THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, Jan 2: Every Wednesday, the town of Garhwa hosts a unique initiative called ‘COFFEE with SDM’. During this one-hour session, residents get an opportunity to interact with Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Sanjay Kumar directly. Around 30 to 40 stakeholders discuss their concerns over coffee in a casual yet meaningful setting.
This platform is not just for casual chats but serves as a space where people can speak openly and honestly about issues that matter to them, with the assurance that every voice will be heard.
As of this Wednesday, four sessions of ‘COFFEE with SDM’ have been held. The first session was dedicated to senior citizens, reflecting the initiative’s inclusive approach.
Senior Citizens’ Requests Addressed
Recalling the first session, SDM Sanjay Kumar shared, “Senior citizens made a heartfelt request that highlights the gap between the administration and the people. They asked for the local park’s opening hours to be extended from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., as the cold winter mornings make it difficult for them to go for a walk earlier. Considering their health and age, this seemed like a reasonable and urgent request.”
The SDM immediately acted on their plea, saying, “I called the concerned official right away and directed them to extend the park’s timings. This small action brought instant relief to our senior citizens.”
Also Read- Arif Mohammad Khan sworn in as 42nd Governor of Bihar
Origin and Essence of ‘COFFEE with SDM’
When asked if the idea for this initiative was inspired by Karan Johar’s popular talk show Coffee with Karan, Sanjay Kumar clarified, “Not at all. This is entirely my own idea.”
Explaining why he chose coffee over tea, which is more commonly associated with the masses, the SDM remarked, “Initially, I thought of calling it Tea with SDM, but tea is often linked with political discussions. I wanted to avoid that connotation. Moreover, coffee has its own charm—it’s hot, tasty, and my participants seem to prefer it.”
Describing the atmosphere during these sessions, Kumar said, “There’s no hierarchy here. It feels like a family gathering where everyone is free to speak their mind. There’s no boss, no subordinate—just a heartfelt conversation built on mutual trust.”
Farmers Raise Concerns About Nilgai Menace
During one session, farmers voiced an unusual but pressing concern—the menace of Nilgais (blue bulls). “I expected farmers to talk about seeds and fertilizers, but they surprised me by bringing up the destruction caused by Nilgais to their crops,” Kumar said.
The SDM admitted that he wasn’t initially sure how to address the issue. However, a farmer suggested an innovative solution: burning fish residues along the boundaries of fields to repel Nilgais. “This practical tip came from a rustic farmer, and it’s exactly the kind of grassroots wisdom these sessions bring to light,” Kumar added.
Plight of Autorickshaw Drivers
In another session, autorickshaw drivers shared their grievances. “While sipping coffee with me, they spoke about the exploitation they face from traffic cops, who often engage in illegal monetary demands (wasuli). I assured them that I would work to address their harassment,” the SDM said.
Also Read- Jharkhand News: Youth shot dead in Jamshedpur
Coffee with Sportspersons Next Wednesday
Looking ahead, Sanjay Kumar announced that the next session will be dedicated to sportspersons. “I’m eager to hear their thoughts and concerns. This initiative is just the beginning of a more inclusive and people-centric administration,” he concluded.
Fostering Inclusiveness in Governance
The ‘COFFEE with SDM’ initiative is a commendable effort to bridge the gap between the administration and the public. It creates a welcoming environment for people from all walks of life to voice their concerns, ensuring their opinions are heard and addressed effectively.
