Gathering on Ecology & Culture | Jeevika Ashram, Jabalpur | 28th March to 3rd April 2023
Channel: పిల్ల కాల్వలు Pilla Kalvalu
Date: 2023-05-24

The "Gathering of Culture and Ecology" held at Jeevika Ashram, Indrana, Jabalpur from March 28th to April 3rd, 2023, aimed to explore indigenous cultural traditions and their potential in addressing societal issues such as the ecological crisis, cultural breakdown, social tensions, and economic disparity. The gathering brought together participants from diverse fields to learn from each other and deepen their understanding of indigenous traditions
Unlike the modern knowledge system, these indigenous traditions are not logo-centric i.e they are not based on the written word, although they may employ the written word. These traditions span oral culture, embodied knowledge, performance, ritual and the written word. Hence, participation in the gathering meant working with our hands and sensing with our senses before speaking with our tongues.The gathering immersed participants in the village community, allowing them to spend time with local artisans and gain insights into their crafts and profound knowledge. They had the opportunity to witness the artisans' expertise in materials, human interface, and ecology. Participants also took walks in the forested hills, guided by a shepherd, to experience the villagers' deep relationship with nature. Additionally, they observed the rituals and festivities that were integral to village life.
A significant objective of the gathering was to revive and reestablish knowledge traditions encompassing intellectual and manual skills that had been eroded over time due to colonial influences. The gathering challenged this decline by placing the artisans, often seen as ordinary villagers in need of development, in the role of teachers. The artisans' accumulated expertise showcased the invaluable heritage of craftsmanship that historically brought prosperity to India.
Various artisans played a crucial role in the gathering. We engaged with artisans such as Dassu Chacha, a potter practicing the traditional thapa-pindi technique. We learned about his craft and the intricate process involved in creating thin-walled matkas for cooling water. Halke Chacha, a bamboo weaver, showcased his expertise in basket-making and emphasized the individual touch each pair of hands brings to the material. Ravi Bhaiya, a bamboo craftsman, shared his wisdom and deep observation of the natural world. Golu bhaiya, a blacksmith, also impressed us with his craftsmanship. Sundar Chacha, a member of the Barman community, stood out as a remarkable individual deeply connected to the river and forest. His comprehensive range of skills and extensive knowledge of fishing, boat making, farming, and forest exploration made him a valuable resource within his community. And lastly, Krishnakumar Chacha and his family who belong to the Namdev community who taught us the art of stitching.
The gathering allowed participants to witness the challenges faced by artisans and the changing dynamics of patronage. They learned about the adaptability and resilience of artisans in preserving their crafts while adapting to changing times. Discussions during the gathering encompassed various topics such as economy, society, culture, ecology, knowledge, and lifestyle. Participants were encouraged to engage with their hands and senses before expressing their thoughts, embracing the indigenous traditions that emphasized embodied knowledge, oral culture, performance, ritual, and the written word.
In conclusion, the gathering provided a platform for participants to learn from indigenous cultural traditions and their practitioners. Through hands-on experiences, discussions, and interactions with artisans, participants gained a deeper understanding of the rich knowledge embedded in traditional crafts. The gathering highlighted the importance of reviving the sense of aesthetics and regard for artisans within the population. By embracing these traditions and supporting initiatives that promote their preservation, society can address pressing issues and foster a more sustainable and inclusive future.

The Gathering was organised by Mayank Ale and Aryaman Jain with the support of team PillaKalvalu, Center for Embodied Knowledge and Hosted by Jeevika Ashram, Indrana, Jabalpur. While documentation for the gathering was supported by Urja trust.