Travellers’ University & Vayali presents NILA YATRA 2019

A journey along Bharathappuzha exploring the human - river interconnectedness

OCTOBER 19 - 25

THRISSUR | The Nila River Nila Yatra 2019

Nila Yatra 2019 is hosted by Travellers' University and Vayali in the spirit of exploring the various roles a river plays in nurturing life forms. Every river is an ecosystem in itself and along with the varied biodiversity, it has rich stories of culture and history to tell. It's time for us to celebrate that!

The major areas of exploration of Nila Yatra 2019 are:

Human-river interconnectedness

There are multiple communities whose life and livelihood is dependent on the river. Example: Potter community, Bell metal craft community, grass mat weaving community, etc. To explore their work, livelihoods and the lifestyle they follow.

Cultural and Historical relevance of the river

River Nila, or Bharathappuzha Bharathappuzha is the lifeline of Kerala's cultural map. It is interesting to see is the largest river in Kerala how the river has shaped the cultures, traditions and lifestyles of people living around over the years. Years ago, at a time when connectivity through considering all the tributaries, roads were minimal, the river used to be a major trade route. and plays an important role in Folk arts and lore associated with the river understanding the social and Folk arts, music, dance and lore are an integral part in the life of many cultural , communities who live along the river and has its own influence in the day to especially central Kerala. Nila day life of people. Folk artforms are more than a getaway. They are important in connecting to one's innate self. originates in the in and flows Documentation of the knowledge assimilated during the yatra through three different districts An extensive knowledge sharing will be happening during the yatra, in Kerala, namely , providing the yatris a multidimensional outlook around the river Nila. It is of great significance to document the same and make this comprehensive and . understanding of the river and its ecosystem available in the public domain.

Who can About Travellers’ University participate? Travellers’ University is a learning community to support individuals - People interested in learning the who are interested to travel and learn to deepen their knowledge and multiple aspects of rivers - understanding of themselves and the world, and are looking for alternative choices in Education. It is a platform to nurture curious environmental, developmental, minds, encourage questions and push one’s thought process by historical, cultural, etc. giving them an exposure to traditional knowledge systems, a plethora - People looking out to slow down of sustainable solutions available, varied philosophies, ideologies and realities. It is for individuals to venture outside their academics and and establish/re-establish their work-life to engage with questions that perturb them and work connection with Nature. together to find their answers.

- People interested in immersing To know more, visit: www.travellersuniversity.org themselves in new cultures.

- People looking out for educative About Vayali experiences rooted in nature. Vayali, a group of young people from the cultural capital of Kerala, is - People who wants to involve their engaged in preserving the roots. Vayali was formed in 2004 for a head, hearts and hands in learning. common reason of forming a team to start learning the Traditional and Local Knowledge systems practiced in and around the banks of - People interested in experiencing River Nila or Bharathappuzha and share and impart the same to the Travel as a Pedagogy in learning. young generation.

- You. To know more, visit: www.vayali.org Facilitator Profiles

Ashik is a traveller, storyteller and an advocate of conversations, using dialogue as a tool to explore real human emotions and build consciousness and awareness in a world that is turning highly transactional. A graduate in Automobile Engineering, he later pursued Gandhi Fellowship, where he worked with Thane Municipal Corporation schools in Maharashtra on Principal Leadership and to strengthen the school processes. Post the fellowship, he was on a self-directed learning journey across , exploring the domains of Alternative Education and Sustainability. He currently co-anchors Travellers' University, and his superpowers include writing, active listening and vegetable gardening.

Sarath is a folk arts enthusiast and is associated with Vayali Folklore group in multiple capacities. He has a tale to tell about his transformation from an illegal sand miner to a campaigner for rivers. His close connection with Nila river motivates him to lead multiple projects revolved around the river, mobilising youth for social actions. Sarath facilitates 'AlterSchool', a space for contemplating social learning and to sensitise and educate children and youth in his village to work towards protecting and rejuvenating Nila river.

Born in Kerala and brought up in Pune, Shruti was quickly disillusioned by her experience of the superficial city life. After years of engagement with the adivasi, dalit and pastoral communities of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana on Food Sovereignty, Shruti co-founded ‘Rela’, a non-profit initiative that worked with indigenous and rural communities of . Upon deciding to take her unlearning a step further, she joined Swaraj University, Udaipur as a facilitator in 2017. She runs an initiative called "Forgotten Greens” exploring wild edible plants. Shruti has been facilitating and organising India Youth Jams since 2013 and South India Jam since 2016. Itinerary FAQ Day 0 - 18/10/2019 | Friday • Participants start coming in by afternoon/evening What are the boarding and lodging facilities during the seven days of yatra?

Day 1 - 19/10/2019 | Saturday • Opening circle at 11:00 a.m. The group will be staying at an ancestral house in , . • Introduction to Travellers' University Mattresses and pillows will be provided to all. The participants will have to • Common Ground • Introduction to Vayali and its work bring their own bed sheets and pillow covers. • General introduction of the river Nila/Bharathappuzha What is the mode of travel through the yatra? Day 2 - 20/10/2019 | Sunday • Meeting with Nila Action Group team • Tholppavakooth (Puppet Workshop) Depending on the spaces we will be exploring each day, the mode of • Bellmetal craft commute could be walking, autorickshaws or tempo-travellers. • Visit to River Nila where it flows in Shornur

Day 3 - 21/10/2019 | Monday What is expected from the participant during the yatra, if any? • Visit to Kuthampully handloom weaving community • Visit to Farmers’ Share - Sustainable Agro business unit • Folklore performance The yatra is designed in the spirit of co-creation and co-learning. We invite our participants to share their skills and knowledge with their co-yatris. Daily Day 4 - 22/10/2019 | Tuesday • Pottery making + Clay model making documentation of the learning and reflection in group is an important • Kuruthola craft workshop aspect of the yatra. We as well request our participants to be mindful of the • River walk & Interaction with River research group space they are in and immerse themselves in the local culture. Day 5 - 23/10/2019 | Wednesday • Visit to How shall one confirm their participation? • Interaction with Bharathappuzha Collective • Visit to Pulpaya (grass mat) making center • Bamboo craft & music instruments making After registering in through this link, participation can be confirmed by making the contribution to the following account: Day 6 - 24/10/2019 | Thursday • To exploring the history of Mappila community • Visiting the site where river merges in the sea A/c Name: Travellers University • Boating in the sea A/c No.: 1764102000007023 Day 7 - 25/10/2019 | Friday IFSC: IBKL0001764 • Feedback & Rituals Account Type: Current Account • Farewell at 2:00 p.m. Bank & Branch: IDBI Bank, GMS Road, Dehradun, Uttarakhand P.S: This is how the itinerary looks like for now. Some of the elements UPI: 9166339394@ybl are subject to change and there is room for collective reimagination as well. How to Dates, Venue & participate? Monetary contribution

The yatra is from October 19 to 25, 2019 at Shoranur in the Interested participants can Thrissur district of Kerala. The lush green locale and the register themselves through multiple tributaries of Nila will add to the beauty of this link: https://tiny.cc/ exploration. NilaYatra2019 The contribution for participation is on a sliding-scale of Rs. 12,000/- to Rs. 15,000/- for those aged 13 years and above. It means that Rs. 12,000/- covers the food, travel, accommodation and basic facilitation cost during the 7 days of yatra and contribution to the artisans.

Any contribution above this amount supports the curation and documentation of the knowledge assimilated during the yatra.

Rs. 6,000/- is the basic contribution for children aged 5 to 12 years. No charges attached for children below 5 years of age.

Contact: Ashik - +91-8129266665 or [email protected]

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