Dr.Pradeep, President Karnataka Growers Federation kgf.org. 117.221.9.118 Submitted on 2012/08/16 at 6:01 am

Dear Push, Hats off to your concerns on climate change. There are very few people in the world who believe change can happen starting from a man. As Swami Vievekananda said give me 100 men of steel and I will change this country. So do you with limited men and resource you are bringing about change. I thank you and extend my support to your walk. Your concern for coffee growers is great. I request all coffee growers to support this walk

Great reception

Todays final walk into Keswick was impressive, I’d seen the physical change in everyone taking part – but what was completely unchanged was the commitment to reach out and engage people with the Fairtrade message – the difference one person can make in the comunity, either locally or globally.
When Push took off his shoes to walk the last section BARE FOOT – even though he was obviously very sore already – was amazing.
It has been an honour to capture some of this experience so it can be a story that’s shared with others. Louis wrote.

http://www.cumbriacrack.com/2012/08/30/oxfam-walkers-complete-fairtrade-way/#

check this video I made :https://vimeo.com/4860191

The the entry into the fascinating and beautiful Keswick could not be more dramatic-reception by many including the lovely llamas and the weather had taken a positive turn.Sun shone.I was drying

up up from lunch time deep drench .The mood of the team up beat.Bruce and Nicola made it despite the fact that they both were in not such astrong state.Bruce was suffering from substantial blisters accumalated to cause most damage and pain and Nicola was admirably sure footed in spite of twisted ankle.

It is at that time I decided that I will walk bare foot- in support of the Coffee farmers and all the women farmers who suffer from the double whammy of unfair trade and climatic impact among other factors.Indeed the Oxfam GROW campaign tries to capture holistic ways all these and proposes a number of solutions.

I wonder what Words Worth would have said if he were walking with us:

A bit like below?

Rapping for Change

Walk it straight

Make it straight,

Make trade fair.

Play it fair,

Don’t leave the poor children bare

Cause your greed is causing them to tear.

Please. Make trade fair.

Kill the patent,

Don’t kill the patients

Who die every second,

Without a citation.

Make Trade Fair.

Liberalization, Barrier creation,

Commodity depreciation

Poverty creation.

It is time for a re-creation.

Don’t stay still,

Make your voice shrill,

Cry out for change,

I said cry out for change.

Come together,

Shout with me y’all

“Make trade fair”

Oxfam walkers complete Fairtrade Way

By admin on Aug 30, 2012 with Comments 0

Fairtrade walkers Keswick

Dozens of Lancashire and Cumbrian pioneers of the Fair Trade Town movement completed an 88 mile walk for food justice from Garstang to Keswick.

The Fair Trade Way is a walk along the Heritage Trail which connects Fair-trade towns from Garstang to Keswick.

The 88 mile walk started on Friday 24th August at 8:30am from the Fig Tree Centre in Garstang to raise fair trade awareness and money for Oxfam, in Oxfam’s 70th anniversary year.

Amongst the leaders of the walk is Bruce Crowther, Director for The FIG Tree fair trade visitors’ centre and founder of the Fair Trade Towns movement. He says: “We are all very excited in Garstang about the Fair Trade Way this year and we want as many as possible to join us. This is a special year: it is Oxfam’s 70^th birthday and our Garstang Oxfam Groups 10^thanniversary. The Group started as myself, my wife and the baby sitter and ended with the world’s first Fair Trade town. We can all change the world if we have the will to do it. That’s the power of the Garstang story. We should give small-scale farmers respect; everyone deserves a fair pay for a fair day’s work”.

Keswick Fairtrade certificate

Push Krishamurthy, who has been campaigning with Oxfam for 25 years, said: “I am inspired by what Mahatma Gandhi did- he walked for justice. And so I have been joining communities around the world and walked with them to campaign for global food justice- far too many in countries like India, Pakistan, Uganda, and many others, want to grow and sell their own food to feed their own families and communties- but the lack of investment in small scale agriculture is preventing them to get themselves out of poverty. And this week-end I will be walking with the Lancashire pioneers of the Fair Trade movement- walking for justice has no borders and no limits.”

Push walking barefoot

After leading to the establishment of over 540 Fair Trade Towns in the UK, in 2009 members of the Garstang Oxfam Group came together again to design the Fair Trade Way. A variety of events, from fair trade breakfasts to storytelling fair trade picnics, took place along the trail to celebrate the origins of the movement that has given rise to 1,136 Fair Trade Towns in 23 countries.

By highlighting places that serve Fairtrade products on the route the footpath aims to promote the difference that using these products can have on the lives of small scale farmers around the world.

For further details on the Fair Trade Way visit: http://www.oxfam.org.uk/get-involved/campaign-with-us/north-of-england-blog/2012/07/fair-trade-way-invite?pscid=ps_ggl_GR_OXInternal_FairtradeWay&gclid=COP2p4qu-LECFTFItAodEAIAAwENDS

For those who would like to speak out for small-scale farmers who cannot join the walk please sign Oxfam’s GROW petition at http://www.oxfam.org.uk/get-involved/campaign-with-us/find-an-action/join-grow or donate at http://www.oxfam.org.uk/donate

Share this:

• Twitter5
• Facebook4
• Digg
• StumbleUpon
• Email
• Reddit
• Print
• LinkedIn
• Tumblr
• Pinterest

Filed Under: Featured • Local News

Tags: Fair Trade • Fair Trade Town • Heritage Trail • Keswick

A moment in the walkDAY -5.

I think my body started  to adjust to the rigour of the walks in that I felt my pains in the legs were easing and I could move.Though the foot which I had hurt before the walks and the ligament in my knee had flared up because of the wrong walking technique werE still sore but manageable.

The previous night at the immaculate and breath taking house with stunning views of the lake and mountains of the lake district-Richard and wife Judith(worked for two decades with Oxfam) organized a super dinner and discussion followed by our story telling. We were received really well- donation seeked and responded too.

Jenny took over as she did as soon as we arrived- must be in seventies but yet again- her energy,enthuasism and hospitality was so all embracing. I was shivering from the onslaught of the days walk and had no dry clothes but J- organized that ina jiffy. Bruce and me enjoyed our stay with J and I did nort feel that I was in a strangers house as soon as we met we were into conversations and were havivg such agreat laugh.

Morning we set –off to the grave of the slave girl= again.had some discussion with an excellent and supportive liberal MP.About 14 of us including the host from the night before with their lovely Dog Tia- who kept jumoing into cold springs and water puddles regularly and having great fun

We did the lake in a ferry and reached the other shore- steep climb and to rach a high point to see a cairn on top of the mountain with a stunning breath taking view. We also had great sandwiches- which Jenny had packed for us –with lovbely fruits and tea fron Belinda – i enjoyed a hearty lunch.

vIEW WITH MEANING

We set of to trek in tarmac and mud path – whilst most of the journey was good walking time and agin we were into very slippery non-MBT shoe territory.The last hour was treacherous my foot sang in agony but we made it to the Wordsworth place to a great talk- vist with wind and juice.

I had to jump as soon as we were offered a car rid ethe last mile,

At the youth Hostel tonight –I bought some milk and tea for the morning.

A day that made me think so much about so many isssues.A day yet again I enjoyed talking to Graham our walk leader as we shared things such as cultural mooring;masculine issues of power that comes in when we walk and relationship as well as tolence to religion- i enjoyed all that whilst taking in the awesome beauty of the place.Also felt happy to talk about campaign in Uk and other issues of jobs and professions etc with lovely Nicola –campaigner from Oxfam.

We all spoke to many on the way and as usual gave handbills at pubs and Cafe.

Spoke to Uma – she seems to be happy-i am looking for ward the last stretch to Keswick tomorrow and to her joining us.

Clothes stink;socks stinking- so many things I have carried have not had any use ecept as excess- I am so grateful toNicola for carrying my back Pack and delivering it though she herself had hurt her ankle- but she is so brave and so determined that she did not let that stop her.

A great day- sun shined;wind took a back seat and RAINS WENT ON EXTENDED BANK HOLIDAYS.

STEP UP FOR FAAIR TRADE IT SAYS- AND WE HAVE –SO FAR MORE THAN A MILLION STPES- MANY HUNDREDs MET AND VREATING AWARENESS- STORY ABOUT INDIAN COFFE SHARED SO MUCH;SO RICHLY THAT THE BREW HAS CAUGHT UP

Dear Story Teller ( Push )
As far as we can remember, your actions stem from a deep faith from within ; that all coffee planters, no matter to which part of the globe they belong,are a deprived lot, uncared for and most of all not recogonized for the tremendous positive impact they have on the biodiversity of the Western Ghats (India )which today is nominated by the U.N. as a heritage site.
We do not know how to empathize with you, after seeing the soles of your shoes after the historic earlier walks. Forget the tired legs and the age , you are literally walking the talk for each and every coffee planter. a towering figure who has and will inspire generations of coffee growers. We salute your spirit and believe us when we say, we are in your thoughts every step of yet another historic march.

India has been home to coffee for almost 200 years and has always been and still remains shade grown. However, with the winds of globalization and liberalization reaching the Indian shores, Forest grown Indian coffee is making inroads in the West as a specialty coffee. The coffee grown under the shade of forest trees has a unique taste of nature in the cupping quality. There are three key ideas here. This uniqueness is not only the result of the forest factor but also due to the fact that the coffee habitats are an integral part of multicrops, herbs and spices. In addition, Indian coffee plantations harbor thousands of species of old diverse and significant species of rare birds, insects and endangered wildlife.The amazing fact is that coffee habitat and nature bring out the best chemistry in sustaining each others needs. Many foreigners who visit the plantation remark that Indian coffee plantations are bird and game sanctuaries. The architectural detail of the coffee mountain is astounding.
Thank you Push, for reaching out to a global audience and telling the story of shade grown Indian coffee to the rest of the world.

MANY BRIDGE FOR CROSSING BEFORE FULL FAIRNESS

THE PILOT AND LEADER CONSULT OUR STRATEGY HALFWAY

KISS GATES AS THESE ARE CALLED

I have missed not connecting to you, my supporters- I give my
apology.My Entry two days ago missed and has gone into black hole.But I wrote
so many lines and sentences in my mind as we walked the last three days.The
First day was so remarkable that Uma- my wife did 12 kms AND MADE HERSTORY with
us and the walk was so good.even paced and across the canal.

If I thought that 80 -100 miles was a stroll in the park
-day.2-3-4 was so punishing that a mile on this cross country terrain was like
walking 7 kms in my previous walk.The weather has been extreme to say the
least.Graham- mate and the route captain describes that the way it is planned
is to show the incredible beauty,the linkages between environment and community
and most importantly teh History.this part of England was at the fore front of
struggles against slavery;workers rights and others. We must have together by
now counted half a million-the idea was to step up on fair trade.The notion of
Fair Trad is really deep rooted-the work done by stalwarts like Bruce Crowther
and Jor human has paid immense dividend in that it is almost impossible for a
Cafe or Hotel not to include Fair Traded commodity in the items they use.

The walks- breath taking beauty of the place gets more stunning as
you enter Lake District which we did.But the physical effort is also more than
anything that i have done.The water on ground is so much and the rain so
consistent and heavy- slipping, slithering, stumbling and falling from
time to time has been regular but i have not been hurt.But my spirits soar!

Today morning Graham- I call him captain- described the the
day beginning as lusty- I can say that it was one of the hardest walk
I have done in the last three years.Graham is the captain of the route- though
he does not come from the area- he by experience can identify a gate or a path
way in a jiffy as he also holds his lens to the soggy mass of map.The focus,
the details ,the communication he brings to the walk is awesome.I also wanted
to say that other members of the group during the walk and at any breaks if
they see a cafe, other walkers and so onComments 57 they
never hesitate to campaign immediately.The commitment, passion, knowledge
and energy of the team members and the groups we meet at each fair
trade town. Yesterday we spoke in a cafe  and before that at
the Methodist church- I would take a strand from the trade campaign and punch
up the Coffeee strory calling for support.Bruce about Garstang,Fig tree and the
Walk- Nicola about oxfam Grow campaign. Invariably people came and expressed
how much they felt informed and inspired.We are also able to collect some
money. It seems that each night at story telling I somehow seem to be so
possessed with energy as If i never walked that has kept me bauyont.

Today was an immense test but again I made it .Like in previous
walks- staying at the houses of people who so generously gave time to us along
with such care has been so deep and so  touching.The
warmth, care and kindness and the effort each has put is immeasurable.The love
of the members of Fair Trade,or an Oxfam group or the Quakers has been so good
that words escape me to convey my heart felt happiness and gratitude.

I wanted to acknowledge the fantastic evening and night i spent
with Peter and Delphina Gratrix- the food, the conversation from Gandhi to
Dalit to BBC and music but more importantly the way I was made to feel part of
the household is etched so deep.

Yesterday at Kendal- Janet Autrobus and Paul Woods what a
reception and what a meal for all and what conversation.Janet you are special
and to know you have worked and volunteered for Oxfam so many decades.

Tonight, late tonight as I am staying with Jenny- more than 70
years old but so amazing- energy,ideas, passion and again care and great
comfort-Listening to the story of the life they came from and what they have
all done and achieved makes such a walk
not just so intense abut so profound meaningful.

I am bust but my spirit is HIGH-Once again bear with me for any
mistake or incomprehension- there is so much more I want to say-but little time
and exhaustion is taking over.

I am so lucky I feel being with the group that has Bruce, Graham,
Belinda , Dany, Staurt  and dearest Nicola from Oxfam and also new ones
joining for a day- the passion, the commitment and the fun they bring to this
walk- though  WALK seems short ON PAPER but is giving us all so much more AND IS SO MUCH TO TAKEN-IN FOR ITS TOTAL VALUE.

I leave you with a quote from the Quakers:

Take lead dear friends

to the promtings of love and truth in your hearts.

I leave you with sleep overcoming me and exhastion taking over

This content is from Oxfam -Fair way by Nicola

The story of day 3 of the Fair Trade Way: Arnside to Kendal

Once upon a time a group of walkers, old and new, reconvened by a jetty in Arnside. It was hard to leave a place that had welcomed us so warmly, but the journey was calling so after some team photos we began to wind our way around the shore.

At Milthorpe we paused and checked if we could get some fair trade tea at a local cafe van? Sadly not now … but maybe next time?

We wound through woods that seemed made for hobbits and elves towards a beautiful farm that seemed like a mirage on the way. A warm dry place that serves Fair Trade goods to shelter in from the sudden downpours of rain.

As we meandered on towards the river the sun finally battled its way out to join us – though the conversation did naturally turn to climate change since the paths are in November mud condition in August! What does this mean for walkers and farmers alike?

We hobbled our way into Kendal with promises of the cafe just round the next bend … it was not! But it gave us time to wonder if we could get Kendal mint cake to turn Fair Trade?

Story Telling time

We were kindly welcomed in with a caring cuppa to the Waterside cafe in Kendal to share our stories. We clucked and oinked our way through the little red hen with Jennie – and all loved the trade justice lobster who definitely needs more outings! We thought of Fair Trade towns, the origins of the Fair Trade movement, local produce as well as fair trade and how a group of fired up women in India could spearhead the collection of over 12,000 signatures in two short weeks for trade justice.

The conversation over a amazing warm home cooked dinner were of opportunities and motivations. If you’ve gained money through exploiting people does giving something back make it ok? Where and how can you draw that line where money is concerned?

Libby wrote from Bali,Indonesia:#

Walk on through the wind
Walk on through the rain
Though your dreams be tossed and blown

Walk on walk on with hope in your heart
And you’ll never walk alone
You’ll never walk alone

And  Poovan my dearest friend from South Africa wrote:

Hi Push

You continue to inspire us with your action which will make a difference to the future generations. Solidairty from the comrades in South Africa.

When thinking about the journey you have embarked on the following words from Madiba seem apt:
“I am fundamentally an optimist. Whether that comes from nature or nurture, I cannot say. Part of being optimistic is keeping one’s head pointed toward the sun, one’s feet moving forward. There were many dark moments when my faith in humanity was sorely tested, but I would not and could not give myself up to despair. That way lays defeat and death.”
? Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom: Autobiography of Nelson Mandela

Excitement;Anxiety;rushing about .talking to Friends and Family- slowly and steadily the support started to trickle.I need more-PLEASE- all of you out there,Come one come all- send a comment, donate a penny-PLEASE.

packing: what not to take- any suggestions?

Book: which one- Mandela or Gandhi? any idea.

When you get a commied, creative and passionate campaigner like Nicola Sansom-you get fantastic videos like this:

have a view; Check it out;send a comment:

Hiya,

Videos finally complete and uploaded from Friday.

Check them out and please share widely.

Bruce: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4MOnrjt_E8&feature=youtu.be 

Push: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rZSc5nnMc0&feature=youtu.be 

Mary: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUtIN7WYZb8&feature=youtu.be 

Thanks for being such inspirations!

Cheers,

Nicola Sansom
Activism and Community Campaigner (North of England)

Oxfam Campaigns I Greenfish Resource Centre I 46-50 Oldham Street I Manchester I M4 1LE

01612 342786 (Manchester office) / 07775 410536 (Mobile)

Transitional towns and the team

Handing over the Thesis-by Anshu Ogra from JNU on climate change in Coffee Land

A day together-Confluence

Back at the Figtree- with Bruce,Mary, campaigner Nicola Sansom from Oxfam and a team of two Video graphers that Nicola had brought to Garstang- to this famous first Fair Trade city in the World.The 10 hours of travel from India and another nearly 4 hours to reach Garstang- seemed like nothing as I started to soak in the ambience,the lovely smell of Coffee from Ethiopia,the exceptional and unique savoury Flap jack ! In less than a decade we have over 1000 cities and towns declared Fair across the Western Hemisphere -what a feat and what an achievement of and by the people and community-Being with the people and savouring an unusual Flapjack that is savoury whilst drinking such a special mix of Coffee-All the way from Ethiopia was the aperitif I needed as we started  to share and swap stories.Cameras rolled- not as glitzy as Hollywood but the shots and dialogue as crispy and punchy as Bollywood could produce. Each of us answered questions from Nicola as she hid behind the camera. And we moved on to the  Vegetable patch that was being maintained by the queens Bloom group that have shared the spece with the Transition movement. A sneaky Sun gave a a fleeting hello as we clicked and shot much footage all of which will be worked on for EDIT!.The grey sky and the truly English Rain-did not matter at all.

The word CONFLUENCE -kept jumping out of my mind like a fizzy drink from an over shaken bottle as i was travelling to FIG TREE-Confluence has such a tremendous meaning in India when we talk about Rivers-the confluence point become such a tremendous place for deep faith and folklore too. So i should think is the confluence of this fairway walk- Fair trade town activists;Oxfam; FIg Tree; and the Coop business.it is so good the Chief of Fair Trade movement Harriet Lamb, will walk with us too.what a confluence that is going to be

With all that energy and the synergy- we CAN and We will only GROW – as the objective of the Oxfam GROW CAMPAIGN.i FEEL SO BLESSED TO BE PART OF THIS.I SHARE OXFAM,THE COFFEE FARMERS FROM INDIA;REPRESENT CENTRE FOR SOCIAL MARKETS FROM INDIA-WHAT a way to be part of this.Being part of the HiSTORY of this place and the fantastic route-The Fair way route.You cannot ask for more.

Do join me in any way you can- leave a comment; donate a penny and circulate the story.

Thanks to you all for your unflinching support.

This captures images and movements of the 15 days of my walk.Done with love and support by Minwoo

http://vimeo.com/37608369