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groups and individuals to learn, work and act together. PLA becomes highly relevant for the field of
designing and implementation of programs and can be used to address practical problems and
explore issues from various perspective. Trust, rapport and mutual respect are essential in PLA
dialogue and can facilitate mutual exchange of knowledge and expertise.
DAY 1
On the first day, we assembled at Noida sector 15, where we met with the coordinators who
introduced and explained the basic of PLA, and the do’s and dont’s of the process. We were then
divided into groups of 4 and one instructor was assigned to each group. We began with the transect
walk.
We entered the basti and noticed the narrow lanes and overcrowded areas. The drains were open
and overflowing. We went through the lanes and got attention of the residents. We wanted to
initiate a conversation but did not feel sure how to go about it, so the instructor began with the
questions. A shopkeeper began describing to us the problems being faced by the residents like
unhygienic conditions, selling of alcohol, eve teasing, corruption etc. Other people also joined and
gave their inputs. One thing that we noticed repeatedly was the reaction of people there and how
they assigned the role of problem solvers and looked at us with hope “ yahi hamari mushkilein
samjhengi aur theek karvayengi.” That I did not feel was quite right, to elicit hopes in the minds of
people that is much like deceiving them and thus consent and purpose both can be taken and
explained respectively before organising such visits which I believe will be more ethical.
We made an exit at the ‘masjid basti’. There were various eateries, grocery shops and a clinic.
We continued our walk for 30 – 45 minutes and in the end had a discussion about all that we
observed.
Day 2
On the second day we were to see a community meeting in action. However due to a bit of
miscommunication we missed the calling and assembling of participants. The residents had gathered
together (mostly women) in a temple area, which I thought was a friendly option. The objective was
to discuss problem related to hygiene and sanitation in the area and their respective solutions. The
coordinator used the matrix method. In the method, first column lists the problems, second lists the
area of problem, in the third who was responsible and the fourth secton listed the solutions. In the
end it was discussed who will take responsibility and carry out the action.
WHAT I LEARNT –
I saw PLA as an innovative and effective tool, to reduce the gap between the community and the
facilitators. I could notice these interesting points during the meeting –
In the group, there were some active and some passive participants. It requires skill to
balance out both as the former have to be handled with skill and encouragement had to be
given to the passive members.
We could see conflict arousal and conflict being pacified.
Community did realise and own up to the wrong practices they were doing by themselves.
There were more women participants
There were instances of regional divide like questioning or blaming the practices of certain
regional group.
There is prevelance of corruption and insincerity among officials.
They respected the stance of mediators
It was important for the mediator to not let the participant start taking all the blame which
happened at one point, they also have to be reminded of the positive deeds and actions
they have been doing.
Passerbys constantly made discouraging comments on the ‘uselessness’ of the meeting and
how being poor is the biggest problem and how everyone has to eventually die. The
mediator tried to bring them into discussion also.
Eventually the interest of the passerby was captured and they started watching with
interest.
I also noticed a male adolescent holding and playing with a baby while the meeting was
going on.
Humour came in handy so many times and it was evident how good rapport helps.
The mediator was attentive and captured and roped in even small, inaudible (at times snide)
remarks.
I would like to conclude by saying PLA as a technique is a bride between researcher/ social worker
and gets them in touch with the inner working. However a lot of responsibility and skill has to be
carried in dealing with community as situations can be unexpected. Our mediators did a good job at
that, as I as an observer was getting very nervous and frustrated at times but the way they handelled
it made me unlearn and relearn aspects dealing efficiently with the community.
I Would like to thank all the coordinators for their time and for giving us this invaluable experience.