Chapter 5
At the heart of the Swavalamban model lies the Swavalamban Samiti—a collective that unites all efforts under a shared mission. This committee ensures that resources, skills, and opportunities converge to drive lasting change, making self-reliance a reality for entire communities.
Swavlamban Samiti – The Heart of Self-Reliance
In the previous chapters, we’ve shared inspiring stories of individuals and groups transforming their lives and communities through the Swavlamban model. Today, we delve into the beating organ that pumps these success stories—the Swavlamban Samiti (SWSM).
The Foundation of Every Endeavour
When Drishtee Foundation enters a village, the first step is to form a Swavlamban Samiti, a committee of local leaders and community members who represent the aspirations, needs, and potential of the entire village. The SWSM is more than just a group; it is the backbone of the Swavlamban model, ensuring that all efforts are coordinated and focused on sustainable growth.
The Bloom of the Collective
In the Swavlamban model, each “petal”—whether it’s a Vaani, Mitra, Dhavak, or Vaibhavi—is vital. Yet, these individual components can only thrive when brought together under the guidance 
of the SWSM. Like a flower that blooms only when its petals work in harmony, the Swavalamban model flourishes under the leadership of this committee.
The SWSM ensures that resources are allocated efficiently, training reaches those in need, and every initiative aligns with the broader vision of a self-reliant village. From addressing community challenges to fostering collaboration, the Samiti is the bridge between aspirations and actions.
A Success Story from Kainjalay Vatika, Darjeeling Cluster
One shining example of an SWSM in action is from Kainjalay Vatika, a village nestled in the hills of Darjeeling ,West Bengal. The Samiti took a bold step to address a challenge faced by many rural communities: the inability to preserve and process surplus agricultural produce. The Samiti acquired two essential machines—a Hybrid Dehydrator and a Grinder — through a zero-interest loan of more than ₹2 lakhs provided by Drishtee Foundation to promote the development of the village. This initiative became a game changer for the community.
Passang Tamang, who serves as the Sevak (leading member) of the Samiti, went beyond his role by offering his personal space to house the machines free of charge for an entire year. Thanks to his dedication, the machines became accessible to everyone in the village through a pay-per-use model, with minimal charges to ensure inclusivity.
These machines opened up new possibilities. Farmers who once sold fresh produce at low prices can now dry and store items like turmeric, ginger, millets, corn, seasonal fruits, tomatoes, and even cherry bomb chillies. The results have been transformational. For instance, dried and powdered cherry bomb chillies now fetch 2-3 times the profit they used to.
From Seeds of Support to Gardens of Growth
The impact has been remarkable. Not only has the SWSM met the needs of their own village, but also served nearby villages, earning profits that are deposited into a community chest, or Samridhi Kosh. This fund is earmarked for future community projects, ensuring the benefits of the Swavlamban model continue to grow.
The roots of the Swavlamban Model
Through all the previous chapters we have seen how every “petal” in the Swavlamban model contributes to its success. However, it is the Swavalamban Samiti, with its dedicated members like Passang Tamang, that truly drives the vision forward. This group of unselfish, socially motivated individuals ensures that the community works together to build a shared resolve for shared prosperity.
The Swavlamban Samiti embodies the spirit of grassroots transformation, proving that when communities lead, change becomes enduring. With every story shared, we inch closer to a collective vision of progress and prosperity. The journey doesn’t end here—it continues with every step forward, every life transformed.