Markandi Gram Panchayat, nestled just 250 meters from the tranquil Bangopasagar (Bay of Bengal), is surrounded by picturesque landscapes with kia (Kewda Rooh) trees and fields. This village, situated on sandy land, constantly grapples with the ever-present threat of nature’s fury. To the east lies Bangopasagar, while the west is flanked by Indrakhi village and Tulu village. Garampeta Village and Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Institute stand sentinel to the north, while Nakaram and Dankalpodu villages contribute to the vibrant tapestry of Markandi in the south. With a total population of 6733, the villagers primarily engage in fishing, farming, and the Kia flower business.

Mr. Badi Ariya, a 27-year-old hero from Markandi Gram Panchayat, has a story that goes beyond school achievements, emphasizing his exceptional leadership and strong commitment to the community. In this peaceful village near Bangopasagar, Badi stands out as a modern-day hero, showcasing resilience and a deep commitment to the well-being of his community. Having completed his B.Tech. in Mechanical Engineering in 2021 from Gandhi Academy of Engineering and Technology, Golanthara, Rangeilunda, Badi is not just a mechanical engineer by education but a community leader at heart. His responsibilities include serving as the Panchayat Samiti member, Youth President, Multipurpose Cyclone Center In charge, Cyclone Rider, and Store Keeper. Amidst these roles, he nurtures a sweet family comprising his parents and a lively young son.

Badi’s journey as a community leader began at the tender age of 15, where his inherent leadership qualities found expression. However, it was the crucible of adversity that truly shaped Badi’s character. In 2013, Cyclone Phailin wreaked havoc, leaving 90% of Markandi’s houses in shambles. Badi, a beacon of hope, arranged the evacuation of vulnerable villagers within a mere 10 hours. Gathering ten youths, he defied the wrath of the cyclone to ensure the safe relocation of children, pregnant women, and the elderly to the Gandhi Institute and Keluapalli High School. His actions during those critical hours not only showcased his quick thinking but also revealed a profound commitment to the well-being of his community.

After the cyclone, when communication was cut off and the village was flooded, Badi took matters into his own hands. Using his fishing boat, he reached out to Block officials. His hard work made sure that essential supplies, like 50 kg of rice and a plastic dari for each person, were procured and distributed. Despite the challenges, he documented the village’s situation with the help of a school teacher and sought media attention to get support.

Badi’s efforts to rescue and help the villagers earned him sincere appreciation from the residents of Markandi Gram Panchayat. This support led to his election as a Samiti member in 2019, showcasing the community’s gratitude for his dedicated efforts during a challenging time.

In the aftermath of the recovery phase, Badi joined forces with local Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Mr. Trinath Panigrahi. Together, they planned a comprehensive housing plan that led to the approval and completion of 594 houses across Nulia Sahi, Behera Sahi, and Reddy Sahi areas in 2014. Badi’s leadership extended beyond housing, encompassing the construction of vital infrastructure, including GP Bhawan, 2 Anganwadi centers, a 5T High School, Youth Community Center, GP Godown, roads, Kalyani Mandap, and improved drinking water facilities.

One of the cornerstones of Badi’s legacy in Markandi is the Multipurpose Cyclone Center built under his dynamic leadership in 2018. Serving as the Cyclone Center In charge and Cyclone Rider, Badi ensures the village is fortified against the unpredictable nature. Collaborating with Gram Panchayat officials, he diligently prepares a village disaster management plan annually, underscoring a proactive approach towards community resilience. Badi’s commitment goes beyond the immediate aftermath of disasters, emphasizing long-term measures to safeguard the well-being of the community.

Badi’s commitment to disaster management extends to diverse training programs on disaster reduction, mitigation, and speedy recovery. He sensitizes school children and the community, enhancing their knowledge on disaster risk reduction. Markandi village, under Badi’s leadership, has formed four crucial groups – First Aid, Search and Rescue, Task Force, and Village Committees – involving stakeholders, Self Help Group (SHG) members, school teachers, Junior Engineer (JE), Rural Water Supply Sanitation (RWSS) officials, front-line workers, and GP officials. This community-driven approach lays the groundwork for a swift evacuation plan, reducing risks and enhancing the village’s preparedness.

Elevating his role in disaster management, Badi serves as an active member in these committees, ensuring Markandi is not just a village but a resilient community ready to face any adversity. His stellar contributions earned him the trust of the villagers, transcending the typical skepticism towards government officials. In 2019, Badi was elected as the Gram Panchayat Samiti member, solidifying his place as a leader who resonates deeply with the people. Markandi village, once vulnerable, now stands as a testament to Badi’s commendable work. His leadership has instilled a sense of potential within the community, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and resilience.

Youth for Social Development (YSD) takes a step further by engaging in the enhancement of Gram Panchayat disaster resilience and community awareness, particularly targeting children to equip them with knowledge about hazards and vulnerability. YSD conducts training sessions for Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) members, parents, youth and children, enabling them to assess and formulate a comprehensive plan that aligns with the Village Disaster Management Plan (VDMP). The objective is to ensure the creation of a child-friendly Gram Panchayat. Badi consistently supports and collaborates with YSD staff, contributing to the development of an effective and appropriate disaster risk reduction and risk-informed plan.

Below are some remarkable contributions by Mr. Badi towards enhancing disaster resilience in Markandi Gram Panchayat:

• Orchestrated the swift evacuation of vulnerable villagers within 10 hours during Cyclone Phailin in 2013, showcasing quick thinking and commitment to community well-being.
• Used his own fishing boat to reach Block officials, ensuring procurement and distribution of essential supplies to the inundated village post-cyclone.
• Documented the village’s plight and sought media attention, earning heartfelt appreciation and leading to his election as Samiti member in 2019.
• Collaborated with local MLA to plan and execute the construction of 594 houses and vital infrastructure, contributing to the recovery phase after Cyclone Phailin in 2014.
• Under Badi’s dynamic leadership, constructed the Multipurpose Cyclone Center in 2018, serving as the Cyclone Center In charge and Cyclone Rider, reinforcing the village against natural disasters.

Badi Ariya’s story is not just a narrative of survival; it is a compelling human-interest saga echoing the spirit of community, perseverance, and remarkable journey of a young leader steering his village towards a brighter and resilience future.

By Bibhu Prasad Sahu

Secretary, Youth for Social Development

This is previously published in DRR Case Study Catalogue of Unicef-India