Churning the earth

In the face of widespread ecological destruction, social injustice, economic deprivation, there are powerful countercurrents. 'Ordinary' people in several parts of India are resisting the disruption of their lives, as also constructing alternatives in the form of sustainable farming, community-led ecotourism and conservation, revival of crafts, activity-based learning, decentralised water harvesting, local governance and direct democracy. They illustrate various petals in a 'Flower of Transformation', with a core of ethical values like solidarity, diversity, freedom, self-reliance, and respect of the commons.