The Young Visionary 2007:A festival organised by the Tehelka Foundation

Stakeholders in Sustainability

We, at The Tehelka Foundation, understand that education is of vital importance in pursuing models of development that would respect and nurture the natural environment. It needs to foster values and attitudes of respect for the environment and envisage creative ways of doing so. Social justice and the fight against poverty need to be seen as key principles of a development that is sustainable. Equity, solidarity, partnership and cooperation are as critical as scientific approaches to environmental protection.

As we try to seek positive change for ourselves, our children and grandchildren; we must do it in ways that respect the right of all to do so. To do this we must learn constantly , about ourselves, our potential, our limitations, our relationships, our society, our environment, our world.

The Young Visionary 2007, is our attempt to help students understand the relationship between man and nature and to reconcile economic development with the integrity of the environment. The intent is to help students understand the power of their choice, of their response to issues around them. At the same time connecting them to the joy of giving, of sharing their time and energy with those less privileged than them. Students from private, government and non , formal institutions will share ideas and opinions through interactive workshops, screenings, theatre and music, as catalysts of action.

The festival will also be a celebration of Yuva Ekta: Youth Unite, with the urban and rural youth coming together to unify in the fight against desertification and poverty and in the effort to preserve bio-diversity and achieve sustainable development. This option for solidarity will connect not only present and future generations, but also the privileged and underprivileged.

During the course of the festival, scientists, academicians and grassroots activists will address local as well as global issues, encouraging students to act as stakeholders in sustainable development. What are the links between political power, economic development, and environmental pollution? How can voices traditionally ignored become a productive part of policy and planning decisions?

The 3 , day event will focus on:

• Water: evaluation of the importance of water-use efficiency and conservation

• Deforestation: the outcome of man's despoliation of the earth

• Waste Recycling: community's resource

The participation of youth in this learning process will enable them to engage in creative or divergent thinking, problem solving and self , learning.

Our overall attempt will be to integrate the values inherent in sustainable development into all aspects of learning to encourage changes in behavior that allow for a more sustainable and just society for all.