Pai-Chiu Tsai | India
In the remote village of Silaunja, nestled in Bodh Gaya, India, Tzu Chi has been working tirelessly to transform the lives of its residents. For many villagers, moving into newly built homes isn’t just a shift in residence but a pathway toward fresh perspectives on hygiene, health, and community support.
A Journey Toward Health and Cleanliness
Life in Silaunja has long been shaped by custom and necessity. Many families live in rudimentary huts made from thatch and mud, with bamboo and branches forming roofs that can barely keep out the monsoon rains. Rooms are often dim, with little ventilation, and family members huddle together at night on a single wooden bed. The lack of basic amenities, such as clean water and proper sanitation, is palpable, and hygiene practices reflect the limited resources.
Recognizing the importance of cultural sensitivity, Tzu Chi has carefully tailored its housing project for the community. Thirty-six families who hold government land titles have been selected to receive new homes, each roughly 12 square meters in size, with two bedrooms, a kitchen, and a living area. Notably, the design includes an external toilet, connected to the kitchen but placed thoughtfully to respect villagers’ beliefs that toilets should not be within the main house.
Elevated foundations prevent flooding during the rainy season, and the homes boast high ceilings and large windows that enhance ventilation, offering a refreshing change from the confined, dim spaces villagers are accustomed to. Thoughtful touches like decorative tiles with English teapot motifs brighten the kitchen walls, combining practicality with aesthetic appeal. The joy these homes bring goes beyond aesthetics—they symbolize a fresh start.
Building New Habits
In mid-October, as the homes neared completion, Tzu Chi organized a series of sessions to prepare families for their new lives. Over two days, volunteers heldd four sessions, each attended by nine families, covering practical topics from personal hygiene to home maintenance.
On October 15, excitement filled the air as villagers gathered in front of Pyari Devi’s new home, one of the soon-to-be-inhabited dwellings. Volunteers, including local and international team members, arrived early to set up and tidy the surroundings. Warmly welcomed with masala tea, the volunteers were touched by the villagers’ gratitude. The atmosphere was festive, as villagers even joined in the cleanup, showing eagerness to learn new cleaning methods.
Volunteer Geok Kim Lim demonstrated sweeping techniques, showing villagers how using a long-handled broom could prevent back strain, a change from their usual crouched sweeping methods. Simple instructions on keeping the drainage free from debris sparked laughter as they learned new, practical skills. Small gestures, like teaching the villagers to make glass cleaner from vinegar and water, introduced affordable, accessible ways to keep their homes tidy.
Tzu Chi volunteers went beyond demonstrations, ensuring that villagers were actively involved in learning new ways to keep their homes safe and welcoming. Through hands-on sessions, they introduced simple household practices: placing a mat outside the door to trap dirt, wiping feet before entering, and using safe cooking practices. These basic practices marked a significant shift for many, as they learned techniques to keep their new homes clean and well-maintained.
A Dream Realized
For villagers like Jagan Manjhi and his wife Sunita Devi, moving into a new home feels like a dream come true. Their current living space—a modest shop and single bedroom—barely accommodates their seven family members. Initially skeptical about Tzu Chi’s housing project, Sunita shared how she had doubted that a real home could ever be within reach. Now, as she stood in her new kitchen, her gratitude was palpable. “This home is beautiful, and having a toilet is such a relief,” she expressed with joy, recounting past struggles with inadequate facilities.
Mintar Devi, another resident, felt similarly. Her joy at the spacious new bathroom and airy rooms was boundless. Reflecting on the dark, cramped conditions of her old thatch home, she likened the new house to a palace. “It feels like a gift from the gods,” she said, “a transformation of my old home into a temple.” With a promise to keep her home spotless, she expressed her hope that it would always shine like a sacred place.
Handcrafting Their Future
The final sessions introduced creative skills for villagers to further improve their homes. Geok Kim Lim showcased colorful handmade doormats, created from leftover fabric, sparking interest among villagers. While only a few families owned sewing machines, the Tzu Chi team discussed plans to possibly offer sewing lessons at the Tzu Chi center, empowering villagers to make useful items for their homes.
The visit concluded with a group photo in front of the new homes, as the villagers proudly declared, “Silaunja, My Beautiful Home!” Their voices resonated through the village, signaling a newfound pride and a hopeful outlook on the future. For the villagers of Silaunja, these Great Love homes represent not just new shelter but a life-changing journey toward a better, healthier, and more connected community.