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An Eco-Friendly Extravaganza (Gudalur, India)

Our longest and most adventurous excursion has just come to an end. After making the day-long trek to Gudalur, we arrived at Gouri Farms, a cozy little getaway tucked away in the high mountain ranges. Once settled, we visited ACCORD (Action for Community Organisation, Rehabilitation and Development), an organization that strives to protect the rights of the adivasis (tribal) communities that have been forced off of their land, having their basic human rights threatened in the process. Stan and Mari, the creators of ACCORD, have undergone great feats to protect the rights of the adivasis, by creating a school for the children, and by partnering with ASHWINI, a hospital run by adivasis, for adivasis. Another organization that Accord works closely with is called Just Change, a grassroots organization that helps to assure the economic rights of adivasis farmers.

One of our days spent in Gudalur consisted of visiting tourist attractions and shops around the town. The best part of that day for me, personally, was our visit to Needle Rock View Point. Looking down from the top revealed the villages of Gudalur, while looking up in the opposite direction showed even more mountain ranges. We all spent some time sitting on some rocks admiring the atmosphere, and if we had the time, we probably could have sat there all day.

Another highlight of this excursion was our visit to Ecoscape, an ecotourism resort run entirely by the adivasis, located even higher up in the mountains than Gouri Farms. As an Environmental Studies major, I was extremely impressed with the way Ecoscape operates. Besides protecting the rights of the adivasis, their biggest concerns are protecting the environment and the wildlife that inhabit it. Along the way to Ecoscape are signs that state that wildlife has the right of way in the jungle. That resonated with me as that way of thinking is not too common in the U.S.

If you are interested in sustainability or nature in general, then this study abroad program is perfect. There is always something to marvel at here in India, whether it be the culture, the people, or the environment. We are only halfway through this experience, but I know I can speak for everyone when I say it is something we will never forget.

– Joseph Pelley (’20), Environmental Studies major

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