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India : Kerala: Social Harmony and Alternative Development
November 16, 2009
- January 30, 2009
Well known among development experts, the Indian state of Kerala on the south western shores of India has long enjoyed high standards of free, universal education and health care; democratic traditions; extensive women's rights; small families; and a general living standard which is the envy of the Developing World.
These achievements have been made with an average annual income that is one seventieth of that of the United States. You will see why Kerala is such a popular destination for European tourists: its relative lack of poverty, its natural beauty and protected environment, rich culture and, above all, its bright, open, aware and empowered peoples.
Kerala's unique history has been a fortuitous blend of progressive maharajas, matrilineal families, democratically-elected socialist governments and highly developed people-based community organizations and worker-owned cooperatives. These factors have made Kerala a model for not only the Third World, but for Western industrialized nations as well. Join us on this two weeks study tour that will cover the full range of the unique qualities of this small, densely populated state, from the foundations of the mid-1950's democratic socialist system to the new decentralized planning schemes, from village matrilineal structures to flourishing women's self-help projects, from a look at nagging, chronic unemployment to activists of the people's science movement.
We will visit, Kerala Dinesh Bidi, the largest worker's cooperative in the world (nearly all women), to see true workplace empowerment in action.
We will cover the entire length of the state, starting in the southern capital city of Trivandrum, traveling by overnight train to the northern city of Kannur, and returning "in steps" back to the south to visit many important development groups.
Your tour leader and coordinator Mr. Suresh Kumar has a masters degree in political science and international relations. He is a public health researcher, and is intimately acquainted with many aspects of Kerala's social movements - in particular the literacy, science and decentralization movements.He has lined up an impressive itinerary of meetings - with Kerala's leading intellectuals and academics, as well as with on-the-ground community organizers and activists.
In addition, plenty of time will be set aside to enjoy the rich culture, unspoiled beauty of the country and socialize with the highly educated, friendly people.
Early arrival or later departure for your extra travel plans are fine - and our Indian travel service provider can help you make additional arrangements.
Program Highlights:
- Start in Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala.
- Introduction & orientation lecture by a leading Malayali (Keralite) expert presenting official data and historical background
- After visiting the area around the capital and meeting with various organizations, head by train in the far north to Kannur to visit the Dinesh Beedi Cooperative, the world's largest
- Travel back south to the capital "in steps" experiencing along the way fascinating villages and cooperative projects
- Journey to rice paddies and coconut plantations
- Visit to a tribal village panchayat
- Balance government projects with the innovative people's movements
- Meet with labor union leaders, fisher folk & farm laborers, medical professionals, women's organizations, educators, and more
- Visit some of the famous tourist places: the lovely Fort Kochi (Cochin), Hindu temples, a Jewish synagogue, Christian churches, palaces, forts, parks, ruins, etc.
- One free day to relax at the beach or mountains
Cost:
$ 2,550
Price Includes:
How to Register:
We must receive your application and a non-refundable deposit of $200, two months before departure. A late fee of $50 will be applied to late applications. Payments by MasterCard or Visa are welcome.
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.
Trips on related issues: Art and Culture
Civil Rights
Education
Environment and Sustainability
Health and Healing
Labor and Economy
Peace and Conflict
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