Transition Towns Marin

"We can all spend our lives going about doing good. Every time you meet a person, think of

some encouraging, an expression of admiration. Every time you come into a situation, think of

some good thing to bring –a thoughtful gift, a considerate attitude, a helping hand."

Just as water cools both good and bad and washes

away all impurity and dust, in the same way you

 

should develop thoughts of love for friend and foe

alike, and having reached perfection in love, you will

 

attain enlightenment.

 

 

 

Life is short. Time is fleeting. Uncover the True Nature. Purify the mind and heart to attain happiness. Be kind;       compassionate. Be generous; do good. Concentrate. Understand. Awaken

 

 

 

 

My Self Surendra Singh Virhe.I am a Spiritual

 

leader,Social Activist,Life Coach, Writer

from Indore India, we are a youth group Working for

public and social welfare from last 12 years, our

organization is identified by the name:

 

                                                    " Utkarsh Samajik Shaikshainik Anusandhan  Avam

 

                                                     Gramin Vikas Sansthan " UTKARSH SANSTHAN

                                                                    www.utkarshsansthanindia.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Human evolution has always depended on the ability of communities and groups to learn.

In prehistoric times, bands of early hominids survived by learning how to work together

to find food. The Agricultural Revolution was only possible because hunter-gatherers

shared information about how to cultivate seeds and domesticate animals. In the

eighteenth century, the Industrial Revolution was built on a partnership between scientists

and capitalists. These and many other advances depended on collaborative learning. Now,

in our time, we need to develop an entire learning society so humankind can take the next

step in its evolution.

 

 

To continue our evolutionary journey, Homo sapiens needs to

learn how to live sustainably on the Earth. Previous advances,

while bringing many gains, have led to an ecological crisis of

unprecedented proportions that threatens our well being, and

perhaps our very survival. Created by western culture’s

addiction to economic growth and consumerism, the crisis is

comprised of many interconnected facets including climate

change, the depletion of natural resources, the loss of biodiversity, and increasing pollution and

toxic wastes. Looking at the whole picture, it is easy to see that human

health and the health of the ecosystems which support life are in jeopardy. Unless our

species can take the next step and learn to think and act sustainably, the future appears

grim.

If we are to develop sustainable ways of interacting with, and making use of, the world’s

material and immaterial resources, we have to change the way we think about ourselves and

to develop more sustainable ways of being-in-the-world. We have to re-orientate and reeducate

ourselves as beings in, and of, the world, as embodied fields of consciousness

participating in an indeterminate flux of chemical, biological and cultural interactions.

 

 

 

 

What is social conscience, and why is it relevant?

Conscience can be described as internalised values: a person’s intuitive ‘moral compass.’

While rational, philosophical, or religious arguments are often used as justifications,

conscience itself is primarily emotional: we associate feelings of pleasure and pride with right

action, and feelings of guilt and shame with wrong action. These emotions help to motivate

choices and behaviour, playing an important role in the maintenance and transformation of

social norms. In many ways, the norms of society are the sum of our collective values and

priorities – as society shapes us, we shape society.

 

 

In addition to a sense of right and wrong for personal action,

individuals possess a sense of

right and wrong for collective action – what might be called

social conscience. Individual

conscience compels us to act morally in our daily lives,

avoiding or helping to relieve the

immediate suffering of others, whereas social conscience

compels us to insist on moral action

from the wider institutions of society and to seek the transformation of social structures that

cause suffering. While individual conscience is reflected in norms of personal interaction,

social conscience is reflected in the ways we organise ourselves more broadly.

Across the political spectrum, most people experience a gap between the kind of world they

see and the kind they want. On a personal level, social conscience is what bridges that gap. If

we can understand our own social conscience, we can make more conscious choices to help

shape society according to our values. If we can understand the social conscience of others,

we can find common values and goals among seemingly diverse groups and build movements

for change. Understanding social conscience, whether our own or others’, helps to identify

assumptions, values, and visions, making it an important element of sustainability literacy,

and a useful tool for effective social and ecological transformation.

Doorway to Bhil Paltan Slum  : Story of My Initiative For Child Education in Slums

 The nation was celebrating 150^th anniversary of the first freedom

struggle of India (revolt of 1857) in year 2007.  I decided to investigate

about the present living conditions of successors of the leaders,

solders, & martyrs who sacrificed their career, livelihood, wellbeing of

family, and even their lives. My desire was to inspire these young

inheritors and other youths as well to follow the path of their

predecessor. During the research I came across the history of Bhil Paltan. According to the history, a

company of native Bhil tribe was deployed at the stable of horses of East India Company’s military. This

company, known as ‘Bhil Paltan’, roused against the East India Company and joined hands with other

rebellion groups. Thus the spark of mutiny became a storm of thunder.

I was impressed by the heroic audacity, bravery, and sacrifice of Bhil Paltan and such gallant

background of the community stirred me to know more about their inheritors. Consequently I reached up to

a slum known as Bhil Paltan, situated in a north-west corner of Indore city. Here I interviewed various

people, including youths, women, elder persons, and children. The findings were astonishing. Along with the

present inheritors of the heroes of 1857, I met several families which are relatively newcomers in this slum.

They have been displaced from Jhabua, Dhar, and other adjoining tribal districts due to so-called

development policy. Their means of livelihood (forest, land, etc.) is taken away by government,

consequently, they have no option left other then moving to the cities as displaced community and start a

new live with urban livelihoods such as domestic helper, rag picker, beggar, and so on.

I realized the necessity to be among them for a longer time. Started visiting the slum regularly. Initially most

of the people in the community didn’t welcome my initiative. I tried to put the importance of schooling of their

kids before them & to clarify its relation with the betterment of their lives. Before long I encountered with

pessimistic perception, prejudices, as well as the challenges of their daily life. Very first excuse was

‘poverty’. Many parents told me:  “Schooling is very expensive…. we cannot afford it because we are daily

wage labors…. Our wage is not even enough to feed our family……”

Children’s story was pathetic. They have to wake-up early in the morning (around 5 AM) & go for rag

picking. In the end of the day they surrender daily earnings (Rs. 10-15) to the mothers. Most of the times

fathers try to snatch the money to fulfill their addiction of liquor and gambling. Such struggles end up with a

scene - father beating mother. I am amused by the confidence of these children, an illiterate child labor

uttered his wisdom to me: “…we do hard labor, because this is the way we can be rich… one day.”   In reply

to my question “why do you want to be a rich man”, he explained: “I will rove around the city in car…..will

have dinner in luxury restaurants…. and have fun!” Further a girl added up: “it we go to school, we cannot

work ……..and earn money.”

Ultimately, I came to know why parent get annoyed when I ask them to send children to school. I also

become aware of the fact why children and teenagers move away when I make an effort to inspire them to

go school.

 Utkarsh Team has decided to take this challenge over and think deeply for an acceptable solution. First of

all we started a detailed survey of the slum. Once again we got chance to meet & interact with various

 

sections of the community. The team felt that this time people of the community are taking us more

seriously. This was a result of our regular interaction with them. Parent replied softly to our questions. We

were pleased by such response.

After lengthy sessions of brainstorming and hot discussions, we concluded with a raw plane of Jeevan Utkarsh Kendra.

Initially we started a ‘morning learning centre’. Women and girls learn some vocational skills as well as reading, writing

with basic operations of mathematics. After some time, we saw that boys are also showing interest join in the learning

centre. So, we are in process to accommodate them as well. At present the centre is facilitating in learning process,

vocational skills, communication skills, and some support in sports activities. 

                                               

MY ROLE AS A SELF DRIVEN CREATOR AND MY COMMITMENT IN PRESENT AND FUTURE AS N.G.O.-MEDIA ACTIVIST

 

In context of thoughts on life experiences

The finest philosophical thought of universal religion is still vibrant in life in Indian writing and thinking. After independence I have seen sudden and continuous downfall in Indian philosophical thought with relation to literature.

 

We rarely see high level of intellectualism, altruism and universality. It seems that thinker and philosopher of old generation doesn’t want to come over mythological and spiritual stream and new generation doesn’t think beyond materialistic things and physicality.           

 

As a Self driven writer, social worker and thinker I want to live every moment as first moment and wish to give radical live expression. I have never forced myself for writing. I have always maintained serious attitude towards ‘Understanding’ and ‘Learning’ so primarily I would like to call myself as Social worker and not writer. The inspiration for my writing has been the search for meaningful life style. It is my duty to create and protect human values and also to visualize highest level of humanity. My priority is to stop the disruption of everlasting values of life.

 

As my family background is business, it was not acceptable for me to become a mediator in an unproductive market system. So according to my interest, I chose journalism and social service as my area of work. Since my childhood I was disturbed and worried about communalism, terrorism, corruption and many other social evils. I used to have lot of anger against all this and solution centric thoughts always occupied my heart. I started writing regarding these issues and their solutions during my primary and secondary education. I used to pay more attention to these issues than my studies. During this process I decided to write books with title ‘Jagrati’, ‘Adhunik Geeta’, ‘Vishwa Hridaya Bharat’.            

 

I have started writing manuscripts in my notebooks and registers on the subjects like society, country, world peace, culture, spirituality. Whole day I used to read articles in newspapers and magazines. The communal riots against Sikhs in 1984 affected me very much and I was really hurt by this incident. My nature became very quite and serious and day and night I was thinking on questions regarding community, religion, patriotism, humanity. As a result, intellectual trait was developed in me.  

 

I started expressing my feelings, thoughts through writing. My intellectual and serious routine started concentrating on every aspect of Life history of journalist and writers, understanding literary society, patriotism, rise of humanity. My communication and relation with senior friends, intelligentsia, social institutions, and journalist started and I got active in the field of social work. My urge to maintain social harmony, include youth in social work, establishing patriotism humanitarian values, inspired me to play an active role in cultural sector also. I played a leading role in organizing and coordinating various cultural camps, dramas, theater in school & college cultural activities and in religious festivals. During my whole teenage phase, I lived in this environment and was associated with social activities.

 

But my initial years of youth were very perplexed, impatient and unstable because I again started getting discontented. Dissatisfaction towards me and towards society increased. This discontentment and rigid, dispirited attitude of people, divergence and depression in friends and youth inspired me to solve questions related to realities of life, to understand the philosophy of society, nation, world, culture, religion and to go for solution centric search.  Now my curiosity to understand philosophical ideologies, various systems, religion, civilization, culture in world context increased.  I started studying this issue from a new point of view.

 

 

 

In this process, I studied and understood independence movement and revolutionary history. A deep thrust for Gandhivad, Marksvad, socialism, communism aroused in me.  I got interested in knowing more about this ideologies, thinkers and great people. And this way, I got associated with various organizations, movements for social change, related activities and people. I got introduced to various campaigns and movements like Narmada Bachao Andolan, Bharat Jan Andolan, Jan Sangharsh Morcha, Samajwadi Jan Parishad, Yuva Bharat, Nation building Campaign. I got associated with Yuva Bharat  to increase my understanding on imperialism, global conspiracy and revolution, State, Nation and democracy.

 

Communal riots in Ayodhya, Godhra once again forced me to take extensive solution centric steps and roused my soul to establish Social harmony humanity religion. Shashvat Satya Anusandhan Parishad, Abhyas Mandal Lok maîtri, Anhad, Sadbhavna Pratishthan, Sandarbh Kentra, Kasturba Gandhi Trust were the prominent stages in my journey of establishing social harmony. For my future journey of learning programming skill, I am looking forward to Wiser earth Fellow -Support as the most appropriate opportunity, associate and alternative.

 

I very well know that it is justified for a thinker to become an independent journalist and media person and also come out of the shadow of past and associate himself with contemporary issues.

 

I also accept that modernism doesn’t mean blowing apart our culture. There is always a scope for re-creativity in every area, subject and situation. According to me creative people should try to balance, blend, coordinate new and old and create a novel global culture comprising of options relating to social uplift. A social worker and writer should not only have intellectual maturity but also sensitivity. Thoughtfulness is not mere knowledge but it is cognitive sense. The writing of creative writer gets active by constant review of thoughts. The precious collection of blissfulness, consciousness and tenderness forms the main base of thoughtfulness.

 

In present context, it is necessary for thinkers and creators to give same importance to unseen, unknown, inexperienced, un-descriptive, unproven and unachievable as they give to known, experienced, descriptive, proven and achievable things and facts otherwise they will not be able to survive in today’s globalized and high tech world.

 

I think the elegance of finest thoughtfulness and writing lies in setting off unity by holding the balancing points in contrasting situations. Creative persons and thinkers should continuously struggle to seek justice for deprived and exploited people which have become more relevant in current scenario.

 

The spirit of social welfare ‘Sarvjan Hitay Sarvjan Sukhay’ (Everyone’s interest Everyone’s happiness) should be persistent in their mind. We are on the threshold of scientific era and this is definitely the opportunity to assess the past and present and to recognize the future challenges.

 

An experimental, self driven, social worker, thinker and creative person like me will have to bring required change according to changing scenario because every change brings along with it conflicting tendencies. My Life experience till now and journey of Utkarsh needs a conclusive turn.     

 

In today’s scientific era, the analysis of religion is scientific because question is not about faith or respect but it is about pace of the past and current context.  A self driven media person, social worker like me should not have any presumptions and should remain aloof and creative.

 

I am feeling conceptually apathetic in present situation. In past few years I was caught in the feeling of sluggishness. But now slowly I am getting over this anxiety. I had wandered a lot in search for philosophical emotional base and fundamental Exploring.  Sometimes I felt that I have easily accepted the divergence in goal and taken the path of fatalism. But some movements and related organizational activities and incidents made this rock-solid that if we achieve our goal without any deviation the feeling of achievement is not complete. But now I have decided that in my Utkarsh journey I will try to fulfill my community responsibility creatively and start a cultural advancement campaign by organizing activities on local and community issues. I will become a vibrant speaker of Indian wisdom and adopt cultural vision for world welfare. I will always keep my thought eternal, mobile and flowing every moment. My next conclusive step is giving priority to local issues and developing maturity in personal life.

 

I think that in today’s context self driven creators and thinkers should be brilliant conveyor of reformed traditions and heritage. They should be aware of folk sentiments in the past and should be judicious, realist and futuristic. My heartfelt wish is that you awaken the spirit of world welfare through your pure enlightened conscious.

‘Amartya veer putra ho, dridhpratigya soch lo

Prashta punya path hai badhe chalo, badhe chalo’

(You are immortal brave son, strong determined think

It’s a divine virtuous path, go ahead, go ahead)

(Jaishankar Prasad)

 

My pure inspirational conscientious is expressing that a self driven creator and thinker should present an ideal before world by bringing uniformity in their sayings and doings because it is a very difficult task to stick to self made principles. They should do their work with an optimistic view and positive attitude. They should adopt a global scientific vision. In present technological and technical world a novel thought will give a new direction to writing and thinking.  

 

Today we have to propagate those ideals which will be acceptable and pertinent for many centuries. Today in modern media, waste and degraded stuff is presented; they should not debase the level and dignity. Yellow journalism is spreading its wings everywhere. Creators and thinkers should develop solution centric ideology for fighting corruption, obscenity,       irrepressible, moral assassination.

 

The source of fundamental belief and thinking is nation. I myself consider country’s welfare and love for country over everything else.  Creators and thinkers should alert public about national problems and their annulment. Their words and writing should be so vibrant that it can agitate and instigate people when it is needed. They should not aggravate the feelings of racism or communal ism but spread the message of harmony and unity.

 

Poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar rightly said

Kalam desh ki badi shakti hai

Bhav jagane wali

Dil hee nahi dimaag mein bhi

Aag lagane wali

(Writing is the biggest power of country, arouse feelings,

not only in heart but also in mind, ignite fire)

Self driven creators and thinkers should keep themselves away from flattery, enticement and lavishness. Their behavior should not be prejudiced. They should have endurance and they should express their feelings and thoughts in a very gentle way. Their personality will blossom through sensitivity and kind heartedness. They should not be agitated or angry and try to control their emotions.

 

Creators and thinkers should develop such a thought, ideology that can be propagated in every section of society. Only they can proclaim the vibrant and energetic spirit among everyone.

 

Now at this conclusive turn of my life, I have to primarily carry and convey the feeling of responsibility towards nation, society and family. So, as a self driven creator and thinker my role is not only limited to creativity but also I will have to play a pivotal role in media and an artificer for national development. 

 

What should be done? Why it should be done? What are the commitments towards nation and world? As a self driven creator and thinker, I will have to find an appropriate solution to all these questions. Creative writers and thinkers should not only think about nation but also for world welfare. They should try to blend all in one, because only through this the writing, thinking and creativity can go beyond national boundaries and become a means for global betterment.   

 

In present context, Creators and thinkers have to persistently play the role of excellent rule maker, ideal thinker, enlightened guide and an inspiration. If creative writers and thinkers will be determined towards their role and duties then surely public will follow them. Creators and thinkers should dutifully indulge into invocation of truth.     

 

Media Resource center is a fundamental and effective initiative for achieving the mutual complementary aims of Utkarsh Sansthan and organizing various cross cultural activities. The successful organization of painting program ‘Sarokar’ and its experience has proved that through mutual trust and cooperation, undoubtedly this initiative will create a new definition for Utkarsh  It will remove the disparities present in society, education and media and will creatively solve the internal conflicts in a creative way.

 

The main motive of Utkarsh wiserearth would be universal advancement through media to accomplish the belief of development in the form of "Satyam Shivam Sundaram" " Jai Ho"  .