Paul Myers, Chair of WFTO says "...Since that first profound meeting when he (Prof. Sharma) spoke about becoming involved in this kind of work because of what he saw "across the wall" from where he taught everyday, I have looked forward to my encounters with him.  I know many many others, especially within the Fair Trade community in Asia have had similar experiences.  It is why he was honored as the "grassroots soldier,"  and as an honorary member of WFTO.  The model and ideals which he practiced and taught to so many of us will continue to nourish, challenge and energize us individually and collectively..."

Excerpts from a recent interview with Prof. Sharma: "Awareness generation among consumers is the most important prerequisite to establish market for fair trade products. Hence, it is imperative for the fair trade community to take up advocacy and lobbying at all possible levels with active participation from the producers at local level. And we also realize that such initiatives should ensure the participation of diverse sections of the society including the government, trade & business organizations, media, educational institutions etc. The aim should be to send the concept to the people living in different spheres of the society"

.....LET US TAKE THE TOARCH FORWARD

Nilgiris, a juncture where the Eastern and Western Ghats converge is an ecosystem which brings together biodiversity in all its richness – indigenous communities, flora & fauna and unique livelihood options which have all co-existed for the past centuries. However, destruction of forest areas due to various reasons and a cash economy has left these communities on the sidelines. Keystone has been working in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (NBR) and felt the need to address issues of market access and opportunities which would build on their skills and knowledge.

The Nilgiris is a mountain area, a home range for 6 primitive tribal groups.  Most of them are either pastoral or have been hunter gatherers. This district in the north western part of the state of Tamil Nadu, is a hilly area with elevati      Read more..