Local Culture

Buddhasland is committed to supporting the local culture of the Himalayas. To our visitors we offer the opportunity to be part of this culture while staying with us. Our local knowledge and close connection with the villagers allows visitors to be in close touch with the daily life of the local people.

We are encouraging artists from India and abroad to stay with us, learn from the local culture and art and create a new synthesis

This interaction with local authorities was started last year, They responded well to the idea as the valley became a major focus in tourism development.

Please consult the program below and see Donation Section if you want to bring some help.

As well you can consult www.anandaproject.org with whom we are closely connected in agricultural and cultural programs.

ENVIRONMENTAL-ECOLOGICAL EDUCATION PROGRAM

We are working together with Indian politicians, headmasters, doctors and farmers in creating awareness of the most pressing ecological and environmental issues in the area. These include hygiene and respect for the natural resources of the valley. For this purpose we are undertaking educational programs in schools and will work closely with local schools on separate concrete issues. This program is designed to awaken the residents of Kullu-valley to the urgent needs of respecting and preserving the natural beauty of the landscape. The role of the foreign community is only to launch and assist in the organization of this program. The main work must come from local input, such as the commitment of local politicians and all concerned communities.

WHO ?      A group of foreigners living/working in Kullu valley And an Indian team consisting of politicians, headmasters, doctors and farmers

WHY ?

- Water pollution is increasing
- Respect of nature
- Provide an example for tourists visiting the area. Local measures have already been taken to safeguard the environment. The best example is that all the shops in the valley are forbidden to provide plastic bags in their business.

HOW ?

- Educational programs in the schools ;
School principals and teachers should remind/check and make aware the students of their responsibilities; work teams amongst the students can be organized with their help.

- Competition to announce the most beautiful/cleanest village in the valley

This competition would be judged by the following criterias :
. clean waters/clean roads
. most beautiful gardens, paths, walls…
. the best working team in recycling and maintenance

- Advertising

 Posters in public places to advertise the program ; Incentives will be decided in agreement with the village mayors and orientated to serve youth needs (new sport grounds, new teachers, picnic tours…for the locality who won.}
     

The idea of a Mobile Movie Theater running through the villages once a week is on study.
Contacts with journalists/newspapers in order to draw the attention of locals.
Contacts with Reiki masters so that an initiation in many villages for many children could take place.
     

This program is designed to awaken the over-all consciousness of the residents of Kullu valley to the urgent needs of respecting and preserving the natural beauty of the landscape. Children and students are the most receptive conductors if well supported.The role of the foreign community is to launch and assist in the organization of this program and to link the commitment of local politicians and all concerned communities.