Subscribe
Share
Share
Embed
Ganesh Neelam obtained his Master’s degree in Geoscience from University of Pune, in the year 2000. Post his masters, he joined BAIF Development Research Foundation as a Hydrogeologist where he worked for four years on Watershed Development Programmes to ensure quality planning and optimum utilization of the groundwater resource for livelihood enhancement of tribal and rural communities.
He joined the Tata Trusts in 2004, handling the flagship initiative named Central India Initiative focusing on enhancing livelihoods of tribal communities in central India. He presently is the Executive Director of Collectives for Integrated Livelihood Initiatives (CInI), an associate organization of the Trusts. The “Lakhpati Kisan – Smart Village” programme focusing on meeting the aspirations of more than 100,000 small and marginal farmers in Central India is being implemented by CInI under his leadership.
He also leads the Renewable Energy theme at the Trusts. One of his key facets is his involvement in analyzing the areas of Technology and Innovations in the ecosystem to create sustainable solutions that meet the needs of rural communities.
I have known Ganesh for many years and have been able to observe CInI’s work closely. The massive transformational work that Ganesh and his team are doing is changing the lives of tribals and marginal farmers, making them independent and self-sustainable. The highlight of this podcast is Ganesh narrating his experiences with Mr. Ratan Tata himself which will reinstate in you the belief of humility and humanitarianism.
Small Big Wins started in middle of 2020. The primary objective has been to talk to people who are not so famous or known but have done exceptional work. Most of these conversations are with people who have done some real solid social good, while also holding up their selflessness. Their wins in their own words. You be the judge, whether Small or Big.
Coming to my latest conversations with Swami Atmananda Saraswati ji, I would first share in a few words my own journey of searching the higher. This started somewhere in 2012, from reading, listening to Osho, then spending months at Isha Foundation Ashram doing everything in the book there, listening to some globally “famous” masters, I ended up at home. Home meaning our own timeless Indian scriptures – Bhagwad Gita, RamCharit Manas, Upanishads, which reveal that, where only a few blessed revel. I learnt about Adi Shankaracharya and his contribution to Sanatan Dharma. Hearing discourses from different masters, once I came across a discourse on “Atma Bodha” by Swami Atmanada Saraswati. When I tried to google him, I could not find anything. Somehow deep down the searches, I found some co-ordinates to reach him. This resulted in increased interactions and my knowledge seeking got a definite direction. If at all, these conversations would be valuable and known, it would be for Swami Atmananda Saraswati.
It is my great fortune to bring “Who is My Charioteer” to the audiences. For someone Small like me this is a Big win! The Part 1 of this series is titled “Fundamental Understanding about Life”. You will find these conversations starting Episode 59. Just search for “Who is My Charioteer” in the title.