Rayadihi is nestled in the foothills of the Malyagiri mountain, the second-highest peak in Odisha. The village is entirely inhabited by the Juang community, classified as one of India’s Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). Known for its scenic beauty, the area remains remote and difficult to access. Most Juang families depend on small-scale farming and bamboo craftsmanship, selling their products in the local markets to make a modest living.

Lili and Bala Naik live in a humble cottage constructed from clay and cow dung, without access to electricity. They survive on less than 2 USD per day, facing daily struggles to meet even their basic needs. Their child, Ranjan, is enrolled in the village’s preschool nutrition and education programme, made possible through the generous support of the JIV DAYA Foundation. During our visit, we observed that none of the households in the area had access to improved sanitation facilities.

HOW HAPPY Lili & Bala Naik FEELS

On 20th April 2024, a solar lantern was provided to Ranjan’s family. Though it offers a limited supply of green energy, it is sufficient to meet the household’s basic electricity needs, such as lighting for 4–5 hours. This has helped create a more conducive environment for Ranjan to continue his studies, even as his mother attends to household chores. Gradually, there is a growing interest in education among pre-school children in the area. The Paribartan team will assess the socioeconomic and environmental impact of this intervention on the family and the broader community.

Lili Naik expressed her deep gratitude to the JIV DAYA Foundation and team for their support, which has brought a positive change in their quality of life

“It not only lighting, would be a boon for my family to avoid snake bite during rainy season, Bala Naik added”