Field-learning visit gives MSW and BJMC students firsthand insights into rural development, community participation and leadership
Ahilyanagar | 20 August | Rayat Samachar
Students of the CSRD Institute of Social Work and Research (CSRD ISWR), Ahilyanagar, visited Hivre Bazar, popularly known as the “Ideal Village,” on Wednesday as part of an educational and field-learning visit. Students from the first and second years of the Master of Social Work (MSW) programme and first, second and third years of the Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication (BJMC) programme participated in the visit along with faculty members.
Upon arrival at Hivre Bazar, the students were welcomed by Mayur Borkar, Agriculture Officer, who introduced them to the village and its development-oriented initiatives. The students were subsequently briefed by Dr. Suresh Mugutmal, who explained the objectives and activities planned for the field visit.
The programme began with an introduction and an explanation of the objectives of the visit by Dr. Pradeep Zare. The students then visited several important locations in and around the village, including the village library and school. Through field observation, they gained an understanding of Hivre Bazar’s development model, community-based initiatives and rural infrastructure.
As part of the field experience, the students also climbed Kukdya Hills and visited Padoga Point, providing them with an opportunity to observe the geographical and environmental features of the village and its surrounding areas.
Following the field visit, the students had lunch before participating in an interactive interview session, which became one of the major highlights of the programme.
Popatrao Pawar shares Hivre Bazar’s transformation journey
The interview was conducted by journalist Shilpa Rasad, who interacted with Padma Shri awardee and former Hivre Bazar Sarpanch Popatrao Pawar and his wife, Shubhra Pawar.
The conversation offered students an insight into Popatrao Pawar’s life journey, from his childhood and early experiences to his emergence as a village leader and his tenure as Sarpanch of Hivre Bazar.
Pawar spoke about the challenges faced during the transformation of the village, the experiences that shaped his leadership and the efforts undertaken to address the problems confronting the community. The interaction highlighted the importance of collective participation, determination and sustainable development in transforming rural communities.
The session also provided students with an opportunity to understand the human and social dimensions behind Hivre Bazar’s transformation, beyond what can be learned through textbooks or classroom discussions.
Students engage in interactive learning
Students actively participated in the interaction by asking questions and engaging with the speakers about their experiences and the development of Hivre Bazar.
For the BJMC students, the interaction provided practical exposure to first-hand interviews, field reporting and the importance of documenting people’s experiences directly from the field. For the MSW students, the visit offered practical insights into rural development, community participation, leadership and social transformation.
The programme also included a felicitation ceremony. Popatrao Pawar was felicitated by Dr. Suresh Pathare, while Shubhra Pawar was felicitated by Vaishali Pathare. Journalist Shilpa Rasad was felicitated by Dr. Asavari Zaker for conducting the interactive session.
Among the participants and attendees were Bhairavnath Wakale, Pankaj Gundecha, Tushar Sonawane, Deepak Shirsath, Sayyed Maryam, Esther R., Immanuel, Jose, Vikrant Londe, Vijay Kardak, Rutuja Shinde, Elisha Sangma, Muskan Sayyed, Khushi Rajbhar, Akshay Shinde, Pallavi and Vaishnavi, along with other students and faculty members of CSRD ISWR.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Suresh Mugutmal.
The visit to Hivre Bazar provided CSRD ISWR students with an opportunity to move beyond classroom learning and directly observe a model of rural development. Through field observation, interaction with local representatives and an in-depth conversation with Popatrao Pawar, students gained valuable insights into the challenges, leadership, collective participation and community efforts involved in transforming a village into an example of sustainable development.