Gandhi experiment with Phoenix Settlement

Educational experiment in Phoenix settlement, south Africa

Phoenix Settlement was finally started in 1904 with a small group of lndian and European idealists. In course of time Phoenix Settlement became a little village. The basic idea was to experiment as to what extent simplicity of life, harmonious living of people together can be successfully and joyfully practised.

The Phoenix Settlement, established by Mahatma Gandhi in 1904, is situated on the north-western edge of Inanda, some 20 kilometers north of Durban.

The basic idea was to experiment as to what extent simplicity of life, harmonious living of people together can be successfully and joyfully practised. The settlement, devoted to Gandhi’s principles of Satyagraha (Passive resistance) has played an important spiritual and political rope throughout its long history, promotion justice, peace and equality. Gandhi established the settlement as a communal experimental farm with the view of giving each family two acres of land which they could develop. He believed that communities like Phoenix which advocated communal living would form a sound basis for the struggle against social injustice. Everybody on the settlement had to participate in communal activities such as the daily prayers and singing of hymns which Gandhi himself had instituted. The Phoenix Settlement: Sarvodaya - ‘The welfare of all’. Phoenix Settlement is an integral part of our history and our present, it is yours to preserve. Cherish it and thrive on this land. It is yours, it is mine, it belongs to all our children and grandchildren and those who have yet to enter the world. Eight years after this visit, Gandhiji started printing his own newspaper, Indian Opinion, in Durban. In 1904 he took the decision to remove the printing press from the centre of town to the countryside. Albert West provides a firsthand account of how and why Phoenix was purchased by Gandhiji.

While mobilising the Indians living in South Africa for the struggle for self-dignity, Gandhiji had gone through various experiences and had conducted experiments to find an alternative approach to conflict resolution and re-structuring social relationships through non-violence. Among these experiments those on education are the most important for us here. After reading Unto This Last he said “I believe that I discovered some of my deepest convictions reflected in this great book of Ruskin that is why it so captured me and made me transform my life.”

The teachings of the book as he grasped them where

(1) That the good of the individual is contained in the good of all.

(2) That a lawyer's work has the same value as the barber's in as much as all have the same right of earning their livelihood from their work.

(3) That a life of labour, i.e. the life of the tiller of the soil and the handicraftsman, is the life worth living.

Gandhiji was also editing and publishing Indian Opinion from Durban, which he thought should be moved to a farm, on which everyone should labour, drawing the same living wage, and attending to press work in their spare time. After a discussion with his colleagues about his ideas, with which they all agreed, Indian Opinion was moved to Phoenix Settlement was started in 1904. It became a well-knit family of committed people trying to live their lives under the guidance of Gandhiji.

          He was very conscious about the need for the education of the members of the Phoenix Farm, especially of children. He wrote in his autobiography. “As the Farm grew, it was found necessary to make some provision for the education of its boys and girls. There were among these, Hindu, Musalman, Parsi and Christian boys and some Hindu girls. It was not possible, and I did not think necessary, to engage a special teacher for them. It was not possible, for qualified Indian teachers were scarce, and even when available, none would be ready to go to a place 21 miles distant from Johannesburg on a small salary… I did not believe in the existing system of education, and I had a mind to by experience and experiment the true system.” Gandhiji’s struggle continued. On the one hand he totally rejected the existing system of education, but on the other he did not have clear alternative to replace it. He had no idea of how to go about the task of education the children of his extended family. However, he was deeply convinced that only that education desirable which develops a healthy self-image and inculcates certain values in the individual.

The basic idea was to experiment as to what extent simplicity of life, harmonious living of people together can be successfully and joyfully practised. His concept of self-supporting education for rural India received ground for development from Phoenix itself.

MY LAND MY PEOPLE

MY LAND MY PEOPLE (ASSAM)

In my view, Assam is one of the most enriched States of India. It bears the imprints of the past civilizations and stands tall on the location contours of the country. The dense forests of Assam make for a flourishing industry of wood. The tea estates of Assam are the biggest revenue generator and engage a major portion of the Assamese population. So all around expects of the state has so many interesting views to know more about my land my people. It makes the state so much diversity through of the people’s culture, tradition and many more. As I can say to know about my land and my people then should know accomplished of the state.

Assam History speaks of the traditions and cultures of the oldest periods of human civilizations. Enriched by many Dynastic traits, the land of Assam remains one of the most enticing states of India. The notable rulers who once existed in Assam include Ahoms and Kiratas. The archaeological surveys indicate towards the fact that the earliest human communities that appeared in the land of Assam were Australoids and Mongoloids. Known as Kiratas, the Mongoloids were believed to have ruled the entire state of Assam through their capital in Pragjyotishpura. This capital later found mention in the pages of history by the name of Kamarupa. During the periods of 13th century, Assam was ruled by two prime Dynasties of Kamarupa and Ahom. Under the rule of Ahom Dynasty, Assam started a new journey towards becoming a developed land of India. It is between 13th and 19th century that several tribal communities also came into the historical forefront of Assam. Kacharis, Chutias and Koch were the prominent tribal groups that were found in the medieval times of Assam. After the Ahom dynasty, Assam came under the control of Burmese Kingdom. The rulers of Burma continued their unprecedented domination over the state of Assam till the 1800s. In the year 1826, the British emperor took charge of the state and thus begun the colonial era of Assam. However, like all other states of India, Assam was also involved in various freedom movements. With the enthusiastic participation of many courageous activists Assam, along with the entire nation, became independent in 1947. The post-colonial periods of Assam witnessed emergence of several separate states like that of Nagaland, Mizoram, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh. Depicting an immensely interesting array of events, Assam History tells the saga of a glorious bygone era.

       (ব্ৰিটিছৰ অসম অধিগ্ৰহণ

মানসকলে অসম অধিকাৰ কৰাৰ পিছত ব্ৰিটিছসকলে মানৰ বিৰুদ্ধে ৰণৰ প্ৰস্তুতি চলায়। ১৮২৪ চনত নামনি অসম (কোচ হাজো‌) অধিগ্ৰহণ কৰা হয়।  ১৮৩৩ চনত আহোম ৰজা পুৰন্দৰ সিংহৰ অধীনৰ আহোম ৰাজ্যক ব্ৰিটিছ ৰক্ষিত অঞ্চল বুলি ঘোষণা কৰা হয়। কিন্তু ১৮৩৮ চনত আনুষ্ঠানিকভাৱে আহোম ৰাজ্যক ব্ৰিটিছ অঞ্চলত অন্তৰ্ভুক্ত কৰা হয়। ১৮৩৯ চনত মৰাণ-মটক অঞ্চল অধিকাৰ কৰাৰ লগে লগে ব্ৰিটিছে গোটেই অসমতে নিজৰ শাসন স্থাপন কৰে।

Translation in Hindi: - ब्रिटिश असम अधिग्रहण

मान असम अधिकार करने के बाद ब्रिटिश ने मान के बिरुद्ध युद्ध का आह्वावन किया। उसके बाद 1824 में निचला असम(कोच हाजु) अधिग्रहण किया गया। 1833 मे आहोम राजा पुरन्दर सिंह के अधीन मे रहते हुए आहोम राज्य को ब्रिटिश रक्षा श्रेत्र नाम से घुषित किया गेया। लेकिन 1838 मे वैध रुप से आहोम राज्य को पुर्ण रुप से ब्रिटिश के अन्तर्गत किया गया। 1839 मे ब्रिटिश ने मराण-मटक अधिकार करने के साथ साथ पुरा असम मे अपने राज्य की स्थापना की। )

               Comprising of valleys, hills and the perennial River of Brahmaputra, Assam Geography presents a fact file of the locational traits of the state. Assam shares its internal boundaries with West Bengal, Nagaland, Tripura, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh, while Bangladesh and China surrounds the international contours of the state. The statistical figures state that the total Assam Area covers 78, 438 sq km. Since the state of Assam is known to have maximum amount of rainfall, hence the temperatures never go beyond the standard 35 degrees to 38 degrees.Assam, extending from 89° 42′ E to 96° E longitude and 24° 8′ N to 28° 2′ N latitude, has an area of 78,438 km², similar to that of lreland or Austria.  (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_geography_of_Assam)

One of the most beautiful states of India, Assam is the gateway to the enchanting and unexploited northeastern part of the country. With the majestic Brahmaputra River, magnificent hills and its rich flora and fauna, the state is a tourist paradise. The vibrant life style, the all-smile people, presence of diverse tribes and cultures, are the main points of the wonderful Assam Society. The history of Assam dates back to the time of the Aryans and has got its mention in the epics, the Tantric, Vedic and Buddhist Literature. The land has been ruled my great rulers of many dynasties. The people of the state are friendly and they belong to different tribes and communities.

Several religions are practiced in the state, proving its secular outlook. According to the 2011 census some of the religions that are followed in the state are:

Hinduism (61.46%)

Buddhism (0.17%)

Christianity (3.73%)

Islam (34.22%)

Jainism (0.08%)

Sikhism (0.06%)

               As per details from census 2011, Assam has population of 3.12 crores, an increase from figure of 2.67 crores in 2001 cencus. Total population of Assam as per 2011 census is 31,205,576 of which male and female are 15,939,443 and 15,266,133 respectively. In 2001, total population was 26,655,528 in which males were 13,777,037 while females were 12,878,491. Total population growth in this decade was 17.07 percent while in previous decade it was 18.85 percent. The population of Assam forms 2.58 percent of India in 2011. In 2001, the figure was 2.59 percent.

The official language of the state is Assamese which is used by almost all sections of people in Assam. However, there are some other languages too, which have found a prominent place in the land of Assam like that of Bengali, Bodo, Karbi English and Hindi.

               Dispur is the capital of Assam and is a part of the Kamrupan District. Being a tiny place, it is an economically sufficient place of Assam and also the seat of Government of Assam. The state is divided into 33 Districts. Karbi-Anglong is the largest district of Assam with nearly 10,434 square kms of area; the second largest is Sonitpur district which is approximately half of the area of Karbi-Anglong district.

Upper Assam is an administrative division of the state of Assam comprising the undivided Lakhimpur and Sib- sagar districts, of the upper reaches of the Brahmaputra valley. The other divisions are: Lower Assam, North Assam and Hills and Barak Valley. The division is under the jurisdiction of a Commissioner, stationed at Jorhat. The districts which come under Upper Assam are Dhemaji, Dibrugarh, Lakhimpur, Golaghat, Jorhat, Sibsagar and Tinsukia. An extended list of the region also includes the districts of Sonitpur, Karbi-Anglong & Nagaon. The Upper Assam region is the most productive region in the state, which is rich in natural resources like coal, oil and natural gas as well as tea plantations. Dhubri, Kokrajhar, Bongaigaon, Goalpara, Darrang, Morigaon, Baksa, Udalguri, Chirang, Kamrup, Barpeta & Nalbari come under Lower Assam.

               Assam is a state in northeastern India. In 2011, the literacy rate of Assam was estimated to be 73.18% (78.18% male and 67.27% female). The literacy rate of Assam is slightly below the national average of 74.04%. School education in Assam is imparted through a number of pre-primary, primary, middle, high and higher secondary schools. The Government of Assam has implemented free and compulsory education for students up to the age of 14. Schools in Assam are either state run or under the management of private organizations. The syllabus at primary schools is established by the Directorate of Elementary Education, Assam. While most schools are affiliated to SEBA, there are several schools in the state affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) or North East National Board of School Education (NENBSE).

               The state has several higher education institutions. These include: Assam Agricultural University Jorhat, Assam Rajiv Gandhi University of Cooperative Management, Assam Science and Technology University, Assam University (a central university), Assam Women’s University, Bodoland University, Dibrugarh University, Tejpur University, Guwahati University etc. also some private University as like Assam Donbosco University, Assam Down Town University, Kaziranga University etc. Moreover many educational Institutions as like IIT, NIT, AIT, TISS, management technology, law colleges, Medical colleges, Engineering Institutions and colleges in Assam.

               The Government of Assam is the provincial governing authority of the state of Assam in the Republic of India. It consists of the Governor as the head of the state, who is nominated by the Government of India. The head of Government is the Chef Minister, who is the leader of the group that commands a majority in the 126 membered unicameral Assam Legislative Assembly. The Assam Assembly is elected by universal adult suffrage for a period of maximum5 years. The Chief Minister is assisted by a Council of Ministers that he nominates, the size of which is restricted.

National Parties in Assam

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)

Indian National Congress (INC)

Communist Party of India (CPI)

Communist Party of India (Marxist), also known as CPI (M)

Assembly Constituencies in Assam 

            In 1937, there were 108 assembly constituencies in the state. The number came down to 105 in 1957. Since 1962, the number of assembly seats was increased to 114. Since 1972, the number of assembly constituencies has become 126. Among these seats, sixteen seats have been reserved for scheduled tribe candidates and eight have been reserved for scheduled caste candidates. 

Autonomous Councils in Assam

Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC)

Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC)

Dima Hasao Autonomous District Council (DHADC)

Mising Autonomous Council (MAC)

Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council (RHAC)

Tiwa Autonomous Council (TAC)

Deori Autonomous Council (DAC)

Thengal Kachari Autonomous Council (TKAC)

Sonowal Kachari Autonomous Council (SKAC)

The Assam economy and development depend on the production of the state. The economy is prevalently agrarian in nature. The government makes continuous efforts to develop the already existing agrarian economy and to improve the other sectors of the economy in the state of Assam. Almost 63 percent of the society of Assam earns its living from the agricultural sector. The state is reputed all over the world for its production of tea. The state produces 15 percent of the tea produced in the world. A large section of the labor force of the state is employed in the tea estates of Assam that cover large areas of the state.

Agriculture 

            Agriculture in Assam depends on the availability of proper funds. Banks ensure that the loans are available to the agricultural sector at easy interest rates. Infrastructure of the state supports the proper marketing of the produce of the agricultural sector.

The Assam Agriculture faces certain problems due to floods in the region. The government attempts to resolve these problems and to support the sector to achieve optimal production in agriculture in the state.

Forestry

             Forestry in Assam is one of the most important economic activities of the state. This has been possible due to the vast stretch of forests in Assam. A total area of 26,781.91 sq. km is under forests in this state. As a result about 34.14% of the total area of Assam is under forests. Thus a variety of flora and fauna are available in the state.

             The State Forest Department is also considering social forestry in Assam very seriously. Their main objective is to enhance afforestation in the residential areas of the Indian state of Assam. The number of seedlings planted in order to promote this scheme was 96.76 lakh during the year 2001-2002. 

Mineral and Energies

               Minerals and Energy Assam play an important role in the industrial development of the state. The mineral resource of Assam is very rich. The diversity in the flora of the state has made it possible. Due to this richness of resource the state is expected to flourish very well in the industrial field. The energy sources of Assam are mainly the rivers and lakes. This is also one of the basic facts behind the expected industrial boom in the state. The tenth five-year plan has been designed to productively exploit the wealth that is present in the state.

NATIONAL PARK

Dibru-Saikhowa Ntional Park (Tinsukia)1999, 340sqkm

 Kaziranga National Park (Golaghat and Nogaon) 1974, 858.9 sqkm

 Manas National Park (Baksa) 1990, 500sqkm

Nameri National Park (Sonitpur) 1998, 200sqkm

Rajiv Gandhi Orang National Park (Sonitpur and Darrang) 1999, 78.81sqkm

            Assam Soil Conservation is a crucial phase of the total physiological qualities of the land areas of the state. Comprising of several preservation measures, the Department of Soil Conservation in Assam strives to prevent deforestation, erosion and other similar damaging factors. Soil erosion is a common characteristic of the fields of Assam. Various surveys carried out by the Soil Conservation Department of Assam Government have indicated towards the fact that Jhum cultivation is the major reason for such wide-spread soil erosion in the state. Also, due to establishment of various industrial units, the fertile lands of Assam are losing the previous productive potential. As such, the total crop production in the state is facing drastic fall in the last couple of years. 

       Representing the rich cultural heritage and traditional legacy of Assam, the craft of Assam portrays the artistic mastery of the local craftsmen. The beautiful artifacts of the state, has captured the imagination of the world. Assam is known all over the world for its exclusive craft work that draws the attention of every individual. The traditional knowledge of creating beautiful pieces of art and craft work has triggered down to the modern era. The exclusive pieces of art and craft work of Assam are equipped with excellent infrastructural facilities and support from the state government. 

               The total Fertility Rate of the State is 2.4. The Infant Mortality Rate is 54 and Maternal Mortality Ratio is 328 (SRS 2010-2012) which are higher than the National average. The Sex Ratio in the State is 954 (as compared to 940 for the country). Comparative figures of major health and demographic indicators are as follows:

Demographic, socio-economic and Health Profile of Assam State as compared to India figures

Indicators	Assam	India
Total population (in crore)(census 2011)	3.12	121.01
Decadal Gorwth (%)(census 2011)	16.93	17.64
Crude Birth Rate (SRS 2013)	22.4	21.4
Crude Death Rate (SRS 2013)	7.8	7
Natural Growth Rate (SRS 2013)	14.5	14.4
Infant Mortality Rate (SRS 2013)	54	40
Maternal Moatality Rate (SRS 2010-2012)	328	178
Total Fertility Rate (SRS 2012)	2.4	2.4
Sex Ratio (Census 2011)	954	940
Child Sex Ratio (Census 2011)	957	914

Health Infrastructure of Assam

Particulars	Required	In position	Shortfall
Sub-centre	5841	4604	1237
Primary Health Centre	953	975	*
Community Health Centre	238	109	129

(Source: RHS Bulletin, March 2012, M/O health & F.W., GOI)

             Keeping in sync with the picturesque landscapes and colorful customs, the Assam People are a perfect example of unity in diversity. Consisting mostly of numerous tribes, the people of Assam practice different religions and customs. There are people from all parts of the country residing in the state with a prominence of Bengali speaking community and the Nepalis.

             The Bodos are the most prominent mongoloid tribe of the state. Some sections of the Bodos have also demanded a separate state for themselves – the Bodoland, which has resulted in insurgency in the state. The Santhals are one of the oldest tribes of east India. They are good soldiers and proud of their race. The Phake or the Phakial tribes are said to be having their origins in Thailand.

             The Culture of Assam is often referred to as hybrid culture. It has developed by the gradual assimilation of cultures and traditions of various ethno-cultural groups. Assamese culture is closely associated with some of the major elements like festivals, dance, music, paintings and traditional crafts. Assam is a treasure trove of cultural potpourri. Assam art is renowned all across the country for its skilled craftsmanship and variety and techniques. Be it the exquisite traditional Muga and Vaishavite silks or the bamboo and cane artifacts, Assam is the master of it all.

           Food of Assam, as of any other place, is largely influenced by its climate, soil and vegetation. This north-eastern state of India is mainly of agrarian nature. Rice is the staple diet and the common people of Assam eat it every day. Along with rice, fish curry is very common. Other dishes include those made of lentils, vegetables, meat and some sweet dishes. The people of Assam prefer to eat non - spicy foods. Spices like cumin, coriander, mustard, ginger, garlic, fenugreek, panch foran, cardamom and some ingredients that are found in Assam only are generally used.

               Assam is the home to some of the most colorful, enthusiastic, compelling and enchanting, festivals, exhibiting the true spirit, lifestyle and the rich culture of the people of Assam. Bihu is one of the most important festivals of Assam and is celebrated with fun and abundance by all Assamese people. The Assamese people celebrate this festival irrespective of caste, creed, religion, faith and belief. Assamese society is predominantly agricultural and like most other Indian festivals, Bihu is associated with farming.

               Ambubashi Festival or Mela or Kamakhya Devi Puja is held annually during monsoon in the Kamakhya Devi Temple at Guwahati. And is a four-day fair as believed by the people goes through her menstrual cycle and thus the temple remains closed for three days. There is no idol of the Devi and is worshipped in the form of a stone over which a natural spring flows. Tantric Babas, who come from various places, can be seen during these four days and rest of the year, they remain in seclusion.

               Ras Lila in Majuli, full of rich art and culture is celebrated on the bands of the River in Majuli and attracts tourists from all over the world and the coutry. This festival is held in a region known as Garamur, which is at a distance of around 1.5 kms from Majuli. The beauty of the surrounding and the mesmerizing landscape lure tourists and visitors to visit the Majuli festival. The festival and celebrations continue for four days.

               Dehing Patkai Festival, is named after the Dehing River and Patkai range in eastern Assam. This festival is celebrated for a few day in the month of January at Lekhapani, in the Tinsukia district of Assam. This festival offers an invigorating blend of tribal fairs, tea heritage tours, golfing, adventure sports, hiking and wildlife. Tourists and visitors are allowed to participate in various sporting activities. The Dehing Patkai Festival offers the tourists and visitors with a wide range of adventure sports on the dotted islands and the banks of the Brahmaputra River. The main of the festival is to save the forest regions of the state and to protect the elephants from encroachment.

             Assam Music is derived from the ancient folklores of the tribal communities that inhabit various corners of the state from a long time. Bihugeet is one of the oldest forms of Assamese music which is sung by people during the famous festival of Bihu. Bharigaan, Bargeet, Ojapali and Jhumur are some other music variations of Assam.

Some of the popular forms of Assam Music that are all-pervasive in the state are:

Folk Music

Regional Folk Music

Ethnic

Bihugeet

Allied Styles

Bhakti Music

             There are various styles of Assam Dance. The most famous among these dance forms of Assam is the Bihu dance. It is a folk genre and is performed during the spring festival of Bihu. Apart from the Bihu there are many other folk and devotional dance forms in the state. Most of the folk dances of Assam are performed by both men and women. They are accompanied by lively music.

The various forms of Assam Dance:

Bihu

Satriya Nritya

Jumur Dance

Barpeta's bhortal Nritya

Folk

             Assam is land of many cultures, tribes and religions. Therefore, when we speak of the culture of Assam, we generally refer to a composite and complex phenomenon that includes the culture of the various tribes that make Assam their home.

             The population of Assam largely comprised of numerous Assam Tribes with their varied customs and beliefs. Starting from the plains to the hilly areas, the land of Assam is inhabited by different tribes. Some of the prominent tribes of Assam are:

Bodo

Singpho

Santhal

Dimasa people

Karbi

Khamti

Khamyang

Mishing

Nishi

Phake

Rabha

In the state of Assam excluding the autonomous districts: -

1. Barmans in Cachar 

2. Boro, Borokachari 

3. Deori 

4. Hajai 

5. Kachari, Sonwal 

6. Lalung 

7. Mech 

8. Miri 

9. Rabha 

10. Dimasa 

11. Hajong

12. Singhpho

13. Khampti

14. Garo

PEACE PROCESS IN ASSAM

Peace and reconciliation process has been prolonging in the State of Assam all these years. Assam has been a fertile ground for different types of conflicts between tribes, communities and other religious groups. It has also many militant groups and Associations following the violent path. This trouble State has been experiencing various types of insurgencies that resulted in massive human toll. Besides it literally retarded the economic growth of the State. The Bandhs have been a frequent phenomenon in this State. It is reported in the Press that in the year 2014-2015 the State has lost above 22,000 crores only because of Assam Bandh. It is suggested that in the present scenario the resolution of conflicts and insurgencies the State government should take the lead in close coordination and collaboration with the Centre, to bring ULFA and other militant groups into the mainstream political process through dialogue and discussions.  In the process moderates should be encouraged to take the political battle pressure must be kept up on extremists militant factions to give up the armed the struggle and thereby put an end to insurgency situation prevailing in the State. Only such a process could bring peace and harmony in Assam.