative, hardly anything was known about these communities. We did not know about the existence of even a single settlement. From there, VSSM has reached to more than 80,000 families from more than 2000 settlements in 90 blocks of 18 districts. In numbers, the VSSM’s efforts are: 225 NT-DNT children staying in 2 hostels run by the organization Helped 1020 families for residential plots Supported 938 families for Construction of houses both technically & financially Voters ID cards for more than 1,00,000 individuals Ration Cards for more than 10,000 families More than 3500 nomadic people are given interest free loans amounting Rs. 10 Crore for various purposes under Swavalamban - livelihood Income Generation Program Alleviated 90 families from the clutches of flesh trade from Vadia village – where the daughters are forced into this flesh business. Became instrumental for the marriage of 35 girls who were clutched in the flesh trade business and much more… 118 lakes are desilted in various villages of Banaskantha District 50,000 trees planted in 28 sites of Banaskantha District AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS Conferred with Real Hero Award by CNN - IBN and Reliance Foundation in March- 2012. Honored as Ashoka fellow by Ashoka Innovators for the Public in 2013. Ashoka recognizes and felicitates dynamic global community of leading social entrepreneurs who deliver high-impact solutions to society’s most pressing problems. Ashoka accelerates Fellows’ progress as an individual, a leader of an organization, a participant in collaborative initiatives, and as a member of a global community of peers. Invited for a TED Talks in 2013. TED is global community, welcoming people from various discipline and culture who seek deeper understanding of the world. It publishes the ideas worth spreading. Conferred with Glory of Gujarat Award by the hands of His Excellency Shri O. P. Kohli, The Governor of Gujarat organized by Indian Council of Social Welfare at Raj Bhavan, Gandhinagar on 24th July 2015 Awarded with Nari Shakti Award on 2nd incredible Gandhi Festival jointly organized by Satyagrah Ashram (Kochrab Ashram); Gujarat Vidyapith; Parshwanath Corporation; Navgujarat Samay; and True Innovation (India | USA) on 2nd October 2016. Honored with Nari Shakti Award at National Level for most significant work in the field of women empowerment by the hands of His Excellency Shri Ram Nath Kovind – the President of India on Womens’ Day 8th March 2018 at Rashtrapati Bhawan. Awarded Nari Shakti Award at State Level for most significant work in the field of women empowerment by the hands of Honorable Chief Minister of Gujarat - Shri Vijaybhai Rupani on Womens’ Day 8th March 2018 at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar Received Asmita Puraskar of the year 2018 by news channel ABP Asmita.
Website of the Organization: www.vssmindia.org
Link to the videos featuring the work:
1.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=au-DjCiVK5w - TEDx Talks published on 7th February, 2013 2.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E16J73ts0Is - Talk on the TV Show Tejaswini - DD News, published on 13th November, 2018