January 2018 THE ART OF LIVING INTERNATIONAL CENTER, BANGALORE

2 28,679 Saplings Planted

in Punjabp 3 Slum Dwellers Experience the

Joy of Givingp 4 Aarti Sathe: Freeing

Farmers from the Clutches of Debt

p

SEVA TIMESTHE ART OF LIVING

T RP AI IH NS IR NE GD PAE RL O GH RT AU MOY

THE ART OF LIVING

Sri Sri Speaks

A poor man celebrates once a year. A rich man celebrates each day. But the richest

man celebrates every moment. Having trust and faith that we would be provided for all our needs can turn every moment into a celebration. This is the real sign of prosperity.

Welcome the new year with a genuine smile from within. This can happen when we know for sure that we are loved. The earth loves us. That is why it is holding us upright by its gravitational force. The air loves us by gushing in through our nose every moment even when we are sleeping. The Divine loves all of us very dearly and deeply.

If we don’t realise that we are loved by the Divine, we will not be able to celebrate life. This leads to insecurity which in turn leads to greed and selfishness. Anger, lust and all sorts of sorrow follow like a chain.

In the past year, how many days were we dispassionate and centred in our Self? How many days were we struggling, caught up in fleeting events and situations? How many times were we kind and compassionate to people around us? Let us turn back, remember the whole year and not run away from or reject anything. At the same time, let the attention be on the Self. This is a delicate balance. This is yoga. This is spirituality.

Some people think spirituality is only being silent while others think it is only celebration. It is a harmonious blend of outer silence and inner celebration; or inner silence and outer celebration! Celebration that comes out of silence has depth and is real.

Every excuse to celebrate is good. Celebration is not just having a party, but reminding ourselves of the wisdom and sanctity of life. Celebration is not just of the body and mind but it is the nature of the spirit. A celebration has to be spiritual without which it has no depth and is incomplete.

When you live for the sake of the world, the world is fortunate. Let the world celebrate your presence, let Time celebrate your presence; and you continue smiling as always. When we let time celebrate us, we become a witness amidst the celebration. The heart always longs for the old, the mind for the new. Life is a combination of both.

Let us allow space for creativity to dawn. The year gone by has taught us many lessons about what to do and not to do. Every pain that we went through has brought us some depth. All the joy and pleasure we experienced gave us a new vision of life and hope for the future. Let us all have a commitment to create a violence-free, stress-free society.

May your life be filled with peace, joy and happiness! Happy New Year!

Let the New

Year Celebrate

Your Presence

Seva Times l Bengaluru (Karntaka)

A n awe-inspiring demonstration of commitment to transform rural India

was on full display as 2000 youth leaders (Yuvacharyas) from 26 states across India gathered for the 'National Rural Youth Meet,' which kicked off on December 4, 2017 at the Art of Living International Center in Bengaluru.

Envisaged under the "Vyakti Vikas se Rashtra Vikas" campaign of the Youth Leadership Program (YLTP) of The Art of Living, the 2 day conference aims to create one Yuvacharya (youth leader) each for the 6.5 lakh villages in India who will lead projects to usher in deep-rooted social transformation in every village of the country.

“The sign of youth is enthusiasm, readiness to face challenges and a goal in life. If you have these three, you will be successful,” said Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar addressing the inaugural session, and stressed on the fact that India needs to take to entrepreneurship and skill development on a large scale.

Under YLTP, 2,22,568 youth leaders have played key roles in implementing developmental projects of The Art of Living. Over 22 lakh farmers have been trained in natural farming, 27,000+ youth have undergone skill development, over 1 million trees have been planted, hundreds of communities have been motivated to become open defecation free (ODF), thousands have been freed from addiction, and 3,50,000 prisoners have been rehabilitated with the

efforts of these yuvacharyas. These highly energized youth are also the backbone of Art of Living’s nation-wide campaign to rejuvenate 33 rivers and tributaries and revive thousands of water bodies.

A reformed convict holding a record for the most chain snatchings in Chikmagalur, is now leading a project to revive the Vedavathi river in 3 districts of Karnataka. An electrician in Chattisgarh has mobilized his village to go completely open defecation free, the first of its kind in his state. A transformed alcoholic in Andhra Pradesh won an award from the Chief Minister of his state for his efforts towards a Swach Bharat. Not only was he instrumental in driving de-addiction projects in his community, but also in bringing clean water to many villages.

With inspiring stories to share with each other; industry experts to train them in verticals such as natural farming, rural banking, river rejuvenation and creating model villages, it’s expected that the conference will mark a revolution by deploying over 2000 trained and inspired foot soldiers on the ground.

Graduates of YLTP, called Yuvacharyas, have focused on key village development issues such as de-addiction, model village, river rejuvenation, community development, environment protection programs such as tree plantation, as well as preserving our heritage and culture. The goal is to empower the rural youth into becoming physically strong, mentally alert and morally responsible individuals who can become role models for their communities.

National Rural Youth Meet 2017

Rural Youth Chart RoadmapFor an Empowered India

Goal is to create at least one yuvacharya each for the 6.25 lakh villagesLaunch of Vyakti Vikas Se Gram Vikas Campaign

“ I want to bring education to children in the naxal region of Bastar. I’ve already started a school with around 250 students. At this conference, I have the opportunity to upgrade my skills, thanks

to the industry experts who we’ll get to interact with, and learn from the experiences of other Yuvacharyas.” - Rohit Verma, a Yuvacharya from Chattisgarh

Volunteers Swing into Action as Cyclone Ockhi Turns Furious

nKanyakumari Worst Ever Hit

Jagetheswaran l Chennai (Tamil Nadu)

The deep depression over the Comorin area intensified into a cyclonic storm causing heavy rainfall in the southern parts of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The cyclone named Okchi claimed many lives and inundated several areas of the coastal district of Kanyakumari. The residents of Suchindram, Kulasekaram, Thiruvattar, Petchiparai, and Nagarkoil were left in shock and disbelief as the heavy downpour on the evening of November 30, 2017, continued unabated. The late hours of that fateful day saw the waters overflow from the numerous ponds and tanks and enter the main roads and streets, the water rising hip deep in most areas. Gusty winds coupled with heavy downpour uprooted trees and electric

poles and threw normal life completely out of gear as connections were lost and they were cut off from the rest of the world. Makeshift relief camps were set up by local bodies to provide shelter to the people who were shifted out of low-lying areas. A team of Art of Living volunteers swung into action gathering and collecting relief materials like food packets,

clothes, milk, and drinking water packets. They went round the relief camps distributing relief material worth Rs. 1,50,000 to victims of the floods. About 2000 people from various camps benefited from the timely service rendered by The Art of Living volunteers says senior teacher, Shri N.Manikandan.

Art of Living volunteers distributing relief material to victims of cyclone Okchi

Relief Operations by Art of Living Volunteers benefits 2000+ people

2 SEVA TIMES THE ART OF LIVING INTERNATIONAL CENTER, BANGALOREJanuary 2018

Dhamtari (Chhattisgarh) l Sri Sri Bal Vidya Kendras were set up in 22 villages of Kanker and Dhamtari district on September 30, 2017. Art of Living, under the aegis of Ved Vignan Maha Vidya Peeth, has opened these centers for the blossoming of children, inculcating values and traditions for their all-round development. Children of between the ages of 3 to 6 years will receive free education at these centers. Parshuram Nirmalkar, the coordinator of these study centers, says that elementary education is being imparted to children at these centers in Hindi, English, and Mathematics. State coordinator Vaibhav Chandrakar states that the teachers at these centers are all graduates of the YLTP and have undergone online training from the Bangalore Center from September 18 to 20, 2017, on how to successfully run these centers.

Nihal Sarki l Alipurduar (West Bengal)

Y uvacharyas of The Art of Living in association with

Siliguri Greater Lines Eye Hospital and CDI, Jalpaiguri, have organized more than 40 eye checkup camps in several villages of Alipurduar. Camps are organized primarily in the rural areas to provide free treatment for problems related to cataracts. This has proved to be a blessing to those who due to financial constraints were not able to get their eyes

treated. So far under this project the obscure and dark life of 653 villagers has been made bright with the gift of clear vision. Under the guidance of YLTP State Council Member, Ramkumar Lama, the Yuvacharyas make every effort to organize at least two such free eye checkup camps every month. Among the team members are Tuna Khujoor, Azad Bhujel, Sudha Rai, Urgain Lama, Manu Khujoor, Pushpal Bhujel, Pushpa Thapa, Prateek Nayak, and several other Yuvacharyas.

Alipurduar: 5000+ villagers have their eyes tested free

Alipurduar (West Bengal) l The Art of Living family in Alipurduar in association with Alipurduar Businessmen’s Association had organized a free medical camp on December 19, 2017, at the Mazdoor Club in Achpara. 397 people underwent free medical checkup and treatment at the camp. Most common ailments were skin infections and dental problems. After checkup they were given free medicines as well. A total of 28 members had come from the Alipurduar Town Byabasayee Samiti. Two doctors assisted by two nurses carried out the examinations and prescribed medications which

were distributed by four pharmacists. An ambulance was also available at the site.16 Yuvacharyas from the area took the full responsibility of organizing the camp which opened at 10 a.m. and went on until 3 p.m.

397 People undergo free medical checkup and treatment in Achpara

Gift of Clear Vision to 53 in NalbariNalbari l A free eye check-up and cataract detection camp was organized by The Art of Living at Nalbari on November 19, 2017, in association with the Lions Club and Teresta Milan Jyoti Sangha. Dr. Simanta Deka and Dr. Dipankar Bhattacharya examined around 300 patients; 53 were found to have cataract and were referred for surgery which will be conducted totally free of cost. "Such initiatives are helpful for poor people like me who can’t afford expensive procedures and medicines. The doctors at the camp assured me of a free surgery after which I will be able to see properly," says Lakhi Shel (40 years).

“ I had earlier undergone surgery of one eye in Nepal which cost a lot

of money. Now I have undergone surgery in other eye totally free. Now I can see well with both my eyes.” – Maili Pradhan (51)

“ I wish to thank those brothers who organized this camp in our village.

I took advantage of it and many people from our village also took advantage of this camp.” – Jhulen Pradhan (60)

“ Every year we organize many such medical camps. Out goal

is to provide free medical facilities to people who have no access to a health center either because it is too far away or because they simply cannot afford medical care. The Yuvacharyas have done an excellent job in organizing this camp.’’ Paritosh Das, General Secretary, ATBS

Rajan Salalia l Jammu

With the Mercury already starting to dip, the general population of J&K are back to using their quilts, sweaters, monkey-caps and mufflers to keep themselves warm. However, for the destitute few who have no roof over their heads, winter clothing or blankets is an unaffordable luxury and every winter many of them succumb to the biting cold and die on the streets their frail bodies unable to withstand the cold temperatures. To help these people beat the cold, The Art of Living family in J&K have started a project to distribute blankets to these underprivileged people who seek shelter under flyovers, on footpaths, in temples, and at railway stations. In the first week of December volunteers of The Art of Living distributed thick, warm blankets to around 65 such homeless people.

Rajan Salalia, Art of Living faculty, says it was a moving sight to watch their faces light up with joy as the warm blankets covered their shivering bodies. The team is now planning to distribute complete winter kits containing blankets, monkey caps, woolen socks, and sheets, to the homeless in J&K.

Blankets for the Homeless in J&K

Sri Sri Bal Vidya Kendra in 22 Villages of Chhattisgarh

“ Education is not

about feeding our kids with useful information. It is to make them beautiful citizens of our planet."

- Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

124 tree plantation campaigns organized in just two months

28,679 Saplings Planted in PunjabTrees for the Future

Amit Sharma l Patiala (Punjab)

A study on global air pollution by US-based institutes claims that India's worsening

air pollution caused some 1.1 million premature deaths in 2015 and our country now rivals China for among the highest air pollution health burdens in the world. One of the most effective ways to combat air pollution is tree plantation. Volunteers of The Art of Living in Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahib, Ropar, Ludhiana, and Sangrur districts of Punjab launched the “Trees for the Future” campaign to ensure a cleaner, greener, and healthier Punjab. Between June 30 2017, and September 12, 2017, 124 tree plantation campaigns were organized and 28,679 saplings were planted. Deviating from the current trend of planting ornamental trees, 80% of the trees planted were fruit-bearing trees which would not only provide us a healthier environment but would also provide food to our feathered friends. 20% of the plants were medicinal plants. Volunteer have also been given the responsibility of tending to these plants to ensure their proper growth.

Under the “Trees for the Future” project, children who completed a Balchetna Shivir planted trees in Kahhmatti village. Each child has been entrusted with the care of a tree and their name board has been placed in front of the tree they have adopted.

The project is a CSR initiative of Madhav Alloys Private Limited. Rajest Jindal, director of this project, says “We take so much from the environment, it is also our responsibility to do something for the environment. Just as we are getting fresh air to breathe, we should ensure that our future generations too will have fresh air to breathe. Since the lack of trees is causing environmental pollution, I thought we should take the responsibility for improving our environment and launched the Trees for the Future project.”

Rajesh Jindal, State Council Member of YLTP, with other volunteers

Devansh Bhasker l Jalalabad (Punjab)

As temperatures soar and the Earth swelters in the long drawn summers, trees are the only hope for our planet. Inspired by Gurudev’s vision of reviving a green earth, volunteers of The Art of Living, Jalalabad chapter, duly supported by the municipal corporation, took an initiative two years back to adopt Civil Hospital Road and Ramlila Chowk Road to turn into green roads. The saplings have now grown into 7-8 feet tall trees enhancing the beauty of the roads.

“The Government spends a lot of money but results are not visible. It is only when public and social organizations start supporting these projects that results become much more visible,” says Ms. Mamta Valecha, President of the municipal council.

Mr. Rishu Doomra, a resident of Civil Hospital Road says, “Plantation is very easy but the real task is taking care of these plants. When these youngsters started I had a perception that these people will also get photographs clicked and will leave but with the unceasing efforts of these volunteers, the trees are providing shade and oxygen on this

600 meter long stretch.” Talking about the type of plants used for plantation, project coordinator, Mr. Akhil Sharma, says, “We planted Neem on Civil Hospital Road and Alstonia scholaris on Ramlila Chowk Road. These trees not only provide oxygen but also enhance the beauty of the city roads. As these trees grow bigger the temperatures on these two roads will remain 2-3 degrees lesser than other parts of the city. Moreover, inspired by the efforts of the organization, many individuals and social organizations have also adopted other parts of the city for plantation.”

Barren Roads Turn Green in Jalalabad

Chhindwara (MP) l On November 24, 2017, The Art of Living in association with Dainik Bhaskar and other local social organizations organized a marathon for health and hygiene. Prakash Javadekar, Union Minister of Ministry of Human Resource Development, was the chief guest on the occasion.

A Marathon for Health and Hygiene

3 SEVA TIMES THE ART OF LIVING INTERNATIONAL CENTER, BANGALOREJanuary 2018

Seva Times l Bengaluru (Karnataka)

As part of the ongoing efforts to bring about a long-lasting and inclusive solution to the country's water problems, the Art of Living hosted a conference on “River Rejuvenation” on 5th and 6th December at its center in Bengaluru.

Organized in association with the International Association for Human Values (IAHV), the conference is of immense significance as it sought to find scientific and sustainable ways to address the worst water crisis the country is facing in four decades. At least 54 percent of the sub-continent has turned into a water-stressed dust bowl with many rivers rapidly drying up. Experts opine that by 2025, the country will be facing an acute water crisis if no preventive measures are taken today.

“Water is the basis of life and we need to protect and preserve the sources of water. This conference

will vastly contribute to evolving eco-friendly methodologies for rejuvenating water bodies across India,” said Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. The two-day conference was attended by leading national and global scientists, academics, stakeholders, policymakers and beneficiaries who deliberated upon a roadmap for conserving existing water resources, reviving water

bodies, planning for sustainable infrastructure for water, and studied the socio-economic impact of the river rejuvenation models that have worked so far.

Apart from Gurudev, the speakers at the conference included Mr. Kiran Kumar, Chairman, ISRO; Prof. Roger Falconer, School of Engineering, Cardiff University; Mr. Ashok Dalwai, Additional Secretary, Agriculture,

Government of India; and Ms. Aparajita Sarangi, Joint Secretary, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, Government of India; among others.

The conference had sessions on thought-provoking topics such as: status of river basins across peninsular India, efforts made so far in rejuvenating rivers in India, relevance of geospatial technology in river rejuvenation, social-economic impact assessment in Kumudavathi basin, impact evaluation of interventions for groundwater recharge, sustainable agriculture and livelihood post river rejuvenation, and role of government in river rejuvenation, among others.

The Art of Living has been working to rejuvenate rivers since 2013 and is currently engaged in reviving 33 dying rivers in four states (Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala), benefitting 3,000 villages. The conference has added a major impetus to this movement for water.

Experts Gather to Find Ways to Tackle the Looming Water Crisis

River Rejuvenation Conference Held at The Art of Living International Center

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Cmde Sarvottam Rao, and other dignitaries inaugurate the conference with the traditional lighting of the lamp

Reaching out To Slum Children in

Jagraon of PunjabJagraon (Punjab) l The Art of Living family in Jagraon distributed sweaters, schoolbags, and notebooks to the children studying in a school run by Seva Bharti in a slum area in Jagraon. They also donated four large carpets for the children to sit on. The children in the slum were educated on health and hygiene. A satsang was also organized with singers Satnam Satta and Srikanth. Art of Living yogacharya Dr. Dilpreet Rajpal and Rosy Rajpal conducted a knowledge and meditation session. Finally Rakesh Singhal, Secretary, The Art of Living, and Naresh Gupta thanked the guests present. Present especially for the occasion were Ankush Goyal, Kamlesh Arora, Sushma, Kamal Kakkad, Harinder Kaur, Harbans Kaur, Baljeet Kaur, and Shakuntala Sandeep.

Subhra Ray l Burdwan (West Bengal)

The Art of Living’s SSRDP runs two need-based Vocational Skill Development Centres at Asansol for empowering local unemployed youth from the underprivileged community.

Candidates who have passed class-VIII exam and are above 16 years of age can apply for Assistant Electrician Skill training at Kaushal Vikas Kendra – Salanpur. The training is provided free of cost and upon completion the participants are awarded certificates and are provided job assistance. Nearly 100 candidates are helped to find placement every year. The project was launched in 2015 and since then a total 193 candidates have been certified; most of them have found placement. The third year of Electrical skill training

is now in progress and more than 45 candidates are undergoing training. Assistant Beauty Therapy skill training is meant for women from underprivileged families. The candidates become self-dependent and can earn for themselves.

They are provided a Basic Beautician Kit at the end of the successful completion of the course. The project was launched in August 2016 and 140 candidates have successfully completed training until September 2017.

Vocational Training for the Underprivileged

Beauty Therapy Skill trainees in a practical class

Devansh Bhasker l Fazilka (Punjab)

In a rare effort by The Art Of Living Fazilka chapter some 90 volunteers of the organization cooked food from home and gathered fruits from the market to distribute to the people in a nearby slum of around 100 people situated on Malout Road. What makes the project unique is that this time they gave the honor of distribution to the inhabitants of another slum. Talking about this service activity, teacher couple Mrs. Purnima & Mr. Chetan Setia explained that those hands which are always waiting to receive goods from some generous person this time stretched out to offer goods to the needy, experiencing the joy of giving for the first time in their lives. Sharing about her experience one of the ghetto dwellers, Sito Bai, said “People come to us to distribute things and we go to them for begging but it was for the first time in my life that I came to know about the value of sharing with others.” Before setting out on this activity, the volunteers led the slum dwellers in pranayama and meditation after which they all pledged to keep their vicinity clean. Two of the volunteers, Agam and Anjali, also celebrated their birthday with the children in the slum giving these children the novel experience of cutting a cake, something which they had never done before.

Slum Dwellers Experience

the Joy of Giving

Volunteers Revive Water Bodies in the Jungles

Jagetheswaran l Vellore (Tamil Nadu)

Deep in the dense forest areas of Ambur in Vellore district lies the 400 year old Oottal Devasthanam dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. Men, women, and children throng this ancient temple in large numbers to offer prayers during every full moon and the auspicious month of “Aadi.”

There are two water bodies in the precincts of the temple that until a few years ago catered to the needs of the devotees as well as animals in the surrounding forest almost round the year. Unfortunately, the consistent failure of monsoon and the severe shortage of rainfall led to the drying up of these two water bodies. Concern for the animals and the devotees prompted volunteers of The Art of Living to desilt these ponds and a plan to desilt these ponds was chalked out with the help of the local administration.

With the blessings of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Art of Living’s river rejuvenation team headed by Shri Chandrasekaran Kuppan started the project to desilt the water bodies on March 12, 2017, in the presence of Shri S. A. Raman, District Collector of Vellore. Months of hard work by the volunteers has borne rich dividends and both the water bodies are now full of water, catering to the needs of both animals and humans alike.

Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh) l Volunteers of The International Association for Human Values (IAHV), a partner organization of The Art of Living, distributed the herbal health drink “Ojasvita” to over 2000 children in government schools and orphanages of the Northeastern State of Arunachal Pradesh on December 11, 2017. Ojasvita contains seven vital herbs that promote the overall health of growing children.

Ojasvita Distribution in Schools and Orphanages

Youth Leadership Training Program (YLTP) and Dharma Sthamba Yojana (DSY) are service initiatives of Vyakti Vikas Kendra, India [The Art of Living], a registered charitable Trust, head quartered in Bangalore with its registered office at No. 19, 39th A Cross, 11th Main, IV T Block, Jayanagar, Bangalore - 560041

- Ph: 080-67433600 | www.artofliving.org | Email: yltp@artofliving.org -

SEVA TIMES

Inspired by Gurudev

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Editorial teamRam Asheesh

Thoheja Gurukar Bhavinkumar Nakum

To access earlier editions of Seva Times log in to

www.dsyindia.org/sevatimes

If you are working on any project or YLTP activities, please contact us on 8067433616, 9620169697. E mail: editor.sevatimes@yltp.vvki.org

4 SEVA TIMES THE ART OF LIVING INTERNATIONAL CENTER, BANGALOREJanuary 2018

Nihal Sarki l Alipurduar (West Bengal)

Ramkumar Lama was born in a small village, in the forest regions of the Buxa Tiger Reserve in Alipurduar district. He has been a successful politician having twice won the District Council elections uncontested. When he did The Art of Living program in 2002 he was a depressed man. He had injured his leg in an accident and was unable to walk properly. The knowledge imparted by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in this program made a deep impact on him and he was a changed man. He became emotionally stronger. His sense of service found a new direction. He left politics and became a teacher of The Art of Living’s Youth Leadership Training Program.

After he became a teacher his eye fell on the tribal people in his area who had an existence but no identity. He started working on getting

these 12 tribes an identity and promoting their folk forms. He organized many cultural programs through YLTP. Gradually the folk dances of these tribes gained recognition and popularity and they were given opportunities to present their dances before wider audiences at big cultural events.

Undeterred by problems that cropped up or the barbs of criticism aimed at him, Ramkumar remained steadfast in his mission, and finally

received his stamp of success when 250 people belonging to the 12 tribes were added to the Lokprasar Prakalpo project introduced by the State Government of West Bengal. Now the YLTP's cultural team is a well-known and popular culture group in Alipurduar district and has performed in many programs in their state and won several awards. Ramkumar was honored at the Nikhil Bharat Banga Sahitya

Sammelan, Alipurduar branch, in 2016 for preserving traditional folk forms. Also in 2016, 350 members of the team presented a spellbinding performance of the Nepali Maruni dance form at the World Cultural Festival organized by The Art of Living in New Delhi.

Wild elephants cause a lot of damage to crops and this has been an ongoing problem in the villages of Alipurduar with the villagers attempting to tackle this in their own way and causing harm to the elephants. To put an end to this constant battle between man and elephant, Ramkumar’s YLTP cultural team is spreading awareness among the villagers through the medium of song and dance. The team has also actively been promoting tourism for which they received a Regional Tourism Award in 2016 from the Sikkim Express Newspaper and Association for Conservation of Tourism.

Preserving Tribal Art and CultureRamkumar Lama ‘ Youth is a form of energy. This energy should be

employed in positive work, advancement of self, advancement of nation and society, etc. It is my dream to promote our folk dances at the national and international level. In order to preserve our cultural heritage we must make our folk songs and dances as a subject of study in our universities and also set up institutes at the university level.” - Ramkumar Lama

Spreads awareness about the ongoing tussle between man and elephant through the medium of local tribal culture

n Promoting natural farming using indigenous cow dung and urine

Santoshi Nimbadkar l Raipur (Chhatisgarh)

Farmers in India have been using pesticides, insecticides and chemicals from the last 50 years in an attempt to increase the crop yield. This did give good results initially but as years rolled by the negative effects became more and more visible. Not only did it affect the fertility of the soil but the use of chemicals began to adversely affect human health. In addition, the high cost of chemical fertilizers and hybrid seeds increase the cost of farming tremendously, forcing many farmers to fall into the debt trap or search for other means of livelihood.

To awaken the farmers from this slumber Dr. Aarti Sathe, State Representative of SSIAST(Sri Sri Institute of Agricultural Sciences & Technology) has been promoting natural farming, home gardening, organic marketing, and aroma therapy for last 5 years. She has organized more than 79 workshops reaching out to more than 24000 people across country for promoting indigenous cow urine and dung products. 200 people have got trained by her from Jodhpur in Uttar Pradesh and 100 in Raipur, Chhatisgarh for organic farming. She has been able to train women and has also taken this knowledge of organic farming to naxalite affected areas.

Under her guidance 300 farmers in Chhattisgarh are doing organic farming which has set an example for many other farmers of the state who are now willing to change over to natural farming. A special market for selling organic products is being established where farmers around Raipur are able to sell their products at a good price.

From last 3 years a program for promotion of organic farming is going on and under this, a centre is also opened in the month of December dedicated to this cause where information regarding farming and home gardening is given by the experts. Aarti says that chemical free farming is the base of natural farming. "We nurture the mother earth with naturally available manures. After training, our farmers do not burn stubble in fields but rather use it to increase natural fertility of the land. Irregularity of rain does not affect much in natural farming. Farmers are benefitting by using cow dung and urine."

Aarti Sathe: Freeing Farmers from the Clutches of Debt

‘ Chemical free farming is the base

of natural farming. We nurture the mother earth with naturally available manures."

Swati Shukla l Shimla (HP)

National Snooker champion Uday Sharma has been passionate about doing something significant in his life. This very passion gave him the impetus to help over 5000+ youngsters find a direction in life and has also been the driving force behind his success in transforming Kuthar Khurd, a village in Una district of Himachal Pradesh, into an ideal village.

Prior to 1999 Uday Sharma’s life was far different from what it is now. No doubt he had a job of his choice but his heart was far from satisfied; he wanted to do something for society and for his country and was in search of a suitable platform that would help him fulfill this desire. His search led him to enroll in the Youth Leadership Training Program in 1999 which was to be conducted in Gurudev’s presence. This proved to be a turning point in his life. Uday Sharma says that prior to this he had everything in life but lacked contentment and zest for life but after participating in this program

his whole life changed. The impact of the program was such that Uday Sharma decided to quit his job in the government sector and dedicate his life to the service of his nation and society. For 7 years after that he worked for the betterment of society as a yuvacharya.

In 2006 he became an Art of Living teacher and from then up to now he

has been instrumental in transforming the life of over 5000 people. He is also the driving force behind transforming Kuthar Khurd, a small village in Una District, into a model village. The youth in this village were wandering around aimlessly, addicted

to drugs and alcohol. He brought them on the path and gave them a new direction in life. With the help of other Art of Living volunteers he was able to free the people of the village from the clutches of addiction and evils of casteism. In addition the farmers of the village were trained in organic farming thus considerably bringing down the cost of cultivation. Currently more than 250 farmers in the village are practicing zero budget farming.

YLTP Gives Uday Sharma Wings to His Dreams