In Tendutikhra, a Pando tribal village, villagers have embraced shramdaan: the voluntary contribution of labour for the collective good. Inspired by Gandhian ideals of self-reliance, they have pooled their labour to build homes, ponds, roads & shared spaces. Read the 🧵

But strengthening the community has also improved social well-being and collective decision-making. The community has used its Gram Sabha to address issues such as alcoholism and make decisions that affect the village as a whole.

The stark contrast of grey and green separates the mountain of coal waste from the forests of Ledo-Margherita. But the villagers across Malu Gaon, Saliki, China Basti and Jharna Basti in Assam have started fighting to protect the lands that are left. Read the 🧵

For the communities of Ledo-Margherita, it is only a temporary pause. The fight to protect their forests, farms and commons continues.