Have you watched this video (Meetha Khaara (Official Video)? The video may be lively but the lyrics are haunting: "I let my bones melt so no plate is left without salt. While the world savors thirty-two flavors, salt is the only taste I know."
Indeed, generations of salt workers have given their lives so that ours may taste better. 30-76% of India’s salt comes due to the Agariya salt worker communities of Gujarat working under extreme desert weather conditions and suffering from high rates of eye damage and skin diseases due to the prolonged brine exposure and heat. These are migratory communities living in makeshift huts without roads, electricity, water, or healthcare, and subject to relentless economic exploitation.
The Association for India’s Development (AID) has a long-standing partnership with Janpath, a Gujarat-based organization committed to advancing the rights and dignity of Agariya as well as other marginalized communities. We would be delighted if you can join the AID- Austin chapter at our annual dinner event, Milan to hear of the progress in this and other key projects that AID supports through our partners across India.
Pankti Jog of Janpath is our special guest this year. Pankti has worked alongside Agariya and tribal communities to strengthen community institutions and promote equitable, sustainable development. She has helped develop community-led initiatives that have improved the lives of thousands of Agariya and tribal families across Gujarat, fostering self-reliance, dignity, and lasting social change.
We look forward to meeting you on October 16, 6pm at the Chinmaya Mission (12825 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78727). Please send us a RSVP using this link
About AID
Association for India’s Development is a volunteer movement promoting sustainable, equitable and just development. AID supports grassroots organizations in India and initiates efforts in various interconnected spheres such as education, livelihoods, natural resources including land, water and energy, agriculture, health, women’s empowerment and social justice.
Donations to AID are tax-deductible in the USA. It is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization with tax ID 04-3652609