May-July, 2014
(Palampur, Himachal Pradesh)
You know that we need changes in our society and politics, but cannot really figure how and where to start? If you are young and searching for a path for the future; if you are looking for answers or just figuring out how to frame the questions; or you are looking to understand the interconnections between different problems facing society; here is an opportunity for you.
Join one of our two Summer Schools at the Sambhaavnaa Institute: Samanvay (6 weeks) or Sandarbh (1-week), which aim at providing you a fresh window/lens to viewing development, economics, society, policy and politics. Through interactive sessions with activists, thinkers, academics and experts from various fields, these programs attempt to sharpen your skills for critical analysis of, and a overall perspective to, the challenges facing our country today.
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(I) Nayi Dishaayein: Samanvay
A 6-week Summer School and Internship Program for Rethinking Development
June 1 – July 12, 2014
This program brings together the theory and practice of social change. The 2-week theoretical component of this program will engage the participants in a critical analysis of the challenges before our society. We shall try and cover issues of Economic Policy, Social Justice, Democratic Governance, Ecological Sustainability, Social Movements and Alternatives to Development – thereby, trying to build a holistic and interconnected picture of the issues facing our society today.
The 4-week internship would give you a chance to work with and learn from well-known organisations that have done pioneering work in their fields such as Narmada Bachao Andolan (M.P.), People’s Science Institute (Uttarakhand), Mazdo
(More details about the 6-week Summer School schedule at the end of the email)
(II) Nayi Dishaayein: Sandarbh
A 1-week Summer School for Rethinking Development
May 24 – 31 , 2014
It is a week long dialogue that attempt to critically engage the participant to rethink the current concepts of ‘Development’ that pervade society and public policy. Through lectures, discussions, interactive sessions, debates, film screenings and book discussions an attempt would be made to re-examine our current understanding of economic policies, inequities in society, democracy, environmental issues. We would also try and give a glimpse of the various kinds of alternatives to ‘development’ – both at the grassroots and policy level – that are being experimented with in different parts of India and the world.
Discussion Topics: (covered both in 1-week program and theoretical component of 6-week program)
Historical Background of our Development Model
Understanding India’s Economic Policies
Democracy and Decision-Making: Who Controls Public Policy?
Ecological Consequences of Development
Social Context of Development: Caste and Gender
Social Movements in India
Alternatives to Development
Cost:
1. Samanvay (6-week program): Rs. 5500
2. Sandarbh (1-week program): Rs.3500
Need-based financial assistance is available. Do not let your inability to pay, be the reason for not applying!
Eligibility – You may preferably belong to the age group of 18 to 26 with any academic background; you may have volunteered with action groups in your area; may have worked briefly with organizations working for change.
Application Timeline – Send in attached form before 10 th April , 2014.
Preference will be given to early applicants
Post completed application forms to:
Sambhaavnaa Institute,
Gaon Kandbari,
Tehsil Palampur,
Zila Kangra, Himachal 176061
Or email them to: programs@sambhaavnaa.org
About the Institute – The Institute is based on the philosophy of inspiring a new generation of youth who would understand public issues and who would have the means and the motivation to lead the movements to help shape public policy in public interest. And what better place, than the lap of the Himalayas, to kindle inspiring thoughts in the young and dynamic. Set in the foreground of the Dhauladhar mountain range, in Palampur tehsil, Kangra district of Himachal is a village – Kandbari, where this Institute is located. Using local material, essentially wood,earth and stone, traditional architectural design and practice and built by local people; the Institute premises is being designed to live up to the paradigm that it is attempting to promote.
[See www.sambhaavnaa.org for more details]
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Some more details about the 6-week program…
समन्वय
Samanvay
The 6-week program brings together both theory and practice. It is divided into three parts:
1. Rethinking Development: A Critical Analysis (1 week)
Through interactive sessions with activists, thinkers, academics and experts from various fields, this week attempts to sharpen yours kills for critical analysis of, and an overall perspective to, the challenges facing our society today. We shall try and cover issues of Economic Policy, Social Justice, Democratic Governance, Ecological Sustainability, Social Movements and Alternatives to Development – thereby, trying to build a holistic and interconnected picture of the issues facing our society today.
This part of the program shall be residential and housed in the Sambhaavnaa campus, near Palampur (Himachal Pradesh)
2. Internship (4 weeks)
After a week-long theoretical perspective on socio-economic and political issues, as well as approaches to social change, the 4-week internship shall provide the participant with an on-the-ground perspective on these issues. Depending on their areas of interest, the participant shall spend four weeks with a social movement/ organization. This will not only give an insight into ground realities, but also an opportunity to work and learn with experienced social activists and organizations. During the internship, the participant will be involved in the work and activities of the organization, interact with the local community and try and develop an understanding of the issues on which the organization is working.
Internships shall be with organizations working in the areas of –
Education, Environment , Agriculture and Organic Farming, Livelihoods and Alternative Technologies, Dalit and Tribal rights, Displacement and Rehabilitation, Local Governance and Right To Information, Gender Empowerment and Domestic Violence and Holistic Community Development.
3. Reflection and Conclusion (5 days)
On returning from their individual internships, the participants will get an opportunity to share and reflect on their experiences from their internship. They would get to bring together the theory from Part 1 of the program, and their on-the-ground experiences from the internship. The varied inputs of the participants from a range of organizations and social initiatives will also help the group evolve a deeper. The varied inputs of the participants from a range of organisations and social initiatives will also help the group evolve a deeper understanding of different approaches to social change. This part of the program shall be residential and housed in the Sambhaavnaa campus.
Broad Program Topics and Probable Resource Persons:
Ravi Chopra, People’s Science Institute, Dehradun on The Promises and Idea of ‘India’; Defining Concepts: Democracy, Justice, Equality and development
Himanshu Kumar, Civil Rights Activist on Political Justice, Democracy and Governance
Sunil bhai, Samajwadi Jan Parishad/ Economist on Economic Justice: The Development Conundrum
Kulbhushan Upmanyu, Environmental Activist on The Social and Ecological Outcomes of Development
Vimla Vishwapremi, Dalit and Women’s Rights Activist on Gender and Caste: Identity
Manshi Asher, Activist-Researcher, Facilitator of Group Exercises: The Social Identity Exercise; Collective Concept Clarity, Campaign Strategy building
Click here to download Application Form for the Summer Program 2014
Participation Form