When Learning Came to the Street: A Story of Awareness, Art, and Action in Neemgaon, Chouki, and Pidora

Date: 1 October 2025Villages: Neemgaon, Chouki, PidoraBranch: BUS STAND, BhindParticipants: 118

On the evening of 1 October 2025, the bus stand area of Bhind—usually filled with hurried footsteps and daily noise—turned into a space of learning, laughter, and reflection. Villagers from Neemgaon, Chouki, and Pidora gathered not for a meeting inside four walls, but for a conversation on the street, where learning felt natural and familiar.

This Financial Literacy Camp (FLC) was successfully completed by ISCI Foundation, in collaboration with its energetic Nukkad Natak team, in the presence of Director Mr. Mohit Modi, dedicated volunteers, and with the support of the MPGB team and Branch Manager. The program was funded by Madhya Pradesh Gramin Bank (MPGB), whose support made this grassroots initiative possible.

Breaking Barriers with Familiar Words and Warm Greetings

The first connection was not made through charts or schemes, but through regional language and local greetings. Simple phrases, spoken with warmth, immediately removed hesitation. Villagers did not feel like outsiders attending a “program”; they felt like participants in a shared conversation.

The team had already mobilized villagers through door-to-door visits, personally inviting families and explaining why the program mattered. The location was carefully chosen—a place where people regularly gather—so no one felt uncomfortable or hesitant to attend.

Savings Begin with Small Decisions

The program began with a simple but powerful question:“At the end of the month, where does our money go?”

Using a Matka Chart, expenses were divided into two parts—essential and non-essential. Items like food, education, and medicines went into one side of the matka, while unnecessary daily expenses quietly filled the other.

As villagers watched their own spending patterns take shape, realization dawned. Saving was not presented as sacrifice, but as smart decision-making—reducing small, unnecessary expenses to prepare for hard times.

The message was clear: Savings are not only for the future, they are protection for difficult days.

When the Street Became a Stage: Nukkad Natak with Purpose

Then came the heart of the program—the Nukkad Natak.

The characters were not imaginary heroes. They were inspired by local village committee members, familiar faces and personalities that people could instantly relate to. Humor, emotion, and everyday situations blended seamlessly.

Villagers were not just watching; they were pulled into the play. Actors asked questions, invited responses, and even involved some villagers directly, making the performance interactive and memorable.

Insurance Explained Through Emotion, Not Fear

Through the play, the importance of insurance was explained in a mnemonic and emotional way.

The story of Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) showed how a small yearly amount can protect a family from financial collapse in case of an accident. Laughter slowly turned into silence as villagers understood the seriousness behind the message.

Then came Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY). One line stayed with many people:“₹436 is not a big amount, but it becomes priceless when it protects your family.”

The play explained benefits and the simple process of enrollment, making insurance feel less like paperwork and more like responsibility toward loved ones.

Thinking Young, Thinking Ahead: Atal Pension Yojana

Special attention was given to the youth through the discussion on Atal Pension Yojana (APY).

Young participants were encouraged to think beyond today’s earnings and imagine life after 60. The concept of receiving a regular pension in old age, along with associated security benefits linked through banking systems, was explained in simple terms.

The message resonated strongly:“If we plan early, old age does not become a burden.”

Many youths expressed interest, realizing that starting early means contributing small amounts while securing dignity and independence later in life.

A Serious Pause: Cyber Fraud Awareness

One of the most serious discussions was on cyber fraud, a growing threat even in rural areas.

Villagers were warned clearly:

• Do not use your biometric everywhere

• Always take receipts after every bank deposit or withdrawal

• Be cautious of unknown calls and messages

Real examples from nearby areas were shared, making the risk real, not theoretical. The session helped villagers understand that awareness is the first line of defense.

A Program That Felt Like Home

What made this FLC special was not just the content, but the process:

• No communication barrier due to local language

• Familiar greetings creating belongingness

• Interactive street play instead of lectures

• Mnemonic learning for better recall

• Door-to-door mobilization ensuring participation

• A comfortable, familiar venue encouraging openness

As the program ended, people did not rush away. They stayed, talked, asked questions, and reflected.

This was not just a camp—it was a shared experience.

Conclusion

The Financial Literacy Camp at Neemgaon, Chouki, and Pidora proved that when education meets empathy, learning becomes lasting. Through stories, street theatre, and sincere dialogue, ISCI Foundation once again demonstrated that financial awareness is most powerful when it feels personal.

With the support of MPGB, the dedication of volunteers, and the trust of villagers, one street became a classroom—and many lives took a step toward security and confidence.