prasad1
Active member
Hope in the midst of despair? Pick up any newspaper. The headlines shout corruption, scams, war, the horrific ISIS beheadings, Boko Haram abductions, rape. So news about a Vikalp Sangam, a confluence of alternative ideas wasn’t seriously exciting. Yet another NGO talk-shop? Been there, done that.
But Ashish Kothari of Kalpavriksh insisted this was different. “I got fed up of the system-bashing at NGO conferences. Everybody has criticisms. Few offer solutions. That’s how the Vikalp Sangam idea emerged. People gather to share their alternatives even if it’s only an idea. We focus on alternatives, not experts or organisations. On sharing, not lecturing.”
I arrived in a cynical mode, but left refreshingly recharged by the initiatives I saw; people, young and old, working passionately for causes they believe in. It was vibrant because everyone came with a positive pitch. To talk about . Instead of moaning about the toxic effect of pesticides, groups were working on organic gardens. Reviving traditional millets, helping children respect and revel in old systems of organic farming, and appreciate ancient knowledge.
Vikalp Sangam’s intention was to bring together stories of hope from different sectors. The main themes centred around politics and democracy, economics, culture and knowledge, social justice and, of course, ecological sustainability. The discussions focussed on these pillars for a future saner society. Everyone had a story to share, everyone wanted to hear new ideas.
As Kothari, the prime mover behind Vikalp Sangam, concluded, “We hope that it is a step towards a saner society.”
http://www.thehindu.com/features/ma...what-an-idea/article7039511.ece?homepage=true
But Ashish Kothari of Kalpavriksh insisted this was different. “I got fed up of the system-bashing at NGO conferences. Everybody has criticisms. Few offer solutions. That’s how the Vikalp Sangam idea emerged. People gather to share their alternatives even if it’s only an idea. We focus on alternatives, not experts or organisations. On sharing, not lecturing.”
I arrived in a cynical mode, but left refreshingly recharged by the initiatives I saw; people, young and old, working passionately for causes they believe in. It was vibrant because everyone came with a positive pitch. To talk about . Instead of moaning about the toxic effect of pesticides, groups were working on organic gardens. Reviving traditional millets, helping children respect and revel in old systems of organic farming, and appreciate ancient knowledge.
Vikalp Sangam’s intention was to bring together stories of hope from different sectors. The main themes centred around politics and democracy, economics, culture and knowledge, social justice and, of course, ecological sustainability. The discussions focussed on these pillars for a future saner society. Everyone had a story to share, everyone wanted to hear new ideas.
As Kothari, the prime mover behind Vikalp Sangam, concluded, “We hope that it is a step towards a saner society.”
http://www.thehindu.com/features/ma...what-an-idea/article7039511.ece?homepage=true
