November 2017 THE ART OF LIVING INTERNATIONAL CENTER, BANGALORE

2 Happiness Lies in Making Others Happyp 3 A Spiritual Rail

Yatra with Sri Sri in Uttar Pradesh

p 4 Beej Kosha to Give Farmers the

Seed of Hopep

SEVA TIMESTHE ART OF LIVING

Seva Times l Hardoi (Uttar Pradesh)

All children irrespective of their gender and social background should have access to

an education that enables them to acquire the skills, knowledge, values, and attitudes necessary to survive in today’s competitive world. In this age of digitalization where more and more children are relying on digital tools, platforms, and services to have a well-rounded education it is impossible to ignore the close connection of electricity with educational achievements. Sadly thousands of children in rural India attend schools that have no electricity.

Art of Living’s Sri Sri Rural Development Program Trust (SSRDP) has been working diligently since many years to develop rural India. They recently joined hands with the

HCL foundation to electrify 113 schools with solar power in three blocks (Kachhauna, Bahender, and Kothawa) of Hardoi district of Uttar Pradesh, a place yet to be reached by the

national power grid. This project that started on August 28, 2017, was successfully completed on October 14, 2017, in a short span of just 47 days wherein HCL foundation arranged for the

funding and SSRDP implemented the complex project. 30 solar technicians trained under the SSRDP Skill Development Program were hired as interns to implement the project.

The challenges faced were many. There were no proper roads to reach the remotely situated schools. As there was no electricity in these schools, generators had to be hired to do the basic drilling and wiring. The implementation team travelled on an average 175 kms back and forth from their base, a warehouse in Sandila, to the schools. Their vehicles would often get stuck in the muddy, waterlogged village roads and at times tractors or bullocks had to be engaged to pull them out.

Electrification of these113 schools will benefit more than 5600 children studying in these schools. The objective is to eventually digitalize all these schools.

Solar Electricity for 113 Schools in Hardoi, U.P.

Solar technicians trained under Art of Living's SSRDP Skill Development Program did the solar electrification in 113 schools in just 47 days

Water Bodies Fill Up with Rain Watern436 Boulder Checks, 433 recharge wells, 44 recharge bore wells, and 71 water pools were constructed

Dr. Archana Shekar l Bengaluru

Negligence of water conservation practices in India has led to a depletion of water levels across the nation

and has affected populations across villages and cities. Groundwater, which provides for 54% of India’s total water needs, is falling rapidly in its level and could lead to a major crisis if not checked. Many rivers that were once crucial for agriculture and served as major resources for nearby villages and cities have dried up. Farmers are the worst affected. Many farmers have switched from growing food crops to medicinal plants or less water intensive crops or migrated to cities in search of employment. Farmer suicides have increased over the years.

Providing Solutions: Inspired by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to revive lost rivers in various parts of India and rejuvenate water bodies such as ponds, wells, canals and water pools, The Art of Living community started the River Rejuvenation Project in 2013. 34 dying rivers have been revived so far in four states (Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala), benefitting 3,000 villages.

Rejuvenating a Dying River: The story of the Kumudvathi river rejuvenation project is that of hope, commitment and rigor. Since mid-2013, Dr. Yale and his team of 20-odd full-time Art of Living volunteers and few hundred part-time volunteers have been working to revive this endangered waterway that could potentially address 60% of Bangalore's water needs. Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (under its CSR initiative) partnered with Indian Association for Human Values, a sister concern of The Art of Living, to support this project.

The river Kumudavathi springs from “Kumbha Thirtha” in Shivagange hills. Hundreds of streams join together to form the trunk stream of Kumudvathi that runs for 45 kms before it confluences with river Arkavathi at Thippagondanahalli (T.G.Halli) reservoir. The river basin is spread across 460 Sq. Kms and the entire catchment area encompasses 278 villages. Deforestation, soil erosion, over exploitation of ground water, and massive eucalyptus plantation in the region led to a drastic reduction in natural replenishment of

Kumudvathi is Gushing with Water AgainTireless work of a committed team of Art of Living volunteers breathes life back into a dying river

Overwhelming Initial Results Initial results of the river rejuvenation project have been overwhelming and encouraging. The project is targeted for completion by 2019. In the meantime, Bangalore has received an all-time high rainfall of 1621.6 mm this year and the water bodies have filled up with water. There has been a boost in the groundwater levels in many areas. As the project nears completion it is a pleasure to see birds and cattle gathering at the water bodies. Streams are gushing with water bringing new hope to the farmers.

A team of experts and scientists outlined the strategy for augmentation of ground water recharge by adoption of erosion control measures, artificial groundwater recharge strategies, rejuvenation of existing water bodies and extensive afforestation.

Strategies Adopted

1. Boulder Check Dams: A total of 436 boulder checks have been constructed so far to reduce the speed of

water flow (thereby reducing soil erosion), promote soil moisture, and support nearby natural vegetation.

2. Recharge Wells and Borewells: Recharge wells are excavated pits sufficiently deep to penetrate the low

permeability layers underlying the unconfined aquifers. The recharge wells are filled with rainwater and accelerate the process of groundwater percolation into deeper, dried aquifers. A total of 433 recharge wells and 44 recharge borewells have been constructed so far where the water levels are much deeper. 71 water pools, supported by the base flow from the upstream recharge wells, have been constructed.

3. Tree Plantation: A natural way for recharging groundwater is by planting native species of trees.

A good tree cover allows rainwater to percolate into the deeper layers of earth, thereby recharging the groundwater table. Nearly 40,000 saplings have been planted thus far. Planting of saplings helped to prevent soil erosion and retain soil moisture in the river basin.

4. Creating Public Awareness with “Walk for Water”: In order to create public awareness The Art

of Living organized a walkathon on June 8, 2013, titled ‘Walk for Water’ led by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Gurudev, who emphasized the need to stop illegal sand mining and invited citizens of Bangalore and the country to come forward and work towards saving water. In response to Gurudev’s call to youth to work on Kumudavathi river rejuvenation, volunteers sprang into action to revive the dying river.

the underneath aquifers and the reservoir which once supplied almost 30% of Bengaluru’s water needs almost ran dry.

The Team of "Sweet Sixties": The core team of the project, fondly referred to as the "Sweet Sixties” consists entirely of

senior citizens. Headed by Dr. Lingaraju Yale, the key members are Dr. S.K. Subramanian, K.R. Shettar, Ramakanth Mandoor, B. Panduranga Prabhu, M. Satyendra Kamath, and T. Srinivas Reddy.

2 SEVA TIMES THE ART OF LIVING INTERNATIONAL CENTER, BANGALORENovember 2017

Making a Difference – One Life at a TimeSeva Times l Kolkata

Kolkata - the City of Joy, vibrant and captivating. Since the time of Mother

Teresa, Kolkata has been the cultural capital of India and has been a front-runner in the space of social impact. The Art of Living Social Internship team of Kolkata, has tried to follow this legacy and the team has worked hard really hard for the social empowerment of the city. Having presence in slums and orphanages across the city, the internship team has recently extended their teaching activities into the Northern region of the city as well and are endeavoring to expand their umbrella further into the outskirts where social upliftment is the need of the hour.

The internship team actively interact with the children from the slum areas, using a holistic approach to teach them subjects like Elementary English and Mathematics and

make every attempt to bring out their hidden talents. Their most recent activity involved painting diyas for Diwali, an activity where the children could exhibit their artistic talent. The team is also planning to launch Art and Craft and yoga classes in the slums post Diwali.

Occasional blood donation camps, health checkups, Bal Chetna Shivirs, and cleanliness drives have been an important part of the internship and the interns have worked hard to ensure that each activity or event has left a positive impression on the children and society. Bi-monthly “Nukkad Nataks” or street plays and Happiness Surveys provide a veritable source of information for the successful implementation of their initiatives. In line with the holistic approach, an Inter-slum Football Tournament was also organized where interns were involved in every aspect - from the management of the event to even becoming referees! The event ended with an exhibition match between the

parents of the young footballers and the Art of Living Social Internship team, consisting of interns, fellows and volunteers. The winning team was awarded a trophy and the players received medals. The Winter Carnival, the flagship event of the internship in the slums, was a tremendous success. Parents and kids alike took part in the games and food stalls, talent hunts, and music and dance competition. The delight of little kids was a sight to behold! The smile on each child’s face and their heart-touching gestures such as extending an overwhelming welcome to the team on Teacher’s Day keeps the internship upbeat and assists the interns to never back down from their endeavors. The Social Internship team has maintained a uni-centric focus wherein their only expansion mantra is through recruiting new interns, allowing them to embrace the activities and subsequently come up with ideas that can “Make a Difference, one Life at a time”.

Happiness Lies in Making Others HappyWomen of Surat find Joy in Helping the Elderly and the Differently Abled

Seva Times l Surat

The role of women in the development of society is of utmost importance. In fact, it is the only

thing that determines whether a society is strong and harmonious, or otherwise. Women are the backbone of society.

– Sri Sri Ravi ShankarInspired by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar,

Neetu Arya, an Art of Living teacher, and Kavita Saraf, a devoted volunteer, floated The Art of Living Women’s Club, Surat, on July 19, 2016, on the auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima. The club was formed to provide a platform for women to get together and facilitate change in their communities. One of the first activities the members took up was to plant 1008 trees in Surat as a homage to Gurudev. All of these plants are being tended to till date. With a membership strength of 187 members, this women’s club is involved in several activities that bring cheer and joy in the lives of people.

Every Thursday members of this club visit the vridhashram and the lonely elders at the ashram are treated to a fun filled evening of music and dance. The emptiness that haunts the inmates of this ashram is forgotten as they participate in Antakshari and garba. The Women’s Club made their Diwali special this year by gifting them hampers containing clothes and food items. It was heart touching to see the wrinkled faces light up with bright smiles as the club members sang and danced with them. This

apart, 15 elders of the old age home who were unable to pay the monthly rent to stay in the ashram have been sponsored by the members of the Women’s Club for a period of six months.

Members of the club have also “adopted” a school for children with special needs. They visit them on a regular basis and provide extra coaching to the students who need help in certain subjects. They recently

celebrated Diwali with these special children. The children received gift hampers of clothes and other goodies and had great fun painting diyas and making colorful rangolis.

All festivals are an occasion for the club members to bring cheer into the lives of the underprivileged and neglected people of our society. Holi or Navratri, the members visit the abandoned HIV+ girls in the ashram. They have also conducted Nav Chetna Shibirs for these girls and are planning to organize Art Excel and Yes programs for them soon. Club members have also planted medicinal trees in the ashram and work is in progress for developing an organic kitchen garden for them.

Last year the members visited farmers in the Dang region of Satpura. They had organized a workshop on organic farming which was conducted by National Agriculture Teacher, Bela Golwala. In addition they donated goods worth 70,000 to 80,000 rupees to the poor farmers.

Other activities of the club members include flea market and Diwali celebration with children of municipal schools, organizing health talks by Ayurveda doctors and yoga experts, and creating awareness on waste segregation, harms of plastic use, and rain water harvesting. Ever since its inception, the members of this club have been active in bringing about a change in society in their own fun-filled way, firmly establishing that a woman is not just the heart of her family, she is also the heart of society.

Empowering WomenSeva Times l Wayanad (Kerala)

Women are the backbone of society and play a vital role in social development.

To empower women is to empower the Nation. It was with this goal in mind that women volunteers of The Art of Living in Kerala formed the Wayanad Art of Living Women's Association. It was launched in Wayanad District, Kerala, on June 13, 2015, the same day that Guruji launched the Happy Women’s Club. The association currently has about 50 members. The dynamic women of this association are involved in various activities such as conducting classes on natural farming, making of organic fertilizers, health and hygiene workshops, basic computer classes, etc. These classes are conducted free of cost. The members get together on every second Saturday of the month. An important activity at these meetings is the Agri Market in which the women market their home grown vegetables and other homemade goodies. Dr. A. Radhamma Pillai, District Coordinator; AjithaPadmanabhan, Secretary, and Krishnaja, joint secretary, take the lead in organizing the activities of the association.

Diwali with the old & lonely

Volunteers distributing Diwali Hampers and seeking blessings from elders at the vriddhashram

Women listen attentively as the principles of natural farming are explained to them

The Art of Living Teachers and volunteers with the help of IAHV and SSRDP organized a Post Flood Relief Camp in Majuli District of Assam on 12th and 13th of October. As part of the camp they distributed Ojasvita, a high-grade nutritious health drink manufactured by Sri Sri Ayurveda, to hundreds of school children to combat malnutrition.

Ojasvita Distributed to Hundreds of

Children to Combat Malnutrition

Seva Times l Unnao (Uttar Pradesh)

Increasing costs of fodder has forced many farmers in the last few years to abandon

cattle which are no longer useful to them. A large number of desi cows, which are not a breed that give milk in plenty and hence become a burden to the farmers after a while, can be seen wandering around in the villages of Uttar Pradesh. Many of these cows get hit by vehicles and die uncared for on the streets and still many of them succumb to infections. The notion that cows are only good for giving milk is not true. Experts in natural farming have established that the dung and urine of just one desi cow is enough to cultivate 10-33 acres of land and hence even cows that do not give milk can prove to be an asset in organic farming. Amit Kumar Singh, YLTP trainer, motivated the yuvacharyas in Unnao to spread awareness of the utility of desi cows

in organic farming among the villagers. The impact of this campaign is that nearly 50 cows have been adopted by farmers who are now growing crops on a zero budget using enzymes like jeevamrutha, ghanajeevamrutha, and beejamrutha made from cow dung and urine instead of chemicals. The once abandoned cows have found shelter and the farmers are getting good yield from their farming thanks to the efforts of the Yuvacharyas of Unnao.

Farmers Adopting Abandoned Desi Cows

3 SEVA TIMES THE ART OF LIVING INTERNATIONAL CENTER, BANGALORENovember 2017

Seva Times l Vadodara (Gujarat)

About 200 women and men traffic brigade volunteers who have been hired to assist the traffic police in Vadodara

went on an indefinite strike from September 13, 2017, when some difference arose between them and the Vadodara Traffic Education Trust (VTET). Their demands included an increase in allowance, newly designed uniforms, and a halt to unnecessary harassment and imposition of fines.

Art of Living teacher, Jitendra Khimlani, took upon himself to act as a mediator between the traffic brigade and their trustees. He brought both parties face-to-face at a meeting which started off with the chanting of Shiv Panchakshari Mantra followed by meditation. This helped to calm the nerves of all those present and ensured that wise decisions would be made. Grievances were expressed, solutions were offered. The good news is that after a 20-day long strike, 80% of the traffic volunteers returned to duty.

Vadodara Traffic Brigade Returns to Duty

“Na tuham kamye rajyam, na swargam, na punarbhavam, Kamye dukh taptanam praninam aart nashnam.” -Upanishad(I desire neither for crown nor for heaven nor even for salvation; the only desire I cherish is the eradication of sorrows of suffering creatures.)

On February 26, 2018, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, accompanied by over 1200 devotees, will be setting out on his second Anugraha yatra through towns and villages of Uttar Pradesh. The purpose of the trip is to touch people’s lives along the way with his divine presence and spread his heavenly wisdom and knowledge along with his powerful message of Love, Peace and Harmony in the largest and most populated state of India. This Anugraha yatra will be starting from Allahabad, the second oldest city of India. Gurudev’s first yatra went through the heart of Andhra Pradesh in February 2014 and the impact was such that thousands of people joined the “Volunteer for a Better India” movement.

On this Anugrah yatra, Gurudev, accompanied by over 1200 devotees, will be stopping at many sacred spots in

Uttar Pradesh. On February 26, 2018, the entourage will assemble in Allahabad for a Holy Dip at Sangam – the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati rivers. After a Maha-Puja on the 27th morning, they will arrive in Sarnath, the birth place of Buddhism. On the 28th the special train will reach Gorakhpur – a city in the Buddhist midland. On 1st March, the last leg of the journey, the travellers will visit Sravasti – the city where Buddha spent 24 “chaturmas’’ (monsoon months) before arriving . The journey

will culminate with a grand Satsang in Lucknow.

Besides Maha-satsangs at each of the above stops, there will be Darshans at railway stations along the way at Madhosingh near Mirzapur, Mau, Deoria, Balrampur, and Gonda.

Elaborate arrangements for this event are already under way. Reservations for this yatra are likely to open in the 1st week of November, 2017.

For more information please contact: <omanugrahyatra@gmail.com>

A Spiritual Rail Yatra with Sri Sri in Uttar Pradesh

Jitendra Khimlani, Art of Living faculty, addressing the volunteers of Vadodara Traffic Brigade

Seva Times l Lariapali

Lariapali Panchayat in Bamra Block of Sambalpur District which

is about 98 kms from the district headquarters is predominantly inhabited by tribals. Comprising of 12 villages, this panchayat has no proper infrastructure, the nearest road being 3 kilometers away.

The Art of Living selected this Panchayat about one and a half years ago to be developed into an ideal Gram Panchayat(GP). Right at the start of the project, 50 youth from the village underwent YLTP sponsored by the Government. The Adivasi community has an age old tradition of celebrating all festivals and auspicious occasions with the consumption of liquor and all sections of the community in Lariapali, young and old alike, including the women folk were addicted to country liquor. A household survey conducted by the Yuvacharyas in Lariapali GP brought startling facts to light. Of the 1101 houses surveyed, 720 people admitted being addicted to liquor and 811 people were addicted to cigarette, tobacco, gutkha, ganja, etc.

The Sarpanch of Lariapali, who himself underwent the YLTP

along with 50 other youth of the ward, formed a team with the other Yuvacharyas to work towards achieving an addiction free GP. Through Navchetana Shivirs, de-addiction drive meetings, and daily satsang the team educated the villagers about the harmful effects of addiction. This approach of using knowledge and spiritual practices to wean the villagers away from alcohol and other addictive substances bore rich fruit and today 10 out of the 12 villages in this GP have become addiction free.

The Art of Living trainer, Bholanath Jena, recently accompanied the Chief Secretary of the State Government and some other Government officials as they conducted a survey of this Panchayat. On reviewing the overall development of the 17 GPs, it came to light that Lariapali – the block where The Art of Living is working – is the best GP. When the Chief Secretary questioned the Block Officers about the secret of this success in Lariapali, they replied in one tone that the credit goes to the Yuvacharyas and VVKI of The Art of Living and a request should be made to The Art of Living to adopt the remaining 16 GPs.

10 of 12 Villages in Lariapali Are Now Addiction-Free

The team of Yuvacharyas who successfully weaned the villagers away from their addictions through Navchetana Shivirs, de-addiction drive meetings, and daily satsangs

OM ANUGRAH

YATRAA file photo from Gurudev’s first yatra through the heart of Andhra Pradesh in February 2014.

Seva Times l Srinagar

Inside every culprit, there’s a victim crying for help. If you heal the

victim, the culprit in him disappears. – Sri Sri Ravi ShankarPrisons should not be a place for punishment but rather a place for transformation where the inmates are sent to bid goodbye to their old ways and make a fresh start. The Art of Living’s Sri Sri Rural Development Program has initiated setting up of skill centers in the prisons to help the inmates attain skills while they are serving their term; this will enable them to earn a decent living when they are free to go home.

For the last few years, the organization has been running 26 skill training centers in several states including the Tihar and Yerawada jails and more than 34,000 youth have

been trained in various vocational skills. Skill centers were recently launched in Srinagar and Pulwama jails where the inmates will receive training in electrical and computer skills. The center in Srinagar was launched by DGP S.K. Mishra and DIG Dr. M.S. Lone on Gandhi Jayanti. As many as 50 prisoners have enrolled in the various training programs being offered. Apart from imparting skill sets that will increase employability, the training also imparts techniques like yoga, pranayama, meditation and

the powerful breathing technique Sudarshan Kriya, to help the prisoners deal with aggression and other negative emotions, allowing them to completely break free from violence. As many as 65 independent research studies including those done by Stanford, NIMHANS, and AIIMS have established that Sudarshan Kriya significantly reduces stress and increases serotonin (a well-being hormone). The Art of Living’s has so far reached out to 700,000 inmates in 45 countries.

Skill Development Centers in Srinagar and Pulwama Jails

Youth Leadership Training Program (YLTP) and Dharma Sthamba Yojana (DSY) are service initiatives of Vyakti Vikas Kendra, India [The Art of Living], a registered charitable Trust, head quartered in Bangalore with its registered office at No. 19, 39th A Cross, 11th Main, IV T Block, Jayanagar, Bangalore - 560041

- Ph: 080-67433600 | www.artofliving.org | Email: yltp@artofliving.org -

SEVA TIMES

Inspired by Gurudev

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Editorial teamRam Asheesh

Thoheja Gurukar Bhavinkumar Nakum

To access earlier editions of Seva Times log in to

www.dsyindia.org/sevatimes

If you are working on any project or YLTP activities, please contact us on 8067433616, 9620169697. E mail: editor.sevatimes@yltp.vvki.org

4 SEVA TIMES THE ART OF LIVING INTERNATIONAL CENTER, BANGALORENovember 2017

As visitors and devotees enter the main meditation hall, Vishalakshi Mantap, at

The Art of Living International Center through the back door, they are held mesmerized by the beautiful, smiling portrait of Vishalakshi Maa. The gentle smile and loving eyes seem to have come alive under the master strokes of the artist – Daya. The world of creativity seems to have a special link with the powers above. Like poets and authors who write “in flow” artists too create master pieces with the inspired creativity “flowing” through the soft strokes of their brushes. Daya Ji finished this beautiful painting in just 12 hours! His painting of Goddess Annapoorna adorns the wall of main dining hall of the Ashram Kitchen, Annapoorna.

Afflicted by polio in childhood, Daya has proved that handicap is only in the mind and it need not be a deterrent to pursuing and accomplishing anything you want to. Interested in painting since he was a young child, Daya met with a lot of discouragement from his family. After completing his tenth standard he became a full time artist. His father was worried what he would do for a living if he chose to pursue his passion for art. His brother who is a banker advised him to complete B.Com to ensure secure job prospects. Not wishing to displease them Daya enrolled in the evening college; this gave him ample time to engage in what he loved most

– painting. Ultimately he made his career in art. His medium is mostly charcoal and water colors.

He was introduced to The Art of Living through a close friend in 1997. Daya Ji asserts that after he started doing the Sudarshan Kriya the overall quality of his life improved, there was an improvement in his relationships and his professional life also began to improve. Before he started doing kriya he had severe sinus problems and travel sickness. These issues cleared up after the very first Sudarshan Kriya. Daya has not taken any medication since he became a part of The Art of Living 20 years ago. Another miraculous healing he had was at the time of the Silver Jubilee Celebrations of The Art of Living in Bangalore in February 2006. He had developed a severe case of hydrocele. All the doctors he consulted advised him to undergo surgery. He did not have the time right then as he was to put up a stall of his paintings

at the Jubilee celebrations. So engrossed was he in his seva that he spared little thought to his ailment. When he went back to the doctors after the event, his doctors gave him a clean chit – the hydrocele had cleared up on its own without any formal treatment!

If there is any other passion that Daya demonstrates other than for painting, it is teaching painting to the underprivileged. He started out by teaching art free of charge to children studying in government schools. After he became an Art of Living teacher 3 years back, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar asked him to go and teach in the rural areas. Daya now travels through villages in Karnataka conducting Rural Happiness Programs in the morning and organizing art camps for children in the evenings. Daya finds the rural children very attentive and talented. He is really touched by their show of affection and respect and loves being with them. The paintings made by the rural children are mounted and put for sale at exhibitions organized by Daya – this brings them some much needed revenue.

A simple and unassuming man, Daya is not only a gifted artist but also a philanthropist and has donated over a thousand paintings for charitable causes. Apart from conducting Rural Happiness Programs and art camps, Daya also organizes medical camps in the villages. He is a truly content man using his God given gift for the benefit of humanity.

Daya: A Gifted Artist and Philanthropist

Children trained by Daya displaying their works of art.

Natural farming is nothing new to India. Before the British came to India, it was one of the most prosperous countries

in the world and the great Indian civilization thrived on natural farming. In the 50’s and 60’s hybrid seeds replaced the indigenous seeds, and natural fertilizers and pesticides were replaced with chemical fertilizers and pesticides. As time went by the darker side of chemical farming reared its ugly head. The land became less fertile and required costlier fertilizers, pests became immune and required stronger pesticides, hybrid seeds needed to be purchased, and agriculture became expensive landing the farmers in huge debts.

To restore the fertility of the soil, protect our health and environment, and rescue the farmer from total dependence on external sources for all his farming inputs, including seeds, The Art of Living, through its Sri Sri Institute of Agricultural Sciences and Technology Trust’s (SSIAST) has been promoting zero budget natural farming. The Institute is also developing seed banks or “Beej Kosha” giving farmers the “seeds of hope” to embark on the process of natural farming.

Ajit Pal, a 56-year-old businessman, who deals with cattle feed in Siliguri (West Bengal). He is also an Art of Living teacher, who apart from being a national trainer of natural farming methods, has set up seed banks. When asked what motivates him, he

replied “I was distressed to see so much of chemical being used in farming and the hybrid seeds that flooded the market. I saw that indigenous seeds were literally disappearing.”

While on one of his tours in some remote tribal villages of Assam in 2015 to conduct training in organic farming, he came across a special variety of indigenous tomato. Since all the tomatoes were raw, no seed could be collected from them and he had no choice but to take two stalks of the plant with him. When

he developed the plant in his nursery he was amazed to see the startling results. “The fruits of this plant were much smaller but productivity much higher. They had an excellent taste too. Surprisingly this plant was completely unaffected by any pest. The other amazing quality of this is that it continues bearing fruits for six months, once planted. Hence, I indulged myself in its large scale production and soon accumulated 2000 packets of its seeds.”

Realizing the necessity of creating indigenous seed banks, he started collecting rare quality indigenous seeds from the farmers practicing natural farming and tribals who would go to the jungles to gather forest produce. He then multiplied these varieties of seeds and distributed them to poor farmers. The extensive seed collection, multiplication and preservation led to the formation of indigenous seed banks.

So far, Ajit has conducted agricultural workshops in 450 villages of West Bengal, covering about 9,000 farmers. He has distributed over 1,80,000 saplings for plantation in border areas of West Bengal. He has also compiled several agricultural booklets on natural farming and distributed them free of cost to poor village farmers and tribal people in West Bengal, Assam and Bangladesh border areas. Ajit’s untiring efforts are finding favor with more and more farmers.

Beej Kosha to Give Farmers the Seed of Hope