Environmental & Economic Sustainability, Social Harmony and Social Transmutation : an example towards Self-rule/Swaraj
Vivek Umrao Glendenning
The Founder, CEO, and the Editor, Ground Report India
The Vice-Chancellor, The Gokul Social University
Co-Founder, The Gokul Social University
The Gokul Social University, GSU
A non-formal community university founded by Sanjay Sajjan Singh, Sanjeev Narayan Singh and Vivek Umrao in 2007, Gokul Social University, GSU, works for sustainable economy, peace, social harmony, and self-sufficiency. GSU's main campus covers an area of three acres. Toilets, a pond, trees, a cow shelter, a cow-dung based energy plant, a bore-well driven by renewable energy are all part of the main campus. In addition, there is a quadrangle for growing vegetables and farmland. Located on the link road in the rural area of Aurangabad district in Bihar. Also, the building serves as a non-formal school for children from poor farming families from the surrounding villages. To generate electricity and cook food on the GSU campus, cow dung and solar energy are being used. The campus is frequently visited by farmers and villagers from Aurangabad and its neighbouring districts.
Ramrekha River
It was around 70 years ago when the Ramrekha River, which had been running locally for hundreds of years, and was one of the main lifelines for the region, dried up. In 1952, after a series of droughts for a few years, local villagers began to request to the government that the government resolve the water draught issue. People's representatives have always promised to get votes before every election of the state assembly and national parliament, but even after passing decades after decades, there has never been any initiative on this. After some time, the groundwater in the region also dried up. As a result of this situation, this area had been experiencing severe drought for more than twenty years, until just one year ago.
The insurgency region
The development, even a preliminary one, has never been reached in the area. As a result of preterition for decades, a continuous drought and poverty, the local villagers started to engage in insurgency activities. As time passed, this very backward region with no connecting roads and no other civilian facilities, became profoundly affected by the activities of the insurgents. As far as administrative areas are concerned, they fall within the Gaya and Aurangabad districts in the state of Bihar. There are many government armed forces camps in the region due to the rebel activities in the region. In the area one could see the threatening notice boards put up by the different committees of insurgents.
The First step towards “the transmutation”
A delegation of farmers from the region visited the campus of Gokul Social University, GSU, in 2011. The farmers stated, even though they would like to be part of the cow and agriculture-based self-sustaining economy, how can they do so since their villages lack access to water? More than two decades have passed since they have been suffering from severe drought. Around seventy years ago, the Ramrekha river dried up. There was a strong feeling from the delegation that the GSU should support their efforts to raise political pressure on the government by using the mass strength of local areas.
The GSU suggested solutions for dealing with water issues and the drought by taking constructive approaches, rather than relying on government agencies for the solutions. It is likely that those farmers did not understand the concept of self-sustainability that day, therefore they left and did not return. Though they didn't contact, the GSU decided to move on.
Dialogues with one hundred thousands people of two hundred villages in four years
Gokul Social University, GSU, initiated the movement with preliminary discussions with local villagers. It took around four years, from the year 2011 to the end of the year 2014, to reach "the consensus” for building a rainwater harvesting RWH dam for the rejuvenation of the Ramrekha river. Also, for constructing a canal to connect villages to get water across the mountains. After the preliminary dialogues with villagers, the foot marches were started for determiner-dialogues to motivate also to get local people's support.
Over five hundred mass meetings were held in many villages in four years. Over the course of four years, the GSU team held dialogues with more than one hundred thousand people in two hundred villages in Gaya and Aurangabad districts. For over two years, the GSU led around twenty-five thousand people from over ten thousand families from forty villages in building the RWH dam, as well as the Ramrekha canal that passes through the mountains to irrigate the villages.
The hard path was chosen, unanimously
The easy path, By building the RWH dam beneath the mountain, no need to construct a canal that passes through the mountain for around two kilometers.
Input: Relative to building a canal through a mountain, there is much less physical labour, much less financial assets, much less mass involvement.
Output: Fewer catchment areas, less groundwater and surface water storage, no revitalization of the Ramrekha River, and insufficient water to irrigate many villages.
The hard path, Putting the RWH dam in the mountain's largest catchment area will make it necessary to construct a canal that will pass through around two kilometres of the mountain.
Input: endless effort, money, willpower, mass involvement, as well as patience and loyalty.
Output: Big catchment area, high groundwater storage, large surface water storage, revival of the Ramrekaha river, and large area available for irrigation.
As a result of the GSU's continuous dialogue, it has generated large momentum, deeper social bonds, and a far-sighted vision to resolve the water problem and improve the quality of life. The easy path was never considered, and the hard path was unanimously chosen.
—Photo Album—
Constructing the Ramrekha canal, passing through the mountains by hand and with traditional tools
Thousands of financially weak, but very strong-willed, villagers took on the challenge of the big rocky mountain on the 31st of December 2014, the first day. Although it was almost impossible to dig heavy rocks by bare hands using spades, big hammers, and other traditional tools, they built the two kilometer long, twenty-two foot deep, seventeen foot wide Ramrekha canal. In the two kilometres of canal there is an open tunnel through the mountain for one and a half kilometres.
—Photo—
Women leadership with the zeal of the victory, in the Ramrekha canal
There were hundreds of people working each day, with a maximum of two thousand people a day. Approximately one thousand people worked each day for two months. On average, a hundred people per day dug the canal through the mountain for one and a half years.
Sanjay Sajjan Singh also contributed physical labour for many days
The water was carried by hundreds of people from long distances for many weeks. Water was used to soften the grip of rocks. Over twenty-five thousand people contributed around five hundred thousand hours of physical labor to build the canal and the RWH dam.
Although, the Ramrekha canal was ready for use in the month of June in the year 2016. To irrigate more villages, the works of widening and lengthening the canal continue due to the massive water storage and rejuvenation of the river.
—Photo Album—
The construction cost of the Ramrekha canal
Shabhu Ram
In total, forty thousand people supported the cause financially and twenty-five thousand contributed physically as well. Though they did not belong to the beneficiary villages, poor people felt a strong bond with the purpose. A poor cobbler, for example, donated the entire earnings of a few days. He is not a shop owner; he sits outside a shop. Also, He is not from a beneficiary village.
In total, the Ramrekha canal cost about 600,000 USD (0.6 million USD) including human labor. There is no funding from any funding agency, any nonprofit organization, or any government department. All assets were provided by the local community.
The "Buda-Budi" RWH dam
Amla Ashok Ruia
Despite starting many months after the canal, the construction of the RWH dam and the Ramrekha canal were completed almost simultaneously. The total cost of building the Buda-Budi dam, including manpower, was about 150,000 USD (0.15 million USD). Approximately 40,000 USD, given by Mumbai's philanthropist and water social entrepreneur, Amla Ashok Ruia.
Buda-Budi Dam is in Chhakarbandha, Dumariya block, Gaya district, and the Ramrekha Canal runs from Chhakarbandha to Dev block in Aurangabad district in Bihar.
—Photo Album—
The output:
- After many decades, the Ramrekha River now flows with water year-round.
- Annual income increased of villages in the first year = $10 million.
- Irrigated agricultural land = 25,000 acres.
- There are more than 10,000 direct beneficiary families.
- Groundwater levels have significantly improved in more than 200 villages.
- The insurgents are coming back into the mainstream.
Special thanks to the team
Sanjay Sajjan Singh, Founder and the Chairperson Gokul Foundation
Sanjiv Narayan Singh, co-Founder Gokul Social University and the President Gokul Sena
—Photo Album—
Vivek Umrao Glendenning 'SAMAJIK YAYAVAR'
- The Founder and the Chief Editor, the Ground Report India group
- World Peace Ambassador
- The Author, Books
Rather than take a job for money after graduating from mechanical engineering and working on renewable energy research, he chose to do volunteer work with exploited and marginalized groups in very backward areas rather than working for a salary.
In India, a PhD scholarship from a European university could be a lifetime dream for a student, but he preferred to work with marginalized communities rather than accept a PhD scholarship from a European university.
He walked many thousands of miles covering thousands of villages over a period of time to obtain ground realities and unmanipulated, primary information. Through these intense marches, meetings, and community discussions, he had direct dialogue with more than a million people before he was forty.
In his work, he has been researching, understanding and implementing concepts of social economy, participatory local governance, education, citizen journalism, ground reporting and rural reporting, freedom of expression, bureaucratic accountability, tribal development and village development, relief, rehabilitation and village revival.
His work in India included establishing or co-founding various social organizations, educational and health institutions, cottage industries, marketing systems, and community universities for education, social economy, health, the environment, the social environment, renewable-energy, groundwater, river revitalization, social justice, and sustainability.
About fifteen years ago, he got married to an Australian hydrology-scientist, but stayed in India for more than a decade to work for exploited and marginalized communities. The couple decided before marriage that they will not have a child until their presence in India is required for the ongoing works. Therefore, they waited eleven years to have a baby after their marriage.
Hundreds of thousands of people from marginalized groups in backward areas of India love and regard him, and even consider him a family member. All these achievements and prestige he had achieved were left behind when he became a full-time father to his son and put his life on hold. Before leaving India, he donated everything except some clothes, mobiles, and laptops.
He now lives in Canberra with his son and wife. He contributes to journals and social media that cover social issues in India. He also provides counseling to local activists working for social solutions in India. Additionally, he is involved with some international peace and sustainability groups.
———
Through Ground Report India editions, Vivek organized nationwide or semi-national tours to explore the ground realities covering up to 15000 kilometres in each one or two months to establish a constructive ground journalism platform with social accountability.
As a writer, he has written a book in Hindi, “मानसिक, सामाजिक, आर्थिक स्वराज्य की ओर”, about various social issues including community development, water, agriculture, ground works, and conditioning of thought & mind. Several reviews say it covers "What" "Why" "How" practically for the socioeconomic development of India.
Sachin Bhandari
August 11, 2017 @ 3:44 PM
Super. This is classic example of what human determination can achieve. Phenomenal .
Harilal Patel
August 12, 2017 @ 9:32 AM
viveji,
Jai Shri Ram,
I read your article and got interested in your activities.
Just a month ago I was in and around Ranchi, Jharkhand under Ekal Vidyalaya program to work with and uplifting the vanvasi.
I have more than 45 years of experience in Environmental quality and some in Teaching in Environmental preservation., water shade protection field.
i can support your activities When I learn more about them
Please write to me.
Warm Regards
Sincerely
Harilal Patel
Igor Kondrashin
August 12, 2017 @ 9:34 AM
Dear colleagues,
Please, note that from 2 to 7 October in Athens, the 8-th Dialectical Symposium of the World Philosophical Forum will be held, where the following questions will be discussed:
1) The current situation on the Earth and the most serious global problems
2) Universal SOCIALIZATION of Humanity and the fight against DEMENTIA by means of civic education and enlightenment
3) The formation of Global citizenship – how to foster the process world-wide
4) Universal CONSTITUTION of the Earth – the creation of the USE governance organs are in progress
5) The regular annual summit meeting of the “Supreme Council of Humanity” on their own agenda
See the details at – http://wpf-unesco.org/eng/prgwork.htm
Those, who wish to participate in this event, they can apply at – http://wpf-unesco.org/eng/partrq.htm
The information Department of the World Philosophical Forum
Jairam Ramesh
August 12, 2017 @ 12:37 PM
This may interest you and others. just out.
http://www.amazon.in/Indira-Gandhi-Nature-Jairam-Ramesh/dp/8193355245/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1501566571&sr=8-1&keywords=indira+gandhi+a+life+in+nature
Bharati Mirchandani
August 12, 2017 @ 1:40 PM
Congratulations
It would be of interest , especially to others trying to raise similar self help initiatives, to know about obstacles and human management problems and how these were tackled. You have mentioned the initial lack of response. . .
CMD
August 12, 2017 @ 2:00 PM
Excellent. Thanks for sharing it with us. We need more such initiatives in the country.
___________________________________________________
Chairman and Managing Director
Intercontinental Consultants and Technocrats Pvt Ltd.
Mohan Dadlani
August 12, 2017 @ 2:41 PM
Congratulations to you Gokul Social University on monumental efforts and great achievements.
I hope and pray that Community leaders will remain united and start new projects to provide education and employment to local youth. Swami Vivekananda’s dream are being achieved in reality. You should start a small study circle to help youth Learn computer skills such as emails etc. so that they can widen their horizons.
My Best wishes and kind regards
Mohan
Prof Hafiz Yahya
August 12, 2017 @ 3:42 PM
Remarkable effort and excellent achievements. Congratulations. Keep it up. There are only a few people doing such social works for our local societies.
Prof. H. S. A. Yahya
Girish Juyal
August 12, 2017 @ 3:46 PM
संकट में है आज वो धरती, जिस पर तूने जनम लिया
पूरा कर दे आज वचन वो, जो गीता में जो तूने दिया
तुम बिन कोई नहीं है मोहन, भारत का रखवाला रे
बड़ी देर भई नंदलाला.
वसुदेव-सुतं देवं कंस-चाणूर-मर्दनम् |
देवकी-परमानन्दं कृष्णं वन्दे जगद्गुरुम् ||
जय श्री कृष्णा !!!!
गिरीश जुयाल
पूर्व आरएसएस प्रचारक
राष्ट्रीय संगठन संयोजक
मुस्लिम राष्ट्रीय मंच
चीफ एडिटर
पैगाम मादरे वतन’
उर्दू अखबार
http://www.paigammw.com
Laurent
August 12, 2017 @ 5:44 PM
Dear Vivek, this is a magnificent work. I hope I will see it with my own eyes sometime soon. I also hope you will send an update after the rain, with photographs of the water in the tank and in the canal.
This is a very heartening news indeed.
Warm wishes
Laurent
balayogi venkataraman
August 13, 2017 @ 2:51 PM
This is really very useful message to be shared among all Indians. The future rests on realistic collective solutions, refined volition and not street protest and violent revolutions. http://contentwriteups.blogspot.in/2016/10/refined-volition-and-not-revolution.html
Vijendra Diwach
February 9, 2018 @ 3:18 AM
सलाम।
Vijendra Diwach
February 9, 2018 @ 3:21 AM
जमीनी स्तर पर काम करने वाले सभी सामाजिक सम्मानीय कार्यकर्ताओ को सलाम।
Sarita bharat
March 17, 2018 @ 5:39 PM
विवेक जी आपने भारत में बहुत ही जमीनी काम किये हैं बदलाव के खासकर पर्यावरण ,बांध,पहाड़ ,जल ,जंगल जमीन के सवाल पर और गरीब तबकों के बीच उनके हक व हुक़ूक़ की लड़ाई लड़ी हैं।आपको इसके लिये बहुत सारी शुभकामनाएं में व वीरेंदर अक्सर आपसे सिखने का प्रयास करते हैं।
Andy Ray
March 26, 2018 @ 8:17 PM
You’ve done, and indeed you’re doing, a very commendable job, Vivek. We eagerly look forward to your book on conflict resolution in a Maoist area. All the best.
अखिलेश आर्येन्दु
May 26, 2018 @ 9:41 PM
भारत देश विश्व के अन्य देशों से भिन्न है। यह भिन्नता कई रूपों में है। अतीत पर अहंकार इतना कि वर्तमान पर ध्यान ही नहीं। जितनी समस्याएं भारत में, जितनी बुराइयां भारत में, जितनी विकृतियां भारत में, जितने अंधविश्वास आैर पाखंड भारत में, जितने स्वार्थी भारत में आप को कहीं नहीं मिलेंगे।क्- अखिलेश आर्येन्दु
साहित्यकाऱ , पत्रकाऱ समाजसेवी, प्रवचनकर्ता आैर पर्यावरण संरक्षक, दिल्ली