NAVDANYAEarth University (Bija Vidyapeeth)!1Bijak, Groups &Visitor`s Guide
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction……………………………………………………………………...page 3
Navdanya’s mission statement
The Navdanya Biodiversity Conservation Farm
Earth University (Bija Vidyapeeth)Life on the Farm…………………………………………………………………page 5
Location
About the farmSpecial resource conservation features at the Navdanya Biodiversity Conservation Farm
Features of Navdanya Biodiversity Conservation Farm
Living at Earth University (Bija Vidyapeeth)
Daily schedule
Role of Bijaks, course participants, and groups………………………………..page 10
Bijaks (informal internships and volunteer opportunities)
Bijaks with fellowships or scholarships
Course participantsGroupsNavdanya farm community living guidelines
Logistics………………………………………………………………………..…page 17
Participation in courses at Earth University during your stay
Accommodations
What to pack
HealthCell phone & Internet
Language
Arriving in India…………………………………………………………………page 21
Navdanya in Delhi
Traveling to Earth University at the Navdanya farm in Dehradun
Contacts
Further Resource…………………………………………………………………page 24
Google Map of the Navdanya farm
Yearly Weather Chart
Farm Activity
Navdanya’s Main Crop Calendar
Principles of Gandhian Living
Recommended Reading!2

INTRODUCTION
Thank you for your interest in Navdanya. Before applying to come as a Bijak, course participant
or a member of a group, please read the following information thoroughly to ensure that yourtime with us will be fulfilling both for yourself and for our organization. We appreciate yourenthusiasm.
NAVDANYA’S MISSION STATEMENT
Navdanya is an earth-centric, women-centric movement for creating Earth Democracy throughthe principles of diversity, integrity, justice and non-violence. We strive to achieve the mission ofswaraj (sovereignty/freedom) through both constructive, everyday level grass roots work as wellas political campaigns to resist forces destructive to the Earth.
The current worldview, organized on the principles of greed, domination, violence and injusticehas pushed species to extinction, destroyed ecosystems, destabilized the planet, and is robbing
people of their rightful share of the Earth’s gifts. This is deepening inequality, dispossession,
deprivation, poverty and hunger. An alternative is desperately needed which respects the rights ofnature and all living beings. We call this Earth Democracy. The 3 pillars of Earth Democracy are
Living Democracy, Living Economies and Living Cultures.
We concretize the building of Earth Democracy through the mission of the following Swaraj:
Bija Swaraj (Seed Sovereignty), Bhu Swaraj (Land and Soil Sovereignty), Anna Swaraj (FoodSovereignty), Jal Swaraj (Water Sovereignty), Van/Vayu Swaraj (Forest and Air) Sovereignty)
and Gyan Swaraj (Knowledge Sovereignty).

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THE NAVDANYA BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION FARM
When Dr. Vandana Shiva started the Biodiversity Conservation Farm in the outskirts of
Dehradun, her idea was twofold. On the one hand, she wanted to strengthen the Navdanya
movement to prevent the disappearance of seed diversity in India caused by the Green
Revolution, which created a market dependency for farmers, forcing them into a system ofmonoculture of high-yielding seed varieties (HYV), which then causes them to forget andforsake their ancestral legacy of agro-biodiversity. On the other hand, her ambition was todemonstrate to Indian agriculturalists tangible proof of the superiority of organic and biodiverse
agriculture, compared to chemical farming, in terms of yields, preservation of the soil quality andmaintenance of underground water purity along with an increased nutrition per acre. Hence, theSeed Bank was the first building constructed in 1996 on the farm outside the city of Dehradun in
Ramgarh Village on Old Shimla Road. The farm now encompasses a total of 52 acres including
mango and lemon orchards, farmland, a seed bank, a medicinal herb garden, a soil laboratory,
and accommodations for the Navdanya community. From our mud and cow dung plaster walls to
our grass and terra cotta roofed huts, the campus has been built on ecological principles, using
local material and local skills.
The Navdanya Biodiversity Conservation Farm is an experimental farm and biodiversity
conservation centre. It aims to provide the educational terrain for teaching Navdanya farmer
members important and up-to-date information on organic farming methods and seed saving. In
addition, we also create awareness among consumers, who are also our co-producers, about theimportance and social, health and ecological benefits of organic farming, as the supply of
products from organic farmers needs secure demands from consumers in order to be sustained.
The seed bank was the first building constructed on the Farm and one of our priorities is to growcrops for seed conservation and rejuvenation. The seed bank doesn’t exist purely as a heritage
museum; the intention is to re-introduce these seeds into agricultural production cycles. Every
year, the saved seeds are distributed for free to farmers willing to cultivate their land organicallyand in a biodiverse manner. The next year, after harvest, the same farmers either return seeds to
Navdanya with interest (in seeds), or give these seeds for free to two other farmers who arewilling to distribute seeds in the same way. In this way, Navdanya promotes and spreads thepractice of organic and biodiverse farming and ensures the prosperity and continuity of its seedbank. Navdanya also distributes seeds to farmers in need, those who have lost their crops or
those who are facing the challenges of a changing climate and need climate-resilient seedvarieties.

EARTH UNIVERSITY (Bija Vidyapeeth)
Earth University was first established in 2001, and is also named Bija Vidyapeeth, which in
Sanskrit and Hindi is ‘Seed Learning Centre.’ Earth University was created to promote living
cultures and living economies in the spirit of developing an Earth Democracy. Earth University
offers courses to diverse groups of passionate learners from many backgrounds including farmers(local and international), academics, activists, politicians, artists, students, and more. Bijaks(literally means ‘the sower of seeds’, which for us is learning and spreading the knowledge of!4

biodiversity and the practice of Earth Democracy) come from all over the world to Earth
University. As a Bijak one becomes a part of a way of life here at Bija Vidyapeeth, learn to sow,care for and harvest biodiversity. Our intention is that these learnings, processes and this way of
being are spread across the world through our Bijaks.
Our faculty consists of scholars, philosophers, activists, scientists, writers, artists, and our teamof Navdanya farmers. Our teachers include Dr. Vandana Shiva, Satish Kumar, Venerable
Samdhong Rinpoche and many more well-known people from around the world. Some of ourvisiting Earth University teachers have included Fritjoff Capra, Masanobu Fukuoka, ArundhatiRoy, Frances Moore Lappe, Jean Grossholtz, Debbie Barker, Wolfgang Sachs, the late Anita
Roddick, and the late Edward Goldsmith.
The ethos of Earth University is strongly anchored in Gandhian philosophy, advocating
nonviolence towards all sentient beings and the Earth, as well as promoting living cultures andliving economies in the face of a collapsing, unsustainable global environment. Navdanya
welcomes all visitors to embrace our philosophy and work towards the creation of an Earth
Democracy.

LIFE ON THE FARMLOCATION
Navdanya Biodiversity Conservation Farm and Earth University is located in Ramgarh Village,
23 km from the center of Dehradun city in Uttarakhand, Northern India. It is a one-hour bus ridefrom the city of Dehradun, which is a 6-hour express train ride from Delhi. Dehradun is located 2hours from Rishikesh, 2 hours from Mussoorie, and 2 hours from Haridwar by road. Google
Maps
ABOUT THE FARM
Ramgarh village is home to followers of both Hindu and Muslim faiths, and you can hear the callto prayer from two neighbouring mosques each day. There are small shops for basic needs withinwalking distance from the Farm, and a village market held every Friday.
Ramgarh and Dehradun are located in the ‘Doon Valley,’ a flat strip of land at the base of the
Shivalik Mountains. The Shivalik Mountains are the foothills of India’s Garhwal Himalayas. On
a clear day, you can see the mountains and Mussoorie from the FarmLife on the farm follows the rhythm of the two main seasons, the cold and dry season called Rabi
(November-May) and the hot followed by a rainy season called Kharif (June-October).
Regardless of the season, the Navdanya team is busy each day with farm, kitchen. Bijaks can get
involved in any of these activities.
!5In addition to the courses held regularly on the farm (please visit our website for an up-to-datecourse calendar), there are many opportunities to learn and study, through both getting to know
the staff and by reading books in the library. When a course is running, especially the `A-Z ofAgroecology , Biodiversity & Organic Food Systems and the ‘Gandhi, Globalisation & Gross
National Happiness course, the daily routine follows that of the course. When there are no on
going formal courses at Earth University the earth and her biodiversity and the farm continue tobe the teacher. We invite you to make the best of this unique hands-on learning opportunity. In
addition, the Navdanya community is always there with its tremendously rich indigenous
knowledge to turn to for guidance. If there is something you would like to learn, you mustsearch for it without hesitation, and this might require persistence. Like the organic seed which
does not require external inputs and germinates organically interacting with the soil, water andsun, the first true learning at Earth University is Gandhi’s principle of Swaraj- self-reliance andself-organizing.
Life on the farm is shaped by the philosophy of Earth Democracy and implementation of
Navdanya’s core programs on soil, seed, and food. As a Bijak, you will participate in ourcommunity through 3 aspects of community activity for 3 hours in the morning per day and learn
through service.
- Bija (Seed) - you will be assigned for seed saving and biodiversity conservation activitiesof the community seed bank, in the growing, harvesting, and documenting of 732
varieties of rice, 222 varieties of wheat and other seed varieties by working on the fields,
medicinal, kitchen and other gardens with the Navdanya Team, sowing, harvesting,weeding, planting, pruning, seed selecting, threshing and doing other seasonal &necessary activities.
-

Anna (Food) - the biodiversity of the Navdanya farm and farms of our members in
different parts of the country is the basis of the diversity of the Navdanya organic kitchen.
We have brought back healthy, nutritious crops we call ‘forgotten foods’ in our recipes.
You learn how to cook with Indian spices that are also medicines in the Indian Ayurvedic
tradition. As a Bijak you will be assigned to help in working the kitchen and dining hall,
harvesting, cooking, cleaning and serving with the Navdanya Team-

Gyan (Knowledge), Navdanya is based on knowledge as living and free, a dialogue with
the intelligence of Nature and people. Education at Bija Vidyapeeth (Earth University)
includes self learning but also courses for education for Earth Democracy and educationfor earth citizenship. As a Bijak you will be assigned by Bijak coordinators in the backend support for farmer training, courses and group visits, this would include maintaining
the library, Logistics, audio-visual systems, etc.

one hour will be dedicated to cleaning common areas as Navdanya’s philosophy is based ontaking care of and being responsible for the commons. The rest of your time may be divided into
afternoon sessions from Navdanya team, other personal activities and interests or self-organizedteaching and learning within the community.
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On the Farm, effort is put towards conserving natural resources and utilising renewable energy.
Rainwater is collected in an eighteen-foot deep water-harvesting tank and is used for field
irrigation, mostly at the tail end of the summer, a time when water is at its lowest level. The
water used for domestic purposes is pumped from underground at a depth of 65 feet near thedining hall. Also, the food at Bija Vidyapeeth is organic, and comes from our farm, as much as
possible, and otherwise from our farmer members throughout the country.
SPECIAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION FEATURES AT THE NAVDANYABIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION FARM•

Use of solar energy to supply warm water and supplemented electricity.

•

Water harvesting for irrigation purposes.

•

Water recycling for toilets in our new buildings.

•

Cow dung and mud plaster on our walls.

•

Bio-gas production for supplementing energy for cooking.

•Use of bullock carts for plowing instead of machine-power as much as possible.

•

Compost production for soil fertilization.

•

Consumption of mostly farm-grown or local products.

•

Conservation of biodiversity and practice of mixed-cropping in order to increase food andnutrition output.

•

Grass thatched roofing for our gazebo and some of our living quarters.

•

We try to utilize sustainable cleaning supplies like dish soap from the Reetha soap nut
tree, Loofah sponges from the Toori plant, and Lemongrass brooms as much as possible.

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LIVING AT

EARTH UNIVERSITY
Some of Navdanya’s team members live on the farm and therefore the farm is both their place ofwork and their home. It is important to respect cultural sensitivities and to understand that you
are being welcomed into someone else’s home. Therefore you are asked to respect establishedvalues and norms.
Earth University is a place to learn from nature and sustainable traditions and holistic knowledge
systems. As it was founded in the spirit of Gandhian principles and self-organization, theatmosphere and well-being of everyone at Earth University must be created by each individualand group that comes to stay here.
Bijaks, as well as visiting groups, are expected to contribute each day to the functioning of thefarm. This involves fieldwork, kitchen work, gardening, etc. Each guest is asked to contributedaily Shramdaan (Gandhian concept of the gift of labor for community service, please read page
32 for more information about Gandhian principles) through daily housekeeping chores such as
cleaning the bathrooms and dining hall, sweeping, and helping with meal preparation andservice, as well as field work.
Earth University can be a very active place or a very quiet place, depending on the time of year.
For example, during the monsoon (Aug-Sept) there is less farm work to do, During the rice
harvest and the start of the winter planting season (Oct-Dec), there is always something to do andpeople who need help.
Usually there are between 10 to 25 Bijaks living at the farm. This number can increase
dramatically if there is a course or Groups (Schools, University etc). It is common for the kitchen
to cook for up to 100 people per meal including the farm team.
Bijaks should be prepared for unexpected tasks to arise and be flexible and helpful, assisting thefarm staff when needed, especially when there are courses happening or school groups visiting
Many come to the farm with extra skills to share with the group, such as yoga and massage. It is
common for Bijaks to self organize and give presentations to the group to share their knowledge
and skills to other Bijaks after scheduling the slot for session with Bijak Coordinators. Finally,please be aware of cultural differences when it comes to relationships with the opposite sex. In
India, intimate relationships are only expressed in private, even among married couples. The
same behavior is expected of Bijaks, course participants and visiting groups. If you arrive at thefarm as a dating or married couple please discuss with the team in the office in advance whether
it is possible to have a shared room. Dormitories are separated by sex, and to sleep in a dormitoryof the opposite gender is not part of our culture here.

WORKING ON THE FARMWork varies according to the season, but often includes planting, weeding, harvesting, seedsaving and seed cleaning. Bijaks are welcome to focus their time and energy on the tasks that!8

interest them the most by discussing with Bijak coordintor. No previous farming experience isnecessary, but willingness to learn is a must.

Farm work in India is very different from other parts of the world. Most of the farm workers
work in flip-flops or bare feet. The work often requires patience (such as weeding and seedcleaning), but there is always good humor and time for chai breaks. Repetitive work is a form oflearning, something that has slowly been replaced by technology or outsourcing, and allows us tolearn by doing. The head is not the only source of learning; when we use our hands and hearts welearn at a deeper, more holistic level. At Navdanya we celebrate the work we do with our hands,
and we invite you to be part of this celebration.

DAILY SCHEDULE
Most people rise between 5:30 am and 7:00 am to do their own yoga or meditation practice.
Breakfast is at 8:00 am. At 8:45 am a meeting of all Bijaks takes place in what is called a`Morning Circle`, where announcements are made, tasks of the day are presented and questions
are addressed. From 9 to 10 am cleaning of all common spaces takes place, followed by themorning work period from 10 am to 1 pm. At 1 pm lunch is served. Afternoon session from 3pm
to 5pm. Dinner is at 7 pm during the winter and 8 pm during the summer. Quiet hours begin at 10
pm till 6 am in the morning.
During times of courses at Bija Vidyapeeth the schedule does change to suit that of the course.
Bijaks will be informed of this before a course begins.
The farm work is carried out 7 days a week, though Bijaks are invited to take Sunday off. If you
need to leave the farm to run errands or make a visit to Dehradun, please inform the Bijaks
Coordinators in advance and sign out of the register. If going anywhere overnight we request
you leave a letter detailing your name, where you are going, when you plan to return and any
contact information.

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RESOURCES AVAILABLE AT THE FARM
Earth University has a number of resources that students and researchers may find usefulincluding a library, soil laboratory, gardens, experimental fields, a seed bank, composting areas,
and DVD library. There is also an archive of reports by Navdanya and ex-interns and researchers.
Please ask the Bijak coordinators for more info if you can’t find what you need in the library.
Permanent team members at the farm include experienced women seed keepers, an agroecologist, a traditional herbalist, national community organizers, and many dedicated organic
farmers. The team is happy to work with researchers. Please note that the team members at Earth
University are unable to act as translators.
The farm is a place where members of Navdanya’s national seed keepers’ network and organic
farmers periodically come together for courses and idea sharing. Courses at Earth University
provide researchers with the opportunity to make connections with farmers, activists, andscientists from all over India.
Dr. Shiva visits Earth University
regularly, particularly at the timeof courses. She is very open to
speaking with students andresearchers about their projects.
If you would like to interview Dr.
Shiva in New Delhi (where she isbased) please email
navdanya@gmail.com to find out
her availability. Navdanya cannot
guarantee Bijak’s will meet Dr.
Shiva outside of a scheduled trip
to the farm.

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ROLE OF THE BIJAK, COURSE PARTICIPANT, OR VISITING GROUPS
Visitors to the Navdanya farm include Bijaks, course participants and groups. Every person
joining the community is an active contributing member during their stay. All Bijaks must
propose their purpose for coming, and how they will contribute to the farm. All are required tofill out the Bijak Application. We ask that Bijaks commit to their time at the farm. Aside fromweekend trips, if you would like to travel to different parts of India please arrange to do so after
your committed internship or volunteer apprenticeship

BIJAKS
The opportunity to join us for an informal internship throughout the year as a Bijak (whichliterally means ‘the sower of seeds’, which for us is learning and spreading the knowledge of
biodiversity and the practice of Earth Democracy). As a Bijak you become a part of a way of life
here at Bija Vidyapeeth; you learn to sow, care for and harvest biodiversity. Our intention is thatyou take these learnings, processes and this way of being with you and sow these seeds in yourcommunity.
Bijaks can stay either for a short term or long term.
Short term Bijaks are visitors who come to the farm for less than two months, theaccommodations available are the double and single rooms with shared baths (please readthrough the accommodation section for more information). Long terms Bijaks must be over 18
and able to commit to a minimum of 2 months at Earth University, are eligible for the dorm
accommodation, in addition to single and double rooms with shared bath. Those interested in thedorms must arrive on the 1st of the month to ensure space. Strong candidates for either of theseare flexible, self-directed, and capable of carrying out multiple projects at the same time.
This informal opportunity is unpaid, so applicants should be able to support themselves during
their entire stay at the Navdanya Farm.
As a Bijak, you can participate in our community through 3 aspects of community activity:-

Bija (Seed) - you will be assigned for seed saving and biodiversity conservation activitiesof the community seed bank, in the growing, harvesting, and documenting of 732
varieties of rice, 222 varieties of wheat and other seed varieties by working on the fields,
medicinal, kitchen and other gardens with the Navdanya Team, sowing, harvesting,weeding, planting, pruning, seed selecting, threshing and doing other seasonal &necessary activities.

-

Anna (Food) - the biodiversity of the Navdanya farm and farms of our members in
different parts of the country is the basis of the diversity of the Navdanya organic kitchen.
We have brought back healthy, nutritious crops we call ‘forgotten foods’ in our recipes.
You learn how to cook with Indian spices that are also medicines in the Indian Ayurvedic!11

tradition. As a Bijak you will be assigned to help in working the kitchen and dining hall,
harvesting, cooking, cleaning and serving with the Navdanya Team-

Gyan (Knowledge), Navdanya is based on knowledge as living and free, a dialogue with
the intelligence of Nature and people. Education at Bija Vidyapeeth (Earth University)
includes self learning but also courses for education for Earth Democracy and educationfor earth citizenship. As a Bijak you will be assigned by Bijak coordinators in the backend support for farmer training, courses and group visits, this would include maintaining
the library, Logistics, audio-visual systems, etc.

Each Bijak will participate in one of these activities for 3 hours per day and learn throughservice.In addition to this, one hour will be dedicated to cleaning common areas as Navdanya’s
philosophy is based on taking care of and being responsible for the commons. The rest of yourtime may be divided into sharing their knowledge and skills to other Bijaks plus afternoon
sessions from Navdanya team.
Not all Bijaks come from an academic background; if you feel you have something to offer andsomething to learn from being an Bijak at Navdanya, we are open to applications from people of
all backgrounds and ages (all walks of ife).
Prospective Bijaks should apply at least 2 months in advance to give time for necessarycommunications before your arrival and to ensure that there is space for you during your stay.
We prefer if you do not apply to join us more than one year before the date you intend to arrive.
Please be aware that space may be limited at certain times of the year due to particular courses orschool groups and we cannot always guarantee space. Applications are accepted on a rollingbasis and start dates are decided according to your schedule. Prospective Bijaks should apply to
Navdanya by filling out Bijak Application form and sending it to earthuniversity@navdanya.net
Please reconfirm your arrival one week in advance. Any applicant wishing to discuss joining theDelhi office should contact navdanya@gmail.com.
Bijaks are responsible for getting the correct visa for India, we recommend a tourist visa as it is
the least hassle and is easily accepted. Navdanya cannot supply the necessary invitation letter.
All Bijaks are expected to adhere to the Community Living Guidelines (see below).
Contact: Office Manager and Bijak Coordinators
Email: earthuniversity@navdanya.net Phone: +91 135 2693025 (in India) +91 135 2693025(Outside India)!12

BIJAKS WITH FELLOWSHIPS OR SCHOLARSHIPS
Bijaks with fellowships or scholarships are asked to disclose their projects and specific needs andrequirements of the Navdanya team. Prospective researchers who conduct independent academic
work affiliated with an educational institution and/or fellowship should fill out the online
application form and attach a detailed project proposal. Permission to conduct research must be
granted by Navdanya prior to the researcher’s arrival. Researchers are typically based at Earth
University . Preference is given to applicants who demonstrate that their research will benefit not
only their own academic pursuits but also the movements and communities with which
Navdanya works. While at Earth University, researchers are also expected to contribute to thedaily work of the farm, Bija Vidyapeeth,
A Navdanya team member (Manager or Bijak Coordinator) will fill out any forms required byyour university and serve as your internship supervisor.
COURSE PARTICIPANTS
Course Participants are similar to Bijaks but come to the Navdanya Farm for a specific Earth
University course being offered. This may be a weekend, a ten-day course, or more. Course
participants are welcome to stay after their course. Please be sure to fill out the Bijak
Application in addition to the course registration form, if this is the case. All course participants
are expected to adhere to the Community Living Guidelines (see below). To register for an Earth
University course please go to www.navdanya.org and click on course registration here you willfind a form. Please do complete this form and send it to earthuniversity@navdanya.net . Course
participants are expected to follow the same Navdanya Farm Community Living Guidelines(listed below), participate, when possible, in the fields and in cleaning. These activities areincluded in the course daily schedule, which you will receive on arrival at Bija Vidyapeeth. For
queries about registration please email earthuniversity@navdanya.net, for queries regarding Bija
Vidyapeeth, accommodation etc.

GROUPS
Navdanya welcomes visiting farmers, schools, colleges, and University groups from all over theworld and India. If you are interested in bringing a group to the Navdanya Biodiversity
Conservation Farm please do contact earthuniversity@navdanya.net for coordination, logistics
and costing. Schedules for groups are coordinated with the Navdanya Team and vary according
to the needs of the group. Nonetheless, visiting groups are expected to follow the Navdanya
Farm Community Living Guidelines (below).

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NAVDANYA FARM COMMUNITY LIVING GUIDELINES FOR BIJAKS, GROUPSAND VISITORS.
Living in our community is different from independent living arrangements because every action
and/or lack of action has an effect on the entire community as a whole. In order to ensure that
Navdanya functions at its best, it is imperative that you agree to the following rules andregulations during your stay.
1. I agree to participate in the mission/goals of Navdanya and Earth University.
•

It is important that all visitors understand that living at the Navdanya Farm isdifferent from a hotel or hostel environment. While socializing and having fun are
welcomed, we also expect that Bijaks and visitors are here first and foremost to learn
and to contribute to sustainable farming, food security, and food democracy.

•

I am here to learn more about food democracy and sustainable agriculture, and/or I
am here to contribute towards the improvement of this community.

•

I am enthusiastic and willing to participate and contribute to the community (i.e.research, organization, field work, cooking prep, sessions) or to get involved withprojects that are already in motion.

•

I am willing to participate in shramdaan (Gandhian concept of the gift of labor forcommunity service.) every day. This can be applied in the filed, in the kitchen or
cleaning.

2. I agree to keep Navdanya clean.
•

I will follow and respect the cleaning guidelines posted throughout the campus.

•

I will return cups and dishes to the dining room immediately after use (otherwise the
kitchen runs out of dishes, and the dirty dishes in your room attract bugs and animals)•

I’ll throw out all food wrappers, papers, trash, food wastes in the appropriate bins
found in the hall outside the rooms.

3. I understand that smoking, drinking, or drug use is not permitted under any
circumstance on the Navdanya farm.
•

To respect the sensibilities of the earth community on the farm, the Navdanya farm isa meat (including eggs), alcohol and drug free environment.
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4.

•

Smoking, drug use, or drinking alcohol on the Navdanya campus, in any common or
private space, is not permitted.

•

Smoke leaves a scent residue on the curtains, on the sheets, on the walls. It’s also afire hazard and imposing on the health of people who do not smoke. If you are asmoker, you are required to restrict your smoking to the designated smoking area
located outside the gates.

I agree to remain respectful to all guests and staff and adhere to quiet hours between
10pm to 6am.
•

Please respect this by not playing music or talking loudly during these hours. If you
wish to have evening social gatherings, please feel free to use the round hut or lecturehall if they are not being used (i.e, away from sleeping areas). Please also try to keepmusic and other noises down during daytime when people are working.

5. (Bijaks) I understand that attending each and every sessions, work and meeting is
mandatory.
•

Be on time.

•

Our meetings are a chance for new people to introduce themselves and to meet theothers and feel welcomed by the group.

•

Our meetings, work and sessions are a chance for the Navdanya Team, Bijaks andvisitors to make any group announcements or any concerns, questions for the
betterment of the living community.

•

Our group meetings, work and sessions are a chance for you to share what you are
currently working on at Earth University. They are a chance to communicate what
you’ve been learning and what you intend to learn. They are an opportunity to inspire
and to be inspired by each other.

6. I agree to eat vegetarian while at Navdanya•

We choose to prepare only healthy, vegetarian food in order to comply with
Navdanya’s food security mission. Vegetarianism (no eggs) has many benefits on anenvironmental, political and personal health and wellness scale.

7. I agree to inform the office if I plan to leave the campus anytime!15

•I will sign the office register book located in the office with my departure and returndate and time. This includes day trips into town.

•

Regarding day trips, I will return to the Navdanya campus before dark for safety
reasons.

•If you are going to leave the farm for any reason please contact the office manager or
Bijak coordinators during office hours. You should also notify them when you’ve
returned. This is for security reasons.

•If you wish to take personal trips away from the farm during your stay we ask thatthese be done over the weekend if possible or agreed with the office team with plentyof notice.

•

For overnight trips on weekend, I will leave a letter detailing where I am going,
estimated return and contact information.

•

If you wish to leave soaps, cosmetics, clothing, shampoos, shoes etc. please do so inthe designated bin outside the dorms. Leaving without donating your items to theteam or to a friend will add to the clutter of the space.

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LOGISTICS

FOR BIJAKS
Navdanya Bija Vidyapeeth is a self sustaining learning centre where people ( all walks of life)
applying at Navdanya will need to pay for their food and accommodation as leaning here is free.

Bathrooms, Indian and Western style, for all accommodation types are common and shared.
Dorms are available for long term Bijaks, those staying two months or more only. There are only
15 spaces available in the dorms and will be given on a first come first serve basis. We ask you toarrive on the 1st of the month and depart by the last day of the month so that we may ensure
dorms are allocated appropriately.

For Bijaks staying less than two months, single and double rooms are available. Our capacity is 7
rooms that may fit a double in each.
The food at Bija Vidyapeeth is organic, from our farm, as much as possible, and our farmer
members in different parts of the country.

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ACCOMMODATIONS
Living standards at Earth University are simple and rustic but comfortable. Don’t expect a hotel!
Long term Bijaks have the option of staying in dormitories, which have 4-6 people, or twinrooms that are utilized as either single or double occupancy. Course participants generally stayin double occupancy, and private rooms are available on special request. All rates vary
accordingly. In addition to beds, each room has a desk, a chair or bench, and bookshelves.
Bedding, pillows, blankets and mosquito nets are provided, but towels are not. Living
accommodations are not heated in the winter, but warm bedding is provided.
Bathrooms are shared amongst the dorms and the double occupancy rooms. Toilet paper isprovided, and some bathrooms are equipped with western toilets.
Bathroom cleaning duties are shared. Private stalls for bucket showers are on the campus next tothe dormitories, and solar-heated water is available when there is enough sunshine.
Buckets are available for hand-washing laundry, and there are clothing lines in several outdoor
locations for drying clothes. There are also pick up/delivery laundry services available thatcharges about Rs 10 per article of clothing. We can share with you the details of the charges on
your arrival.

WHAT TO PACK
People in rural India dress conservatively and keep arms and legs covered. For men t-shirts orlong sleeve shirts are acceptable, as well as trousers or knee-length shorts. Taking your shirt off
during work, even in the summer, is not a customary practice. Women should be mindful ofwearing shirts that cover their shoulders and long trousers or skirts. Sleeveless and cleavage cut
shirts, or short shirts, are not customary. There are plenty of excellent places in Dehradun to buy
comfortable and suitable clothes and fabrics, including hand spun and fair-trade fabrics. Also,
keep in mind that during the winter months the temperature drops down to 4C/38F, and dorms
and rooms are not heated. Please bring enough warm clothing if visiting during these months.
Navdanya provides beds, sheets, pillows, warm blankets, and mosquito nets. The following
recommended items are not provided. Dehradun is a bustling city and almost everything on thislist can be found there at reasonable prices if you forget to bring it.
• Towel• Good quality power adapter: (220 Volts). The ones bought in India tend to break quickly.
• Laundry soap: Biodegradable. (Laundry service is available as well)• Toiletries: Biodegradable and eco friendly products please.
• Flashlight or headlamp• Reusable water bottle• Reusable shopping bag (canvas, etc.)!18

• Pocket-knife• Laptop if required by you.
• Headphones: For transcribing interviews and listening to music.
• Earplugs: If you are a light sleeper, guard dogs can be loud in the night and the local village
call to prayers happen in the early morning.
• Dictaphone: If you intend to be doing interviews as part of your studies.
• Clothing: Clothing for farming (nothing sleeveless, no short trousers) will be helpful.
Lightweight flexible clothes, cotton is best. The sun is very strong in the valley, light
long-sleeved shirts are recommended even in summer months. Also consider bringing a
sun hat. For time in villages and/or cities, it is very affordable (and enjoyable) to pick up
a few Indian outfits or just a lightweight shawls or dupatta. During the winter (OctoberMarch) it is warm in the day and quite cold at night (you will often wake up to see thefields covered in frost). Please be advised that temperatures drop dramatically starting
mid-November. Winter clothing is advisable for these months, especially as rooms are notheated. While the beds are very warm, sleeping in layers is recommended. Also if you
take weekend trips into the mountains, it will be even colder. Bring a coat or fleece, awarm hat, gloves, thick warm socks, and long underwear if you plan to be here during thewinter months.
• Shoes: Rubber trekking sandals (Keens, Tevas, Merrells, etc.) are ideal for field work andliving on the farm. In the winter, the temperatures drop and hiking-like boots or sneakers
for this time of year may be desired. Flip-flops are also convenient for bathing, lounging
and some filed work.
• Gardening gloves: If you are adjusted to working with gloves, please bring them with you.

FOOD AND WATER
All meals are vegetarian and consist primarily of seasonally-available organic fruits, vegetables,
grains, and legumes, grown on the farm as much as possible or from our farmers. Food is served
three times a day at 8 am, 1 pm, 7/8 pm and is included in your accommodation fee.
Chai (milk tea) is consumed several times a day in India, and the farm is no exception. There isalso a guest kettle in the dining hall for making your own teas.
Vegans may have a hard time in India since milk, yogurt, and ghee (clarified butter) are common
ingredients in almost every meal. Please let us know before your arrival if you have any specificdietary restrictions or food allergies, and we will let you know if we can accommodate yourneeds.
The drinking water at the farm is safe and clean, as it comes from a deep well. If you areconcerned about water, please only drink from the canteen outside the dining hall, which isboiled before consumption. There are other water stations around the farm that supply ground!19

water and are not boiled. Most guests have no trouble drinking this water after they have been on
the farm for several weeks.
HEALTH
It’s very important to bring electrolytes packets. If you have an incident with diarrhea or heatexhaustion, it is imperative you drink electrolyte water to replenish. They are also available here
in town, and on the farm for emergency. But it is best for you to have with you when you need it.
Please make sure you consult your doctor before leaving to have the necessary vaccinations.
There is currently no malaria in the area, but it is always good to get up-to-date advice. The mainplace that Bijaks seem to pick up illnesses is when passing through Delhi, so when you are there,
please be careful not to drink unpurified water and take full precautions against mosquitoes, etc.
If you suffer from dust or mold allergies, the Navdanya farm might be difficult for you. The farmwork is naturally dusty (though other work can be found) and the rooms are rustic and madeusing natural building techniques. If you suffer from hay fever you may want to bring your own
treatments with you.

INTERNET
There is wi-fi at the farm but please note that the quality of reception can vary greatly because of
the rural area we are located in. The best time to use it is before and after the office work hours,
for reception quality and in order not to disturb those working in the office. There is also acomputer in the library, which Bijaks are welcome to use.

Please note that electricity at the farm can come and go and it is not guaranteed all the time, forthis reason we recommend you bring a power surge protector. Also, while working online it isadvised you save files frequently. Many Bijaks find it useful to bring a memory stick or small
portable hard drive to share project files because of the electrical and internet unpredictability.

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LANGUAGE
English, Hindi, and Garhwali are the most commonly used languages at the farm. Navdanya
Team Members are happy to help volunteers practice Hindi or Garhwali while they are working.
Bijaks have found having some basic Hindi very helpful and many have started their trip with alanguage course before coming to the farm. Some groups have created language study groups to
support each other’s learning.
WASTE MANAGEMENTOn the Navdanya Earth University Organic Farm we try to be a waste-free zone. Upon arrival,
you will receive more detailed information about our waste management system. When packing
for your trip, please consider the amount of waste your products will create, and how they will bedisposed of while you are at Earth University. We encourage you to be as plastic-free as possible.

ARRIVING IN INDIA

NAVDANYA IN DELHI:
Arriving in Delhi by Air
At Indira Gandhi International Airport, there is a prepaid taxi stand just outside the arrivals
waiting area. A long queue usually precedes the stand and people tend to push in front of one
another. Be patient. This is the most affordable way to get a taxi to your guest house.
Guesthouses are found all over the city, but a neighborhood called Pahar Ganj has the mostaffordable ones. Beware, however, that Pahar Ganj is very crowded and touristy. Exercise
caution about who you talk to there, especially if it is your first time in India. There have been
incidents where new arrivals are told their guest house has been burned down or destroyed andare directed elsewhere, ask a number of people to confirm this (not from the same group). There
are also guest houses and B&B’s located in Hauz Khaus near the Navdanya Delhi office. We
recommend that you consult a guide book and make your reservation before arrival.
Navdanya’s office in New Delhi
Navdanya’s main office is located on the south side of New Delhi at A-60, Hauz Khas, a few
blocks from Hauz Khas Market. Because the street address system in Hauz Khas can be
confusing, we suggest that you go to Navdanya’s shop in Hauz Khas Market (which is quite
visible) and ask the manager to point you in the direction of the office. There is a new metro
system in Delhi that has just opened as of September 2010. The nearest stop for Navdanya’s!21office is Green Park. It is slightly nearer than going to Hauz Khas station.

TRAVELING TO THE NAVDANYA FARM IN DEHRADUN, INDIA
TRAIN
From Delhi to Dehradun by train: The nearest train station to the farm is Dehradun. If you
wish to travel by train you must book your tickets in advance with an agent at an IndianRailways booking office in India, or online. To check which trains exist for a given route,visit: http://www.erail.in . Once you have decided on a train, go to http://www.irctc.co.in (Thissite may not accept a foreign credit card) or www.cleartrip.com for booking.
www.cleartrip.com might be the best for international participants. At the station, please becertain not to entertain strangers who claim to be railway officers and say your ticket is not
valid; only talk to people in identifiable uniforms.
From the Dehradun train station take an auto rickshaw or taxi directly to the farm. Tell the driver“Old Shimla Road, Navdanya, Ramgarh village.” (16km up Shimla Bypass on the left). Most
taxi (small car) and vikram (three wheeled taxi colored blue) drivers know Navdanya. The trip
should cost no more than INR 400 and will take about 45 minutes. A private taxi outside therailway station should cost INR 600, except at night when you may need to pay INR 800.
At about 16km from turning onto Shimla By Pass, there is a big yellow sign on your left handside that says, “Navdanya Biodiversity Conservation Farm.” Be prepared that some auto
rickshaws and cars will not take you up driveway, but definitely request that they do and follow
the path to the gated fence. If you are dropped off at the road, it is about a 5-minute walk along a
bumpy pathway through the mango orchard to the farm. Entrance is on your left. If you arearriving at night, it is important you have a flashlight and that you have communicated withsomeone about your arrival.
More economical: Hire private vikram (as mentioned above) or take the blue public vikram #5(INR) on a set route to Old Shimla Bypass. Tell either driver "Old Shimla Bypass." Once at thebypass, walk to the Punjab Bank ATM near the fruit stands on Old Shimla Bypass road and wait
for a bus on that side of the road heading up Old Shimla Road. The bus drivers and other local
people know where Navdanya Farm is. Just tell them you are going to Navdanya, Ramgarh
Village. The bus will arrive in front of the farm entrance after about 30-45 minutes. The driverwill let you know when you are there. Vikram to Old Shimla Bypass: public INR. Bus: INR 18
BUS
From Delhi to Dehradun by bus: Government busses (non A/C) or private luxury buses to
Dehradun leave several times per day from the Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT) near Kashmiri
Gate in Old Delhi. Reservations are not required.
From the Dehradun bus terminus take an auto rickshaw or taxi directly to the farm. Tell thedriver “Old Shimla Road (same as Shimla By Pass), Navdanya, Ramgarh village.” Most taxi
(small car) vikram (three wheeled taxi) drivers know Navdanya. The trip should cost no morethan INR 300 and will take about 45 minutes. A private taxi outside the bus station should cost
!22

INR 500, except at night when you may need to pay up to INR 700.
At about 16km from turning onto Shimla By Pass, there is a big yellow sign on your left handside that says, “Navdanya Biodiversity Conservation Farm.” Be prepared that some auto
rickshaws and cars will not take you up driveway, but definitely request that they do and follow
the path to the gated fence. If you are dropped off at the road, it is about a 5-minute walk along a
bumpy pathway through the mango orchard to the farm. If you are arriving at night, it isimportant you have a flashlight and that you have communicated with someone about yourarrival.
More economical: take the blue public vikram #5 (INR 9) on a set route to Old Shimla Bypass.
Tell either driver "Old Shimla Bypass." Once at the bypass, walk to the Punjab Bank ATM near
the fruit stands on Old Shimla Bypass road and wait for a bus on that side of the road heading up
Old Shimla Road. The bus drivers and other local people know where Navdanya Farm is. Justtell them you are going to Navdanya, Ramgarh Village. The bus will arrive in front of the farm
entrance after about 30-45 minutes. The driver will let you know when you are there. Vikram
to Old Shimla Bypass: INR 9. Bus: INR 18.
AIR
From Delhi to Dehradun and the Navdanya Farm by air: Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport issituated halfway between the city center and Rishikesh, and about and 1 hour drive to the farm.
Flights are available to Jolly Grant daily from most cities throughout India.
From the taxi window outside the Dehradun terminal, hire a taxi directly to the farm. (Rs
1200-1500) Tell the driver “Old Shimla Road (same as Shimla By Pass), Navdanya, Ramgarh
village.” At about 16km from turning onto Shimla By Pass, there is a big yellow sign on your left
hand side that says, “Navdanya Biodiversity Conservation Farm.” Be prepared that some auto
rickshaws and cars will not take you up driveway, but definitely request that they do and follow
the path to the gated fence on left. If you are dropped off at the road, it is about a 5-minute walkalong a bumpy pathway through the mango orchard to the farm. If you are arriving at night, it isimportant you have a flashlight and that you have communicated with someone about yourarrival.

PRIVATE TRANSPORT
From Delhi to the Navdanya Farm by private transport: From Delhi, a private car will cost
between Rs 5000 and Rs 6,000. Please arrange this from your residence in Delhi.
NAVDANYA CONTACT INFORMATION
DEHRADUN FARM: Navdanya Biodiversity Conservation Farm, Village Ramgarh, Old
Shimla Road P.O. Sherpur, Dehradun – 248 197 Uttarakhand, INDIA
Office Phone Tel: +91 – 135 – 2693025, 2111015
Bijak Coordinators : Mr. Drona D Chetri, mobile number :8191802777 and Ms. Anugrah
Bhatt :8191802666
Email: earthuniveristy@navdanya.net
Farm manager: JP Khali, mobile number: 8191802087 (If outside of Uttarakhand, dial 0
before, if outside of India add +91)
!23

DEHRADUN OFFICE: 105 Rajpur Road, Dehradun – 248 001, Uttarakhand, INDIA
Tel: +91 – 135 – 2743175 Telefax: +91 – 135 – 2749931
DELHI OFFICE: A-60 Hauz Khas, New Delhi – 110 016, INDIA Tel: +91 – 11 – 26853772,
26532561, 26561868, 26968077 Fax: +91 – 11 – 26856795

FURTHER RESOURCESGOOGLE MAP OF FARM LOCATION

Goggle Map of Navdanya Biodiversity Conservation Farm

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WEATHER ON THE FARM
The Climate of the district is generally temperate. It varies greatly from tropical to severe colddepending upon the altitude of the area. The district being hilly, temperature variations due todifference in elevation are considerable. In the hilly regions, the summer is pleasant, but in theDoon, the heat is often intense, although not to such degree as in the plains of the adjoining
district. The temperature drops below freezing point not only at high altitude but even at places
like Dehradun during the winters, when the higher peaks are also under snow. The area receives
an average annual rainfall of 2073.3 mm. Most of the annual rainfall in the district is received
during the months from June to September, July and August being rainiest. Climate Data of
Doon Valley for all the months is as under on the basis of mean of last 25 years.

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YEARLY FARM ACTIVITY CALENDAR
Month

Activities on the Farm

January

Weeding in the vegetable and pulses fields, as well as in the wheat, Barley, oats, Mustard, andlinseed areas
Cleaning of the Seed bank
Filling of all compost

February

Irrigation of the different crops
Cleaning of the Seed bank and of the entire campus
Some work in the compost unit

March

Harvesting of the Barley, linseed, mustard, of the vegetables and of some pulses
cleaning, drying and storing of the seeds in the seed bank

April

Harvesting of the wheat, collection of all the different wheat seed varieties and yield data andother varieties lie barley, oat, mustard, linseed, vegetables and pulses.

May

Harvesting and thrashing of wheat, barley, oat, mustard, linseed and pulses
Cleaning and storing of different seeds in Seed Bank

June

Sowing seeds for green manuring, sowing of Kharif season pulses and vegetables ( Corn/maize,
cucumber, peanut, oilseed, millet varieties, rain filed rice and fodder varieties)
Sowing of conservation varieties for renewal of seed stock:multiple rice varieties nursery planting
Preparing rice field
Weeding in maize/corn, peanut, rain-field varieties, and vegetables

July

Uprooting of different varieties of rice from nursery
Preparing rice fields for transplanting through process of “Paddlig”
labeling of all planted Kharif season varieties
Weeding of vegetable varieties

AugustMaking of map of all varieties
Weeding and irrigation of rice fields
Protecting of crops from wild animals

September

Harvesting of corn, cucumber, sesame, millets
Collection of farm yield data
Seed bank and Vermicompost unit cleaning

OctoberRainfield ricce varities, pulses, vegetables harvesting
Harvesting of all rice varieties and peanut in last week
Threshing of rice varieties
Collection of farm yield data

NovemberDrying, labelling and storing of al crop seeds in seed bankPlowing of all fields
Sowing of wheat, Barley, oats, vegetables, and pulses ( Last week of the month)

December

Sowing of wheat, Barley, oat, vegetables and pulses ( first week of the month)Labeling of all planted Rabi season varieties ( writing of the name tags, tagging in the fields)
Mapping of the wheat, vegetables, pulses and all Rabi crops ( last week of the month)
Starting of the weeding
Irrigation of the different crops!26

NAVDANYA’S MAIN CROP CALENDAR!27

PRINCIPLES OF GANDHIAN LIVING
Satyam (Truth)
The pivotal and defining element of Gandhism is Satyam, a Sanskrit word usually translated into
English as ‘truth’. The literal meaning is 'what actually is'. Gandhi believed that the principle of
Satya should pervade all considerations of politics, ego, society and convention. Satya isinterpreted subjectively. Gandhism does not demand that its adherents agree to Gandhi’s own
principles to the letter, but in spirit.
Ahimsa (non-violence)
Ahimsa, or non-violence, was another key tenet of Gandhi's beliefs. He held that total nonviolence would rid a person of anger, obsession and destructive impulses. While Gandhi’svegetarianism was inspired by his rearing in the Hindu-Jain culture of Gujarat, it was also an
extension of ahimsa.
Brahmacharya (self perfection through self-control and contentment)
For Gandhi, Brahmacharya meant "control of the senses in thought, word and deed."
Brahmacharya means the pursuit of virtue and to strive for excellence in all domains of activity
and relationships.
Swadeshi (Self Reliance)
Swadeshi (Self-reliance) is mainly understood to mean a protectionist technique that Gandhi
employed against the policies of the British, whereby the masses were urged to abstain fromcloth manufactured outside India, and instead to use cotton, silk, or wool cloth made in India.
But Gandhi gave it a broader meaning:” Swadeshi carries a great and profound meaning. It does
not mean merely the use of what is produced in one's own country. That meaning is certainly
there in swadeshi. But there is another meaning implied in it which is far greater and much more
important. Swadeshi means reliance on our own strength. We should also know what we mean by`reliance on our own strength'. `Our strength' means the strength of our body, our mind, and oursoul. From among these, on which should we depend? The answer is brief. The soul is supreme
and therefore soul-force is the foundation on which man must build“.
Yajña and Service
Gandhi teaches that work should be done with pure motives, without desire for any type of
reward, in a spirit of service. When work is thus performed, it becomes an act of yajña(sacrifice). He writes:”`Yajña' means an act directed to the welfare of others, done without
desiring any return for it, whether of a temporal or spiritual nature. `Act' here must be taken in its
widest sense, and includes thoughts and word, as well as deed. `Others' embraces not only
humanity, but all life.“
Oneness and Equality of Religions
Gandhi teaches that all faiths spring from the same ultimate, timeless, eternal Religion. He
writes: ``The root of all religions is one and it is pure and all of them have sprung from the same!28source, hence all are equal.”
Sarvodaya -Sarvodaya is a term meaning 'universal uplift' or 'progress of all'. It was coined by
Gandhi in 1908 as a title for his translation of John Ruskin's ‘Unto This Last’. Later, nonviolence
leader Vinoba Bhave used the term to refer to the struggle of post-independence Gandhians toensure that self- determination and equality reached the masses and the downtrodden. Sarvodaya
encourages the celebration of everything and everyone as well as uniqueness and individuality. It
is a celebration of the unity / oneness that can be found in diversity.
Simple Living- Gandhi teaches the practice of giving up unnecessary expenditure, embracing asimple lifestyle including the washing his own clothes, Gandhi called "reducing himself to zero"Gandhi espoused an economic theory of self-sufficiency and simple living. He envisioned a moreagrarian India upon independence that would focus on meeting the material needs of its citizenry
prior to generating wealth and industrializing.

RECOMMENDED READINGAn Agricultural Testament by Sir Albert Howard
Violence of the Green Revolution by Dr. Vandana Shiva
Earth Democracy by Dr. Vandana Shiva
Monocultures of the Mind by Dr. Vandana Shiva
Health per Acre by Dr. Vandana Shiva and Dr. Vaibhan Singh
Water Wars by Dr. Vandana Shiva
Soil Not Oil by Dr. Vandana Shiva
The GMO Emperor Has No Clothes coordinated by Navdanya
Stolen Harvest by Dr. Vandana Shiva
Biopiracy by Dr. Vandana Shiva
Making Peace with the Earth by Dr. Vandana Shiva
Seed Freedom Report coordinated by Navdanya
Staying Alive by Dr Vandana Shiva
Wealth Per Acre by Dr. Vandana Shiva and Dr. Vaibhan SinghAnnam Food As Health by Dr. Vandana Shiva with Maya Goburdhun and Navdanya Team
Biodiversity Heritage Books - Akshat, Masale, Bhoole Bisre Anaj, Kanak& Thilan.
And Many more…

For information about what we grow here on our Biodiversity Conservation Farm:
Nature’s Harvest: Rejuvenating Biodiversity in Doon Valley by Dr. Vandana Shiva and Dr. Vinod
Kumar Bhatt
For information about the medicinal properties of plants, trees and shrubs from the Doon Valley:
Nature’s Pharmacopeia by Dr. Raghubir Singh Rawat and Dr. Vinod Kumar Bhatt
All these texts are available for reading at the Bija Vidyapeeth Library and available for Sale.

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