TERI in association with POSOCO launches 'Rhythms from the Riverbanks' to promote 'cultural leadership' among youth

In a unique initiative, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) in association with Power System Operation Corporation (POSOCO) today launched ‘Rhythms from the Riverbanks’ - an educational programme for college students on understanding the culture of two of the greatest river cities of India – Delhi and Kolkata at TERI University.

Gathering of the students was addressed by Dr. Leena Srivastava, Vice Chancellor, TERI University and Executive Director, TERI said “"POSOCO is a power company yet it is supporting a programme that

focuses on water. This to my mind, is an example of imaginative and

forward looking leadership. The three major river systems in South

Asia - the Ganga, Brahmaputra and Indus are inextricably linked and

crucial to India's growth and development and it is in our interest to

work towards the conservation of these rivers. The theme of 'Rhythms

from the Riverbanks' is therefore very relevant and topical” 

Launching the joint initiative, Ms. Ranjana Saikia, Director, Educating Youth for Sustainable Development, TERI said “Culture is becoming an inseparable part of Sustainable Development. The riverbanks are rich repositories of culture and heritage and it is in the interest of the younger generation to be aware of the social, cultural, economic and ecological importance of these river cities in order to be able to embrace diversity and act decisively and confidently as global citizens.“

Delivering the keynote address opines, Mr. V.V.Sharma, General Manager, POSOCO-NRLDC said “At POSOCO, we have decided to dedicate 3 per cent of our profits to CSR activities. We are very happy to partner with TERI on this

project. Rivers are worshiped in India and rightly so because they

nurture large populations. Even in power generation, water has an

important role to play in power generation. We are looking forward to

working with TERI and igniting young minds to carry forward the baton

and work for a better world." 

The educational programme will weave together the issues of history, culture, economy and sustainability of these river cities, with the intention of inspiring youth to work towards the appreciation, recognition and dissemination of the rich cultural heritage of these cities. It endeavors to make young people learn, recognize and appreciate traditions and culture of their respective cities to become a culturally more empowered citizen of the world that can embrace diversity and celebrate differences; Develop skills in young people to critically analyze the existing culture and lifestyle and be able to take measures to change the paradigm if so required and also develop leadership qualities in young people to be active citizens who possess the capability to steer societies towards a culture of sustainability and coexistence. 

The educational programme will encompass a range of key activities which includes:

(i) Knowledge Workshops - Two-day workshops will be conducted in each city by TERI in association with local organizations working on art and culture. Two modules will be developed on (a)  Identity in river cities: A Construct of History, Cultural Narratives and Practices (b) From Culture to Sustainability: Towards a future of coexistence

(ii) Field Visits – One field visit per city/town would be organized to a place of historical or cultural     importance. These would be guided walks or trails where students will gain first-hand knowledge on the rich civilizational heritage of their region. 

(iii)  Film making workshops – 20 college students from each city would be part of a 5-day film making workshop in each city. 

(iv) Action Projects - The students would undertake ‘Rhythm Projects’ on any one art and cultural aspects of their respective cities. These projects would focus on documenting art and cultural heritage of the region which have long been forgotten or are fast getting lost in the glitter of modernization.. 

(v) Rhythms Village - ‘Rhythms from the Riverbanks’ will culminate into ‘Rhythm Village’ – a 3 day conference that would be organized on the riverbank of one of the project cities. Renowned historians, sociologists, artists, musicians would be invited. 

(vi) Competitions – A photography contest will be organized whereby a photo easy would be created using the top 25 pictures. The pictures would also be published in the form of a coffee table book.  

The project would be initiated as a pilot from November 2012 to March 2013. 10 colleges in each city and about 100 students would be invited to participate in the programme. 

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