One Fine Day, 1973: A young systems engineer at a leading company left his job walked into the open wide world. Having had his share of daily grind, he longed for something more; something beyond. He took a journey within – followed Buddhism, meditated, organized meditation retreats and by chance stumbled into environmentalism.
He got himself involved in ecological conservation of the virgin rainforests of Australia which were under threat then. It was during these pursuits and demonstrations that he felt himself connect with the emotional and spiritual side of the Earth. He felt himself respond to Earth in dimensions other than the five senses. He realized that his work went beyond ecological conservation and was fighting for Life on the planet and for the planet itself – which is alive.
He is Australian Rainforest Protection Activist – John Seed.
26th December 2009, Chennai: A youthful old man on the dais was talking about Deep Ecology while strumming his guitar, singing poems and love songs for Earth. As a part of his lecture tour to India, he came to reiterate his message of the living Earth, and how we have forgotten to connect with it. He was John Seed in person - live, talking, and singing his beliefs.
John Seed needs no introduction as he is a well known face of rainforest activism. Having worked for 30 years for the protection of rainforests worldwide, John is still going strong in his message to protect our living Earth.
What is remarkable about his life story is that he did not drop from the sky. He was an ordinary human being and a normal person like you and me. He still is. He has a life, loved ones, fears, and his share of daily grind; just like we all do. But he had the courage to keep it all aside and dive head long into the ideals that grew in him.
He did not start with a big bang or an NGO. He simply tagged himself with the causes he could feel within and connect to. He learnt on the fly. He learnt what he was fighting about, after getting involved in the fight. All he had was a bit of conviction that he was doing the right thing. He did come a long and is raring to go for more.
As a part of his lecture tour to India, John Seed has been travelling all over the country talking about Deep Ecology, Rainforest Conservation, and his past works in different parts of the worlds. His talk in Chennai was centered on the efforts in stalling development of neutrino observatory, and various ecological conservation work undertaken in different parts of the world.
John Seed’s Role in Stalling the Neutrino Observatory in Niligiri Biosphere, Tamil Nadu
India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) was a proposed particle physics research project to study atmospheric neutrinos in a large deep tunnel/ cave near Masinagudi in Tamil Nadu, India. It was one of the biggest experimental particle physics projects to be undertaken by multiple institutions, for the first time in India. The proposed project location falls near the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu) which is rich in wild biodiversity putting two tiger reserves and elephant corridor at Singara, at risk.
As a part of the experiment, more than 2 kilometer tunnel would have been constructed to build an underground 100,000 ton neutrino detector. This Neutrino Observatory was planned to be constructed in the heart of the forest region of Singara, the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (NBR).
Within the Niligiri Reserve lie six protected areas (PAs) – The Wynad Wildlife Sanctuary, Nagarhole National Park, Bandipur National Park and Mudumalai Tiger Reserves and the Mukurthi National Park and Silent Valley National Park. All these protected areas which house rare and endangered species, including the Tiger. Large tracts of reserve forests connect these different National Parks and Sanctuaries and form more or less continuous forests from the animal’s point of view.
Immense care would have been required during construction and operation phase as the area is a corridor for the movement of Elephants. The proposed site’s access road was cutting across a vital elephant corridor that connects the Eastern Ghats and Western Ghats. Needless to say that this project would have spelt doom to the elephant, tiger and many other animals habitats and also affecting the flora of the region.
In November 2009, the Ministry of Environment (India), denied permission for the Department of Atomic Energy (India) to set up the India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) project at Singara.
John Seed played a major role in stalling the Neutrino Observatory project. He started his email campaign by sending letters to the project stakeholders such as the politicians, scientists, administrators, including the government. The awareness of the erstwhile unknown project caused media uproar and this project was stalled at its design stage.
Thanks to John Seed and many more environmentalists and activists like him, many species of the Niligiri were saved from intrusion and gradual extinction. John Seed’s work towards ecological conservation in India had resulted in saving the Niligiri Biosphere and its fragile ecosystem.
Deep Ecology and Conservation of Nature – Lecture by John Seed in Chennai
On 26th December 2009, John Seed, as a part of his second lecture tour to India spoke about Deep Ecology. Here is introduction on his program.
Deep Ecology is a philosophy of nature, which sees that underlying the environmental crisis there is a psychological or spiritual disease stemming from the illusion of separation between humans and the rest of the natural world. The late Arne Naess, Emeritus Professor of Philosophy from Oslo University, Norway, who coined the term “deep ecology”, pointed out that our “ecological ideas are not enough to protect the Earth, we need ecological identity, ecological self”. With a presentation that includes music and poetry, John Seed shows us how to nourish our ecological identity and align ourselves with Earth.
The experience of deep ecology leads to a deepening of our love for the natural world and empowerment and vision for the protection of Nature. In the 2nd part of this presentation, John will speak of this and show a couple of short films about his projects for the protection of nature in South India including the reforestation of Arunachala in Tamil Nadu and the protection of the world’s largest remaining population of wild Asian elephants in the Nilgiris.
John Seed’s lecture was fun, interesting, enlightening and musical. We were more than happy with his rendition of songs and poems. He shared his experience in Thailand, where Buddhist monks tie a saffron cloth around a tree deeming it sacred. The wood cutters do not cut such trees. By this some trees are being saved. And in Sri Lanka, sacred grooves are earmarked and no one harms those. These are the indigenous ways in which the clergy is trying to reach out to protect Mother Nature.
He also spoke about the remarkable work undertaken by Annamalai Forest Restoration Foundation where trees were planted and protected on the mountains in an ingenious way, inspite of dry weather conditions. Thanks to efforts like these, there have been no major forest fires in Tiruamnnamalai inspite of the harsh dry climate.
He also spoke about the community therapy programs that are conducted by him and his organization that involves healing of people, sensitizing them to the environment, etc. Between Deep Ecology and paeans of love for Earth we were treated with video footage of some fabulous work by India’s ace wildlife film maker, Shekar Dattari. Here are some of the video clippings.
Reweaving Shiva’s Robes
Long Live the Elephants
John Seed’s passion for Earth was felt through out session. He is one of the remarkable persons who have done their bit and continue to do so. The key messages he left for us were:
> We are trying to save the Earth now, because we are worried about us; not the Earth.
> That we live in an illusion that humans are central to everything on Earth.
>Earth has always said YES to human beings. It still does.
>That what happens to nature, happens to us.
>That we are living in a world of wounds – wherein its hard to think about ecology.
>That religions and religious postulates have bred in arrogance in humans since time immemorial(going by the story of creation).
>That our language deceives us to believe that we are better. And that plants and animals that do not speak are inferior.
>That you don’t have to go too far for answers. Nature is explanation itself.
Here are some of the soul warming songs that John Seed sang and strummed in Chennai at the Book Point Auditorium (Anna Salai):
>I just wanna celebrate; celebrate life…
>Now the Lord made the world in just six days
>Love Song to the Universe – Remember that you are standing on a plant that is evolving…
>Ode to the Mother – I was once blind…
You can find the lyrics and music notes of these poems and songs and a collection of more soul warming songs on his website.
To know more about John Seed, the founder and director of the Rainforest Information Centre in Australia, please visit his Rainforest Information Website
Prakash January 22, 2010 at 1:52 pm
Inspiring post, Ishrath and an eye opener definitely. John Seed is big on deeds indeed. It makes me take a long look at the man in the mirror. Yes, it is time we connect with the emotional and spiritual side of earth – in dimensions other than the five senses.
john seed January 24, 2010 at 2:34 am
Thanks for this positive review Isharath, interesting that you were able to remember so much and so accurately of what I spoke – I wish that newspaper reporters could do the same! I’m now in Mumbai where I addressed about 350 youth at Techfest yesterday and on soon to Delhi and Mumbai for the last few events of my tour.
Ishrath January 25, 2010 at 5:10 am
John: You are most welcome. It was an honour for us to have you in Chennai. And I hope and pray that you message does not get drowned in the modern world noise. Good luck for your tour and hope that we get to read about how they went. Keep us posted. Cheers!
Richard: I wonder what stops us from taking a leaf out of his book. What are we scared of. I ask myself.
Richard Jones January 24, 2010 at 11:37 pm
John Seed is a global hero and an inspiration to us all. If only there were more like him to help save our planet from ecological destruction by human greed.
Thank you John for all you have done.
romila indira-sudhakar February 2, 2010 at 6:45 am
hey ishrath,
thanks for the post. I missed this lecture unfortunately, stuck at work. so it is really nice to have your post.
cheers!
romila
Ishrath February 4, 2010 at 5:33 am
Romila, you did miss a fantastic lecture. However to be in touch with John Seed, you can subscribe to his mailing list or visit his website for the same. You will be updated of the campaigns he is part of and if you want to get involved with them too. Good luck to you.
romila indira-sudhakar February 4, 2010 at 6:16 am
thanks. will do that.
Ansul February 18, 2010 at 11:43 pm
Loved it! Thank you as always…for sharing such great things…
subramanian July 8, 2010 at 2:49 pm
DEAR SIR,
MR.JOHN SEED,DIRECTOR,
LIS MORE,NSW,AUSTRALIA.
Greetings from subramanian,RDAS project work is going moon soon in our areas good rain starting our project work starting in tiruvannamlai district creating reforestation programme in our target areas 6 villages our past year starting programme and new areas also planting work doing 15,000 seedlings planting lake bund and hill in thanimalai areas and schools and communituy land planting work starting 2010 -2011 programme sir.
kindly request to you your assistance RDAS need our project work areas all workers now pit work doing and next rain planting work doing sir.
kindly request to you your assistance letter i am waiting sir.
thanking you
yourssincerely
p.subramanian
rdas
tiruvannamalai
india
subramanian August 12, 2010 at 7:36 am
DEAR SIR,
GREETINGS FROM SUBRAMANIANrdas/ric/tiruvannamalai project work in tree planting activities around villages and tiruvannamalai areas ,our donor mr.john seed ,directer of RIC/AUSTRALIA,SUPPORT TO ME SIR,IF YOUR HELP OUR PROJECT TO MY DONOR MR.JOHNSEED ,YOUR DONATION AND FUNDS SENDING TO AUSTRALIA .
THANKING YOU
YOURSSINCERELY
P.SUBRAMANIAN
subramanian August 14, 2010 at 12:12 pm
RURAL DEVELOPMENT AFFORESTATION SOCIETY
MELKACHIRAPPATTU,VILLAGE,MEYYUR,POST
TIRUVANNAMALAI.TK.DT,TAMILNADU,INDIA
=============================================================
GREETINGS FROM RDAS /Rain Forest Information centRURAL DEVELOPMENT AFFORESTATION SOCIETY
MELKACHIRAPPATTU,VILLAGE,MEYYUR,POST
TIRUVANNAMALAI.TK.DT,TAMILNADU,INDIA
=============================================================
GREETINGS FROM RDAS /rain forest information center,Australia/TIRUVANNAMALAI ,INDIA project work is going on well our donors supporting program me.
RDAS ANNUAL REPORT 2004-2012
RDAS Through this initiative, two hundred twenty two medicinal Local herbs have been identified up-to-date of which thirty five plants have been standardized for cultivation in the villages, Each village is provided with one standard set, free of cost, planted to serve as a model herbal garden. Villagers can buy additional saplings from collaborating nurseries at highly discounted rates eg nadir herbals provide saplings at 5 Rs a piece.
The project offers trainings camps to teach villages the benefits of these thirty five plants, and how to identify grow and use them as medicines as well as dietary/nutritional supplements.
Trained RDAS volunteers, women self-help group members who are part of the Eco-club team, conduct personal follow-ups during village visits regarding cultivation and utilization of herbal gardens and serve as reference points for additional guidance.
To widen public exposure, RDAS holds seminars and exhibitions, and displays these gardens during local festivals. The project has also secured partnership with the Indian Herbs Research and Rural Development Afforestation society.
A delegate to the Rain forest information centre, and a member of the alliance for Earth ways, cotton wood foundation, Rainforest concern and the Ecologos institute charitable Registration. With preeminent leaders of the world to forest peace and harmony his humanitarian efforts to rural his rehabilitation project for prisoners in India and abroad are internationally acclaimed, He is the source of strength and inspiration for hundreds of volunteers involved in these project. Who has been associated with the project sine its inception, introduced project and shared with the secretary the transformation it has brought about in the rural areas.
We invite the support and participation of all individuals groups and organizations in this endeavor, which is destine to bring a permanent trans formation in the lives of people who are trapped in hopeless economic and social situations.
There is a vital need to expand this project to cover other rural areas. You can fund different RDAS activities, individually or collectively, for a specific area and a certain duration, RDAS will create an opportunity to acknowledge the donor with in the villages, A maximum of four banners will be displayed for any sponsored RDAS activity (i.e Tailoring Training centre, Tree planting, Herbal Garden Develop and Environmental Health Awareness rogramms, organic training centre , health care water and sanitation CAMPS, Eye Camps) excluding, children sponsorship scheme will be announced, community development,
Some special donation modalities are dusted below.
Grass root level measures for conservation and education about the environment are an integral part of this project. Afforestation of the waste lands near the villages and within residential and common areas of the villages is also undertaken.
The village vanashree Eco-centre is an ecological initiative to preserve the rich ecological heritage of the country. The kannamudaiyar Shiva hills conservation campaigni initiated during the international year of the mountain is an ongoing reforest Shiva programme to conserve and protect the kannamudaiyar Shiva temple forest. Near the society mothers rescurce centre” Iruthayangar, permaculture counciling centre,
In the past two years measures have been undertaken to conserve the ecology of these village mountain, Erikarai, School. Temple, Road Both Side Tree planting and at the Same time create facilities for Local visitors. Thus catering both to man and environment, cleaning campaigns focusing on removing plastic wastes and educating the visitors on the hazards of toxic wastes being dumped in the mountains from a part of on going efforts to inculcate nature awareness amongst the masses. As an endeavor to preserve and propagate the areas rich environmental resources, the village vanashree Eco center RDAS PART TWO tree plantation and supports the protection and propagation of native wildlife.
To create awareness amongst children about conserving our rich heritage, The village vanashree Eco-center conducts five day residential Nature Awareness programs involving live demonstrations guest lectures, audio-visual presentations, field trips and a hands -on experience scientific documentation and photography.
In addition, Ten thousands of trees have been planted in various villages of Tamil Nadu Through the project Large Scale 100,000 Hundred Thousands of Trees planting 2004 to 2012. AFFORESTATION endeavors RDAS/RIC CONTINU FOLLOWING NEXT FIVE YEARS.Trekking and outings in the wilderness would be an essential component of this program. Measures against Coaching of wild life illegal felling of trees and trade in wild life products will be initiated at the village Level.
Schemes for water conservation and rain water harvesting at individual house holds and the community as a whole are also implemented. Agriculture Land Bunding, Community, Temple Land Bunding Rain water harvesting Bunding work – 25 Villages implementing 2005-2012project.
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATION
The project supports destitute children and organizes children and youth development work for nearby tribal villages, discourses with girls, youth are held in educational institutions to introduce early character and social development. Educational Scholarships create possibilities for children who have been deprived of educational due to financial social and caste restrictions, scholarships provide books, educational free lectures are given to the general public as well as to hospitals institutions and universities on health and will-being the project is committed to sharing information in support of the donation quest for world peace ,global understanding and international co-operation. The Projects trans potency and presence on the world wide web, as well as the society numerous publications and partnerships with like minded organisation’s serve as a platform to improve personal and social well being.
Championing Women and Breaking Social Barriers:
One of the primary efforts of action for rural women way aim at empowering rural women, an of neglected section of the rural society.
Community education is imparted to tribal women and dhalith women through educational camps for personality development and personal empowerment health care and prevent live education is also offered to create awareness and sustenance of good practices.
On the other hand, through the initiative of RDAS crafts, the employed people are predominantly women from economically disfavored families. It is hoped that this endeavor not only will provide rural people with a means to livelihood, but will also preserve the rich creative tradition of rural life.
Community Health Programme & Water and Sanitation:
Through various health reach programme the neglected section of society and most remote areas are integrated to revitalize those most in need. Free medical and Eye camps as well as free dispensaries mobile camp and special program for the handicapped water Born daises, workers conducted regularly in the month in the rural area tribal communities to provide relief to the needy.
1. Rural Development Afforestation Society
The Rural Development Afforestation Society was established on march 15th, 1995.
The aims of the RDAS are
• To work for the reafforestation and conservation of Rural land 100,000 seedlings planting 25 villages our working areas project future 5 years planning .
• To generate awareness of our natural environment, its problems of loss of genetic diversity, erosion of soil and water and to seek solutions.
• To encourage participation in the regeneration and protection of animal, bird and plant life in the surrounding areas through awareness campaigns, educational activities, employment opportunities and other means.
• To contribute towards harmonious relationships among all living beings.
• To co-operate with other individuals and organisations who share these objectives.
The Rainforest Information Center (RIC), Australia, has recognized Rural erikarai tree planting reafforestation project all the villages.in south India.RDAS is executing the following projects:
Waste Land DevelopmentConverting the waste lands inside the MELKACHIRAPPATTU AND AROUND villages ,Temple corridors,school.road side and community land all the areas plant trees our donors project RDAS WORKING . and other Temple lands into beautiful garden of flowering plants, fruit trees and sacred trees of medicinal and herbal value.
VILLAGE Nursery (within the outermost, ie. fifth corridor, of the big Temple)A plant nursery with enough capacity to supply saplings for our yearly afforestation activity on the rural Hill and, temple lands on the village road. The nursery also supplies saplings to schools, institutions, individuals and NGOs.
Eco – Club Activities in Schools
Enthusing school children to form Eco-clubs, educate them through lectures, demonstrations and, video and puppet shows, towards better understanding about environmental degradation and the urgent need to protect trees, to prevent environmental pollution of all kinds and to grow as responsible citizens of the future.
Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Farm
demonstration sites for:
Permaculture (permanent agriculture or permanent culture)
is the conscious design of agriculturally productive ecosystems which have the diversity, stability, resilience of natural ecosystems. It is the harmonious integration of landscape and people, providing their food, energy, shelter and other material and non-material needs in a sustainable way. Without permanent agriculture there is no possibility of a stable social order.
• Models for harnessing non-conventional energy resources like biogas plant, solar heater, solar energy for power generation and wind mills. These will result in less dependence on firewood for the growing population.
• Methods of soil conservation, effective water management.
• A well equipped laboratory for biological control of pests, soil testing and meteorological observations.
• A model sericulture and poultry farm.
• An education centre for students and villagers with facilities for periodical meetings, workshops, seminars etc.Revival of Traditional Herbal MedicineCampaign is being launched to educate the poor masses about the local availability of herbs and the need to change over to traditional herbal medicines, highlighting the economy, effectiveness, prophylaxis and absence of side effects.RDAS has also helped in the establishement of a Medicinal Plant Development area on 250 hectares of forest land near the KANNAMUDAIYAR temple land 3km around 10 village’s, adjoining the southern slope of the holy MELKACHIRAPPATTU Hill.VILLAGE Hill Afforestation Thousands of local plants of diverse species are annually planted on the environment education ,non formal education center for street children s benefit ,MELKACHIRAPPATTU hill b Rural Development Afforestation Society target areas 25 villages main project work areas. Construction of cattle guards, clearing of fire lines and dawn-to-dusk watching to drive prevent goats and cattle grazing and woodcutters, are steps that have resulted in enhancing survival of saplings. The severe, dry summers, the menace of goats and woodcutters, and arson by miscreants pose serious problem for the Society. RDAS feels that sustainable solutions can arise through direct involvement of the local people and accountability of authorities.
AIYANAR Land and all temple land tree planting work our project.
In the year 2004 to 2012, 250 acres of barren temple land and lake bund,hill,school land,farmers land and village land , surrounding the villages,about 25 village farmers request planting programme . shrine, were planted with a variety of tree saplings and flowering plants after adequate soil and water management measures. Water management work included canal for hill areas hill streams to the adjacent tank. The plants were looked after by RDAS by timely watering and dawn-to-dusk watching against cattle. A lush grove developed, and was handed over back to the temple authority in 2004 to 2012 all our dry land and community land tree planting project .
ERIKARAI – 250 .05 Acres ,15 villages and community land tree planting work .
In the year 2004-2012 bio-fencing of the surveyed boundary was done. Contour bunds were constructed to impound the rain water. Planting of saplings was started in 2004 to 2012 . A bore well was sunk and hand-pump installed in 2004 to 2012. So far thousands of diverse plants have been planted and are being well looked after.
Women in Development
RDAS has set up the MOTHER`S RESOURCE CENTER (Regd) with branches in TEN villages. The Society stresses thrift, nursery raising, organic farming, non-formal education, food preservation, vocational training, etc.
RDAS goal is the
• Promotion of a sense of gratitude to Mother Nature.
• Sustainable development which includes conserving nature’s resources such as biological diversity, soil, water etc..
• Replacement of environmentally unsound development activity by a safer strategy.
Directories
Rural Development Afforestation Society is listed in:
• ILEIA LEISA NETWORK IN INDIA- A register of Indian organisations involved in Low External-Input, and Sustainable Agriculture – October 1995 – published by ILEIA.
The Formative Years of RDAS & The Contribution of Rain forest Information Center , Australia, towards “Project village erikarai soil conservation and tree planting project 2004-2012
John button , an Australian settled in Tiruvannamalai, dreamt of a forested villages l. contact with John Seed and ruth of the RIC, Australia /Rural Development Afforestation Society
, was formally registered as a non-profit Society in the year 1995. The first Executive Committee consisted ,RDAS was aided right from its inception by Mr. John Seed (founder of Rain forest Information Center, New South Wales, Australia). The RIC has contributed over the years in two ways:
• Routing funds to support our projects.
The continuous and significant funding from RIC//COTTON WOOD FOUNDATION ,USA between 2004-2012 has helped generate the infrastructure for sustained development of all fronts of concern to RDAS .
A detailed project submission drafted by the RIC was submitted to the Australian the approval of the latter and start of release of the funds, the RIC sounded many individuals and institutions in America and Australia which heralded the first trickle-flow of financial assistance to RDAS and helped it to embark on activities like nursery raising, afforestation of the VILLAGE Hill and Eco-Club activities in school to start with. to assist RDAS .
By 2004-2012, the RIC was replaced by RIC of Australia. A project proposal (for the consolidation of the gains of the earlier 2004 TO 2012 project) was submitted by RDAS to RIC which in turn was recommended by Ms. RUTH Light to the Australian Government. This was approved, and RIC/OTHER DONORS gave a grant of (Rs.3,03000 )and more small grand supporting to me , for five more year for Project..
At present Mr.John Seed & RUTH ,director /RDAS are still continuing efforts to mobilize funds from well wishers, for the Arunachala Reforestation in India project more trees planting work doing donors ,in our areas main donors,following funding donors.
The RIC/Australia has been a relentless campaigner for protection of tropical rain forests in the world, projects all of which are damaging the ecology/causing environmental degradation, as a consequence.
If we are to ensure the safety of future generations, we must act now by contributing to environmental health and protection. We must start by respecting our land and reforesting it. This alone will improve water availability and quality of life. The society desperately needs more involvement, both financial and physical, from the community to enable meaningful spread of its work. We request you to join the campaign by liberal donations (time, material and money). Remittance stating donor’s name and address, may please be made favouring the
RDAS,TIRUVANNAMALAI ,INDIA PROJECT DONORS /RIC RAIN FOREST INFORMATION CENTER,AUSTRALIA /COTTON WOOD FOUNDATION ,USA/EARTH WAY FOUNDATION USA OUR PARTNER PAST 20 YEARS PROJECT WORK MAIN DONORS /TREES FOR THE FUTURE ,USA PAST 6 YEARS OUR DONORS PLANTING TREE PROJECT .
The project initially established Tree planting 10,00000, 2004-2012 project tree planting part one is Eri karai, Leg areas , Nursery development, organic Training programme and Tailoring Center to hold free courses in contemporary crafts for the rural Dhalith women, girls, it is hoped that this endeavor will not only provide an opportunity for livelihood to rural people, but also preserve their rich creative tradition.
Currently, the project employs about 18 works and Volunteers and animators to produce contemporary craft items in addition to traditional nutritional food products, both for village use and for sale to visitors.
Thanking you
Yours sincerely
p.subramanianer, Australia/TIRUVANNAMALAI ,INDIA project work is going on well our donors supporting program me.
RDAS ANNUAL REPORT 2004-2012
RDAS Through this initiative, two hundred twenty two medicinal Local herbs have been identified up-to-date of which thirty five plants have been standardized for cultivation in the villages, Each village is provided with one standard set, free of cost, planted to serve as a model herbal garden. Villagers can buy additional saplings from collaborating nurseries at highly discounted rates eg nadir herbals provide saplings at 5 Rs a piece.
The project offers trainings camps to teach villages the benefits of these thirty five plants, and how to identify grow and use them as medicines as well as dietary/nutritional supplements.
Trained RDAS volunteers, women self-help group members who are part of the Eco-club team, conduct personal follow-ups during village visits regarding cultivation and utilization of herbal gardens and serve as reference points for additional guidance.
To widen public exposure, RDAS holds seminars and exhibitions, and displays these gardens during local festivals. The project has also secured partnership with the Indian Herbs Research and Rural Development Afforestation society.
A delegate to the Rain forest information centre, and a member of the alliance for Earth ways, cotton wood foundation, Rainforest concern and the Ecologos institute charitable Registration. With preeminent leaders of the world to forest peace and harmony his humanitarian efforts to rural his rehabilitation project for prisoners in India and abroad are internationally acclaimed, He is the source of strength and inspiration for hundreds of volunteers involved in these project. Who has been associated with the project sine its inception, introduced project and shared with the secretary the transformation it has brought about in the rural areas.
We invite the support and participation of all individuals groups and organizations in this endeavor, which is destine to bring a permanent trans formation in the lives of people who are trapped in hopeless economic and social situations.
There is a vital need to expand this project to cover other rural areas. You can fund different RDAS activities, individually or collectively, for a specific area and a certain duration, RDAS will create an opportunity to acknowledge the donor with in the villages, A maximum of four banners will be displayed for any sponsored RDAS activity (i.e Tailoring Training centre, Tree planting, Herbal Garden Develop and Environmental Health Awareness rogramms, organic training centre , health care water and sanitation CAMPS, Eye Camps) excluding, children sponsorship scheme will be announced, community development,
Some special donation modalities are dusted below.
Grass root level measures for conservation and education about the environment are an integral part of this project. Afforestation of the waste lands near the villages and within residential and common areas of the villages is also undertaken.
The village vanashree Eco-centre is an ecological initiative to preserve the rich ecological heritage of the country. The kannamudaiyar Shiva hills conservation campaigni initiated during the international year of the mountain is an ongoing reforest Shiva programme to conserve and protect the kannamudaiyar Shiva temple forest. Near the society mothers rescurce centre” Iruthayangar, permaculture counciling centre,
In the past two years measures have been undertaken to conserve the ecology of these village mountain, Erikarai, School. Temple, Road Both Side Tree planting and at the Same time create facilities for Local visitors. Thus catering both to man and environment, cleaning campaigns focusing on removing plastic wastes and educating the visitors on the hazards of toxic wastes being dumped in the mountains from a part of on going efforts to inculcate nature awareness amongst the masses. As an endeavor to preserve and propagate the areas rich environmental resources, the village vanashree Eco center RDAS PART TWO tree plantation and supports the protection and propagation of native wildlife.
To create awareness amongst children about conserving our rich heritage, The village vanashree Eco-center conducts five day residential Nature Awareness programs involving live demonstrations guest lectures, audio-visual presentations, field trips and a hands -on experience scientific documentation and photography.
In addition, Ten thousands of trees have been planted in various villages of Tamil Nadu Through the project Large Scale 100,000 Hundred Thousands of Trees planting 2004 to 2012. AFFORESTATION endeavors RDAS/RIC CONTINU FOLLOWING NEXT FIVE YEARS.Trekking and outings in the wilderness would be an essential component of this program. Measures against Coaching of wild life illegal felling of trees and trade in wild life products will be initiated at the village Level.
Schemes for water conservation and rain water harvesting at individual house holds and the community as a whole are also implemented. Agriculture Land Bunding, Community, Temple Land Bunding Rain water harvesting Bunding work – 25 Villages implementing 2005-2012project.
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATION
The project supports destitute children and organizes children and youth development work for nearby tribal villages, discourses with girls, youth are held in educational institutions to introduce early character and social development. Educational Scholarships create possibilities for children who have been deprived of educational due to financial social and caste restrictions, scholarships provide books, educational free lectures are given to the general public as well as to hospitals institutions and universities on health and will-being the project is committed to sharing information in support of the donation quest for world peace ,global understanding and international co-operation. The Projects trans potency and presence on the world wide web, as well as the society numerous publications and partnerships with like minded organisation’s serve as a platform to improve personal and social well being.
Championing Women and Breaking Social Barriers:
One of the primary efforts of action for rural women way aim at empowering rural women, an of neglected section of the rural society.
Community education is imparted to tribal women and dhalith women through educational camps for personality development and personal empowerment health care and prevent live education is also offered to create awareness and sustenance of good practices.
On the other hand, through the initiative of RDAS crafts, the employed people are predominantly women from economically disfavored families. It is hoped that this endeavor not only will provide rural people with a means to livelihood, but will also preserve the rich creative tradition of rural life.
Community Health Programme & Water and Sanitation:
Through various health reach programme the neglected section of society and most remote areas are integrated to revitalize those most in need. Free medical and Eye camps as well as free dispensaries mobile camp and special program for the handicapped water Born daises, workers conducted regularly in the month in the rural area tribal communities to provide relief to the needy.
1. Rural Development Afforestation Society
The Rural Development Afforestation Society was established on march 15th, 1995.
The aims of the RDAS are
• To work for the reafforestation and conservation of Rural land 100,000 seedlings planting 25 villages our working areas project future 5 years planning .
• To generate awareness of our natural environment, its problems of loss of genetic diversity, erosion of soil and water and to seek solutions.
• To encourage participation in the regeneration and protection of animal, bird and plant life in the surrounding areas through awareness campaigns, educational activities, employment opportunities and other means.
• To contribute towards harmonious relationships among all living beings.
• To co-operate with other individuals and organisations who share these objectives.
The Rainforest Information Center (RIC), Australia, has recognized Rural erikarai tree planting reafforestation project all the villages.in south India.RDAS is executing the following projects:
Waste Land DevelopmentConverting the waste lands inside the MELKACHIRAPPATTU AND AROUND villages ,Temple corridors,school.road side and community land all the areas plant trees our donors project RDAS WORKING . and other Temple lands into beautiful garden of flowering plants, fruit trees and sacred trees of medicinal and herbal value.
VILLAGE Nursery (within the outermost, ie. fifth corridor, of the big Temple)A plant nursery with enough capacity to supply saplings for our yearly afforestation activity on the rural Hill and, temple lands on the village road. The nursery also supplies saplings to schools, institutions, individuals and NGOs.
Eco – Club Activities in Schools
Enthusing school children to form Eco-clubs, educate them through lectures, demonstrations and, video and puppet shows, towards better understanding about environmental degradation and the urgent need to protect trees, to prevent environmental pollution of all kinds and to grow as responsible citizens of the future.
Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Farm
demonstration sites for:
Permaculture (permanent agriculture or permanent culture)
is the conscious design of agriculturally productive ecosystems which have the diversity, stability, resilience of natural ecosystems. It is the harmonious integration of landscape and people, providing their food, energy, shelter and other material and non-material needs in a sustainable way. Without permanent agriculture there is no possibility of a stable social order.
• Models for harnessing non-conventional energy resources like biogas plant, solar heater, solar energy for power generation and wind mills. These will result in less dependence on firewood for the growing population.
• Methods of soil conservation, effective water management.
• A well equipped laboratory for biological control of pests, soil testing and meteorological observations.
• A model sericulture and poultry farm.
• An education centre for students and villagers with facilities for periodical meetings, workshops, seminars etc.Revival of Traditional Herbal MedicineCampaign is being launched to educate the poor masses about the local availability of herbs and the need to change over to traditional herbal medicines, highlighting the economy, effectiveness, prophylaxis and absence of side effects.RDAS has also helped in the establishement of a Medicinal Plant Development area on 250 hectares of forest land near the KANNAMUDAIYAR temple land 3km around 10 village’s, adjoining the southern slope of the holy MELKACHIRAPPATTU Hill.VILLAGE Hill Afforestation Thousands of local plants of diverse species are annually planted on the environment education ,non formal education center for street children s benefit ,MELKACHIRAPPATTU hill b Rural Development Afforestation Society target areas 25 villages main project work areas. Construction of cattle guards, clearing of fire lines and dawn-to-dusk watching to drive prevent goats and cattle grazing and woodcutters, are steps that have resulted in enhancing survival of saplings. The severe, dry summers, the menace of goats and woodcutters, and arson by miscreants pose serious problem for the Society. RDAS feels that sustainable solutions can arise through direct involvement of the local people and accountability of authorities.
AIYANAR Land and all temple land tree planting work our project.
In the year 2004 to 2012, 250 acres of barren temple land and lake bund,hill,school land,farmers land and village land , surrounding the villages,about 25 village farmers request planting programme . shrine, were planted with a variety of tree saplings and flowering plants after adequate soil and water management measures. Water management work included canal for hill areas hill streams to the adjacent tank. The plants were looked after by RDAS by timely watering and dawn-to-dusk watching against cattle. A lush grove developed, and was handed over back to the temple authority in 2004 to 2012 all our dry land and community land tree planting project .
ERIKARAI – 250 .05 Acres ,15 villages and community land tree planting work .
In the year 2004-2012 bio-fencing of the surveyed boundary was done. Contour bunds were constructed to impound the rain water. Planting of saplings was started in 2004 to 2012 . A bore well was sunk and hand-pump installed in 2004 to 2012. So far thousands of diverse plants have been planted and are being well looked after.
Women in Development
RDAS has set up the MOTHER`S RESOURCE CENTER (Regd) with branches in TEN villages. The Society stresses thrift, nursery raising, organic farming, non-formal education, food preservation, vocational training, etc.
RDAS goal is the
• Promotion of a sense of gratitude to Mother Nature.
• Sustainable development which includes conserving nature’s resources such as biological diversity, soil, water etc..
• Replacement of environmentally unsound development activity by a safer strategy.
Directories
Rural Development Afforestation Society is listed in:
• ILEIA LEISA NETWORK IN INDIA- A register of Indian organisations involved in Low External-Input, and Sustainable Agriculture – October 1995 – published by ILEIA.
The Formative Years of RDAS & The Contribution of Rain forest Information Center , Australia, towards “Project village erikarai soil conservation and tree planting project 2004-2012
John button , an Australian settled in Tiruvannamalai, dreamt of a forested villages l. contact with John Seed and ruth of the RIC, Australia /Rural Development Afforestation Society
, was formally registered as a non-profit Society in the year 1995. The first Executive Committee consisted ,RDAS was aided right from its inception by Mr. John Seed (founder of Rain forest Information Center, New South Wales, Australia). The RIC has contributed over the years in two ways:
• Routing funds to support our projects.
The continuous and significant funding from RIC//COTTON WOOD FOUNDATION ,USA between 2004-2012 has helped generate the infrastructure for sustained development of all fronts of concern to RDAS .
A detailed project submission drafted by the RIC was submitted to the Australian the approval of the latter and start of release of the funds, the RIC sounded many individuals and institutions in America and Australia which heralded the first trickle-flow of financial assistance to RDAS and helped it to embark on activities like nursery raising, afforestation of the VILLAGE Hill and Eco-Club activities in school to start with. to assist RDAS .
By 2004-2012, the RIC was replaced by RIC of Australia. A project proposal (for the consolidation of the gains of the earlier 2004 TO 2012 project) was submitted by RDAS to RIC which in turn was recommended by Ms. RUTH Light to the Australian Government. This was approved, and RIC/OTHER DONORS gave a grant of (Rs.3,03000 )and more small grand supporting to me , for five more year for Project..
At present Mr.John Seed & RUTH ,director /RDAS are still continuing efforts to mobilize funds from well wishers, for the Arunachala Reforestation in India project more trees planting work doing donors ,in our areas main donors,following funding donors.
The RIC/Australia has been a relentless campaigner for protection of tropical rain forests in the world, projects all of which are damaging the ecology/causing environmental degradation, as a consequence.
If we are to ensure the safety of future generations, we must act now by contributing to environmental health and protection. We must start by respecting our land and reforesting it. This alone will improve water availability and quality of life. The society desperately needs more involvement, both financial and physical, from the community to enable meaningful spread of its work. We request you to join the campaign by liberal donations (time, material and money). Remittance stating donor’s name and address, may please be made favouring the
RDAS,TIRUVANNAMALAI ,INDIA PROJECT DONORS /RIC RAIN FOREST INFORMATION CENTER,AUSTRALIA /COTTON WOOD FOUNDATION ,USA/EARTH WAY FOUNDATION USA OUR PARTNER PAST 20 YEARS PROJECT WORK MAIN DONORS /TREES FOR THE FUTURE ,USA PAST 6 YEARS OUR DONORS PLANTING TREE PROJECT .
The project initially established Tree planting 10,00000, 2004-2012 project tree planting part one is Eri karai, Leg areas , Nursery development, organic Training programme and Tailoring Center to hold free courses in contemporary crafts for the rural Dhalith women, girls, it is hoped that this endeavor will not only provide an opportunity for livelihood to rural people, but also preserve their rich creative tradition.
Currently, the project employs about 18 works and Volunteers and animators to produce contemporary craft items in addition to traditional nutritional food products, both for village use and for sale to visitors.
Thanking you
Yours sincerely
p.subramanian
SUBRAMANIAN September 13, 2010 at 7:38 am
dearsir,mr.john seed ,ric,australia.
RDAS WORK IS GOING ON WELL IN OUR AREAS GOOD RAIN OUR PLANTING TREES ALL GOOD ,I DONT HAVE MONEY TO PLANTING MORE TREES SIR.YOUR SUPPORT I NEED SIR.
THANKING YOU
YOURSSINCERELY
P.SUBRAMANIAN
MR.Hira Bahadur Chhetri July 20, 2011 at 11:42 am
we must save the earth from global warming
so that our next generation can live well
our organization name is world wide tree plantation
Lou Yan Fu May 7, 2012 at 11:32 am
Why do people hurt the world which sustain them? I am also a deep ecological thinker and doer. Thank you for the great work you are doing in conserving nature for nature’s sake