About a place called Bapu Ghat in Hyderabad

[Prasanthi Uppalapati]

Dear Birds,

 

Greetings!

 

This place called Bapu Ghat, which is in Langar House, will be in News only on 30th Jan and 2nd October when Officials have no option but to remember Gandhiji.

 

The Bapu Memorial building was constructed in a record 100 days time at a cost of Rs 2.5 crore by Larsen and Toubro. The building consists of a prayer hall for 500 persons, a library and a museum.

 

My stint with Gandhiji after school days is only after I got in touch with Dr. Vasant Bawa. He is the first Vice Chairman of HUDA. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyderabad_Urban_Development_Authority

 

He is a Gandhian in principle, thought and action and he told me about Gandhiji's ashram in Pallepadu in my Nellore Dt.

(http://prasanthi.wordpress.com/2008/10/23/%e0%b0%ac%e0%b0%be%e0%b0%aa%e0%b1%82%e0%b0%9c%e0%b1%80%e0%b0%a4%e0%b1%8b-%e0%b0%aa%e0%b0%b0%e0%b0%bf%e0%b0%9a%e0%b0%af%e0%b0%82/) 

 

Later we met Dr. Prasad of AP Sarvodaya Mandal at Pallepadu Ashram and it paved way for our visit to Wardha.  He is the one who told me about Bapu Ghat and the efforts to revive it. Similarly, we visited Gautami Satyagraha Ashramam in Rajahmundry (http://prasanthi.wordpress.com/2008/10/23/%e0%b0%97%e0%b1%8c%e0%b0%a4%e0%b0%ae%e0%b1%80-%e0%b0%b8%e0%b0%a4%e0%b1%8d%e0%b0%af%e0%b0%be%e0%b0%97%e0%b1%8d%e0%b0%b0%e0%b0%b9-%e0%b0%86%e0%b0%b6%e0%b1%8d%e0%b0%b0%e0%b0%ae%e0%b0%82-%e0%b0%b8/)

 

There has been a very good effort to develop Bapu Ghat in Langarhouse like Sevagram in Wardha and also to establish a communication channel between the people who follow Gandhi ideals. Many eminent people discussed and opined that Gandhi's thoughts are applicable even in  this twenty first century. They are interested to put them in practise and prove the fact to the World and there by bring a much  needed transformation in the way we live. Simply put, to campaign
for - Simple Living, High Thinking at individual level, Decentralization of Power and Empowering Villages at
political and administration level.

 

These are some of the ideas:

1. A Photo Exhibition on Gandhiji's Life
2. A garden
3. Watershed (Rain Water Harvesting)
4. Teaching livelihood skills to women
5. Regular Bhajans
6. Giving the meeting halls for sessions organized by social work groups

7. Organic Farming

8. Low Cost Living
9. Making this one a center for all Gandhiji's Ashrams in AP

 

The problem is Bapu Ghat is under APTDC. They have to take a decision on the programmes. Numerous proposals have been submitted to them. No action has been taken other than inviting for meetings at the last minute or cancelling them at the last minute.

 

Everyone involved are vexed to an extent and are not interested to pursue it also. Only exception is Dr. Vasant Bawa. Even in this old age, if we invite him and if he feels our effort is genuine, he will attend the meeting and advise us.

 

Now as a last resort, we are trying to see if APTDC agrees to get into an agreement with IIIT to do organic farming in Bapu Ghat.

 

If we have enough volunteers who can pursue this task, we can rebuild Sevagram here with life and action. This will be a place of tourism, which can generate revenue to maintain the place and also to let the new generation know about the man behind the great ideals and the man who inspired the leaders worldwide across generations.

 

You can find the photos of our visit here:

http://picasaweb.google.com/prasutmad.finance/BapuGhatLangarHouseHyderabad#

 

Pinakini Ashram, Pallepadu:

http://picasaweb.google.com/prasutmad.finance/PinikaniAshramPallepaduNellore#

 

 

P.S: This has nothing to do with BosF. Interested groups or volunteers who can see the potential behind this idea, can come forward and pursue this goal.

 

If you understand the dynamics, lot of land is being unused. If we ignore, it will not take much time for it to go under real estate or for any other projects which are completely different to Gandhiji's principles.

 

One more point: This mail is the result of anger... for these reasons... no idea on when the work can be done and how it can be done.

--

Thank you.

 

with regards,

PRASANTHI.

http://groups.google.com/group/birdsofsamefeathers

http://prasanthi.wordpress.com

----

When you want something, the whole universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.

 

So long as the millions live in hunger and ignorance, I hold every man a traitor, who having been educated at their expense, pays not the least heed to them.

--Vivekananda

[Usha Turaga-Revelli]

This is a cause that is very close to my heart. I would like to join in, in any efforts that may be needed. I also know Dr Vasant Bawa very well.

usha

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“If you tremble with indignation at every injustice, then you are a comrade of mine.” : Ernesto 'Che' Guevara

[gouri shankar]

Hi Prashanti

I am glad after 18 years I have some one to share my anger, frustration on Bapu Ghat . As an Architect, In the year 1993 ,I have submitted the first proposal on request of  Governer of Andhrapradesh   for beautifying and keep the sanctity of Mahatma, and other proposal on my personal interest as a social worker to develop self help groups ,activities related to Gandhi principles  .

Governer has struggled hard to implement when impressed upon  the designs and proposals but utterly failed with impaired political powers.

I submitted  second proposal  in the year 2003 when I became AP Govt panel Architect where proposal was put by Govt itself ,but faded with the change of political interests .

I was happy atleast L&T has done some thing uplifting the place also felt very  happy reading your mail. wish your concern be strengthened by the emotions of many more people like me and come out  with some power play. 

regards

Gouri Shankar

---

From: Usha Turaga-Revelli <ushat...@gmail.com>
To: birdsofsa...@googlegroups.com
Sent: Fri, 28 January, 2011 10:57:00 AM
Subject: Re: About a place called Bapu Ghat in Hyderabad

[Suresh Adina]

Why not approach the governor again then? Might be worth trying with the incumbent. He is known to be interested in social activities. Probably we can approach him through Dr Bawa. Worth a shot.

Suresh

--
A journey of a thousand miles starts with the first step.
The Change in the world starts with us - each one of us!

[HyTiCoS KFT]

I had a talk with Dr. Bawa long back regarding this place. There are two to three things related to this. If you can write in brief the exact issue aboout which you are discussing. I may come with some inputs/ suggestions.

[Prasanthi Uppalapati]

To be frank I am very disappointed on this issue and thought approaching IIIT would be my last effort in this project.

 

But after reading replies from Gouri Shankar garu, Usha garu and Sandeep, I regained all the hope :)

 

Gourishankar garu, your involvement in this project is a news to me. In fact a pleasant one.

 

This is one project which will have a great impact if we can persist and see to that we achieve success in this effort.

 

If you want to give it a shot again, do join hands.

 

Most probably, we will be visiting Bapu Ghat and discuss on the approach that we need to take some time in the third week of February or first week of March (I mean weekends). I will share those updates in BosF as well.

[gouri shankar]

"quitters will never win and winners will never quit" 

don't know much of the philosophy but believe in this statement.

regards

Gouri Shankar

---

From: Prasanthi Uppalapati <prasanthi....@gmail.com>
To: birdsofsa...@googlegroups.com
Sent: Mon, 31 January, 2011 8:52:15 PM

Subject: Re: About a place called Bapu Ghat in Hyderabad

[keerthi sushmitha]

Statement is correct and very good Gouri garu :) 

Thanks for remineding .

--
with regards,

Keerthi Sushmitha S,
CMC Ltd.(Hyderabad).

Keep Smiling :)

[HyTiCoS KFT]

Hai Prasanthi

I wonder Why you got disappointed? You have done your part of work and if someone is not working on it its not your mistake.

I am sure most of us might know the problem, and the way to fix it was already discussed.

I don't think its time to go back to have discussions and gather suggestions and again having chain mails etc, etc.

Its a TEAM WORK. If anything has to be discussed, following are the IMP things.

WHO IS GOING TO STEP IN (to form a TEAM)?
HOW THE RESPONSIBILITIES SHOULD BE SHARED?

and more importantly before approaching anyone and asking THEM to Help in solving the Problem. FIRST WE NEED TO HAVE AN ANSWER FOR WHAT WE HAVE DONE.

The things which we need to DO are more. I would be glad to start working for the cause rather than having discussions. Once again I would like to ask is who would like ot spend time for it? and when the work would begin?

regards
HYTICOS

[Prasanthi Uppalapati]

Hi Sandeep,

 

The discouraging part is due to the fact that despite many senior people involving in it, no progress is seen.

 

My hand in Bapu Ghat is a kind of facilitator, as usual.

 

I understand that meetings will not fetch any result. But how can the new people in picture know about the efforts so far?

 

The problem here is APTDC. It has to agree for giving project to us. The basic proposal has been submitted long back.

 

No group is keen on owning the project because it requires lot of funds and no one is ready to accept APTDC's active intervention in the execution.

 

My idea was that... if we have enough volunteers who believe and concentrate on this project, we can make it work. Raising funds is never a big deal.

 

Why the hope again? Seeing many volunteers chipping in. We never seriously shared about Bapu Ghat project in BosF. I came to know about another gentleman, Violin Vasu. He has given concerts in Bapu Ghat for children. He taught them Gandhiji's songs. I shared with him briefly (haven't met yet) about this project. He is also interested to take a role.

 

See.. if we count the volunteers now...

1. Suresh Adina/Sriram Rahi

2. Kiran Anumalasetty

3. Gouri Shankar garu

4. Usha garu

5. You

6. Violin Vasu

7. IIIT

8. All the groups which have been working on this so far (Advise and suggestions, we can expect from them)

 

The effort should be on in getting the project from APTDC.. to persist.. trying all sources possible. But all the seniors with many qualifications to their credit and influential status also say that.... nothing will be possible even if there is pressure from central govt. Only a person like Sonia can make this happen. (Not exaggerating... this is what I hear)

 

Both Dr. Bawa and Dr. Sangal are out of station. Some time in March we can probably meet. Then it is our call on whether taking it forward or leave it. The thought of "leaving it" comes because of the question... why spending energies on a cause where things do not move!!

 

No single person can work on this project alone. It needs the support of lot of volunteers and more precisely groups to take this forward.

[gouri shankar]

Hi dear birds

wish ,every one don't take the words disappointment and discouragement. Had Gandhiji felt the same he would have never  achieved his goal and and remain a role model to the world.He too underwent lot of turmoil what we are now going through.

The only difference and the question is there use to be lot of dedicated souls backing Gandhiji which ultimately became his strength but in the present world how many people we can pool as a single strength ?

But still it is a good achievement on all of us many of us don't know each other and Is it not we are bringing a silent revolution ? If we maintain this evolution keep growing day by day we can address one by one all the issues.

Bapu ghat is one of the issues, our motive is vast and we are working on many issues .Money and power makes a major role in any aspect .over two decades of experience spending lakhs of rupees on social service i too learned and realised that some thing else can also be done other than power and money. 

That is " like minded people coming together with a thought " .

Yes the third power is the" thought power"

Let slow and steady win the race.

regards

Gouri Shankar

---

From: Prasanthi Uppalapati <prasant...@gmail.com>
To: birdsofsa...@googlegroups.com
Sent: Sun, 6 February, 2011 12:38:47 AM

Subject: Re: About a place called Bapu Ghat in Hyderabad

[HyTiCoS KFT]

Hi Prasanthi

Ok. If we are going to take this up let me know. Tough I will not be in HYD but still give my best for this.

regards

HYTICOS

[Prasanthi Uppalapati]

Thanks to one and all for your support.

Most likely we would meet at Bapu Ghat either on 19th Feb or 20th Feb. I will keep you posted. Request you to block these dates.  Looking forward to see 100% participation from the volunteers. (who expressed interest in this project).

Others also welcome. This would be a very crucial project and can transform to one of the best places of visit in Hyderabad and also a hub to understand Gandhian way of life.

[harish]

Good effort elders and friends.

I wish to be part of your sincere work. But i may not be part of this meeting as i feel i am not suitable in framing action plan since am already struggling to streamline plans for works am handling in my group and outside. 

But once you come up with an approach and plan of action, i wish to join in work plan and also propagate to friends to bring more support. Wish you all the best. May bapuji be with you all in your honest efforts.

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Regards,
Harish
sahasra-foundation.blogspot.com

[gouri shankar]

Hi prashanti

Most likely I might meet Mr.Jayesh Ranjan (APTDC ) on 11th Feb. Please brief me the points what we want to focus on .I shall start my share of work by initiating a dialog briefing about our interest and taking his guidelines for further approach.

regards

Gouri Shankar 

---

From: harish <harish...@gmail.com>
To: birdsofsa...@googlegroups.com
Sent: Thu, 10 February, 2011 1:05:02 AM

Subject: Re: About a place called Bapu Ghat in Hyderabad

[Prasanthi Uppalapati]

Hi Team,

 

Greetings!!

 

I am very happy to share that the meeting between Dr. Vasant Bawa and Dr. Sangal has been very fruitful. We met on 2nd evening at Dr. Sangal ji's house. Nisha ji (wife of Dr. Sangal who looks after ASHA KIRAN programme (teaching to slum children) at IIIT) and Dr. ShyamSundar (Associate Professor in IIIT who takes care of the Organic Farming Research in IIIT) also participated in the discussion.

The purpose is to understand the efforts on Bapu Ghat so far and how to take it forward.

 

Everyone are on the same page with respect to turning Bapu Ghat into a visiting place which can inspire future generations on simple ways of life and more so which studies on the relevance of Gandhiji in this Century.

 

Initial and immediate action points would be to meet with all the volunteers who are interested in working for Bapu Ghat. Secondly, to visit Bapu Ghat and third ... meeting Mr. Sultania of APTDC.

 

In that context, on Saturday (5th of March) at 4:30 we will be meeting at the first floor of the Guest House in IIIT. Request each one of you to take your time and attend this meeting. I am sure and confident that we can take it forward, provided we pledge our time and support for this activity. We might find many obstacles during the course of time but every bit is worth it.

 

Date: 5th March

Day: Saturday

Time: 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm

Topic: Discussion on Bapu Ghat... sharing the views of all interested parties and coming up with a programme of action

Venue: First Floor, Guest House, IIIT Campus

 

--

Thank you.

 

with regards,

PRASANTHI.

http://groups.google.com/group/birdsofsamefeathers

http://prasanthi.wordpress.com

----

When you want something, the whole universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.

The more you do, the more you can do.

“Strive not much for food and clothes. If you want anything, beg of the Lord, leave worldly honors, try to get Lord’s grace and blessings, and be honored in His Court. Do not be deluded by worldly honor. – Sri Shirdi Saibaba

[Usha Turaga-Revelli]

Hi Prasanthi,

Turaga Foundation's Excellence in Journalism Award presentation programme is scheduled for March 5 at 6 p.m. As I am one of the organisers, I will be unable to make it to this meeting. Pl keep me posted. Would like to join in at any point in this endeavour.

thanks

usha

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"But what is happiness except the simple harmony between a man and the life he leads? " - Albert Camus

[Prasanthi Uppalapati]

Dear Birds,

 

Greetings!!

 

This has been another fruitful meeting.

 

Participants: Prof. Sangal, Mrs. Nisha Sangal, Prasanthi, Sandeep, Suresh Adina and Dr. Giri

 

Sandeep works for Wild Life Conservation.  He suggested to talk to the local people and also the regular visitors of Bapu Ghat and get their support. He also suggested to involve school children and plan an activity for them.
 
Suresh Adina suggested to talk to the Engineers/Project Managers of Tourism Department. 

 
I am also thinking of a way where we can convince Tourism Department to invite the representatives of all Gandhiji's ashrams in AP and organize a programme or anything. The idea is to let them sponsor the meeting and sponsor the traveling expenses of the representatives. (If they do not, I want to organize one but I need funding)
 
As a first step, I want to start the activity of talking to all ashrams in AP and collect the information on Gandhiji's association with each ashram and Gandhiji's association in each district in AP.

 

Also we can propose Peace Tourism by APTDC, to all Gandhiji Ashrams in AP and also in India. I think Prasad garu has been doing it through Sarvodaya. If we can convince APTDC to do it, they will publicize and am sure many will show interest to visit these places.

 

Need Volunteers:

1. To talk to all ashrams in AP and establish a connection with them.

 

Kiran Anumalasetty can be a volunteer for this activity and I can coordinate with Pallepadu Ashram, Nellore, with the help of our volunteers from Nellore. I need support for other places. Very soon I will share the details of other places and request your support in this regard.

 

2. Need volunteers with engineering background and specially civil engineering to talk to the engineers of APTDC.

 

Another idea for which I need the support of all of you. Why not we organize our monthly meetings at Bapu Ghat? It is easily accessible. Pl. come up with your thoughts.
--

[keerthi sushmitha]

Prasanti garu,

helding  the meet at Babu ghat is very good idea. I hope many people will agree. And also could you includethe details to reach out it, so whoever doesn't know can understand that reaching it is not tough.

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