In this GRA camp we had the opportunity to interact with FES(Foundation for Ecological Security) NGO folks. They introduced us with the work they had done for the villages around Gujarat especially Kadana and Santrampur. We also got the opportunity to stay with villagers for 1 complete day. In that 1 day we had meaningful conversations to understand the community that exists and their problems.
In this GRA camp we had the opportunity to interact with villagers and got to know more about the village of books aka Bhilar. We learnt that their major source of income is Stawberry production. We got to know their struggle to make Bhilar the village of Books.
During our stay, we will have the unique opportunity to
explore the tribal settlements in the Tholpetty range, guided by the
knowledgeable team from WTI. The focus of our camp will be on
comprehending the intricacies of human-wildlife conflict,
fostering environmental conservation, and delving into the cultural marvels of nature.
Know more:
Camp Feedback: PDF
GRA had lined up an array of captivating activities and experiences
to make this camp an unforgettable adventure. You had the opportunity to delve
deep into the lives and rich culture of the Adivasi community. Through enlightening
walks in the forest, you witnessed the intricate dynamics of human-animal conflict and
its impact on both communities.
During our stay, we will have the unique opportunity to
explore the tribal settlements in the Tholpetty range, guided by the
knowledgeable team from WTI. The focus of our camp will be on
comprehending the intricacies of human-wildlife conflict,
fostering environmental conservation, and delving into the cultural marvels of nature.
Know more:
Camp Feedback: PDF
GRA had lined up an array of captivating activities and experiences
to make this camp an unforgettable adventure. You had the opportunity to delve
deep into the lives and rich culture of the Adivasi community. Through enlightening
walks in the forest, you witnessed the intricate dynamics of human-animal conflict and
its impact on both communities.
Escape to Tikekarwadi, a quaint village at the foothills
of the Sahyadri mountains, just 120 kilometers from Pune,
Maharashtra. With a population of 230 families, this
picturesque haven has earned accolades like the Nirmal
Gram Puraskar and Paryavaran Santulit Samrudh Gaon award.
Immerse yourself in the charm of rural life and
witness vibrant cultural events. Tikekarwadi invites you to disconnect
from city life, embrace nature, and create lasting memories in a
community celebrated for its sustainability and harmonious living.
Know more:
Camp Feedback: PDF
Nidhal is a village in Satara district of Maharashtra, which is well known for its efforts
towards sustainable development.The villagers have transformed their village into
a model for rural development by community participation and collective action.
The villagers who had got into jobs outside, came together under the leadership of Mr Chandrakant Dalvi (Ex IAS),
and the Nidhal Nokarvarga and Vyavsaik Sanghatana, Mumbai (NNAVSM) was formed in 1983. This association of villagers,
along with many other parallel efforts, has been a key actor in the transformation of this village.
Know more:
Camp Report :PDF
We were hosted by a well-known development organization called Swami
Vivekananda Youth Movement (SVYM),based in Mysuru.
Exploring the rural parts of
Karnataka with the help of SVYM was the the objective of this camp. We covered around
200 km of area around Mysuru during our visit.
Jhabua is a town and a municipality in the Jhabua district of
Madhya Pradesh in India.Jhabua city is famous for its black
cotton soil commonly known as "White Gold". The people of
Jhabua have extreme reverence for mother nature. Their
festivals and rituals are woven around worshipping
‘Matavan’ (mother forest from where they derive their
livelihood), ‘Jalhan Devi’ (natural water resources) and
Jamimata (land where they cultivate crops). Bhils are also
known as the Bowmen of India.
Know more: Day1 of camp Day2 of camp
Click here to see a short video
Camp Report :PDF
Students from Group for Rural Activities, (GRA) IIT BOMBAY went on a 3-day journey from 21st to 23rd September, to see the model villages in Ahmednagar District of Maharashtra, and also to see how simple men and women can help and structure our society such that the cast-out people of India also enjoys the basic rights and privileges as common people.
Know more: Ahmednagar Camp
Sampoorna Bamboo Kendra means “The place where everything is of bamboo.” This organization was started by Sunilji Deshpande and his better half Nirupamatai Deshpande in 1988. Bamboo is available in this area naturally and in abundance, and the people living there have naturally learned the art of using bamboo. So there came the life-changing idea “Sampoorna Bamboo Kendra”.
Know more: Melghat Camp
Divya Vidyalaya is aschool run by pramila tai for specially abled students.
Pragati Pratishthan is a development organization working towards collective integrated development in Jawahar Tehsil for the last 30 years.
Vayam is a movement for inclusive development, environment, and democracy and has worked intensely to ensure the lawful rights of forest dwelling communities.
Know more: Palghar Camp