Author : Staff at Govardhan Eco Village Website : www.ecovillage.org.in Date Produced : April, 2013 Editor : Srimati Vrindavan Lila d.d. Serial no : 50 of 54

2. Author : Staff at Govardhan Eco Village
Website : www.ecovillage.org.in
Date Produced : April, 2013
Editor : Srimati Vrindavan Lila d.d.
Serial no : 50 of 54
GOVARDHANGOVARDHAN
E C O V I L L A G EE C O V I L L A G E
New Dimensions in OutreachNew Dimensions in Outreach

3. A N E W D I M E N S I O N I N O U T R E A C H

4. T O P T E N G L O B A L I S S U E ST O P T E N G L O B A L I S S U E S
1. Global Warming
2. Global Economic Collapse
3. Peak Oil/Energy
Consumption
4. Urbanization and Population
5. Global Water Crisis
6. Malnutrition and Food
Security
7. Nuclear Proliferation
8. War
9. Terrorism
10. Loss of Biodiversity and
Species Extinction

5. C H A L L E N GEC H A L L E N GE
How can we make theHow can we make the
Vedic messageVedic message
relevant?relevant?

6. SIMPLE LIVING & HIGH THINKINGSIMPLE LIVING & HIGH THINKING
6TH PURPOSE OF6TH PURPOSE OF
ISKCONISKCON
To bring the members
closer together for the
purpose of teaching a
simpler and more
natural way of life.
- Srila Prabhupada

7. SIMPLE LIVING & HIGH THINKINGSIMPLE LIVING & HIGH THINKING
Living in harmony with nature
and according to the way
Krishna wants us to live on
material level and spiritual
level.
ECO FRIENDLYECO FRIENDLY
MEANS...MEANS...

8. NINE CASE STUDIES IN SERVICE OFNINE CASE STUDIES IN SERVICE OF
MOTHER EARTHMOTHER EARTH
1. Organic Farming
2. Cow Protection
3. Green Building Technology
4. Water Harvesting
5. Alternative Energy
6. Soil Bio Technology
7. Waste Management
8. Rural Empowerment
9. Global Outreach
MAKING VEDIC PRECEPTSMAKING VEDIC PRECEPTS
RELEVANTRELEVANT

9. MAKING VEDICMAKING VEDIC
PRECEPTS RELEVANTPRECEPTS RELEVANT

11. O R G A N I C F A R M I N GO R G A N I C F A R M I N G

12. O R G A N I C F A R M I N GO R G A N I C F A R M I N G
Research in sustainable
chemical free farming
practices
Vedic rainfall prediction
and Lunar plantation
techniques
Organic pest management
book
Protecting rare varieties of
rice
Listed among top 100
agriculture innovators in
India

13. O R G A N I C F A R M I N GO R G A N I C F A R M I N G
Techniques used in farming
 Raised bed for rice samplings
 Rope line method for sampling
plantation
 Raised bed faming
 Crop rotation
 Crop diversity and organic
farming
 Organic Mulching
 Organic fertilizers
 Cow urine for rice samplings
 Composting
 Organic pesticides

14. O R G A N I C F A R M I N GO R G A N I C F A R M I N G
Major achievements at GEV
Research on the production of
varieties of vegetables.
Usage of lunar calendar, for
better prediction of seasonal
changes for plantation and
harvesting.
 Usage of Vedic rainfall
prediction techniques
 Compilation of book on the
traditional pest control techniques
 Reviving very effective but
forgotten techniques of Pest
Control

15. O R G A N I C F A R M I N GO R G A N I C F A R M I N G
Major achievements at GEV
(Cont..)
Perpetuating traditional organic
seeds by sharing them with
farmers.
 Research on a different variety
of plant by resident students
 Seed bank for 54 varieties of
rare rice varieties have been
created
 The three medicinal varieties
harvested at GEV:
 Mahadiis
 Rajgudiyais
 Govinda Bhog

16. C O W P R O T E C T I O NC O W P R O T E C T I O N

17. C O W P R O T E C T I O NC O W P R O T E C T I O N
Scientifically proving the
indispensable role of cow in
ecology
Showing the economic
advantages of protecting
cows
Proving the advantages of
bull based farming systems
over tractors
Reviving localized village
economic systems

18. C O W P R O T E C T I O NC O W P R O T E C T I O N
Various advantages of cow –
apart from milk
Dung and urine used for
various products
 Cow dung - for Gobar gas
plant
 Cow dung as Natural
Plaster
 best natural disinfectant
 an excellent mood-
enhancing agent
Cob house with cow dung plaster

19. C O W P R O T E C T I O NC O W P R O T E C T I O N
Various advantages of bull
 Avoid damage to the top soil,
that is caused by using tractors
Animal driven prime mover
Water Pumping and
Sprinkler Irrigation
 Flour mill and oil expeller

20. C O W P R O T E C T I O NC O W P R O T E C T I O N
Different Cow products
 Gomutra Ghanvati (Cow urine
tablet)
 Tooth Powder
 Angrag (Bathing powder)
 Dhoop (Incense sticks)
 Cow Dung Cake
 Pachnamrta
 Balm
Sales
over 30 outlets across India
 Profit of around 35000/- p.a
All just from just 10 cows

21. G R E E N B U I L D I N G SG R E E N B U I L D I N G S

22. G R E E N B U I L D I N G SG R E E N B U I L D I N G S
Create buildings that
minimize resource
consumption, waste
generation and overall
ecological impact
Employed Mud based
technologies like CSEB, Cob
and Rammed earth
Built structures that have
less than 1% embodied energy
compared to conventional
buildings

23. G R E E N B U I L D I N G SG R E E N B U I L D I N G S
Construction Process
Zoning - A thorough planning
prior to construction
Protecting existing ecology –
Fences around the important
ecology
Smart Sourcing - To reduce the
overall carbon foot print
Zoned Construction - Not
allowed to spread all throughout
the campus
Mud is the essence - Simple,
natural mud was the key
constituent of the construction
material
Foundation - Stone masonry
with stabilized mud mortar &
concrete short poles (as bond
stone)
Mud - the key
constituent

24. G R E E N B U I L D I N G SG R E E N B U I L D I N G S
 Earthquake resistance - Conforming to
the BIS norms (earthquake proofing
methods to protect).
CSEB v/s Conventional Fired Bricks -
Lesser amount of energy is consumed in
preparation against modern day bricks used
in construction.

25. G R E E N B U I L D I N G SG R E E N B U I L D I N G S
Assembled Arches - Saves
cost on RCC, Saves cost on
plastering ceiling with
cement, Saves waste & More
strength and stability.
Natural Insulation - A
sloped roof with double layer
of Mangalore tiles with an air
gap between the two. It
ensures that the temperature
inside the room is moderate
as compared to outside.

26. W A T E R H A R V E S T I N GW A T E R H A R V E S T I N G

27. W A T E R H A R V E S T I N GW A T E R H A R V E S T I N G
Ensure a sustainable water
source for the eco village
Conducted an extensive
hydrogeological survey and
identified recharge and
discharge points
Built water harvesting
structures accordingly
Currently GEV houses the
biggest water harvesting pond
in Thane Dist.

28. A hydrological survey was
conducted to find out the best
options for Water Harvesting
The hydrological survey was
outsourced to Advanced Center for
Water Resources Development and
Management (ACWADAM)
Based on the Survey, the
discharge areas were identified
where we could dig borewells or
Water Harvesting Ponds.
W A T E R H A R V E S T I N GW A T E R H A R V E S T I N G
Hydrological survey

29. A 1 Crore ltr pond was excavated at
the location suggested by the survey
Funded by Govt of Maharastra
The greenery around the pond has
increased very much.
Underground water levels have
increased.
The biggest water harvesting pond in
Thane District
W A T E R H A R V E S T I N GW A T E R H A R V E S T I N G
One Crore ltr pond

30. A L T E R N A T I V E E N E R G YA L T E R N A T I V E E N E R G Y

31. A L T E R N A T I V E E N E R G YA L T E R N A T I V E E N E R G Y
Implement a sustainable and cost-
effective method to reduce the dependency
on conventional sources of energy
Biogas, Solar and Bull power
Utilizing food wastes to produce power

32. BIO GAS ENERGYBIO GAS ENERGY
 Energy resource derived from the
carbonaceous waste of various human
activities.
 The vegetable waste and left over
food from our own kitchen, and free
mid-day meal projects is about 1.5
tons/day.
The left over slurry, after the removal
of biogas, acts as excellent organic
manure

33. SOLAR ENERGYSOLAR ENERGY
GEV has exposure to sunlight for most part of
the year
Unusable open areas are used to install
panels to harness solar energy.

34. BULL POWERBULL POWER
Bull driven borehole line-shaft
pump
Installed at a depth of 60
feet,
discharge of about 5000
litres/hour
Bull driven oil expeller and
flour mill
Make our own oil and flour
in an eco-friendly fashion

35. S O I L B I O T E C H N O L O G YS O I L B I O T E C H N O L O G Y
Successfully implemented a
sustainable and eco-friendly
technique for sewage
management
A decentralized sewage
management solution for rural
and urban areas
Up to 95% water recovered with
2 Tons of biomass as useful
byproduct

36. S O I L B I O T E C H N O L O G YS O I L B I O T E C H N O L O G Y
Advantages
100% of treated water is being reused
in horticulture.
 Biomass in the form of flower, fodder,
fruit and fibre which is utilised completely
at GEV.
 The bio fertiliser rich in organic and
slow release minerals are also utilised in
horticulture.

37. S O I L B I O T E C H N O L O G YS O I L B I O T E C H N O L O G Y
 Max 2 Metric Tons / yr. of bio-
fertilizer can be generated.
 No Damage to the local ecology
as any form of unsafe sewage
disposal is completely avoided
 Carbon foot print of the entire
treatment plant is much lower than
the modern sewage systems.
 No toxic waste and foul smell is
produced.

38. W A S T E M A N A G E M E N TW A S T E M A N A G E M E N T
Employs nature's in-built mechanism of “symbiotic
recycling” - where what comes from Nature in one form goes
back to its proper place in Nature in a different form after
being processed and used.
Achieved complete recycling of organic waste in the eco
village
This system not only reduces ecological costs by retaining
99% of our wastes, but also help in bringing down the
various economic costs.

39. W A S T E M A N A G E M E N TW A S T E M A N A G E M E N T
The Process
Bio-gas plant (Symbiosis of Kitchen, Food
Waste & Agriculture) - Cattle waste & kitchen
wastes are used. Slurry is utilized as a
natural fertilizer in organic farming.
Soil Biotechnology (SBT) (Symbiosis of
Human Waste & Agriculture) - water as a
medium for waste collection and soil as a
medium for waste treatment.
Construction waste (Symbiosis of
Construction & Agriculture) - Wastes like
broken cement poles & bricks are utilized in
making permanent raised beds (PRB) for
farming.
Card board and Cloth (Symbiosis of
Community Waste and Agriculture) - Waste
card board cartons and cloth are used as
mulch in the agriculture field.

40. W A S T E M A N A G E M E N TW A S T E M A N A G E M E N T
The Process
Plastic bags & cement bags - Utilized to store mud, compost,
to grow plants & for storing food wastes to convert them into
manure.
Wood dust – Used for construction of various buildings in the
village to make dhoop sticks or chemical free incense sticks, &
a chemical free mosquito repellent.
Initiatives: Teaching local farmers in using commonly
available organic wastes to be used as fertilizers.
Initiatives: Educating students about the ways they can re-use
waste at home.

41. R U R A L E M P O W E R M E N TR U R A L E M P O W E R M E N T
Improve standard of living of
backward and tribal families through an
integrated organic farming system
Create self help groups for tribal
women
GEV Orphanage

42. To improve standard of living of the tribal familiesTo improve standard of living of the tribal families
The project was started to cover
500 tribal families
The project helps create
awareness and empowers them to
get back to villages
Sharing of best practices, best
seeds, water resource development,
organic farming techniques etc.
Micro enterprises for the landless

43. Self Help Groups for Tribal WomenSelf Help Groups for Tribal Women
Participation of 65 members in
SHGs (Self Help Groups)
Training in preparation of paper
bags using waste paper
Cultivating vegetables in group
and selling them at local market
Nursery raising activity etc.

44. GEV GurukulGEV Gurukul
Steady efforts to provide
excellent quality training &
education, along with
imparting spiritual values to
children.
Many economically under-
privileged local people have
enrolled their children in the
Gurukul.
Extracurricular activities -
Dramas, Educational &
Spiritual tours
Physical Care- Yoga,
Traditional games

45. G L O B A L O U T R E A C HG L O B A L O U T R E A C H
Purpose:
To create a model which can be
replicated in scale across the globe.
To interact with various people from
the urban areas and offer them an
experience of rural setup.
To inspire the youth to think green,
deepen ties with educational institutes
for joint researches.
To convince corporate bodies about
inclusive growth and in this make allies
in sustainability on a global level.

46. G L O B A L O U T R E A C HG L O B A L O U T R E A C H
The Process – To teach the importance of natural living
consisting of appreciation, respect for and cooperation with
nature and experience living a sustainable lifestyle.
Santulan (A retreat for Balanced lives) - to give holistic idea
of living with nature, experiencing land, cows, alternative life
styles along with seminars that stir the basic thought process,
personality development skills and stress management etc.

47. G L O B A L O U T R E A C HG L O B A L O U T R E A C H
Health retreats - Basics of Yoga, Pranayama. Practical
asanas, Pranayama workshop & Mantra meditation
Agricultural training (Government Officials and farmers) –
Offer training to agriculture dept. employees & Sustainability
skills for Farmers.
Eco-friendly living seminars to students and guests – on
Modern lifestyle hazards, Benefits of protecting cows, & pitfalls
of chemical based farming.
Artha Conclave (Corporates) - Inculcating a sense of balance
in daily chores, learning from ancient scriptures on natural
living & business lives
Global strides - Cultural tours with specific interest in yoga.

48. S C H O O L T R I P SS C H O O L T R I P S
School trips (Educational trips
for children) - to teach the
importance of SIMPLE
LIVING HIGH THINKING
•Cow protection
•Organic farming
•Traditional living

49. S C H O O L T R I P SS C H O O L T R I P S
Activity includes:
•Seminar on Vedic Ecology

50. S C H O O L T R I P SS C H O O L T R I P S
Activities include:
•Seminar on Vedic Ecology
•Guided tour of GEV

51. S C H O O L T R I P SS C H O O L T R I P S
Activities include:
•Seminar on Vedic Ecology
•Guided tour of GEV
•Vedic cooking

52. S C H O O L T R I P SS C H O O L T R I P S
Activities include:
•Seminar on Vedic Ecology
•Guided tour of GEV
•Vedic cooking
•Goshala visits and Cow dung
plastering

53. S C H O O L T R I P S I M P A C TS C H O O L T R I P S I M P A C T
GEV TOP ECO-LEANING CENTER IN
MUMBAI
 15,000 school students since June-
2012
 Cathedral, Activity High, Villa
Theresa, Bombay Scottish and
many more.
 ISKCON’s multi dimensional role very
much appreciated by teachers and
students.

54. S C H O O L F E E D B A C K SS C H O O L F E E D B A C K S
We had a unique experience here. Our kids are
full of stories, experience and knowledge after
this visit. All prabhujis were so warm and
welcoming. We enjoyed their hospitality. The
place is very close to nature and it gives us an
amazing experience of being close to Mother
Earth. Our kids predominantly belong to Muslim
community but prabhuji's stories and hospitality
made us feel a unique experience of oneness of
Allah and Krishna. Thanks. We need people and
institution like you in this world.
- APNALAYA, Mumbai based NGO

55. S C H O O L F E E D B A C K SS C H O O L F E E D B A C K S
We are very happy with the reception and the
guidance that we received at the hands of the resource
person. All explanations were in good and lucid
language, which covered a range of topics like
spirituality, Vedic culture and organic farming. keep
up the good work
-Mr. Jiffy James, Little Flower English High School
Very good presentation. Lecture on vedic cooking was
also excellent.
-Mr. M S Khan, Bombay Scottish
Worthwhile and educational trip for students and us.
Recapitulated our culture.
- Ms. Tara, Muljibhai Mehta International School

56. O U T R E A C H I M P A C TO U T R E A C H I M P A C T
IAA OLIVE CROWN AWARD
presented to GEV recognizing our
efforts towards environmental
sustainability and setting a fine
example of environmental
leadership

57. O U T R E A C H I M P A C TO U T R E A C H I M P A C T
SKOCH SUMMIT 2013
- GEV invited to present a
technical paper
highlighting its concept of
ecofriendly development
in the Thinkers and
Writers Forum

58. AGRICULTURAL
INNOVATION
GEV listed among top 100
agricultural innovators in
India
O U T R E A C H I M P A C TO U T R E A C H I M P A C T

59. O U T R E A C H I M P A C TO U T R E A C H I M P A C T
PLATINUM AWARD
WINNER FOR WATER
CONSERVATION

60. O U T R E A C H I M P A C TO U T R E A C H I M P A C T
ARTHA CONCLAVE
It has been a sheer bliss
for me... Collection of such
wonderful positive souls
and the atmosphere of the
place has such positive
energy. This place is
undoubtedly the finest
soul purifying and
nourishing place in earth.
Thank you for everything
- Anil Biyani

61. O U T R E A C H I M P A C TO U T R E A C H I M P A C T
YOGA STUDENTS
Over 100 guests from
yoga circles in the west
Sharon Gannon, Robert
Moses and many other
noted personalities
Now many chanting
Hare Krishna!

62. G E V F E E D B A C K SG E V F E E D B A C K S
Soul touching hospitality, extraordinary project,
with a glorious future
- HH Devamrita Swami
At last a realistic vision to execute and practice
simple living and high thinking
- HG Malati mataji
This wonderful project fulfills Srila Prabhupada's
great desire for rural development. It is really
important for the
future of humanity. Thank you very much.
- HG Ravindra Svarup Prabhu

63. G E V F E E D B A C K SG E V F E E D B A C K S
Finally here I come to a community where Srila
Prabhupada’s dream is being fulfilled. Convinced
and committed devotees here are setting up model
for whole ISKCON world wide to follow. I am
impressed and moved
by their dedication. I wish you all success.
Congratulations and thank you.
- HH Lokanath Swami
Others dream of such a place as Govardhan Eco
Village, but you all have made it a reality. All
glories to your golden efforts. Srila Prabhupada is
most pleased.
- HH Bhakti Brhad Bhagavat Swami

64. G E V F E E D B A C K SG E V F E E D B A C K S
From the moment I entered the grounds I was
embraced by a sense of peace and welcome. A
scientist at heart, I was engaged by the recycling
and the manner in which the cows
and community work together. A sacred place.
Thank you for the blessing.
- Chaplain Jewelnel Davis, Columbia University
This is really heaven on earth. Such dedication to
convert vision into reality is rarely seen. No doubt
this will be a beacon of spiritual life for all of us.
May the Lord continue to inspire you to evolve this
place into a magical ‘Light House’.
- Vivek Vig, Ex-CEO, Citibank

65. Govardhan Eco Village – Contact
Address: Guhir Road,
Galtare Village, Wada
(Taluka), Palghar,
Maharashtra 421303,
India
Phone: +91 91672 04666
Hours: Open Daily ·
8AM–6PM
www.ecovillage.org.in