Leading this unique tour to India are Dr.Arun Gandhi, grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, and his son Tushar Gandhi. Join Global Exchange on this once-in-a-life-time opportunity to hear Dr. Gandhi's first-hand personal stories about his grandfather and to retrace the footsteps of the great teacher of Satyagraha - non-violent direct action. Dr. Gandhi is a retired journalist, having written for the Times of India for 30 years. He is a tireless activist for peace, conflict resolution.

This tour is designed to bring Gandhi's philosophy of nonviolence home to westerners. The focus is on studying institutions that apply the philosophy of nonviolence in their attempt to transform a community -- in urban areas and in rural areas. It is important to understand that while India has shown a phenomenal economic growth rate in recent times almost 550 million of the 1.1 billion population continues to live below the poverty line. What is being done to address this problem? What should be done? What would Gandhi have done? These and more are questions that will be addressed during the tour and participants will have the opporunity to experience the two Indias first hand.

During the two weeks tour you will visit the center established by Indian physicist and activist, Dr. Vandana Shiva, a leader in the resistance movement to corporate-dominated Globalization. Travel to the Muslim and Hindu city of Ahmedabad in the state of Gujarat, to visit the Sabarmati Ashram, Gandhi's headquarters during his most active years of resistance to colonial rule. You will visit Gandhi's home, his headquarters and an ashram where he lived, the rural area of Sangli, southeast of Mumbai, where you will see exciting grass-roots projects in agriculture, housing, weaving, sugar processing, people's culture, and more. A full spectrum of the religious, cultural, political and historical aspects of India will be included on this tour as well.

A valid visa is required to enter/exit India.All visa applications must include a copy of the birth certificate.

Program Highlights:

• The tour will starts in Mumbai on December 29th, pass through some of the most interesting and socially active areas of the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradeshn and ends in Delhi on January 11th.
• Visit Mani Bhavan - Gandhi's residence from 1915-34 and the headquarters of the anti-colonial freedom movement.
• Learn about the impact of Fair Trade on the lives of rural women in a visit to Market Place/Share - a community-based Fair Trade enterprise.
• Travel to the town of Sangli and tour rural projects in housing, irrigation, reforestation, etc.
• Visit the site of Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad from where the Salt March was launched in 1930.
• Meet members of the WIT (Women's India Trust and SEWA)and SEWA ( Self-Employed Women's Association) both organizations that generate income through cooperatives and trade unions.
• Visit Mosques, and Hindu and Jain temples, archaeological sites and arts centers,and attend cultural events.
• Visit the Vandana Shiva Centre, a leader of alternatives to Globalization - especially in the field of agriculture.
• Workshop discussions within the group on the philosophy of non-violence and its implementation in our society back home and the world today.
• Visit the Raj Ghat, Ghandi's memorial and cremation grounds.
• Extension to Agra (January 12) by bus or train - not included in the cost

Cost: 2,900$

Price Includes:

• Twin room accommodations in 3 and above star hotels.(add $546 for a single room)
• All in-country transportation (train, air and private bus)
• Three meals per day
• Tour leaders and guides
• All program activities and translation
• All entrance fees
• Preparatory reading materials
• Global Exchange membership
• Personal meetings to suit your particular interests (as available).

How to Register:

In some cases, a limited number of partial scholarships are available for low-income applicants.

Make your reservation online now!

Contact Alessandro with any questions about this trip, or call toll-free 1-800-497-1994 ext. 225.