Adin Becker

My Peace Fellowship Jeevan Rekha Parishad (JRP) in Odisha, India was an invaluable, immersive experience in grassroots development work. Throughout the summer, I contributed to JRP’s innovative Neem Start-up project for malaria prevention and economic development in tribal Odisha. My involvement was multifaceted. I developed an output tracker and beneficiary database, essential tools for monitoring the project’s impact. During monthly field trips to Daspalla, where most of JRP’s projects take place, I engaged directly with women’s cooperatives and local communities, gaining crucial insight into the project’s dynamics and local context. I also assisted in organizing awareness campaigns and marketing materials, including a multimedia “Pala” campaign reaching 500 people, posters, and branding for Neemola-branded Neem oil. My role extended to storytelling through weekly blog posts, photography, and video documentation of project progress. Finally, I contributed to strengthening JRP’s organizational capacity by building them a new website and assisting with fundraising efforts by developing a grant proposal, kick-starting crowdfunding efforts, and signing the nonprofit up for collaborations with USAID and the UN. Despite a few challenges like staff turnover and hot weather, my experience this summer was profoundly rewarding and I’m grateful to The Advocacy Project for this life-changing opportunity. As a vegetarian, I was delighted to explore Odia cuisine’s wealth of vegetable-based dishes. Participating in Hindu festivals, especially the vibrant Ratha Yatra in Puri, offered unique insight into ancient traditions. Overall, the summer reinforced my lifelong commitment to community-driven development and sustainable urban planning. It provided an avenue for the practical application of interests in environmental planning, public health, and economic development, aligning perfectly with my academic focus in urban design, planning, and international development at Harvard. As I return to my studies this fall, I have a deeper understanding of international development challenges and the profound power of local initiatives to effect long-lasting change. My experience with The Advocacy Project and Jeevan Rekha Parishad will undoubtedly shape my future trajectory in planning and development in international contexts.