Dinabandhu Maharana
KZSVS – An Initiative to improve the quality of life of the poorest and most disadvantaged members of the society
Dinabandhu Maharana- Founder-Secretary
Bansidhar and Ila Panda Foundation (BIPF) award for his exemplary work and dedication.
Dinabandhu Maharana, the founder of Kandhamal Zilla Sabuj Vaidya Sangathan (KZSVS), hails from an underdeveloped village faced with numerous challenges, especially in terms of accessibility. His journey began with a profound experience during his internship in 2006 when he encountered a family grappling with the devastating effects of malaria. Witnessing the dire circumstances of a single-parent household, he took it upon himself to provide essential aid, cycling to a distant pharmacy to secure medicines and rations. Despite his efforts, the father succumbed to the illness, leaving behind two young sons. This heartbreaking incident motivated Dinabandhu Maharana to establish KZSVS, an organization dedicated to assisting people facing similar hardships in the community.
Under Mr. Maharana’s leadership, KZSVS started with a single village and has now expanded its reach to 400 villages, all achieved with minimal funding. The organization focuses on creating and managing public infrastructure in the Kandhamal District of Odisha. One of their innovative initiatives, the Goonj Cloth for Work (CFW) program, stands out for its unique approach to compensation. Instead of cash, beneficiaries receive clothes, shoes, and basic necessities for their labor. This concept not only addresses immediate needs but also fosters a sense of community ownership.
Mr. Dinabandhu Maharana, a qualified Vaidya, initiated the CFW program in 2008 to address the challenges faced by remote and tribal communities in the region. The program has successfully covered 605 villages, creating essential infrastructure such as new roads, wooden bridges, repaired village roads, renewed dug wells, and developed ponds and irrigation systems. These efforts have significantly improved connectivity, leading to enhanced socio-economic prosperity in the communities.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to public infrastructure development in the tribal areas of Kandhamal District, Mr. Maharana has been honored with the Bansidhar and Ila Panda Foundation (BIPF) award. This prestigious accolade acknowledges his grit, determination, and collaborative approach in bringing about positive change and sustainable development in the lives of the people he serves.
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