On November 30, 2025, a grand event was organized by Prayatn Santha at Baulabandha village near Chilika Lake to mark the launching of Holistic Rural Development Programme (HRDP), which has been initiated by the organization with the financial support of HDFC Bank in Chilika and Banapur blocks of Khordha district.
The Chief Guest of the inauguration ceremony was Shri Prithviraj Harichandan, Minister of Law, Government of Odisha, who, in his address, appreciated Prayatn Sanstha and HDFC Bank for the initiative and stated that the initiative would significantly support the social and economic progress of villagers in the Banapur and Chilika blocks while conserving Chilika Lake ecosystem by promoting responsible fishing, encouraging sustainable agriculture and emphasizing use of renewable energy.
Other eminent guests present on the occasion included Mr. Choudhary, District Fisheries Officer, Ms. Jyoshna Behera – Chairperson, and Mr. Arun Patnaik – Vice-Chairperson, Chilika Block. They together with the honourable Minister launched HDFC Bank’s booklet on Holistic Rural Development programme and distributed safety gear to fishermen during the event.
As part of the initiative, 180 solar streetlights were formally handed over, improving safety and accessibility in villages. In addition, Beneficiaries received essential fishing equipment including nets, life jackets, ropes, signal devices, ice boxes, deep freezers and first-aid kits to promote safe and sustainable fishing practices and cold-storage support.
Representative of HDFC Bank who graced the occasion included Mr. Animesh Biswal, Cluster Head, HDFC Bank and Mr. Chandan Nayak, Manager – CSR, Odisha, HDFC Bank.
Mr. Malay Kumar, Chief Executive, Prayatn Sanstha, while welcoming the guests, assured the initiative will prove to be an important milestone in strengthening sustainable livelihoods and infrastructure support for rural and fishing communities across the Chilika region.
More than 1000 community members from 18 project villages participated in the programme, reflecting strong community ownership and collective enthusiasm. Their leaders and the beneficiaries expressed heartfelt gratitude towards Prayatn Sanstha, HDFC Bank and the dignitaries for the support and emphasized their commitment to maintaining the equipment collectively and using it responsibly for livelihood enhancement.
With improved infrastructure, strengthened fishing livelihoods and active community participation, the HRDP Chilika launch programme is expected to create a strong foundation for inclusive and sustainable development. Through collective efforts, the initiative reinforced the shared vision of responsible fishing, empowered communities and resilient rural livelihoods in the region.
