Bhaskar Save’s
Natural Farming Learning Centre
Dated: 27-11-2014
Dear All,
The residential ‘Natural Farming Learning Centre’ at Bhaskar Save’s farm
began with a week-long introductory course from Nov 2 to 9. The second
course was from Nov 18 to 25. Both were much appreciated by the
participants. The first course had people from all over India. The second,
just concluded, had 21 farmers from Rajasthan, including 18 adivasi
farmers. All resolved to convert at least one bigha each of their land to
organic farming in harmony with nature. A consolidated 7 bigha holding will
also be collaboratively tended as an organic demonstration and
experimentation plot for its region.
Some of you perhaps know that Bhaskar Save was recently unwell. He had to
be hospitalized in Jaslok, Mumbai on November 5, and underwent a dialysis
that night. It was perhaps his first ever stay in a hospital - apart from
visiting for cataract operations - and must have been traumatic for him. As
soon as he got a little better, he rebelled, insisting on going home, and
starting - in the words of his daughter-in-law - “a total non-cooperation
satyagraha!” The hospital had probably never seen a resolute nonagenarian
like him. He finally had his way, and got home after staying about 9 days
in the hospital. He is much better now, bright-eyed and firm in voice when
he talks to anyone interested in natural farming. Two months hence, on
27-1-2015, he will complete 93 years of his rich life - a living
inspiration to many all over India, indeed the world.
While the first two introductory courses at the on-farm Centre were in
Hindi, the next will be in Marathi, from January 15 to 21, 2015. This will
be followed by one in English from January 24 to 30. Please note that these
dates are different, and the course duration a little shorter than earlier
announced. The total number of enrollments for each course will be retained
at 20-25, and the last date for applying is Dec 10. (Please fill and email
us the attached application form.) Since many have already applied, it may
not be possible to accommodate all in the January courses, and preference
will be given to farmers. But we will keep all applicants updated about
future courses and workshops of varying duration, which will be continued -
in Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati and English. Those who have completed the
introductory course would also be eligible to apply for an apprenticeship
of one month, three months, or year-long duration, along with a 500 word
essay on themselves and their interest/involvement in farming.
The teachers/guides will include Bhaskar Save, Naresh Save, Suresh Save,
and guest lecturers like Dhirendra Soneji, Vasant Futane, Ashok Sanghvi,
Bharat Mansata and/or others, depending too on the language in which the
course/workshop is offered.
Apart from talks, discussions, observation, personal reading and
reflection/self-study, the course will include two hours of practical farm
work every morning and late afternoon, or a total of 4 hours each day.
Attached is the daily schedule of the course, which may be modified as
needed.
Those whose applications for the January 2015 courses are approved, will be
informed latest by December 20. They will be required to deposit by 30th
December Rs 2,500 for the Marathi course (Jan 15-21), and Rs 3,000 for the
English course (Jan 24-30). The fees include accommodation and food. (A
few concessional scholarships are available for deserving applicants, who
may be required to volunteer their services while attending the course.)
Those who would like to pay more are welcome to do so – to support this
non-profit educational service reach out to many more farmers all over
India.
We look forward to see you!
Bhaskar Save’s Natural Farming Learning Centre
Address: Kalapavruksha, Coastal Highway, near Village Dehri, via Umergan
Station, Dist. Valsad, Gujarat 396170, Phone: 0260-2995177
Contact Persons:
- Abhijay Save: Mobile- 09723531071, Email - abhijaysave@gmail.com
- Bharat Mansata: Mobile - 09967371183, Email -
bharatmansata@yahoo.com
(Please mark copies of your emails to both the above.)