LJA Conference Program

Program of the First International Conference of the LJA

12-14 November, 2011

Vidya Ashram, Sarnath, Varanasi

This meeting is a step towards staking a claim on behalf of lokavidya and the lokavidyadhar samaj for equality in the world of knowledge.

Program

Day One: November 12, 2011

The following propositions and issues will be discussed:

1. The construction of a new world requires restoring the prestige of lokavidya

2. The lokavidyadhar samaj (peasants, fisherfolk, indigenous people, artisans, small retailers and women) is the victim of displacement. A fundamental transformation of society requires their coming together.

3. Lokavidya Jan Andolan is the contemporary phase of the movement for poorna swaraj (complete independence) which started with India’s freedom struggle.

4. A law ensuring a right to livelihood based on lokavidya must be passed.

5. Every adult in the country must be given a job that makes use of what she or he knows to do (lokavidya). Compensation for these jobs should not be less than the minimum wage in government jobs.

Day Two: November 13, 2011

There will be a discussion on aspects of struggle, organizing and the way ahead for the lokavidyadhar samaj.

1. Organizers from various parts of the country will speak about struggle and organizing in their area.

2. Comprehensive discussions will take place on the peasant movement from the lokavidya standpoint

3. Possibilities for a knowledge movement of artisanal communities

4. The Lokavidya Women’s Movement

5. Lokavidya Youth Movement

Day Three: November 14, 2011

Art, philosophy, language and media will be explored from the lokvidya standpoint. Activists and thinkers from various parts of the country will debate and discuss how developments occurring in art, media etc. can strengthen the LJA.

On all three days, evenings are kept for discussions among various communities as well as for critical dialog with academics and other university-educated people.

On the 13^th and the 14^th the All-India Coordination Committee of the Peasant Movement will hold its meetings.