With growing concerns of a warming climate and our over dependence on fossil fuels, the agriculture sector, the mainstay of millions of Indians is under threat. Naya Swaraj as the name suggests is the new independence that our nation should seek. An independence from a new and more vicious rule, that of fossil fuels. Our last fight against a colonial rule resulted in India’s freedom and this Naya Swaraj should make us independent of dirty fossil fuels for development and instead rapidly enhance the use of clean, renewable energy.
The ask is common: that across India, sustainable development practices be adopted in a environment of good policy and governance that will ensure a safe climate for our future generations.
A group of young people from “Yes of Peace”, IYCN and 350.org have designed a unique cycle rally to highlight the importance of transitioning our farming away from fossil fuels and into organic/sustainable farming. Here are some of the details and an opportunity for you to be a part of this amazing Yatra!
Naya Swaraj Yatra is a unique cycle yatra from the Vidharbha region of Maharashtra to Mumbai. A distance of over 850 Kilometers across villages and towns covered by 30 enthusiastic cyclists across the country.
The rally is not a picnic or a race but instead a spiritual journey to foster a positive mentality in young people and a peaceful future on a rapidly changing planet.
Purpose of this yatra
This yatra aims to get a deeper insight on the following
- Impacts and solutions to the issue of climate change in the Maharashtra region and collect on ground stories of people.
- To push the Maharashtra Govt. to reduce the dependence of fossil fuels in farming (through pesticides and fertilizers) and encourage organic farming.
- Latest policies made for grassroot farmers on agriculture for example: Farmer helpline number, agriculture land testing etc.
- Evolving thinking minds amongst young farmers on sustainble agriculture
OUR SUPPORTERS IN MAHARASHTA
Magan Sanghralay (Wardha),
M.S.Swaminathan Research Foundation (Wardha),
Prayas (Amravati),
Vikas Sahyog Pratishthan (Shegaon & Mumbai),
North Maharashtra University, NSS (Jalgaon)
Earth Care Design (Nasik),
YATRA DESCRIPTION
Duration: 13th Sept. 2011 – 2nd Oct. 2011 (20days)
Transition Distance: From Sewagram-to-Mumbai about 850 KM
Organized by: YES for PEACE (Maharashtra), IYCN (Delhi) and 350 India
Participants: -Those who are more than 18 years old
-Those who are interested in promoting sustainable farming practices.
-Those who hope to share ideas and friendship regardless of border, religion, or Nationalities
-Those who hope to be active members in the global society.
-The stamina / willingness to cycle long distances i.e. team will cycle 35-50 kilometers every day.
The route map for the Yatra can be found here.
Age limit: Over 18years old
HOW TO APPLY?
Application: Please find the application form here, fill it and send to the following e-mail ids with the subject- “Naya Swaraj cycle yatra applicant”.
Mr. Javed Khan (0992 35 40 888) javed.anhad@gmail.com
Mr. Chaitanya Kumar (0984 90 16 371) chaitanya@350.org
Contact Mr. Javed for any queries on the yatra.
PLEASE REMEMBER
Deadline for applications: 20th August 2011
Useful links
www.world.350.org/india
www.iycn.in
PS – Please spread the word about the cycle yatra among your friends. The application form will soon be available in Hindi and Marathi.
PPS: A Naya Swaraj cycle yatra is also being taken up by climate leaders in Coastal Andhra Pradesh where groups like Bharateeyam, Clean India network etc are working along similar lines to get the Govt. to adopt sustainable solutions.
Tags: 350, 350.org, agriculture, cycle yatra, cycles, maharashtra, naya swaraj, organic farming, yatra, yes for peace