Program Details
One does not have to be a foodie to acknowledge that the Indian food scene has changed dramatically over the last two decades. As our knowledge, information and ideas around food are changing, we are in fact, getting further and further away from our food.
We do not always know where our food comes from, who grows it or how. We are beginning to see food as a utility tool.
One of the most important things in our lives is the food we eat and that we feed our family to keep them healthy. However, this simple act is not easy anymore.
We are absolutely horrified at how quickly we have handed complete control over our food choices to a few multinational food companies and supermarkets. How on earth did we ever imagine that they would have our best interests at heart - or our health?
Youth Alliance and Purvi Vyas have come together to share our passion for food and show people how easy, fun and empowering it is to take control over the food we eat.
What can you expect from this journey?
- Food and Heritage Walk around Ahmedabad
- Hands on Farm work and first hand experience into the world of food
- Community cooking every evening
- Mentor sessions with experts like Devinder Sharma,Bina Agarwal
- Interaction with tribal women farmers
- Explore the social, historical, economic, political, and environmental contexts of our food system from local to global scales and lots more.
Dates
26th November to 2nd December’22
We begin the program at 8am on 26th November in Ahmedabad and close by 7pm in Ahmedabad on 2nd December. You can plan to reach Ahmedabad on 25th Nov, accommodation will be provided.
Location
Except for the first day on 26th November, we will be at the organic farm in Matar called Vasudha ni Vadi.The farm is about 40kms from Ahmedabad.At the moment, the farm is about 60-70% self sufficient as far as food requirements are concerned. They grow their own grains, vegetables, fruits and some medicines. There are cattle - 2 cows and 2 buffaloes and some chicken.
Purvi Vyas has been living on the farm for 15 years now and has tried to create a living, working self-sufficient, sustainable farm.
Travel and accommodation
Inter-city and intra-city travel will be arranged by us.
We would be staying in shared dorm style accommodation in Ahmedabad and Matar. Food would be simple and vegetarian meals.
Financial Contribution
The total cost of the journey for about 18 participants which includes stay, food, travel, mentor logistics, facilitation and organising is about Rs 23,400 per participant. The range of contribution is Rs 8,000 to Rs 23,000 to accommodate varied paying capacity of our participants and we fund-raise the deficit.
We believe that as we learn and grow together we take care of all those who offer us their gifts while also fostering a spirit of care for all the people in our communities.
Application process and details
The program langauge will be a mix of hindi and english, although our mentor Purvi didi is fluent in Gujarati as well.
We are only looking for 15-18 individuals committed for this journey. We would close the registrations as soon as we get to the required no.
Anyone and everyone who eats would find this relevant. Also, individuals engaged in agriculture, health, medicine, nutrition, climate change and post-capitalism work - would find this relevant to their work.
Pictures of “Vasudha ni Vadi”, the farm where we will learn everyday during our journey!