Spain
    Continent
    Africa
    Asia
    Europe
    North America
    Oceania
    South America

Kathewadi, Nanded: Una historia exitosa

Kathewadi es un pueblo de alrededor 600 personas en Deglur Tehsil del Distrito Nanded, y se encuentra al borde de Maharastra (India). Se parecía mucho a cualquier otro pueblo del area hasta que un voluntario tomó la responsabilidad de mejorar sus condiciones e inspiró toda una comunidad de trabajar con él para el desarrollo.

El gran cambio sucedió cuando el Sr Naik, alumno de la escuela local Jagruti y voluntario de Arte de Vivir, reunió a los habitantes del pueblo para explicarles la importancia de una higiene apropiada. Los comuneros se interesaron a la idea y organizaron una reunión oficial del pueblo, en presencia del sarpanch (jefe del pueblo) Sangeeta Suryawanshi. En esta ocasión, después de analizar todas las posibilidades, los habitantes decidieron hacer de su pueblo un pueblo ejemplar, donde el desarrollo de la comunidad se realiza a través del programa 5H del Arte de Vivir – Salud, Casas, Higiene, Valores Humanos y Armonía en la diversidad.

En el Camino hacia el Desarrollo: Empoderamiento

Esto fue solamente el principio. Una buena idea necesita implementación y esfuerzo para hacerla diferente, especialmente a nivel de toda una comunidad.

Se organizó un Curso de Formación para Jóvenes Lideres (YLTP), para 40 jóvenes en el campus del colegio. Los jóvenes se desarrollaron en líderes, empoderados, confiados y armados con capacidades de mando. Empezaron varios proyectos de servicio en la zona que pusieron el pueblo en el camino del desarrollo.

  • Curso Parte 1: 50 personas del pueblo participaron al curso 1 de Arte de Vivir: el resultado fue más calma mental y una mayor alegría en la vida diaria, así como una mejor relación con los vecinos
  • Sadhana de la Comunidad: Cada mañana los habitantes del pueblo se reúnen para practicar el Sadhana de la comunidad, que incluye Yoga, Meditación y Sudarshan Kriya. Esto ha conllevado enormes beneficios físicos, mentales y emocionales a todos los participantes
  • Satsang: Regularmente practican Satsang en el templo local. Muchas personas se han juntado en los Satsangs, que permite que se fortalezcan las uniones de la comunidad (Un Satsang es un encuentro de la comunidad que incluye meditación y celebración a través de canciones)
  • Actividades de Seva: Los organizadores y los habitantes del pueblo han puesto en marcha varios proyectos de servicio para el desarrollo de la comunidad
  • Actividades de Servicio en el pueblo

    Grupos de auto-ayuda (GAA): Se han formado varios grupos de auto-ayuda, y cada familia está vinculada con uno de estos grupos (GAA).

    El logro más importante de los GAA es que la dependencia de los prestatarios privados de dinero se ha reducido gracias a los préstamos internos que ahora son posibles a través de los GAA. Los préstamos internos han mejorado la situación financiera de los miembros del grupo. Se organizan encuentros mensuales durante los cuales las personas discuten cualquier asunto relativo a las operaciones de los GAA.

    Retretes: Cada familia del pueblo ha construido un retrete, todo sin ayuda del gobierno. Los esfuerzos de la comunidad han sido reconocidos por el Gobierno y el presidente de India les concedió el premio Nirmal Gram. También recibieron el premio Sant Gadgebaba. Gracias a estos dos premios cada uno de los habitantes del pueblo recibieron 50.000 Rupias, para seguir con el desarrollo de la comunidad. Como dice Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, fundador del Arte de Vivir y sus programas de desarrollo rural: Si estás comprometido con la sociedad, tendrás el apoyo de la sociedad. El compromiso siempre conllevará bienestar a la larga. Comprométete para hacer que este mundo sea un sitio mejor para vivir.

    El Color de la Armonía: para que se pueda apreciar la unidad del pueblo, los habitantes pintaron todas las casas y todas las aéreas públicas de un color vibrante: rosa.

    Construcción de carreteras: Con la ayuda de la administración local, los habitantes del pueblo se han unido para juntar los fondos necesarios para la construcción de una carretera asfaltada que pasa por el pueblo.

    Tienda comunitaria de Buena Voluntad: los miembros de los GAA y los jóvenes líderes pusieron en marcha una tienda del pueblo, que almacena todos los bienes de uso cotidiano. Se trata de una auténtica tienda de Buena voluntad. Lo que hace que sea original, es que no hay nada en el mostrador para recolectar el dinero. Los habitantes del pueblo cogen los artículos que necesitan de las estanterías y dejan el dinero en una caja. Esta tienda ha permitido a los habitantes del pueblo conseguir artículos de buena calidad a un precio justo.

    Decir “No” a tabaco y licores: Los habitantes del pueblo han avanzado aun más, cuando decidieron dejar el consumo de tabaco y alcohol. Los jóvenes de pueblo hicieron una procesión durante la cual recolectaron todo lo relativo al tabaco, los llevaron a un sitio alejado y los quemaron en una hoguera. El cantidad total de lo destruido está valorado en unas 13.000 Rupias, lo que equivale a unos 275 USD, que es una suma notable para un pequeño pueblo (y todo fue regalado para una buena causa).

    Dan peti (Caja de donaciones): A los habitantes del pueblo se les ha ocurrido una idea original para recolectar sus propias donaciones: cada día las familias se turnan para llevar una caja de donaciones de casa en casa, recolectando donaciones. El dinero es utilizado para proveer al pueblo de comodidades.

    Campaña de limpieza: La limpieza en el pueblo se lleva a cabo ahora en intervalos regulares. Los habitantes del pueblo se reúnen para limpiar los espacios públicos así como la carretera, el templo, la sala comunitaria y otras áreas comunes.

    Planes para el futuro: La conciencia ambiental es en la mente de todos, desde los jefes de estado hasta a los jefes del pueblo modelo de Nanded. Como comunidad los habitantes del pueblo han decidido de plantar 1.000 árboles en la próxima estación.

Share this

Videos

 
 

Testimonios

 
M.,
age 26
“I had decided to go back to my anti-depressants before this (The Art of Living) course, but now I don’t need them. I will practice these techniques every single day for the rest of my life. I only hope other people are lucky enough to take this course. It has given me more help than I could have ever imagined possible. Thank you.”
Course participant

“I’ve been suffering from a loss of concentration, weak memory and extreme anger. Now I feel as if something heavy has been lifted from my back.”
Course Participant

“I found that this training of breathing is so useful and its benefit shows when I do it. I feel that my heart is stronger and younger. When I can’t sleep I just do the breathing and I feel energy in all parts of my body.”
Dr. Venus

“I feel peace with myself and have less stress. I think if I continue with the practice, this feeling of peace will continue to grow.”
M. Ali Bankat

"Before this experience, I was sad, depressed and starting to lose hope because of the situation here in Iraq. Now, after only four days, I feel confident in myself – happier, have hopes and dreams again and I feel that life is so beautiful. I have started to love everyone and physically I have much more energy and am able to do more things. I want to thank you very much for helping all of us feel better.”
M. Fahdil

“I had a wonderful experience in these four days. I feel better, like my head is clear and that oxygen is entering every cell in my body… thank you for sharing this experience with us.”
T.M.

“I’ve been chronically depressed and on medication for years. I’m no longer depressed or take medication. Since taking the Art of Living Course, I’ve learned to live in the now… less concerned about the past and the future.”
S.L.

“I feel like I went through a mental shower. Before, I was very angry and very sad about everything in the past. Now I’m just filled with joy and gratitude.”
A.K.,
age 24
“I can’t really begin to tell you the emotional and psychological feelings I’m having now after the course. The peace, serenity, and exhilaration I have got from doing the breathing techniques have me more euphoric than any drug I’ve ever taken, and I know that if I continue this in my daily life I’ll never use drugs again.”
Ramia Sagban
Baghdad
"We are grateful to Sri Sri. He is very wise and has a lot of knowledge. And he stands for peace, which is very important for Iraq"
A village women at a UNIFEM center
Afghanistan
These courses are the best. I want more of these. I have not slept in years and I have been sleeping every night since I started doing these techniques.
Afghan Attorney for International Law with the Ministry of Women
Afghanistan
The course is wonderful. I feel years younger.
Ban Ki - Moon
United Nations Secretary-General
We need more than ever the contribution of men and women of faith who defend and promote the human values that bind us together. The values you (Sri Sri) champion, including non-violence, compassion and the sanctity of all life, go to the heart of what the United Nations stand for.
Sri Sri
Amarnath
The civil society should come forward for resolution of the issue so that peace is restored in Jammu and Kashmir.
Sri Sri
Amarnath
Wherever Hindus are in majority, they need to protect the Muslims and vice versa.
A survivor of the carnage to Sri Sri
Ghodra Riots
We needed to get back our faith and courage to survive, and we got this from the workshops. What Art of Living has done is more than enough.
A reporter from a national daily to some volunteers conducting a workshop at the Jahangir Nagar relief camp
Ghodra Riots
I was scared to walk down these roads even though these are familiar to me and I am a journalist. How did you reach here?
Afet Billali
Disabled war veteran, Kosovo
I heard them calling me for help. I often jumped from my bed searching for the gun, and afterwards I could not sleep. After the program, I sleep much better, and flashbacks and nightmares have reduced.
S. Dawood Naderi
President, Kayan Construction Company
I recommend the Art of Living course to others who are dealing with the many stresses of working and living in a high tension areas. The natural and easily learned techniques are effective in lessening the effects of daily stresses as well as the effects of pent up stresses in the body and mind.
Sayeed Mansoor Naderi, Ismaili Khan,
Member of parliament, Islamic Rebublic of Afghanistan, Former vice-president, Republic of Afghanistan
Since learning the knowledge and techniques in the Art of Living course, I notice increased energy, feelings of peacefulness and calmness, improved concentration and greater physical flexibility. I strongly and whole heartedly commend the program for the people of Afghanistan.
Lipika Chandra
a teacher at Lokpuram School, Mumbai 26/11
I am seeing the change in my students. Earlier, they were restless in class. They have been discussing the terror attacks and there was a certain amount of anger, a strange fear in their sub-conscious that it could happen here too. The meditation program has helped ease tensions and the students feel calm throughout the day.
An Art of Living volunteer from one of the affected localities
Mumbai Terror Attacks
Although people were evacuated from the area, they could hear the firing and bombing. We are trying to remove the fear through yoga, meditation, satsang [community gatherings] and counseling techniques.
Lipika Chandra
a secondary school teacher at Lokpuram School
I am seeing the change in my students. Earlier, they were restless in class. They have been discussing the terror attacks and there was a certain amount of anger, a strange fear in their sub-conscious that it could happen here too. The meditation program has helped ease tensions and the students feel calm throughout the day.
Vehbi Rafuni
Retired director, Association of Disabled KLA Veterans
I have experienced great relief from anger, irritability, sleep disorders and depression and have witnessed more healing in many veterans who have attended the program.
Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Yaqubi
Shia leader
We welcome the delegation (Art of Living) with open arms and hearts. We welcome you (Sri Sri) as our brother and we are ready to work hand in hand with you.
Prof. Dr. Peter Eigen
Founder & Chairman of Advisory Board, Transparency International, Germany
My NGO, Transparency International, is fighting corruption all over the world, and it has been energized, inspired, and strengthened by H. H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
His Excellency Sir Anerood Jugnauth
President, Mauritius
The teachings of H. H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar provide the world with a roadmap for love, justice and harmony. His spiritual and humanitarian actions are worthy of praise since it is rare to find people so dedicated to the human cause. His legendary charisma, knowledge, service and unwavering commitment to peace, drive thousands of volunteers towards community service.
Dr Bindeshwar Pathak
Founder of Sulabh International Social Service Organization, India
I have been working for several years for the upliftment of Dalits. Now I have full confidence that with Sri Sri's leadership, my effort is will get new vigour and inspiration.
Nouri al Maliki
Iraqi Prime Minister
There are big powers who have big might, but they are not able unite the hearts and mind of people. This work can be done only by a spiritual leader.
Shri T. N. Chaturvedi
Ex-Governor of Karnataka, India
H. H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's message, while rooted in the spiritual heritage of this country, distills the essence of various religions that always aspire for the good of each individual and mankind as a whole. Let spirituality pervade our thinking. Let human values be at play in our lives, hearts and actions.
Joe Biden
Vice President, United States of America
The Art of Living foundation is one of the India's stars. It has an actually incredible--following that cuts through all religions, cultures and backgrounds, a very, very difficult thing to do in today's world.
Prof. Gesine Schwan
candidate for the 2009 German presidential elections and Dean of Humboldt-Viadrina School of Governance, Berlin.
It is admirable with what a gentle resoluteness, with what a calm dynamic, with what full concentration, with what incorruptible kindness, Sri Sri Makes people understand that they can only contribute to peace by overcoming their own inner fear and prejudice against others.
Mr. Ruud Lubbers
Former Prime Minister, the Netherlands
I have met many NGOs - representative of indigenous people & they have made it clear that economic development alone does not sufficient. The common future of our one world family is rooted in the awareness that we have only borrowed mother earth from generations to come. The Art of living is not the end, but it is the beginning for everybody and everything. It is the way to harmony.