Association For India's Development Present's
A Talk: Uttarakhand Van Panchayat Institution:
Forest Commons Versus State Property
by
Malika Virdi
(AID Saathi, Van Panchayat Sarpanch & Social Activist)
 
DATE: FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2008 (7pm)
LOCATION: 1619 Dublin Dr, Silver Spring, MD 20902

About The Talk:
Van Panchayats or Village Forest Councils in Uttarakhand are often spoken about as successful institutions for democratic decentralization, and as models for the governance of natural resource commons. The talk will take a closer look at the nature of such decentralization, consider recent changes in related legislation and how they translate on the ground, and look at where Van Panchayats are headed today. Please visit http://www.aidboston.org/MalikaVirdi/
 
About Malika Virdi:
Malika is an avid mountain, people and nature person. She has worked for nearly 3 decades on various human rights and women rights related issues in many places across India (Rajasthan, Delhi, Gujarat and Uttaranchal) . Presently she is the Sarpanch of the Sarmoli village Forest Council (Van Panchayat) and is a founder member of a womens' collective in Munsiari called Maati and is associated with several regional and national womens and human rights groups. Malika Virdi was nominated by a group called the 1000 Women for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2005.
 
Malika focuses on the following areas in her work in Munsiari:
- Strenthening democratic institutions
- Building networks, alliances and broad basing our understanding
- Women's Issues
- Livelihood Issues and Food Security
- Ecological Security issues
 
About AID
Association for India's Development is a non-profit, volunteer-based organization committed to promoting sustainable, equitable and just development in India by supporting grassroots level organizations all over India in various interconnected spheres such as education, livelihoods,  natural resources, health, women's empowerment and social justice. http://www.aidindia.org
 
About AID's Saathi Program:
AID recognizes certain outstanding social and environmental activists in India with "Saathi" awards. Since they are highly creative, committed and motivated individuals, we wish to support them in a manner that allows them freedom to operate without the constraints of a specific time-bound project. The program creates a mutually enriching relationship between AID and the Saathi and entails not only support in the form of a stipend, but also non-monetary involvement and strategic support from AID volunteers. Saathis are a source of great inspiration to AID volunteers, and provide insight into development dynamics. Saathis are referred to AID by our associates in India and volunteers across AID. In many cases, existing Saathis and Jeevansaathis recommend potential candidates to us. We stay in intimate touch with our Saathis and their work through personal visits, phone calls and correspondence.