Anil Gupta’s Shodh Yatra to Chhattisgarh may help influence public policy in the area.
As the 'Shodh Yatra' led by IIM-A professor Anil Gupta heads towards Chhattisgarh next month, will the journey lead to a discovery of Naxalite sentiments or a deeper perspective to the entire issue?
"Obviously, the journey will see some close interaction with the villagers there. It will lead to an acknowledgement of their identity and add value to their knowledge," said professor Gupta, adding that he hopes the visit will help influence public policy in the area.
Gupta's Shodh Yatra, deemed 'a search of knowledge, creativity and innovation at the grassroots', due to take place from May 15 to May 21 in Chhattisgarh, was decided much before the recent Naxalite uprising. The journey which is supported by SRISTI and NIF was planned around four months ago. And Gupta has decided to go ahead with the trip despite the recent disturbances.
Beginning with Narayanpur village, the journey will cover around 40 villages in Chhatisgarh like Metadongri, Bahmni, Sitapal, Bakulvahi, Belgaon, Bagdogri, Kokodi, Khadkagaon, Borgaon and finally finish at a village called Mahaka.
The 25th Shodh Yatra's route passes through remote hilly and forest areas. During the seven days of the walk, the participants will pass through several small settlements mostly inhabited by tribal people. The organisers will also try to convince the locals to join them in the walk, for a better mutual understanding.
"Along with the various places we have been visiting through the Shodh Yatra, we have also been going to areas where social unrest prevails," said Gupta.
The last Shodh Yatra on December 29 was in Assam, where the participants walked from Dhemaji to Lakhimpur. Shodh Yatras are organised several times a year, where participants walk from village to village and interact with the locals. The idea is to absorb and document traditional knowledge, wisdom and practices so that they don't vanish in the future, as also to find and support grassroots innovations.
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