1

Society for Education, Action and Research in Community Health (SEARCH)

“I shall give you a talisman. When faced with a dilemma as to what your next step should be, remember the most wretched and vulnerable human being you ever saw. The step you contemplate

should help him! "------Mahatma Gandhi

2

Mission

To work with the marginalised communities in order to identify their health needs, develop „community-

empowering‟ models of health care to meet these health needs, test these models by way of research studies,

and then make this knowledge available to others by way of training and publications. Thus the mission of

SEARCH includes community health care, research and training.

Vision

Realisation of 'Aarogya-Swaraj', i.e. people's health in people's hands, by way of empowerment of individuals

and communities to take charge of their own health and thereby help them achieve freedom from disease as

well as dependence.

Philosophy

Think globally, act locally!

SEARCH believes that an important role for a voluntary organization is „path finding‟ or research.

„Research‟, in the context of SEARCH, means to identify the problems of the people and to develop new

and appropriate easily replicable solutions.

The philosophy at SEARCH can be summarized as follows:

Initiate a dialogue with the community by living with them.

Select the health problems to study, based on the community‟s priorities.

Rigorously investigate the problem by applying epidemiological methods.

Find a solution that is feasible and effective at the community level.

Train the manpower from the community to implement those solutions using appropriate

management practices.

Create a model that is replicable on a larger scale in places facing similar problems.

Engage in social advocacy on a large scale to sensitize the community to the problems, find the

solutions, and train organizations to replicate the model.

Using this approach, SEARCH has been able to make some important breakthroughs with respect to the public

health problems in India and also around the World.

Founders and the Genesis

In 1985 Dr. Abhay Bang and Dr. Rani Bang made their home in the most backward area of Maharashtra; the

Gadchiroli district. Armed with their skills as physician and gynaecologist respectively, a Masters degree in

Public Health from Johns Hopkins University and commitment to providing health care for the under-served

and overlooked tribals of Gadchiroli, the Bangs founded the „Society for Education, Action and Research in

Community Health‟ famously known as „SEARCH‟. Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, they began to realize their

dream of improving health conditions for the rural and tribal population in their immediate surroundings. In

addition they also envisaged serving the global community by impacting the health policy through research

aimed at a more systematic and sustainable change. The SEARCH headquarters, based in Shodhgram, consists

3

of a hospital for rural and tribal communities, training and research centre, an organic farm, a team of 60

professional and semi professional staff-members as well as an army of volunteers.

Gadchiroli

The district is situated on the eastern border of Maharashtra, bordering Chattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh.

While 70% of the district is heavily forested, 40% of the population is tribal. Amongst tribals, the „Madia Gond‟

tribe is predominant. This region and the forest is the same „Dandkaranya‟ from the epic of Ramayana.

The district is the most underdeveloped district of Maharashtra and India with poverty, lack of irrigation,

poor health facilities, absence of industries and lack of good educational facilities being the major challenges.

The district is heavily affected by anti-government left wing movement or „Naxalism‟.

A four hour drive (180 kms) from the city of Nagpur takes you to the city of Gadchiroli, which serves as the

administrative headquarter for SEARCH.

Location of Gadchiroli in the state of Maharashtra

This area traditionally represents the great central Indian tribal crescent that today arches from Chandrapur

and Gadchiroli in Maharashtra across Chattisgarh. The Gadchiroli district was created in 1982, when it

bifurcated from the district of Chandrapur.

4

Representative Organizational footprints

Conducted a community-based study of the prevalence of gynecological diseases among rural women.

Research paper published in the leading medical Journal: 'Lancet', and proved to be a global pioneer. The study highlighted the reproductive problems of women and ultimately changed the global policy at the Cairo conference, from Population control to Women‟s Reproductive Health.

Leveraged upon the concept of Traditional Birth Attendants (TBA) in reproductive health care of the rural women and developed a program for Reproductive Health.

Studied the perceptions of women regarding various issues of reproductive health and the related practices and published in the form of a renowned book, 'KANOSA'. 'Putting Women First' is a recent publication which was hailed globally and also referred to as a course material. Influenced the WHO guidelines on women health.

Conducted a participatory study measuring the magnitude of alcohol use in Gadchiroli district and its ill effects. Led to a mass movement in the district culminating in prohibition of alcohol in the district in 1993. Subsequently, there was a 60% reduction in the alcohol consumption equivalent to savings worth Rs.120 million annually

Established a Birth and Death recording system in the community laboratory of 100 villages. Recorded the actual Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) and established Pneumonia as the commonest cause of child death.

Recognized Newborn Mortality as a main challenge. Developed an approach of training village health

workers to provide mother and newborn care at home. Conducted the Home- based neonatal care field trial. The intervention reduced the IMR to 39. Results were published in the Lancet, and study was a global pioneer. Developed a training program on Home- based Neonatal care which is now widely adopted even by state governments.

The 'Home- based Neonatal care' program replicated at 7 NGO sites in Maharashtra, in five pilot sites in five states by the Indian Council of Medical Research and at other sites in Nepal, Bangladesh and Pakistan. The replication process is also starting at pilot sites in eight African nations. The Government of India is also adopting the same training package for training of 100,000 ASHAs in five states.

Conducted a 13 site study in Maharashtra measuring child mortality. S tudy i l lu mi na ted the discrepancy between the figures quoted by the State and the actual figures. Report published creating wide debate in the media and the State Assembly. The Chief Minister accepted recommendations and announced corrective measures

Detected the first case of sickle cell disease in Gadchiroli and conducted Multi- site study in the district to estimate the prevalence, especially in the „Gond‟ tribe.

5

Accolades and Awards

In 2005, the Bangs were recognized by TIME magazine as „Heroes of Global Health‟ for their contribution to

research and policy on reducing infant mortality. They have published numerous papers in peer reviewed

medical journals. Furthermore, the Government of India and other international health organizations have

used SEARCH‟s research to improve their own programs and policies.

Drs. Abhay and Rani Bang were inducted into the Society of Scholars of the Johns Hopkins University, USA

(2013)

CNN-IBN Life time achievement award from Reliance Foundation (2011)

„Jewel of Maharashtra‟ Award from State DNL Summit 2010 in association with Zee 24 Tass & Govt. of

Maharashtra, Mumbai (2010)

National award for women's development through application of science and technology conferred on

Dr. Rani Bang. (March 8th, 2008)

MacArthur Foundation International Award for creative and social work. (2006)

Maharashtra Bhushan Puraskar‟, The highest honour from the Govt. of Maharashtra (2003)

Selected as „The couple of the year 1996‟ for the annual issue of the national magazine „The Week‟.

Dr. James Tong award of the Voluntary health Association of India to SEARCH for being the outstanding

voluntary institution in India. (1999)

Mahatma Gandhi Award (1994)

6

The „Living University at SEARCH‟

SEARCH is a well- known learning centre for students of public health, health administration and

health management. Some of the prestigious institutes in India and abroad send their students for their

internship with SEARCH. Researchers from India and abroad work with SEARCH to learn SEARCH‟s unique

approach and method of conducting community-based research in the field of community health.

Projects usually fall into the following areas:

Public Health

Clinical service

Management and other

Anthropology and Sociology - Regarding Tribal Culture

Different types of projects undertaken were as follows,

Data Analysis

Protocol Writing

Manuscript Writing

Process Documentation

Advocacy and awareness about programs

Media material development

Field Study (Protocol Writing, Data Collection and Analysis)

Health Educational material designing

Process Improvement

Proposal Writing

Case Study designing

Fund raising

SEARCH also encourages undertaking of projects in specific interest areas that might be relevant and

complementary to the work done by the organization. However, interns may not always be able to choose

their specific work as the organizational goals and requirements supersede individual preferences.

7

People who have interned with us over the past few years (Indians and Foreigners):

MD/MBBS/MPH/BHMS/BAMS/Psychologists

MBA/Social Entrepreneurs

BE/BTECH/MTECH/BCOM/BA/MSC/BSC

Universities, colleges, foundations from where we have accepted interns (non-exhaustive list):

Indian Institute of Health Management and Research, Delhi & Jaipur

Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Mumbai

S.P. Jain Institute of Management, Mumbai

American India Foundation (AIF)

ICICI Foundation

Johns Hopkins University, USA

Harvard School of Public Health

Emory University, USA

8

Campus Map

9

The Shodhgram campus

Office

This is the workplace for the administrative

staff. Dr. Abhay Bang‟s cabin is centrally

located as you enter this area. In order to meet

Dr. Bang, prior appointment is necessary.

Contact person: Mr. Balawant Surve, personal

secretary to Dr. Abhay Bang.

Maa Danteshwari Temple

Research Department A Wifi enabled research department that performs most of the back-office support function and analysis for the on-field research projects. Projects are conceptualized by this department. Contact person: Mr. Mahesh Deshmukh

.

10

Medical & General Store Common items like soap, oil, powder, etc. can be purchased at the store. Medicines can also be purchased here. In case a person requires buying things from Gadchiroli market, SEARCH can arrange for it on an advance notice. A bus leaves for Gadchiroli every morning at 10AM from the campus. Contact person: Mr. Ganesh

Director‟s House

Dining Hall Schedule

Breakfast: 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM Lunch: 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM Dinner: 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM

Prayer Hall (Pimpal) Apart from the evening prayer, this area is also used for staff meetings/other meetings.

11

Library Schedule

8:30 AM to 12:30 PM Mon-Sat A total of 5280 books and 68 journals covering a wide array of subjects are available. 2 books can be issued for the maximum period of 15 days after which a fine of Rs.1 per day will be levied per book.

Amrai, Jambhul, Palas, Aamba

This area is reserved for staff housing.

Outpatient Department (OPD)

Canteen

Schedule 10 AM to 5 PM Mon-Sat

The canteen is run by a local Shodhgram family. Snacks, tea and coffee can be purchased at the canteen.

12

Language

The language spoken in Gadchiroli is Marathi. Hindi is also understood and can be spoken in most villages

including the tribal communities. People in the rural areas prefer to speak Marathi. For foreign interns it is

essential to have some working knowledge of Marathi, as unfamiliarity with Marathi is often a handicap when

it comes to field projects. Even in the office, while most staff members and interns speak some English, it is not

the preferred language. However, they would try to speak English if necessary. Evening prayer sessions and

many events (e.g. talks) are held in Marathi. Additionally, Marathi is immensely helpful for social situations.

Language will not bar you from many kinds of projects such as designing programs / trials, data analysis,

manuscript writing etc. Furthermore, due to a consistent presence of international researchers and volunteers,

the SEARCH community and administration is cognizant of the language-related issues and has tried to

minimize the disadvantage of not knowing a local language. To date, smooth assimilation of such interns into

the community life at Shodhgram has never been a problem. Furthermore, help can be sought from those who

are well-conversant with English.

Lodging and boarding

The organization charges the interns for both lodging and boarding on the campus in order to meet the

related expenses. In terns usual ly ea t meal s in the community kitchen. The food is strictly vegetarian

and does not include eggs. Further dietary restrictions can be accommodated if possible and only if conveyed

to the SEARCH team. Food and tea is provided at the canteen. Dishes and cutlery are provided. Each member of

the SEARCH community washes his own dish at the end of the meal.

Bathing with cold water is the norm. However, families warm their water with the help of small „choolhas‟

placed outside their houses. Forest wood is used for this purpose. For bathing there is no shower facility. Bucket

showers and squat (Indian) toilets are common.

Important Timings

Breakfast: 7:30am – 8.30 am

Office: 8:30 am – 5pm

Lunch: 12.30 pm- 1.30 pm

Tea: 3 pm

Dinner: 7:30-8:30 pm

13

Culture

SEARCH is a close-knit community of around 100 people. The group is vibrant and quite accommodative. An

incoming intern, with a learner‟s mind and openness to new experience, will be easily absorbed into the family

notwithstanding the language barriers. Experience shows that even foreign interns with no knowledge of the

local languages have had an extremely fun-filled time on the campus. All that you need is the attitude to

embrace the change and adapt.

Campus activities

Shamayoga: Every Wednesday and Saturday the whole Shodhgram community meets in the central

chowk in the morning at a pre-decided time (Usually 6:45 AM) for participation in “Shramayoga”

(voluntary contribution of labour which involves cleaning up of campus). Activities for cleaning the

campus area are assigned during this period.

Evening prayer: Community, non-denominational prayers are held every evening in the prayer hall at

6:45PM.

Indian festivals: Most festivals are celebrated in the Shodhgram community throughout the year.

Trip to Gadchiroli Bazaar

A bus departs every Sunday at 2 pm - taking residents of Shodhgram to Gadchiroli to buy any supplies from the

local market. It returns from Gadchiroli at 6 pm

14

Things to do

Volleyball and cricket are some of the sports played depending on the weather.

Cycling and nature walk are main activities that residents indulge in.

Reading: SEARCH Library houses a total of 5280 books and 68 journals covering a wide array of subjects.

2 books can be issued for the period of maximum of 15 days after which a fine of Rs.1 per day would be

levied per book.

Journal Club: Articles from the leading magazines of the ilk of the Lancet, British Medical Journal, the

Economist, Economic and Political Weekly, Ted, Scientific American, are discussed.

Vacation policy

Sundays are holidays. The regular staff at SEARCH gets 1 week off for Diwali and 15 days vacation [16th

May to 31st May] during summer. Also office will remain closed on national holidays (Republic &

Independence Day).

For any other leave of absence, Prior permission needs to be taken.

Intern is eligible for additional leave only when explicitly mentioned by the intern‟s home institution.

These leaves of absence should be communicated as early as possible to the intern‟s supervisor at

SEARCH.

In case of emergency, the supervisors will take decision on leaves depending on reason and duration

for the leave.

Health and Hygiene

There is always at least 1 qualified doctor on the SEARCH campus, and the SEARCH hospital is open 24 hours

and 7 days a week. There is a medical store that provides basic medicines and other necessities if one is not

carrying them along. (e.g. mosquito repellent, feminine hygiene products, etc.). Interns are should plan to bring

enough of their personal medicines to last during their stay.

We recommend Malaria prophylaxis. There is a laboratory that is equipped to do malaria testing right on

campus. Should any medical attention be needed doctors are also immediately available.

Pack your clothes according to the demands of the season and the cultural norms.

Seasons

Summer (March - June)

Rains (July - October)

Winter (November -February)

The month of May is the hottest time of the year with temperature as high as 47 degree Celsius.

During winter season temperature can drop to 7 degree Celsius.

Rains are quite heavy with almost1400 mm of rainfall recorded over this period.

Safety

In spite of being in an area affected by Maoist insurgency the campus has not witnessed any untoward incident

over its history of more than 18 years. Although the area is surrounded by a thick forest, wildlife (Sightings of

snakes and scorpions are not uncommon on the campus) would not be a concern when one takes sufficient

precaution towards the same.

15

Work on the campus

Data Usage Policy

SEARCH will provide research data for the interns to analyze for the project purpose. The data is confidential

and cannot be taken outside the environs of the SEARCH campus.

The data should be strictly used for the project related work only and it should not be shared or published in

any media without officially taking permission from their supervisor/s and coordinator.

A data usage agreement needs to be signed by the interns before working on the data.

Authorship policy

SEARCH will have the ownership rights over the project reports and other supporting documents created by

the interns. Interns cannot publish their reports or any other form of literature in any media without officially

taking permission from their supervisor/s and coordinator.

The interns are required to sign the following two documents regarding the authorship of the project,

Pre-Research Agreement: Before start of the project

Post-Research Agreement: After completion of the project

Office facilities (Xerox, Fax, Printer, Scanner)

Interns are permitted to use the office facilities for official purposes only. These facilities should be used only

under the guidance of supervisor of the facility. The locations for these facilities are as follows,

Xerox : Main Office and Research

Printer : Main Office and Research

Fax : Main Office

Scanner : Research

Appointments

Desired meetings with founders or department heads should first be discussed with the intern‟s mentor. The

mentors will guide them depending on the necessity of the issue.

Attendance policy

Office timing: 8.30 am to 5 pm. (Monday to Saturday.)

Lunch break is from 12.30 pm to 1.30 pm.

Employees are required to sign in the attendance register kept in the main office at 8.30 am and when they

get back from lunch at 1.30 pm.

Connectivity

Cell/Mobile Phone: We advise that you purchase a local SIM card from the network provider

BSNL to get coverage or bring it with you while coming to the campus. Recharge card will be

available at the medical store. Only the BSNL network is accessible on the campus.

Internet: Wireless internet access is available in the main office and the research department

during the office hours. Accommodation area does not have this facility. Datacards (dongles)

from networks other than the operator BSNL do not work on the campus. The IT team will help

you in setting up the internet access. Internet and telephone connectivity can be erratic; be

prepared for such breakdowns.

16

Usage Policy: Social networking sites like facebook and other non-work related websites should

not be accessed during the office hours. Browsing of the objectionable content is strictly

prohibited. The internet usage is regularly monitored by the IT department.

Mail/ courier services: The proprietor of the pharmacy operates courier service.

ATM: Nearest ATM is at Gadchiroli, a distance of 20-25 minutes from SEARCH by road. Interns

from countries outside India should bring sufficient cash with them in Indian currency.

Conversion to Indian currency should be done at the airport or authorized forex agents in the

main cities.

Newspapers: The following newspapers can be subscribed through the newspaper vendor.

Hitwada (English), Loksatta (Marathi), Lokmat (Marathi), The Times of India (English)

Please observe the discipline of the campus

Do

Wear culturally sensitive clothes. Similarly, culturally sensitive behavior is expected on the campus.

Traditional Indian clothing (salwar kameez for ladies, trousers and shirt for men) or long pants and

shirts are recommended. Traditional Indian clothing can be purchased in Gadchiroli. Peer group can

help.

Sign-in twice daily.

Please behave in a secular manner (without discriminating on the basis of caste/religion/gender)

Participate in Shramyog (voluntary community service) at a pre-decided time on Wednesday &

Saturday, prayer meeting (6.45pm every evening except Sunday) & Shodhgram community activities.

Save water, energy etc., to lead an environmentally friendly lifestyle while being here in Shodhgram.

Keep your premises & nearby area clean, on your own, even on days other than shramyog.

Clean your own plates, cups in the community kitchen. There is no aid in this regard.

Kindly follow the directions from the mess staff.

Submit clearance form a day prior to leaving Shodhgram.

Don‟t

Consume liquor, tobacco and illicit drugs – These are strictly prohibited.

Disturb the tranquillity on the campus and conform to the decorum of the community.

Take your guests directly to the villages. (Prior permission from SEARCH authorities is required.)

Publish internship / SEARCH related information in media without prior approval.

Co-ed room occupation is not allowed. Behaviour with the opposite gender should be in accordance

with the culture on the campus.

17

Village stay

A visit to a village is an important learning experience. Knowledge of Marathi will be an advantage in this

regard.

Supervisors will arrange the village visit. The use of SEARCH vehicle for such visits depends on place and

purpose.

Checklist before winding down the project work:

1. Clearance Form :

This is a mandatory process to be completed by the intern. The intern will get a clearance form from

his/her supervisor. The intern should obtain signatures from various department heads such as Library,

community kitchen, IT, Administration, Hospital stating that there are no dues outstanding. Then the

clearance form will be signed by the project supervisor/s and finally by the project coordinator.

2. Project Report :

The final project report, along with the supporting documents, needs to be submitted to the

project supervisor/s. (Refer to the Authorship policy)

3. Post Research Agreement :

If the SEARCH data is used for research purposes, then a post-research agreement needs to be signed.

(Refer to the Authorship policy)

4. Police Permission (in case of foreign nationals)

Foreign nationals w i l l need to inform local police officer a t a r r i v a l a n d before leaving the

campus. SEARCH s t a f f will assist during the process.

Useful online links and recommended readings

SEARCH website http://www.searchgadchiroli.org/

Sevagram to Shodhgram (PDF available on SEARCH website in the section “What media says”)

Anubhav (PDF available on SEARCH website in the section “What media says”)

Feedback Details

At the end of the stay, the interns are required to respond to a feedback form focused on both the official as

well as residential experience on the campus. Suggestions are always welcome!

Contact Details:

Email: Mr. Tushar Khorgade (tushar.khorgade@gmail.com) Tel No: +91-9403439419 Website: http://www.searchgadchiroli.org

Address: SEARCH, Near Chatgaon

Post and District Gadchiroli, Maharashtra State,India, 442605

Suggested Packing List (Items marked with * are very important)

In addition to clothing and toiletries, please bring:

Documents

18

Letter from the University/ Mail printout if you are coming to SEARCH as a part of a formal internship

through your university*

Photo ID proof *

Project related documents for research

4 Passport size photographs *

Stationery

BSNL Datacard/SIM card (Only BSNL network operates on the campus.) * (For foreign interns such

cards and mobile handsets can be arranged on request after paying the charges)

Voltage converters and adaptors to suit the 240v circuit *

Folder for documentation

Pen , Pencil

Laptop *

Miscellaneous

Flashlight( inc. a spare set of batteries)*

Soaps, Soap cases

Hangers

Closed-toe shoes ( Non-leather foot ware)

Pair of chappals/floaters for regular use *

Personal medicines *

Water bottle *

Cap

Sweater/Muffler/Shawl (During Winter season-October to February, temperatures go down to 6-70 C)

*

Rain-cheater/Umbrella (During Rainy season-June to September) *

Mosquito Repellent/ Insect Repellent (30-50% DEET)

Brush for hand-washing the clothes

Toilet papers for those who are used to it (not available in Gadchiroli, need to be bought from Nagpur

or other bigger cities)

Malaria prophylaxis (Consult your physician before you depart for SEARCH) *

Stethoscope (If you are a doctor)

Sunscreen ( for summer- March to June)

Hand sanitizer

2 towels *

Camera

Pocket Knife

19

Getting to SEARCH:

Making arrangements for the travel to our campus is sole responsibility of the interns.

Distances:

SEARCH campus, „Shodhgram‟, is located 18 Km east from the town of Gadchiroli. Gadchiroli is connected by

road to the city of Nagpur (172 km) which is the nearest airport as well as a railway junction and the city of

Chandrapur (100 km) which is also a railway Junction. The town of Balharshaha (117 km from Gadchiroli) is a

bigger railhead than Chandrapur.

Reaching Nagpur/Chandrapur:

By Air: Nagpur is connected to Mumbai, New Delhi, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Indore, Kolkata, Nanded and Pune

by air.

By Rail: You can reach Nagpur by rail from almost any part of India. For those coming from South-India by

train, reaching Chandrapur or Balharshah is more convenient.

Reaching Nagpur Bus Depot from Nagpur Airport: One can hire a taxi/Rickshaw at the airport that takes you to

the Nagpur City Bus depot in approximately as much as Rs.200.

Reaching „Shodhgram‟, HQ campus of SEARCH from Nagpur/Chandrapur/Balharshaha

Private Taxi: A private taxi can be hired from Nagpur /Chandrapur/Balharshah for Shodhgram. The taxi

journey takes about 3 to 4 hours from Nagpur and about 2 hours from Chandrapur/Balharshaha. The taxi will

cost between Rs. 3000-4000 from Nagpur and about 1200 to 1500 from Chandrapur/Balharshaha.

For a person coming by air, taxi service is available at the airport.

Mr. Sanjay runs a private cab service and could be contacted beforehand for the cab arrangements. Contact: +91

9422154881

Public roadways: Public state transport (ST) buses leave for Gadchiroli town from Nagpur every half an hour

from 6 AM to 7 PM. The bus journey is approximately 4 hours long and costs about Rs 180. From Chandrapur

the ST buses for Gadchiroli town leave every hour from 6:30am to 6 pm. The journey time is about 2 hours.

There is only one direct bus from Nagpur to SEARCH which leaves from Nagpur at 3:00 pm every day.

You may also opt for further travel from Gadchiroli by bus and reach SEARCH bus-stop by any bus on

Gadchiroli-Dhanora route or beyond. Shodhgram gate is about 0.4 Km from the SEARCH bus stop.