By Anand Caitanya das
ISKCON’s Govardhan Eco Village (GEV, http://www.ecovillage.org.in) won the Spirit of Humanity Award in the Livelihood category. The 8th edition of the Spirit of Humanity awards was held on 14th Sept 2017, in a gala event at J W Marriott, Juhu, Mumbai. The event was organized by AmeriCares, a non-profit disaster relief and global health organization providing immediate response to emergency medical needs and supporting long-term health care initiatives for people around the world. The Spirit of Humanity awards recognize and reward exemplary contributions made towards the society in the fields of Child Care, Education, Health, Disability, Livelihood and Women’s Empowerment. Following a stringent 3-step evaluation process, spread over 6 months, the best-in-class NGOs were identified from each zone. As the winner from the West zone of India, Govardhan Ecovillage made it to the final round along with Harsha Trust (East), Don Bosco Tech Society (North) and Sevalaya (South). The final round involved each institute making a presentation to an esteemed jury who have evaluated the projects based on criterion like replicability, scalability, innovation, future expansion plans, sustainability etc. After the rigorous day long deliberations, the winners were announced during the grand event in the evening.
The rural development program of Govardhan Ecovillage, supported by Sri Chaitanya Seva Trust, has been focusing on creating a transformative change in the lives of the villagers by enabling them to develop in a holistic manner with economic, environmental and social development. Starting with 5 tribal families, today more than 450 farmers below the poverty line in 16 villages are benefiting from this program. Working in the fields of organic farming, water resource development, drinking water, women empowerment, skill enhancement, rural education, and health care, this program has enhanced the livelihoods of all the participants and improved the social wellbeing of the farmers. Dubbed as “From Suicide to Sweet-side”, the rural development project received full honors from the jury and was declared the national winner under the Livelihood category. Receiving the award on behalf of Govardhan Ecovillage and Sri Chaitanya Seva Trust were Shri Nimai Lila Das, Mr Venkataramanan and Mr G Venkataraman.
Govardhan Ecovillage is a farm community and retreat centre spread over a scenic landscape of 100 acres at Galtare, Wada situated 110 km North of Mumbai, India. Since its inception in the year 2003, Govardhan Eco Village has made steady progress in Organic farming, Cow protection, Rural Education, Rural development, Alternative energy, Eco friendly constructions and Sustainable living. GEV illustrates ‘Simple Living & High Thinking’ – a principle which is so succinct, yet profound, and formed the basis of life in the bygone age of wisdom.
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