December 05 – 09: Dahanu: Learning Expedition
TAMARIND TREE
Sogve Village, Dahanu, Maharashtra
LEARNING EXPEDITION – Students of Australia
Tamarind Tree proposes a 5 day Learning Expedition at its farm at Dahanu,
Maharashtra for the students of Australia. This programme is now also open
to Indian students, researchers and professionals. The proposed Agenda and
thematic areas that we will cover in the programme are provided below.
Date: December 5th 2008 – December 9th 2008
Thematic Areas
1. Organic Farming
Given that the students will live and be exposed to life on a farm, learning
expeditions include a significant component of hands on experience of
working on the farm daily. This could range from 1-2 hours per day or even
more if desired. Other than assisting in the daily chores of the farm, we
could hand a particular task (vegetable plantation, rice growing, weeding –
or any relevant activity at that time) which would need to be completed in
the duration of the time spent here. The experience will also include an
understanding of farming practices both subsistence farming practices by the
tribals as well as commercial horticulture as exists in the region.
Discussions on the challenges faced in being organic would also be a
crucial part of this thematic learning.
2. Indigenous Communities
Dahanu is home to the indigenous community of the Warlis, that have a
significant history of oppression and exploitation. In fact this area is
known for its struggles and movements for land and forests rights, making it
an extremely interesting area to study from a political as well as cultural
anthropological perspective.
Warli Art Workshop
Tamarind Tree also works closely with a a cooperative of tribal artisans
(Warli hast Kala Gat) and interaction with them will be an intense and
interesting experience for the students. We will take students to the
artists home where together with the artists they try their hand at Warli
painting. More importantly, the context and meaning behind the tribal
(Warli) paintings is discussed.
Indigenous Identity Issues
The learning expedition will also include a component of cultural studies
and the students will get an insight into some of the issues facing the
local indigenous community.
Environmental Campaign
We will also include in our prgrammes, the decade old environmental campaign
as a starting point to discuss the debate on environment versus development.
For this the students can interact with the community of horticulturists and
the fisherfolk to understand how a local thermal power plant has impacted
their lives.
The programme is being offered to students, researchers and young
professionals (age group 18-30 years). A group of 6-8 Australians,
interested in environmental and social issues will be part of the group.
Cost per participant for the 5 day programme is Rs. 3850. This includes all
meals, accommodation reading material, and resource persons lectures. (For
students, some concession can be made).
For more details contact,
Michelle Chawla, 1, Sapote Building, Irani Road, Dahanu – 401602. Mobile:
9860030888
email: michelle@tamarindtr
www.tamarindtree.
Tamarind Tree is a registered Public Charity and all proceeds go towards
community development and environmental and social justice programmes.