Dealing with dehumanising aspects of technology - NCRI/Welcome ...

IN THIS ISSUE 

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NCRI Newsletter 

Volume I, Issue V National Council of Rural Institutes (NCRI) 

May 2010 

From From Chairman’s Chairman’s Desk Desk 1 

Events 

Events 

NGOs, SHGs learn concept 

of micro-level in social 

forestry 

National Technology Day 

Youth get connected with 

tribals through sensitisation 

camps 

Nai Talim school proposed 

at Amaravati 

Lead Lead Article: Article: Mahatma 

Gandhi and human security 

Gandhian Gandhian Gandhian Gandhian Speaks Speaks Speaks Speaks 

Shri Umesh Chandra Medhi 

nurturing villages with Gram 

Udyog 

Success Success Success Success Story Story Story Story 

Crafts Gurukul making 

significance change in lives 

of Bastar artisans 

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f”k{kk 

4 

6 

8 

11 

13 

18 

21 

25 

Dealing with dehumanising 

aspects of technology 

Where is the human in me? The heart that cries for others! 

The breath that fills joy in others! Am I living in me? 

Probably the time has come when every person needs to grill 

himself with such questions. Answers to these questions necessitate 

deep reflection and a professional touch rather an emotional or 

superficial response. The questions raise serious doubts about the 

speed of the universe that overtakes and runs down the slow and 

smooth flow of human relationships steeped in affection and a 

concern for sharing and compassion. 

The last hundred years have been characterised by the widespread 

impact of technology in many fields. Mechanisation, communica- 

tions, and information processing have profoundly influenced every 

significant aspect of human activity. As we find ourselves in the 

twilight of the era of change, let us take it as a ripe time to return to 

the state from where we started, as we envision a society where 

systems and structures, support and advance diverse forms of 

knowledge to trigger our thoughts. 

Advances in information technology no doubt have revolutionised 

both education and the marketplace, irreversibly altering higher 

education by affecting the mode of research, teaching and 

engagement with the public. 

From Chairman’s Desk 

Continued…

Volume I, Issue V 

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While science and technology has permeated every aspect of life and society and provided 

significant benefits, it has also raised new concerns for society due to its application in all facets 

of society and the level of sophistication it has brought. 

The trends in science and technology are reinforced by an increased sense of professionalism 

and specialisation within all aspects of life. Such professionalism has been characterised by a 

growing detachment from the unique concerns of individuals and a loss of personal relationship 

to them. This can be seen more in the area of impersonal systems of services. 

What has come to be known as the "tyranny of technology" has forced those deeply involved in 

the technologically-sophisticated endeavours to be much more detached. What has been said by 

H. Jack Geiger in the case of healthcare applies to many other areas as well. He talks about the 

dehumanising aspects which will lead to the loss or diminishment of four basic human qualities: 

the inherent worth in being human, the uniqueness of the individual, the freedom to act and the 

ability to make decisions, and the equality of status. While all people are worthy of the same 

care and attention from health care services, instead people receive it according to their social 

and economic status. 

There is a serious mathematical onslaught on us wherein we plan the day, work for the 

profession mainly for material gains. We do something when we know that there is something 

concrete in return. Let us assert that this robotic behaviour can be restricted to profession, but 

not extend it to personal and passionate affinities. When the limit is breached dehumanisation 

tends to be conspicuous. 

It is a common observation that basic human services and fruits of development have to be 

shared equally throughout society irrespective of economic power and status. This implicit loss 

of human worth is especially dehumanising for the poor and marginalised in society. The “one 

size fits all” approach is neither applicable nor appropriate despite the similarity of certain basic 

values and principles. 

It is the duty of responsible citizens and civil society organisations, the intellectuals and the 

youth to make a paradigm shift wherein the accursed and the underprivileged lives get their due 

share of attention in the most committed fashion. Continued…… 

“We have modified our environment so radically that we must now 

modify ourselves to exist in this new environment.” ~ Norbert Wiener 

NCRI 2 May 2010


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There is a necessity to initially empower the needy with knowledge and help them to gain 

self-confidence. While this happens people should also be shaped to realise that their lives are 

meant for the society and not just for themselves. 

A flag bearer of change is the need of the hour 

In this context it is necessary to endow ourselves with the requisite vision to identify initially 

institutions which can function as ‘Knowledge Hubs'. These ‘nuclei of change’ will build the 

leadership and entrepreneurship required to usher in the process of development in the local 

cluster of villages. The essence is both the form and the function. 

These change agents would do well to beckon local institutions to envision a new world view. 

The development process should recognise the necessity of incorporating a new consciousness 

that transcends the transient political, cultural, and social upheavals. The modern era – from the 

renaissance to the enlightenment to socialism, from positivism to scientism, from the industrial 

revolution to the information revolution – has been characterised by rational and structural 

thinking. We need to reconceptualise development in contemporary rural society. 

Whether it is rural India or the glitz of the urban face book, enlightenment embedded in wider 

perspective should be the mandate for individuals and institutions. 

Dr. S.V. Prabhath 

Chairman, NCRI 

“The difference between animals and humans is that animals change themselves for 

the environment, but humans change the environment for themselves.” ~ Ayn Rand 



A workshop on Micro-Planning for Social 

Forestry and Afforestation was organsied by 

the Rastriya Grameena Jan Kalyan Sansthan, 

(RGJKS), Rajasthan, with support from the 

National Council of Rural Institutes, 

Hyderabad, on May 5, 2010, at the Forestry 

Training Institute (FTI), JLN Marg, Jaipur. 

Nearly 60 participants including resource 

persons, representatives of NGOs and SHGs 

from Churu, Jaipur and Bikaner districts of 

Rajasthan attended the workshop. 

Objective 

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The one-day workshop is aimed at training the representatives of NGOs and SHGs in a participatory 

approach of micro planning in a specific area which is highly relevant to Rajasthan where the forest 

coverage is far below the desired national average of 33 per cent owing mainly due to adverse climatic 

conditions. 

EVENTS 

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NGOs, SHGs learn micro-level 

concept in social forestry 

The chief guest Shri Abhijit Gose, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Rajasthan, inaugurated 

the workshop while Shri P K Merkap, Director, Forestry Training Institute (FTI), Jaipur, presided. 

Shri Pradeep, on behalf of Rashtriya Grameena Jan Kalyan Sansthan, Khasoli, welcoming the gathering 

made a brief introduction of the organisation and the focus of the workshop organised with the support 

of the National Council of Rural Institutes (NCRI), Hyderabad. 

Shri R Seeta Ramarao, Project Officer (Micro Planning) of NCRI, Hyderabad, in his inaugural address, 

highlighted the poor forest coverage of Rajasthan which is alarmingly less than the national average 

forest coverage. This very fact created the need for such a workshop for enlightening the cause of 

creating more forest coverage with peoples’ participation through NGOs and Forest Departments in 

augmenting the efforts of Rajasthan government. He has explained how micro-level planning could be 

applied at the grassroots levels to improve the forest coverage. 

Inauguration of the micro-planning workshop. 

“It is horrifying that we have to fight our own 

government to save the environment.” ~ Ansel Adams 

Continued… 



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Shri Abhijit Gose in his address, made a lucid presentation on the afforestation activity in Rajasthan, the 

role of environmental reasons in Rajasthan for low coverage of forests and high mortality rate of 

seedlings after plantation. In this connection, he emphasised the importance of peoples participation for 

a sustainable social forestry programme based on the principles of micro level planning. He distributed 

copies of the relevant literature to the participants, through the FTI. 

Shri P K Merkap, IFS, Director, FTI, during his address explained the factors mainly responsible for low 

coverage of forests in Rajasthan. He further told that his institute has designed specific courses for field 

level success in implementation and said that he would extend his support for the necessary capacity 

building at grassroots level. 

Dr Rishu Garg, Programme Officer, RRC, explained about the sequence of a micro-level plan to be 

adopted starting from ‘Gramasabha’ in the village, and the audience seemed to be quite receptive at his 

presentation with several clarifications got cleared by him in course. 

Dr.K N Goel, retired Joint Director of Agriculture, who is experienced in the subject of Participatory 

Rural Appraisal (PRA), gave a practical knowledge of micro-level plan model by organising the 

participants into five groups. Ms Santosh Bharghav, one of the participants, explained as to what she 

could learn in preparation of a micro-level plan during the workshop convincingly. 

Shri Giridhar Ram, IFS, in his valedictory address, congratulated the NCRI, Hyderabad, for selection of 

the topic specific to Rajasthan and advised the participants to take benefit of understanding the concept 

before putting it in to practice. Shri Bhawarlal Jain, Secretary, RGJKS, Churu, proposed the vote of 

thanks. 

Outcome 

♦ The rich experience in knowledge dissemination in micro-level planning methodology by the two 

resource persons has helped the participant groups to prepare model micro-level plans and 

demonstrate with confidence. 

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♦ The concept is well recognised by the target group which is ready to adopt in their villages subject 

to the field level assistance from the forest department. 

“In the long term, economic sustainability depends on ecological sustainability. 

~ “America’s Living Oceans 



The role of technology in achieving progress 

and well-being in rural sector is at the centre of 

NCRI’s plans which flows from its 

mandate. Towards its constant strive to 

strengthen Rural Institutes and other 

academic institutions to help build capacities 

of rural manpower by providing various 

information services. The Rural Resource 

Informatics Centre (RRIC) took the initiative 

to mark the National Technology Day-2010 on 

National Technology Day - 2010 

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May 11 by disseminating the knowledge on rural technologies. RRIC encouraged various institutes to 

take up programmes at their respective institutes to propagate rural technologies and nurture technology 

flow to all the sectors of the economy. 

EVENTS 

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‘Youth must understand technology 

applications to market requirements’ 

NCRI organised a lecture on “Youth Awareness to Understand Markets and Technology Applications to 

Skills” at the Government Degree College for Women, Begumpet, Hyderabad, on May 11, 2010. A 

majority of students, who are pursuing their graduation courses, have rural background. The focus was 

to raise awareness levels among students pursuing final year degree on their understanding towards 

markets and technology applications and skills that support them. 

College students participate in the National 

Technology Day Celebrations. 

Smt. Ambika Devi, Head, Department of English, Government Degree College for Women, Begumpet, 

invited the guests on to the dais. Shri K Mohan Rao, State Director, Khadi Villages and Industries 

Commission (KVIC), Hyderabad, Dr Ch.Krishna Murthy, an internationally renowned nature cure 

doctor from Warangal, and Shri GVVSDS Prasad, Coordinator, The Wheel, NCRI, addressed students 

on the topic. Smt Sita Devi, Project Officer, RRIC, and Shri Vijaya Kumar, Coordinator, 

Dr.Aram Learning Centre, NCRI , Smt. Ambika Devi, Coordinator, Jawahar Knowledge Centre (JKC), 

Degree College campus, were present on the occasion. Nearly 80 degree final year students undergoing 

training under Jawahar Knowledge Centre (JKC) from the college were present. 

“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.” 

~ Chief Seattle 

Continued… 



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The programme commenced with welcome address by Dr Lalitha, Principal, In-charge, Government 

Degree College, Begumpet. Shri Vijaya Kumar briefed about the relevance of the event and the NCRI’s 

objective behind supporting the programme. 

Delivering the lecture, Shri Mohan Rao made the students aware of the opportunities available to them. 

The opportunities would not only help them to become financially independent but also would provide 

livelihood for several people. Citing several success stories, Shri Mohan Rao suggested them to be a 

little creative, understand markets, usage of appropriate technologies and knowledge to get maximum 

benefit out of the government schemes. He emphasised on applying science and technology and 

acquiring requisite skills while designing products. He briefed about the Prime Minister’s Employment 

Generation Programme, a successful scheme under which several graduates are adding value to others’ 

lives. He motivated students to assess the markets and use their individual strengths in meeting the 

goals. He insisted on skill upgradation and value addition, which is the mantra of success in today’s 

competitive world. He congratulated the organisers for making use of the occasion of the National 

Technology Day in raising the awareness levels of youngsters of the possible technology applications 

and skills and emerging markets; particularly in such a crucial stage of their lives when they can shape 

up their lives and careers in a more meaningful way. 

Shri Prasad dwelt upon the Gandhian paradigm to the technology and innovation. He explained market 

dynamics and motivated students to be practical and use technology wherever essential and get 

benefited. He called upon youngsters to pave their way to success by being tech-savvy at the same time 

being wise in choosing the right balance between technology and various traditional aspects of Indian 

lifestyles. 

EVENTS 

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Dr Krishna Murthy put forth his point that a healthy mind resides in a healthy body. In the context of 

technology day, he said, “Just as every machine needs servicing our human machine too needs servicing 

for keeping it going smoothly for its lifetime. Why not benefit from the age-old Indian system of curing 

several ailments and lifestyle diseases by resorting to nature cure and practices.” 

At the end, Smt. Sita Devi from NCRI appreciated students for being very interactive through out the 

session and thanked the college for taking the positive step of organising the lecture. She called for a 

long-lasting association with the college through various other activities of NCRI under the Youth 

Sensitisation Programme. The programme came to an end with a vote of thanks by Dr Indira, retired 

Lecturer and Academic Counsellor. Shri Sudhkar, Lecturer, Chemistry, was also present. 

“True wisdom consists in not departing from nature and in moulding 

our conduct according to her laws and model.” ~ Seneca 



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The National Council of Rural Institutes organised two workshops on Youth Sensitisation in Odisha in 

collaboration with the Institute of Social Action and Research Activities (ISARA), Berhampur, Odisha. 

The first workshop was organised on May 18 and 19, 2010 at Berhampur in Ganjam district and on May 

20, 2010 at Ramgiri in Gajapati district. 

ISARA is an NGO working on Gandhian principles since 1991 for the uplift of rural people, 

especially the tribals. The workshops were attended by the students pursuing degree, polytechnic, 

post-graduation, and some young representatives of NGOs. Nearly 40 students participated in each of 

the workshops. 

Emphasising the importance of the sensitisation programme, Shri S Daniel, Coordinator, Youth 

Sensitisation Programme, said various activities were being planned for the youth of India. He discussed 

the challenges confronted by the youth in the rural and tribal areas. He stressed the need for improving 

the employability of the rural, tribal youth through education, skill development programmes, and the 

tribal youth should be encouraged to involve themselves in programmes meant for sustainable 

development. He also made a presentation about the endeavours of NCRI in the process of promoting a 

holistic approach to sustainable development of rural India through rural higher education, based on 

Gandhian thought. 

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Youth get connected with tribals 

through sensitisation camps 

Students at Ramgiri workshop. 

“Earth provides enough to satisfy every man's need, but not every man's greed.” 

~ Mahatma Gandhi 

Continued…… 



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Shri Rabindranath Patra, Secretary, ISARA, explained about the activities and projects taken up for the 

development of tribal people with the support of various developmental agencies. He also explained that 

ISARA has been serving with commitment and dedication for about 20 years, for the betterment of the 

tribals in Ganjam, Gajapati and Kandhamal districts in Odisha. 

Dr.Purushottam Sahu, Lecturer and NSS Coordinator, Gopalpur College; Shri Brundaban Panda, 

Secretary, GPSS, Berhampur; Shri Vijay Kumar Gomano, Head Master, Government Residential High 

School; Shri Harikrishna Babu, Social Activist; Shri Linga Raju,Project Officer, ISARA, and 

Shri Prasanna, Project Coordinator for Tribal Region (ISARA) were the resource persons. 

Dr Purushottam Sahu, Lecturer cum NSS Coordinator in Gopalpur College, described about the present 

situation of youth and various projects, schemes introduced by the government for their development. 

He stressed on the role of NGOs and Community Based Organisations in promoting the youth 

orientation activities. 

Shri Brundaban Panda, Secretary, GPSS, Berhampur, gave a presentation on how the present educated 

youth can involve and contribute for the advancement of rural India. He said that the youth have a lot of 

latent potential skills which have to be tapped and nurtured. He also opined that the rural youth need a 

lot of encouragement so as to realise their energies and talents in a proper manner. 

The students were provided with an opportunity for exposure to the prevailing conditions in three tribal 

villages -- Buradango, Burabando and Ballighai of Ganjam district. 

The students spread across the villages 

in groups meeting villagers to gather 

first hand information from them. They 

collected information relating to history 

of the village, social, economic, 

education, health, sanitation conditions, 

culture, livelihood, energy sources, 

amenit ies, administration, local 

develo pment al pro ject s, ma jo r 

challenges and social evils etc. After the 

field exposure there was an interactive 

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session where each group leader shared experiences of the group. 

Students interact with villagers at Buradango 

“Pollution often disappears when we switch to renewable resources.” 

~ David Morris 

Continued…. 



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Shri Vijay Kumar Gomano, Head Master, Government Residential High School, explained about the 

various challenges faced by the tribal youth relating to illiteracy, health, sanitation, exploitation and 

social evils. He said that there was a huge opportunity for youth in eradication of social evils. 

Shri Harikrishna Babu, Social Activist, gave a presentation on the various developmental activities 

meant for rural areas. He expressed that proper awareness amongst the rural and tribal people on 

government schemes is needed. “The educated youth can take up this task of conducting awareness 

camps in the tribal areas. ‘Youth Parliaments’ concept is the best concept for proper realisation of the 

developmental schemes for the uplift of rural and tribal people,” he said. 

Shri Linga Raju, Tribal Area Project Officer for Tribal area ISARA, explained about the various 

ongoing projects for the development of tribal people in that area and the difficulties encountered in the 

implementation process. 

Expressing their innate feelings about the workshops, the students said that it was a great opportunity for 

them to participate in the sensitisation programme. They said that the deliberations were very inspiring. 

The field exposure was a great learning opportunity for the participants which made them to understand 

the ground reality of the tribal people. They thanked NCRI for providing such a good learning 

opportunity through youth sensitisation programme. 

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FORTHCOMING EVENTS 

Youth as change agents 

Workshops on “Youth as change agents for Rural Advancement” will be organised in 

Ganjam and Kandhamal districts of Odisha in collaboration with Institute of Social 

Action & Research Activities (ISARA) under Youth Sensitisatin Programme of the 

National Council of Rural Institutes, Hyderabad. Around 40 students, who are pursuing 

their polytechnic, bachelor degree or post-graduation degrees, are expected to 

participate in each of the workshops. The first workshop will be organised at Berhampur 

in Ganjam district on May 18 and 19, 2010 while the second one will be held at 

Daringibadi in Kandhamal district on May 20 and 21, 2010. 

“Nature is the art of God.” ~ Thomas Browne 



Sampoorna Bamboo Kendra 

(SBK), Lawada, organised a 

two-day New Generation Nai Talim 

Teachers Training Programme with 

support of National Council of 

Rural Institutes at Lawada in 

Amaravati of Maharashtra on May 

14 and 15, 2010. A total of 85 

participants comprising teachers of 

Zilla Parishad schools, Ashram 

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schools, Bamboo craft trainer, parents, local governance representatives and NGO representatives 

attended the training programme. 

Shri Ramesh Kumar, Additional Collector and Project Officer of Integrated Tribal Development Plan, 

was the chief guest. Well-known Gandhian educationist Smt Padamatai Kale was the president for this 

progrmme. Dr Vrunda Kate, Physician, Dr Patil, Professor, Nanded Engineering College, and 

Dr N Vijayanand Peter, Coordinator, Nai Talim, NCRI, Shri Hamunath Lakhekar, Member SBK and 

Shri Sunil Deshpande, Secretary, SBK, were present. 

On the occasion, the chief guest and other members lighted the lamp and made floral offerings to 

Vishwakarma and Mahatma Gandhi. A short film on development of Charkha was screened. 

Shri Sunil Deshpande presented brief history of Sampoorna Bamboo Kendra and on Mahatma Gandhi’s 

Nai Talim education system. Dr N Vijayanand Peter presented a brief profile of NCRI and its policy on 

Nai Talim education and efforts made by NCRI to promote this concept in the country. 

The chief guest of the programme Shri Ramesh Kumar suggested that the Sampoorna Bamboo Kendra 

may start a Nai Talim school in Lawada which will benefit the tribal children. 

Since Sampoorna Bamboo Kendra is working with youth the Nai Talim school will help them to 

develop their future. If the families of this region get regular income, the problem of malnutrition will be 

solved. 

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Nai Talim school proposed in Amaravati 

Inaugural programme of the Nai Talim training for new 

generation teachers at Amaravati. 

“The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second best time is now” 

~ Dambisa Moyo 

Continued…. 



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Gandhian educationist Smt Padamatai Kale went down the memory lane recalling the days when 

Mahatma Gandhi spent his days at Sewagram Ashram. She also had given information about Gond and 

Korku tribals who participated in the 1942 struggle in Betul district of Madhya Pradesh. In the second 

session, after the Nai Talim material was distributed, a discussion was carried out on the teaching aids. 

Dr Patil, Professor, Nanded Engineering College, presented his view on rural technology and 

development of bamboo tools for artisans. 

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In the third session, Dr Vrunda Kate gave information and made a demonstration on herbal medicine. 

She demonstrated 15 medicinal plants which are available in Melghat and having market potential and 

medicinal value. “There is great opportunity for collection of these plants and its plantation in small 

piece of land,” she said. In the fourth session, participants were organised into groups for discussing 

about the need of new education methods to reduce unemployment in Melghat. The next day started off 

with the reflection of the previous day and the participants concluded that there is a need to develop an 

educational system where children will be trained for generating employment. In the last session, 

thanking the participants and organisers, Dr Peter expressed the need to start a Nai Talim school in the 

region. Shri Sunil Deshpande said that Sampoorna Bamboo Kendra will plan for starting the Nai Talim 

school for dropouts. Training certificates were distributed to the participants by the chief guest. 

Technology Day celebrations at Jubayer Masud Trust 

Jubayer Masud Educational & Charitable Trust observed National 

Technology Day on May 11, 2010 with day-long programme at 

J.M. Academy, a child education centre of the trust, at Sontoshpur in 

Assam. This programme was supported by the National Council of 

Rural Institutes. An agro-based equipment was put up on display at an 

exhibition. A seminar was organised to mark the occasion which was 

directed by Shri Abul Kashem, Chief Advisor of the Trust. Shri Swapon Kr. Ghosh, President, Tapattary 

Anchalic Panchayat; Shri Bishnujyoti Baruah, Block Development Office, Tapattery; Shri Shiekh 

Anowar Hussain, President, North Shalmara Sub-Divisional Minority Development Board; 

Shri Rivonoyon Baruah, Ms Nilakhi Barthuri ,both are Assistant Engineers, Agriculture, Bongaigaon, 

Shsri Nurul Islam, President, Sontoshpur-Dumerguri Gaon Panchayat; Shri Abdul Hakim, Sheikh 

Amjad Hussain, Social Workers, and many others attended the seminar. 

“The wilderness holds answers to more questions than we have yet learned to ask” 

~ Nancy Newhall 



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Non-violence best guarantees human security, sustains it and even expands its scope and enriches it. The 

active non-violence of Mahatma Gandhi took birth in Pietermaritzburg station of South Africa after he 

was thrown out of the first class compartment even though he had a valid first class ticket to travel. It 

constituted by far the most creative and constructive exertions in the human history for security and 

justice. He responded to the insecurity he confronted with the resolve to ensure security for those who 

faced discrimination by employing non-violent method of struggle. His fight for the rights of Indians in 

South Africa by shunning force and ill will was a fight for human security. Indians were denied of their 

rights primarily because of their better ability to do business for earning their livelihood. Their 

engagement with business was an engagement for ensuring their economic security. Britain was 

famously described by Napoleon as a nation of shop-keepers. The British settlers and authorities of 

South Africa known for their entrepreneurial skills felt threatened by the success achieved by Indians in 

employing their calibre and talent in the domain of trade and commerce. All kinds of restrictions were 

imposed on them to impair their ability to do business. Even shifting of business from one place to 

another was considered as the starting of a new business which could be undertaken only with the 

approval of the authorities concerned. Eventually they were barred to start business ventures on the 

ground that Indians had no right to do so. Mahatma Gandhi’s first Satyagraha was a Satyagraha for 

restoration of rights of Indians to do business which was essential for their survival and security. 

Exclusion and discrimination threatens human security, lowers human spirit and damages human 

dignity. The British policy of denying Indians their legitimate rights was as much an assault on human 

security as the practice of untouchability which put people in seclusion on the basis of birth and deprived 

them of their humanity. It was an affront to religion, human dignity and security. Mahatma Gandhi’s non 

-violent struggle was as much a struggle for our independence from foreign rule as it was for eradication 

of untouchability. His Constructive Programme containing eighteen points can be justly described as a 

Programme for Human Security. It was prepared for achieving India’s independence. By including in its 

scope the issue of eradication of untouchability Mahatma Gandhi was locating its significance in the 

context of our liberation from colonial rule which constituted a mighty step for the safety and security of 

our people. 

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ARTICLE 

Mahatma Gandhi and human security 

By S N Sahu* 

“Nature does nothing uselessly” ~ Aristotle 

Continued… 



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Unity of people professing diverse faiths and the level of religious toleration cultivated by them for 

achieving peace, harmony and reconciliation testifies to their commitment to human security. The 

European continent ravaged by too many wars in the name of religion put human life in danger. It 

started a new era of religious toleration in seventeenth century. It became an important factor for 

unleashing human potential and the growth of science and technology. The secure atmosphere resulting 

out of co-existence of people pursuing different creeds is, thus, essential for progress and prosperity 

which can guarantee human security. Mahatma Gandhi’s stress on communal harmony brought out his 

vision for a social order which would promote goodwill and amity among people. His articulations, that 

he did not want India to be wholly Hindu, or wholly Islamic or wholly Christian but wholly tolerant with 

all its religions coexisting side by side, are of enormous significance for safeguarding the architecture of 

inclusive society which promotes human security. In other words, we need to celebrate diversities for 

protecting human society. Any measure against diversity is a measure in support of violence and 

bloodshed. More modern studies are now emphasising that fostering diversities helps regenerate human 

ability and create quality human resources. 

Twenty first century has been often described as the century of fear due to spread of terrorism. Bigotry 

and fanaticism arising out of excessive focus on one particular religion and identity remained at the root 

of terrorism which has caused so much death and destruction in many parts of the world. It is important 

to fight against the fear psychosis which threatens mental peace and jeopardises secure environment. In 

fact element of fear gravely affects human health and mental peace. It is important to cultivate a sense of 

fearlessness to lead a healthy and peaceful life. Sarvatra Bhaya Barjan, one of the points in Mahatma 

Gandhi’s eleven vows is now being stressed by medical fraternity for restoring mental well being of 

people. Professor Anurag Shrivastava of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences stated during a 

discussion that Mahatma Gandhi’s emphasis on removal of fear can become a crucial component of the 

strategy to ensure healthy living. His innovative interpretation of Gandhiji’s thought in the context of a 

healthy and secure life is truly inspiring. The fact that a doctor is getting tuned to Mahatma Gandhi’s 

thought to make people conscious of quality health speaks volumes for an approach for human security 

which is beyond material dimension of life. 

LEAD LEAD LEAD ARTICLE 

ARTICLE 

Longevity of life is one of the key indicators of safety and security enjoyed by human beings. Life 

expectancy at birth is, therefore, a sensitive index of development of any society and standard of living 

of people. Longer life expectancy in all the developed countries of the world is a measure of the well 

being enjoyed by people there. It determines the quality of life and human security. 

“Nature provides a free lunch, but only if we control our appetites.” 

~William Ruckelshaus, 

Continued… 



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The life expectancy of Japanese people is more than 80 years. It is well known that such long life span 

informs us that Japanese people have access to high quality health care, good and healthy food, quality 

education and peaceful and life giving environment. 

It is educative to know that Mahatma Gandhi wanted to live for 125 years. He aspired to do so at a time 

when India’s life expectancy was below 30 years and millions of people were dying of hunger and 

poverty due to several factors one of which was recurrence of famines across the country. On several 

occasions he wrote about his desire to live for more than hundred years. He was one of the healthiest 

persons in the world. His life was shaped by non-violence and discipline. In the midst of communal 

carnage following the partition of India he regretted that his wish to live till the age of 125 years would 

not fructify if people continued to kill each other in the name of religion. In nurturing such a vision to 

lead a life for 125 years he was aiming to take India beyond the level of all developed countries. It was 

a challenging goal. Nothing is impossible for some body who considered non-violence as the weapon 

of the brave. In fact, his ardent yearning to live for more than hundred years was a yearning to provide 

that kind of human security which would combine in a balanced manner both the material and spiritual 

components of life. 

LEAD LEAD ARTICLE ARTICLE 

ARTICLE 

In the 21 st century world we learn from a report that there are more people in our planet who are 

overweight than those who are hungry and have no access to food. It is a sad commentary on human 

society marked by production of plenty of food and unprecedented development of science and 

technology. One fully agrees with Nobel Peace prize winner Professor Muhmed Yunus of Bangladesh 

that in twenty first century world poverty should be there in the museum and not in society. Is it a fact 

that some people are threatening human security by over eating and consuming more energy and 

delicious food? While human beings have to eat to live, life cannot be reduced to the goal of eating 

tasty food. It is here that Mahatma Gandhi assumes significance. He stressed on Aswad, which meant 

avoiding tasty food. In fact, Aswad formed part of his eleven vows. He was talking about Aswad and 

leading a life by not eating tasty food at a time when Indians and majority peoples of the world were 

deprived of opportunities to get food. In today’s age of alarming spread of heart disease, hypertension 

and diabetes primarily due to modern lifestyle based on reckless habit of eating and devoid of physical 

exercise, doctors are suggesting people to avoid too much of oily and fatty food which are eaten by 

them to satisfy their palate. By following Aswad principle of Mahatma Gandhi we can control our palate 

and lead a healthy life which is getting increasingly threatened by lifestyle diseases. By avoiding tasty 

food we can avail of opportunities to lead a secure and healthy life. 

“Man has lost the capacity to foresee and to forestall. 

He will end by destroying the earth.” ~Albert Schweitzer 

Continued… 



LEAD LEAD LEAD ARTICLE 

ARTICLE 

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Health of people and their security is promoted and ensured by preventing disease. A curative strategy 

which most of the hospitals are adopting will aggravate crisis for leading a healthy life. Too many 

hospitals are proving to be a curse on human security. 

Mahatma Gandhi had written in his seminal work Hind Swaraj that mushrooming of hospitals is no sign 

of civilisation. Once when he was asked to inaugurate a hospital he refused to do so and requested that 

he would be happy to participate in any event to close down the hospital after its work to eradicate the 

disease was over. If prevention of disease is prerequisite for human security then what is required is 

adequate sanitation and hygiene all round us. When plague broke out in Johannesburg in 1903 Mahatma 

Gandhi wrote in the Indian Opinion that people’s habits of throwing dirt and garbage everywhere 

created conditions for the rats to flourish and infect them with plague. It was an insightful analysis of a 

disaster which he understood it in terms of deficit of sanitation and hygiene. Throughout his life he gave 

importance to the cultivation of practices to keep our homes, body and surroundings clean. He described 

sanitation and hygiene as the alpha and omega of corporate life. He was of the firm opinion that 

“….ignorance and neglect of the laws of health and hygiene are responsible for the majority of diseases 

to which mankind is heir”. He included two items in his Constructive Programme concerning sanitation. 

While one dealt with Village Sanitation, the other focussed attention on Education in Health and 

Hygiene. Let us recall the incidence of plague which erupted in Surat during last decade of the twentieth 

century. It posed huge danger to health and security of people not only of that city but of the whole 

country. A leading English daily of our country Times of India reproduced some of the writings of 

Mahatma Gandhi on plague. It educated us about his vision to keep India clean and to keep people free 

from most of the diseases. A few months before India became independent he wrote that “If we keep our 

backyards unclean our Swaraj will have a foul stench”. After more than six decades of our independence 

we are still unclean and unhygienic. Recently Shri Jayaram Ramesh, the Minister of State for 

Environment, said that if there is a Nobel prize for unclean habits it would be awarded to India. We have 

to scale up our efforts to keep our ambience tidy and neat. The Nirmal Gram Pursaskar instituted by the 

Government of India to recognise the standard of cleanliness in our villages serves the vision of 

Mahatma Gandhi who interpreted and understood human security from the point of view of purity of our 

surroundings. Unfortunately today, in the words of famous community surgeon of Maharashtra 

Dr Antia: “Illness has become an industry for some people”. Such an approach celebrates commercial 

instinct to generate more profit and endanger human security and health. Let us rediscover Mahatma 

Gandhi who once said that within a democratic form of governance an ordinary citizen had as much 

right to enjoy clean water and air as those who had the mandate to rule. 

“Understanding the laws of nature does not mean that 

we are immune to their operations.” ~David Gerrold 

Continued… 



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It is said that women’s rights are human rights. By slightly modifying it one can say that women’s 

security is human security. Development promotes human security. It is now understood that if 

development is not engendered it would be endangered. Mahatma Gandhi wanted participation of 

women in every sphere of life as a co-sharer and equal partner for accelerating our productivity, purify- 

ing our public life and ensuring peace in society. He understood women as better protagonists of non- 

violence and affirmed that his experiment with non-violence would be an instant success if he got the 

willing support of women. If non-violence promotes human security then women’s participation in di- 

verse areas would bolster and qualitatively improve human security. Sensitive writings emanating from 

prominent academic think tanks project that sufficient representation of women in governance would 

make this world more peaceful and less aggressive. In fact a more peaceful and less aggressive world is 

more conducive for human security. Efforts for better representation of women in every sphere including 

legislative bodies are a step to realise the vision of Mahatma Gandhi for human security. 

Finally, one would say that by criticising modern civilisation Mahatma Gandhi was upholding the cause 

of human security. A book entitled Surviving the Century: Facing Climate Chaos published by the 

World Future Council based in Germany notes that modern urban and industrial civilisation has put at 

stake not only the human life but also the very existence of the planet earth. Gandhiji analysed the 

problem of modern civilisation based on multiplication of wants and desires and turned to the villages of 

India to find answers for human security. He accepted and admired science which could build a bridge 

over river Ganga. But he said that he was in quest for a higher science which could build implements for 

village people. The higher science must reduce the carbon footprint of those who pollute the most and 

enable us to speak for the earth community by becoming non-violent, respecting nature, promoting 

sustainability and doing justice to the poor. All these aspects were central to Mahatma Gandhi and we 

need to turn to his world view for the cause of human security and the larger cause of the security of the 

planet earth. 

LEAD LEAD ARTICLE ARTICLE 

ARTICLE 

* Shri S N Sahu, Joint Secretary, Rajya Sabha Secretariat, Parliament of India. 

“We cannot command Nature except by obeying her.” ~ Francis Bacon 



By A A Mir 

Shri Umesh Chandra Medhi was born on June 19, 1936 in a 

remote village Laupara of Nalbari district. The tributaries of 

the Brahmaputra, Nona, Buradia, Pagaldia, Borolia and Tihu 

which originate from the foothills of the Himalayan ranges are 

wild in nature and have enormous contribution towards the 

agrarian economy of Nalbari. The nature’s bounty bestowed 

on the region made Laupara inaccessible to other parts of the 

Brahmaputra Valley. Living in this remotest corner of the 

country, Shri Umesh Chandra Medhi followed the freedom 

movement, especially of the activities of Mahatma Gandhi 

through newspapers. This limited information still had a great 

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impact on Shri Medhi to follow the path of non-violence and satyagraha. He had his early childhood 

spent in Borkhetri where he could not complete his high school due to family responsibilities. Mahatma 

Gandhi and Acharya Vinobha Bhave had a great impact on the life of Shri Medhi. With the lessons 

learned from their lives Shri Medhi worked for the people of Nalbhari who are at the mercy of 

Brahmaputra. 

How were you involved in Freedom Struggle? 

Umesh Chandra Medhi: When the Quit India movement started in 1942, I was 14 years old. Since my 

village was quite far from the freedom movement activities it did not have much influence on the people 

of Nalbari. But I was very much aware of the development and was greatly influenced by Gandhiji from 

that time. Newspapers were the major source of information about the freedom movement. I kept myself 

updated about the happenings. I understood the gravity of the situation and the leaders resolve to earn 

independence from the British. 

GANDHIAN GANDHIAN SPEAKS 

SPEAKS 

Gandhian nurturing villages with Gram Udyog 

How strong the principles of Mahatma Gandhi influenced you? 

Shri Umesh Chandra Medhi 

Umesh Chandra Medhi: Though influenced by Gandhiji to a great extent in my childhood days, I was 

never directly involved in the freedom movement activities as there was no opportunity in this village of 

Assam. I had the opportunity to work with Vinoba Bhaveji. After my education, I engaged myself in 

social work mostly in the line of Gandhian way of social work, more specifically in the line of Gram 

Continued… 

Udyog activities. 

“Take care of the earth and she will take care of you.” ~ Author Unknown 



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Many years after Independence, I had visited Sevagram in Wardha. In the recent past I had visited 

Gujarat Vidyapith. These visits gave me insights into the Gandhian thought. 

How did you put the Gandhian thought into practice? 

Umesh Chandra Medhi: My village (Mukalmuwa) is situated by the side of the Brahmaputra river. In 

my village, there were a few hundred families. Due to frequent erosion of the river many families lost 

their homes and livelihoods. Many of them became landless and without any avocation. They temporar- 

ily settled themselves here and there and life became very difficult for them. Looking at the plight of the 

women folk of the distressed families, I started arranging for co-operative weaving for women on the 

Khadi Udyog principle. That is how I started my work in the village on the Gandhian principles. Now, I 

have established a Khadi Udyog in the village. Many are helped financially out of this weaving trade. 

Apart from khadi, weaving and spinning has made several families self-reliant and independent. 

Most of your younger days you spent in Laupara. How did you get to Mukalmua? 

Umesh Chandra Medhi: It was a tough life in Laupara. After I dropped out from school, I had to 

struggle a lot to bring up my family. Once we were forced to leave the village. It was one of the saddest 

moments of my life for I was born and brought up in this village. I was in my early thirties at that time 

when Laupara was inundated by the tributaries of rivers and rivulets in 1969. All the villagers got 

rehabilitated at Mukalmuwa. This is where I worked on my own to provide a livelihood to the women 

folk by taking up Khadi Udyog voluntarily. 

GANDHIAN GANDHIAN SPEAKS 

SPEAKS 

Are you engaged in the educational activities in the village? 

Umesh Chandra Medhi: All my life I got myself engaged with educational activities in the Borkhetri 

village though I did not complete my high school. I know the value of education that provides 

livelihood. We started a buniyadi school more than 25 years ago. In 2000, we celebrated Golden Jubilee 

of the buniyadi school --. Nava Jagaran Buniyadi School. The school now teaches up to twelfth class 

with strength of 60 students and four Nai Talim teachers. 

What are your future plans with respect to developing Gandhian philosophy in the area of education? 

Umesh Chandra Medhi: Nai Talim system of education impressed me very much. I am planning to 

taking up a scheme of Nai Talim school in my village some time next year. I very frequently visit 

Wardha, Gandhi Nagar, Gujarat and I am also in continuous touch with the Gandhian organisations of 

Assam and outside from whom I take advice to execute the Nai Talim scheme as suggested. 

“If one way be better than another, that you may be sure is Nature's way.” 

~ Aristotle 

Continued… 



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I am a hardcore Sarvodaya activist. I had organised several activities of Sarvodaya movement. Ten years 

ago we had a 90-day Sarvodaya programme in which I took active part. 

How is life in Mukalmuwa? 

Umesh Chandra Medhi: I have a carpentry shop in the village which takes care of the needs of my 

family. Life is simple but changed a lot. Earlier we used to travel by boat. Then we had one bus which 

used to visit our village. Now roads have been laid and we have several bus services throughout the day. 

We have better facilities than ever, but our district looks disturbed with several movements of struggle 

taking place. This makes me think how relevant Gandhiji is now. 

Hind Swaraja Yatra spreads Gandhian values 

A 13-member team of Hind Swaraja Yatra, a peace march which started in Kerala on May 8, 2010 

reached the Atheist Centre in Vijayawada on May 11, 2010. The national tour was envisaged to 

commemorate the birth centenary of Mahatma Gandhi's book, Hind Swaraj. The tour reached 

Hyderabad via Bangalore and Chennai. A large number of people from various walks of life attended the 

public meeting at the Atheist Centre. The Hind Swaraja Yatra team led by social activist Civic 

Ramachandran and Gandhian Suresh George. 

Speaking on the occasion, they dwelt at length on the objectives of their mission and the Gandhian 

values that inspired them to sensitise the present generation. During the reception function of the team, 

Dr G Vijayam, Executive Director, Atheist Centre, said Gandhi stood for core values of non-violence 

and eradication of poverty as a way to better life on earth. Citing the significance of the yatra, he said 

there should be no place for violence in modern societies and Gandhi firmly believed in the message that 

violence was no instrument to bring about change in society. 

The Hind Swaraj Yatra members presented a skit “Torch-bearing woman” on the importance of self-rule 

and peace against exploitation and violence. 

GANDHIAN GANDHIAN GANDHIAN SPEAKS 

SPEAKS 

“A Healthy Ecology is the Basis for a Healthy Economy” ~ Claudine Schneider 



It is known widely that the forest tribes of Bastar 

are skillful artisans. Their talent gained popularity 

by the number of crafts exhibitions all over the 

country as well as the world. The tribal arts and 

crafts reflect their culture, religion and lifestyles 

unfortunately they are now pursued only by a few 

artisan families who got the knowledge transferred 

from one generation to the other. Today, while 

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there is growing admiration for all the arts and crafts that reflect Bastar life, the family artisan 

tradition is declining. With alternative opportunities coming their way, the new generation more 

is focused on their careers and therefore the family tradition of keeping the art alive is decaying. 

On the other hand a few of the tribals who have no skill in these arts and crafts are potential 

artisans to make a living as well as to keep the tradition of craft making going. This is win-win 

situation for the youth and women. 

HISTORY 

Bastar district is very famous for various handicrafts like terracotta, bell metal, wrought iron, 

wood carving, bamboo weaving and traditional textile. Saathi, an established NGO working in 

Bastra, estimates about 25,000 families are involved in craft. Bastar crafts have an almost 

hypnotic effect on people round the world. Some compare it to the art style of Harappa and 

Mohenjo-Daro. The mystique and the beauty of Bastar crafts remain and represent a relatively 

virgin market. 

Bastar crafts must be seen in the light of the social and cultural history. For centuries, the unit 

was basically the village community which functioned by means of established codes of 

conduct. Social and other relationships were controlled and regulated by unwritten traditions 

which owing to having the sanction of society, wielded tremendous influence in guiding and 

sustaining all activities. Pagan forms of worship existed and the elements of nature were 

constantly beseeched. This village community functioned like a self-contained unit with all 

needs being satisfied within the village. 

SUCCESS SUCCESS STORY 

STORY 

Crafts Gurukul making significant 

change in lives of Bastar artisans 

“We won't have a society if we destroy the environment.” ~ Margaret Mead 

Continued…… 



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The production system was not built on surplus or consumerism and the spirit was to manage the 

present without much regard to the future. Native intelligence and innate creativeness mould the 

norms of life and behavioral attitudes towards economic pursuits. Industrial skills were limited 

to the production of goods and services of daily use related to agriculture, animal husbandry, 

poultry, art and crafts. Craftspeople were also a part of this system with each performing a 

distinct role. They were called upon to produce various articles of household and agricultural 

use and also varied articles of worship. Each village would typically have one family of potters, 

one blacksmith, one ironmonger, carpenter, and one sculptor depending on the size of the 

village. A large village would possibly have two of each. 

Thus even today the product range of the 

artisans remains as it was for centuries. They 

exhibit an individual style of working and 

group activity is uncommon. Again, purchase 

was mostly need-based. The artisans had 

the assured village market with less 

competition, so they never really had to try 

very hard at marketing and soliciting 

customers. This is also perhaps the reason for 

the general feeling among the artisans that they would be happier working to an order than 

actively market themselves. 

CHANNEL CHANNEL PARTNER 

PARTNER 

Women help considerably in the craft producing activity. Many of the tasks that are less 

physically strenuous are also performed by the women. Most of the crafts involve high physical 

strain and constant work in front of a furnace. Perhaps this is the reason, coupled with a 

deep-rooted sense of independence that craftspeople prefer to work at their own time. When 

working even as an employee, it is very important for them to have the flexibility to work at 

their own time and place. Another important feature about the mental makeup of the craftspeople 

is that they would not like to move out of Bastar at any cost. Even the educated seem to have an 

unusual affinity with the area and prefer to come back to their village. Migration may at the 

most be within the district. The main desire of most craftspeople was to continue to work in their 

traditional occupation and earn about Rs 2,500 a month. 

“The activist is not the man who says the river is dirty. 

The activist is the man who cleans up the river.” ~Ross Perot 

Continued… 



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A small group of dedicated grassroot workers in the Gandhian tradition have set up Saathi Samaj 

Sevi Sanstha at Kumharpara (Potters' Enclave) near Kondagaon in North Bastar. The aim of 

Saathi is to help sustain and develop traditional arts and crafts in modern market conditions. 

Saathi means 'togetherness', an appropriate name for a dedicated organisation started in the late 

1980s to help potters and other craftspeople in the remote tribal district of Bastar. 

Art and crafts specialist Bhupesh Tiwari and his 

small team near the small market town of 

Kondagaon in North Bastar have spent years 

building mutual trust with the local people, 

seeking to harness and train local artisan skills so 

that an important means of livelihood does not die 

out but can flourish to the primary benefit of the 

workers themselves. Working in terracotta, wood, 

bell metal and wrought iron, Saathi is helping to bring traditional talents to the modern 

marketplace with innovative designs. 

Core Areas 

Art and culture, child welfare, disadvantaged communities, disaster management, economics and 

finance, education, employment, environment, forestry, health, intellectual property, local 

administration, poverty, rural development, sanitation, science and technology, sustainable development, 

training, tribal issues, water, women's issues 

CHANNEL CHANNEL PARTNER 

PARTNER 

Mission 

Saathi Samaj Sevi Sanstha’s mission is to revive the 

traditional handicrafts of Bastar. Generate income for 

artisans on sustainable basis. Create awareness on 

education, natural resource management and 

environment management. 

Gurukul workshop 

The National Council of Rural Institutes has supported Saathi to set up a Vishwakarma Gurukul, a rural 

training institute for training artisans, women and tribal youths on Gurukul pattern. 

“Man is a child of his environment” ~ Shinichi Suzuki 

Continued… 



Goals of Gurukul 

♦ to ensure quality of products of rural artisans 

through intervention in technology, tools, skill, 

raw material and production and post- 

production processes 

♦ to organise artisanal community in the form of 

Karigar Panchayats (Guilds) 

♦ to enhance the efficiency and skill of rural 

artisans 

♦ to train and prepare master craftsmen and trainers 

in the craft sector for strengthening rural 

employment opportunities 

♦ to provide regular design support to the artisans 

as per market demand 

♦ to create employment opportunities for rural and 

tribal youth at village level 

♦ to upgrade the existing community owned 

infrastructure to facilitate more relevant and 

useful training to the rural artisans, women and 

rural youth 

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Vishwakarma Gurukul was formed to address the needs of artisans and crafts people engaged in potter, 

wrought iron work, bell metal work, wood work and bamboo crafts. 

All these practicing artisans belong to the under privileged sections of the society and are facing 

problems for survival. 

CHANNEL CHANNEL CHANNEL PARTNER 

PARTNER 

Vishwakarma Gurukul trains and facilitates rural artisans, women and youth to move towards 

sustainable income generation making the village economies prosper. The art and crafts workshop 

enhances employment in rural areas and hone the skills and build capacity of artisans, thus augmenting 

their ability to survive in an increasingly competitive environment. This project has put a cap on 

migration from rural areas to urban areas and more importantly leading to real rural development. Thus 

clearly the project will work towards fulfilling the objectives of the NCRI. 

Tribute to a social activist 

Bhupendra Banchhore, founder 

secretary, Saathi Samaj Sevi Sanstha 

left for heavenly abode on February 19, 

2007. At Saathi, it was the saddest of 

the moments. He left behind some 

pleasant memories of togetherness that 

was shared in the School of Ceramic. 

He was part of the struggles, works, 

thoughts, perspectives, and, most 

importantly, he is remembered for his 

'never-say-die' spirit. Bhupendra was 

born on October 27, 1968. He was able 

to bring an unusually positive synergy 

while assisting a large community of 

artisans in Bastar and many places. 

“Trying to save ecosystems has more to do with changing egosystems.” 

~ Don Rittner 



HINDI HINDI ARTICLE 

ARTICLE 

xk¡/kh&n”kZu xk¡/kh&n”kZu ,oa ,oa cqfu;knh cqfu;knh f”k{kk 

f”k{kk 

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n”kZu ,oa f”k{kk ,d gh flDds ds nks igyw gSa vkSj nksuksa ,d nwljs ls lacaf/kr gSa A n”kZu&f”k{kk dk lS)kafrd i{k 

gS ,oa f”k{kk n”kZu dk O;kogkfjd i{k gS A xk¡/kh th n”kZu ds {ks= esa ,ds”ojoknh Fks A os mifu’kn~ ds czãokn ;k 

v}Srokn ls izHkkfor Fks A HkkSfrd “kjhj dh fHkérk ekurs gq, Hkh os vkRek esa fo”okl djrs Fks A 

xk¡/kh th ,d ,sls lekt dh jpuk djuk pkgrs Fks tks lR;] vfgalk] izse vkSj U;k; ij vk/kkfjr gks A ;s gh 

lR;] vfgalk] izse vkSj U;k; xk¡/kh n”kZu ds izeq[k LrEHk gSa A xk¡/kh th lR; dks gh bZ”oj ekurs Fks A os lR; dh 

izkfIr vFkkZr~ bZ”oj dh izkfIr dks gh thou dk pjerRo ekurs gSa A os bZ”oj dh izkfIr ekuork dh lsok ds }kjk 

djus dk ekxZ crykrs gSa A mudk vVy fo”okl Fkk fd bZ”oj dk fuokl ekuork ds eafnj esa gS A blfy, os 

euq’; ds ân; dks


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cqfu;knh f”k{kk O;fDr dk fodkl lekt ds fy, djus esa fo”okl j[krh gS vkSj blh vk/kkj ij cPPkksa dks izf”kf 

{kr djrh gS A blls xk¡/kh n”kZu dks dk;kZfUor djus dh laHkkouk Li’V ifjyf{kr gksrh gS A vr% cqfu;knh f”k{kk 

xk¡/kh&n”kZu dk O;kogkfjd i{k vFkok fØ;kRed igyw izLrqr djrh gS A 

cqfu;knh cqfu;knh f”k{kk f”k{kk dk dk fodkl fodkl ,oa ,oa fl)kUr fl)kUr & 

xk¡/kh th ds eu esa Hkkjr esa tks f”k{kk uhfr 

pykus dh ;kstuk Fkh] mldk iz;ksx igys mUgksaus 

vQzhdk ds VkYLVkW; QkeZ esa fd;k A ckn esa 

Hkkjr esa lkcjerh ,oa lsok xzke esa iz;ksx fd;k 

x;k A blds iwoZ 1917 esa fcgkj ds pEikj.k 

dh Hkwfe ij Hkhrgjok esa vkSj mlds vkl&ikl 

iz;ksx fd;k Fkk A blds ckn muds lg;ksfx;ksa us 

vU; LFkkuksa ij Hkh jk’Vªh; fo|kihBksa dh LFkkiuk 

dh A ysfdu blls mldh iwfrZ ugha gks jgh Fkh 

A ,sls le; esa ns”k dks ,slh f”k{kk uhfr dh vko”;drk Fkh tks yksxksa esa ubZ psruk] uothou] ubZ LQwfrZ Hkj lds 

A muesa vkRefo”okl] vkRelEeku] fuHkZjrk] lkekftdrk] lkgl] mRlkg ,oa n`



ARTICLE 

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f}rh; fo”o;q) ,oa 1942 dh tuØkafr ds dkj.k cqfu;knh f”k{kk dk dke izk;% Bi iM+ x;k flQZ lsok xzke 

esa ,oa fcgkj esa dqN iz;ksx gksrs jgs A tc ns”k esa dkaxzslh ljdkj cuh rc cqfu;knh f”k{kk dk dke lHkh izkUrksa esa 

pkyw dj fn;k x;k A Hkkjr ljdkj ds rRdkyhu lykgdkj tku ljtsaV us Hkh cqfu;knh f”k{kk dks izkFkfed f”k{kk 

ds fy, mi;ksxh iz.kkyh ds :Ik esa ekU;rk iznku dh A 

cqfu;knh cqfu;knh f”k{kk f”k{kk thou thou dh dh dh ,d ,d izfØ;k&thou izfØ;k&thou dh dh f”k{kk f”k{kk thou thou }kjk }kjk & 

egkRek xk¡/kh us fy[kk gS & f”k{kk dk {ks= dsoy lkr ls pkSng 

o’kZ rd ds ckyd@ckfydkvksa ds fy, gh ugha oju~ cPpk tc 

ek¡ ds isV ls iSnk gksrk gS rc ls e`R;qi;ZUr cqfu;knh f”k{kk dk 

Øe pyrk jgrk gS A ;g f”k{kk thou ds igyqvksa dks izHkkfor 

djrk gS] thou esa dksbZ ,slh ckr ugha ftldk laca/k f”k{kk ls 

u gksA cqfu;knh rkyhe esa ekuo thou dh izR;sd fLFkfr dh 

f”k{kk lfEefyr gS A mi;qZDr ckrksa dks /;ku esa j[kdj gh 

cqfu;knh f”k{kk dks fuEukafdr pkj Hkkxksa esa ckaVk x;k gS & 

♦ iwoZ cqfu;knh vFkok lkr lky ds NksVs cPpksa dh f”k{kk A 

♦ cqfu;knh rkyhe vFkok lkr lky ls 14 lky ds ckyd 

& ckfydkvksa dh f”k{kk A 

♦ mRrj cqfu;knh vFkok 10 ls 18 o’kZ rd ds ckyd o ckfydkvksa dh rFkk fo”ofo|ky; dh f”k{kkA 

♦ l;kuksa dh rkyhe vFkok izkS


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izpfyr f”k{kk i)fr esa cqf)thoh ,oa Jethoh ;kuh gwtwj ,oa etwj nks Hkkxksa us lekt dks ckaV fn;k] “kjhj Je 

ls ?k`.kk djus yxkk A lekt dh ;g fLFkfr jk’Vª ds fy, ?kkrd Fkh A vr% xka/kh th us lkspk fd f”k{kk m|ksx ij 

gh dsfUnzr jgs rkfd cpiu ls cPpksa esa Je dh izfr’Bk jgs A os cpiu ls gh “kkjhfjd Je dks J)k dh n`f’V 

ls ns[ksa] muds eu esa “kkjhfjd Je djus okyksa ds izfr ?k`.kk mRiUu u gks A blfy, cqfu;knh f”k{kk esa m|ksx dks 

egRoiw.kZ LFkku fn;k x;k A m|ksxksa dks dsUnz fcUnq ekudj lkjs Kku dks mlh ds Åij vk/kkfjr ekuk x;k gS A 

blesa deZ dks Kku ds vfHkUu laca/k LFkkfir fd;k x;k A ,slk ekuk x;k fd deZ ls vuqHkwfr mRiUu gksrh gS vkSj 

vuqHkwfr ls Kku gksrk gS vFkkZr~ deZ ;k m|ksx gh Kku dk lzksr vFkok tuuh gS A 

cqfu;knh cqfu;knh f”k{kk f”k{kk esa esa u;s u;s lekt lekt dh dh dYiuk dYiuk & 

fouksck ds vuqlkj cqfu;knh f”k{kk ds fy, u;s lekt dh vko”;drk gS A mudk fopkj gS fd ßubZ rkyhe vkt 

dh lekt jpuk dk;e j[kdj ugha dh tk ldrh gS A lekt jpuk ds lkFk ubZ rkyhe dk iwjk fojks/k gS A ubZ 

rkyhe rks u;s lekt dk gh fuekZ.k djsxh AÞ xka/kh th pkgrs Fks fd ,d lekt gks ftlesa lHkh lq[kh gksa vkSj 

lcdk dY;k.k gks A 

lekt esa bZekunkjh ,oa uSfrdrk uke dh dksbZ pht ugha gS A nw/k dh txg ikuh] ?kh dh txg MkyMk] vukt dh 

txg dadM+ o /kwy cM+h cs”kehZ ds lkFk csps tk jgs gSa A vkSj fnu&izfrfnu lekt iru dh xrZ esa tk jgk gS A 

lekt dks iru ds xrZ ls cpkus ds fy, cqfu;knh f”k{kk ,oa mlds }kjk ifjdfYir lekt gh ,dek= nok gS A 

cqfu;knh cqfu;knh f”k{kk f”k{kk esa esa LokJf;rk LokJf;rk & 

& 


ARTICLE 

lPph f”k{kk ogh tks euq’; dks okLrfod vFkZ esa LokJ;h ;kuh LokoyEch cuk;s A vFkkZr~ f”kf{kr O;fDr dks viuh 

vfuok;Z vko”;drkvksa esa tSls & Hkkstu] oL= ,oa vkokl dh iwfrZ ds fufer nwljksa ij fuHkZj u djuk iMs+ A 

tc rd ge vkfFkZd ekeyksa ds LokJ;h ugha gksaxs rc rd gekjk mfpr fodkl ugha gks ldrk gS A 

xka/khth f”k{kk dks nks n`f’Vdks.k ls LokJ;h cukuk pkgrs Fks A igyk] fd vfuok;Z f”k{kk ;kstuk ykxw djus ds fy, 

ns”k ds ikl iSls dh deh Fkh A nwljk] fd 8 lky dh i


Ailaan 

Ailaan 

cqfu;knh f”k{kk ds LokoyEcu fl)kar dk izcy fojks/k gqvk fdUrq tkfdj gqlSu dfeVh us bl fl)kar dks eku 

fy;k] fdUrq mlus dgk fd f”k{kdksa dks mlesa iwjh lrdZrk cjrus dh t:jr gS A ,slk u gks fd LokoyEcu ij 

vf/kd tksj nsdj f”k{kd fo|ky; dks dkj[kkuk cuk ns A cqfu;knh fo|ky;ksa esa m|ksx dks viukus ls x`g m|ksxksa 

dks izksRlkgu feysxk A xkao dh vkfFkZd fLFkfr esa Hkh lq/kkj gksxk ,oa loksZn; lekt dh jpuk ds fy, okrkoj.k 

rS;kj gksxk A 

cqfu;knh cqfu;knh cqfu;knh f”k{kk f”k{kk esa esa leok; leok; & 

& 

leok; ds nks “kCn gSa & le$ok; A ^le* dk vFkZ 

gS ^cjkcj* vkSj ôk;* dk vFkZ gS ^cquuk* vFkkZr 

lerk dks cquus okyk A leok; esa deZ vkSj Kku dk 

vfHkUu laca/k LFkkfir gksrk gS A deZ ls Kku fuf”pr 

gksrk gS vkSj dk;Z flf) esa lgk;d gksrk gS A Kkuk- 

Red deZ lq[knk;d gksrk gS A ubZ rkyhe esa leok; 

dh iz.kkyh dk vuqlj.k dj deZ dks gh Kku dk 

vk/kkj ekuuk gksxk A 

bl laca/k esa fouksck th us dgk gS fd ?kM+k ;k feV~Vh ,d gS ;k nks \ vxj vki nks dgsaxs rks gekjh feV~Vh gesa 

ns nhft;s vkSj viuk ?kM+k ys tkb;s A ?kM+k vkSj feV~Vh ,d gS vxj ,slk dgsaxs rks ogkWa feV~Vh dk h tkrh gS A blfy, 

ikB~;dze esa LokLF; f”k{kk dks egRoiw.kZ LFkku feyuk pkfg, A cqfu;knh f”k{kk esa cPpksa ds “kkjhfjd] ekufld vkSj 

vk/;kfRed fodkl ds fy;s iz;Ru fd;k tkuk pkfg, A fo|ky; dk dke gS lq;ksX; ukxfjd rS;kj djuk vkSj 

O;fDrRo dk larqfyr fodkl djuk A blfy, fo|ky; dks LokLF; f”k{kk ds Åij fo”ks’k /;ku fn;k tkuk pkfg, 

ALoLFk “kjhj esa gh LoLFk efLr’d dk fuokl laHko gS A vLoLFk O;fDr nqfu;k dk vkuan ugha ys ldrk u 

oS;fDrd] lkekftd ,oa jk’Vªh; fodkl ds fy, dqN dj ldrk gS A 

Continued…. 

“The universe is not required to be in perfect harmony with human ambition.” 

~Carl Sagan 



f”k{kk f”k{kk laLFkkvksa laLFkkvksa esa esa uSfrd uSfrd uSfrd fodkl fodkl && 

& & 

HINDI HINDI HINDI ARTICLE 

ARTICLE 

f”k{kk laLFkkvksa esa uSfrd f”k{kk dk egRoiw.kZ 

LFkku gksuk pkfg, A D;ksafd f”k{kk dk mn~ns”; 

O;fDr dk uSfrd mRFkku djuk Hkh gS A 

ckydksa ds lokZaxh.k fodkl ds fy, uSfrd f”k 

{kk dh furkUr vko”;drk gSA blds laca/k esa 

eqnkfy;j deh”ku esa fy[kk gS] pfj= ds 

fodkl esa uSfrd f”k{kk Hkh ,d egRoiw.kZ dke 

djrk gS A blesa rfud Hkh lansg ugha gS fd 

tc rd ns”k ds ;qodksa ds efLr’d esa dqN 

uSfrd fl)kUr ugha Hkjs tkrs gSa rc rd f”k{kk ds iw.kZ y{; dh iwfrZ ugha gksrh gS A 

fcgkj fcgkj fcgkj ,oa ,oa Hkkjr Hkkjr esa esa cqfu;knh cqfu;knh f”k{kk f”k{kk f”k{kk ds ds izpkj&izlkj izpkj&izlkj dk dk bfrgkl bfrgkl & 

& 

Ailaan 

Ailaan 

fcgkj esa cqfu;knh f”k{kk dk iz;ksx 1938 ds twu eghus esa izkjaHk gqvk A iVuk Vªsfuax Ldwy ds iz/kkuk/;kid Jh 

jke”kj.k mik/;k; ,oa vH;kl”kkyk ds iz/kkuk/;kid Jh f”ko dqekj dks fcgkj ljdkj us 15 fnu ds vYi izf”k 

{k.k ds fy, o/kkZ Hkstk A o/kkZ ls mu nksuksa ds ykSVus ij iVuk Vªsfuax Ldwy dks cqfu;knh izf”k{k.k fo|ky; esa 

ifj.kr dj fn;k x;k A cqfu;knh f”k{kdksa ds izf”k{k.k dk Hkkj bUghsa nksuksa dks lkSaik x;k A 1938 esa fcgkj ljdkj 

us cqfu;knh f”k{kk cksMZ dh LFkkiuk dh A Jh jke”kj.k mik/;k; blds ea=h gq, A iVuk esa v/;kidksa ds izf”k{k.k 

vkSj pEikj.k ds oÙnkou ds l?ku {ks= esa cqfu;knh fo|ky;ksa ds lapkyu dk nkf;Ro cksMZ dks fn;k x;k A 1939 

bZ- esa dkaxzsl eaf=eaMy us in R;kx fn;k A eaf=eaMy ds in R;kx ls cqfu;knh f”k{kk ij vk?kkr igq¡pus dh vk”kadk 

gqbZ] fdUrq oÙnkou l?ku {ks= esa Ldwyksa dks 1945&46 bZ- rd iwjk djus dk vkns”k fcgkj ljdkj us ns fn;k A 

Hkkjr ljdkj ds rRdkyhu f”k{kk lykgdkj tkWu ltsZaV dh flQkfj”k ij 1946 esa cqfu;knh fo|ky;ksa dks 8osa oxZ 

esa tksM+ fn;k x;k A bl izdkj Lora=rk izkfIr ds ckn lkjs izkar esa csfld f”k{kk QSy x;h A cEcbZ] mM+hlk] 

e/;izns”k] o/kkZ rks bl f”k{kk dk tUe LFkku gh gS vkSj bldk iz;ksx vPNh rjg ls py jgk gS A mRrj izns”k esa 

Hkh cqfu;knh fo|ky; bykgkckn esa [kksyk x;k A enzkl esa Hkh csfld Ldwy ,oa Vªsfuax Ldwy [kksys x, A bl izdkj 

ns”k ds gj jkT; esa cqfu;knh f”k{kk dk dke pyuk “kq: gks x;k A 

(To be continued in next edition) 

“Environmentalists have long been fond of saying that the sun is the only safe nuclear 

reactor, situated as it is some ninety-three million miles away.” ~Stephanie Mills 



READERS READERS REFLECT 

REFLECT 

Making today’s youth aware of Gandhian thoughts 

“You forget that the fruits belong to all and that the land belongs to no one.” 

~Jean-Jacques Rousseau 

Ailaan 

Ailaan 

It was my pleasure to go through NCRI’s newsletter Ailaan (March issue). I appreciate NCRI‘s 

commitment towards imbibing Gandhian thoughts among today’s youth and focusing on strengthening 

rural industries. 

The concept of strengthening rural industries is highly appreciable. As today’s generation are unaware of 

rural world and village life. Generating awareness about ‘back to villages’, ‘empowering women’, 

‘environmental education’, ‘bio-fuel’ are laudable. Along with this sensitising today’s youth on skill 

orientation and exposure towards creating avenues are highly encouraging. Equipping fishermen 

community as part of rural development on micro financing is significant. Workshop for youth and 

management students on Gandhi lessons and Indian culture is appreciable. 

Interview with ‘Karimnagar Gandhi’ was memorable and heart touching. It is good that Ailaan is 

focusing on such great freedom fighters. 

Quotations at the bottom of each page are good indeed. I would suggest you to include great sayings by 

Indian personalities and great thinkers. 

I would appreciate if the newsletter is also published in regional languages like ‘Telugu’. According to 

my perception, to make to viable to a large audience along with English and Hindi, the newsletter should 

be published in regional languages. 

Venugopal Reddy, Chairman, Ekalavya Foundation, Utnoor, Adilabad, AP. 

Informative for students and academia 

We found Ailaan very informative and useful for students and academia. Different dimensions dealt by 

NCRI in the newsletter are astonishing. The efforts of NCRI in reaching out to the students and social 

entrepreneurs are appreciable. 

Dr Lena Ashok, Head, Department of Social Work, Mangalore University. 

Useful for NGO leaders 

Ailaan is useful for the NGO leaders working in the area of rural development. The news reports on the 

various programmes of NCRI from across the country are enlightening. 

P Roshan, Consultant, Abhivruddikaraga Shikshana Karyagrama, Udipi. 



Thought-provoking newsletter 

READERS READERS REFLECT 

REFLECT 

Ailaan 

Ailaan 

I felt enlightened after reading the March 2010 issue of the NCRI’s newsletter Ailaan. The newsletter 

contains lots of materials from diverse areas on different dimensions of public life. It was refreshing and 

thought-provoking to find that the NCRI has been really engaged at the grassroots level for motivating 

the people for their sustained development through participatory approach. What would have been a 

better use of the Gandhian philosophy than this where the marginalised people are being empowered for 

taking advantage of the growing Indian economy. This would be helpful in realising the missed target of 

inclusive growth and development in the Indian context. 

The newsletter also brings to the fore how the institutions at the micro level are working closely with the 

people in their uplift at a time when more and more questions are being raised about the level of 

commitment and growing greed among the institutions; be it the governmental institutions or the NGOs. 

However, with regard to the institutions, I find that at this level the NCRI needs to come out with further 

new strategies that are embedded with the Gandhian philosophy of working at the grassroots level and 

that is really motivating for the people to come out of the marginalisation and seclusion and become self 

-sustainable over a period of time and that period of time should not be long now. 

I have firm belief that Ailaan is no less than a periodical that not only contains news but also rich 

material in terms of experiences, write-ups, articles and thoughts. These are quite helpful in shaping the 

thoughts of the activists and others including the State who may now work with greater confidence and 

commitments. 

Dr Manoj Kumar Agarwal, Reader, Department of Economics, University of Lucknow. 

“Be the change you want to see in the world.” 

- Mahatma Gandhi 

Editor: Dr. S.V. Prabhath, Chairman, NCRI, Hyderabad. 

Printed & Published by Dr. D. N. Dash, Assistant Director, on behalf of 

National Council of Rural Institutes (NCRI), Hyderabad. 

Place of publication : National Council of Rural Institutes, MHRD, GoI, 5-10-174, II Floor, 

Shakar Bhavan, Fateh Maidan Road, Hyderabad 500 004. Phone: 040-23212120 / 23212813. 

Website: www.ncri.in, E-Mail: editor@ncri.in 

Printing Press: M/s Vee Kay Printers, Ramkote, Hyderabad—500 195. 

“For a successful technology, reality must take precedence over public relations, 

for Nature cannot be fooled.” ~ Richard P. Feynman

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