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India : The Gandhian Legacy and Grassroots Development
December 29, 2009
- January 12, 2010
Leading this unique annual tour to India is Dr. Arun Gandhi, grandson of Mahatma Gandhi and the founder of the M. K. Gandhi Institute for Non-Violence at the University of Rochester, Rochester NY. 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 was a teenager when he was sent to live with his grandfather for 18 months, leaving just two months before Gandhi's assassination in 1948. 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, prisoners' rights, and is a much sought-after speaker. This tour will also show you how Gandhian principles are applied today in conflict resolution situations and sustainable development projects, despite persistent poverty and inequality in India. Dr. Gandhi's grandfather always said he had two goals in life: to liberate India from British colonialism and from poverty and inequality. Clearly the second goal has not been met. Mahatma Gandhi's message is certainly needed today more than ever, in a world where economic and military domination by a few threatens world peace, prosperity and stability.
This is a popular tour; interested participants are encouraged to sign up early. The size of the group will be limited to 30 maximum. The tour begins in New Delhi and end in Mumbai.
You will visit the center established by Indian physicist and activist, Dr. Vandana Shiva, a leader in the resistance movement to corporate-dominated Globalization. Overnight stay in Agra. 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. The tour will visit Gandhi's home, his headquarters and an ashram where he lived. You will visit 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. The tour includes a visit to the wondrous Taj Mahal. Modern India will come to life as we visit development cooperatives, ashrams and self-help groups that have been founded on Gandhian Principles. A full spectrum of the religious, cultural, political and historical aspects of India will be included on this tour as well.
Program Highlights:
- The tour will start in Delhi on December 29th and pass through some of the most interesting and socially active areas of the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh.
- 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 and tour the fabled Taj Mahal.
- Tour ends in Mumbai.
Cost:
$2,900
Price Includes:
- Twin room accommodations in 3 and above star hotels.(add $400 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).
- Price does not include: international airfare, tips, optional donations and personal expenses
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.
This trip will be as diverse as possible in terms of race, age and life experiences. 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.
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