My work in India began the fall of 2004 when I presented permaculture at a resilient village workshop in Nasik. From this I was invited to teach by five or so organizations. Though I had not planned that I would be doing so, I accepted two of them, one in Darjeeling and the other in Rajastan. From this a long-term relationship began between India and myself. Darjeeling has become my second home with over half my India time being in that area. Every year I spend the fall and spring (summer in India) in and around Darjeeling and the winter in Orissa, southern coastal Karnataka and various, changing places throughout India.

My work is multi-level and not easily described. The initial layer is that I am a teacher who is offering permaculture as a tool to create sustainable systems. This is mostly through small local ngos (non-government organizations). Participants include foreigners, locals, ngo workers, farmers, and government employees. Courses are usually in English with frequent translations and discussions in the local language. On occasion courses have been given through a translator.

My basic approach in working and teaching with local communities is that I am not there to solve their problems. My wish is to help them understand conscious system design and give them the tools by which to understand this world they are a part of. Ultimately, I am hoping to be part of the process by which these communities create sustainability. It is up to the Indians to decide and to create the India that they want.

What I am really doing when I teach and work is growing permaculturalists. In permaculture we say 'everything gardens'. What I’m gardening is permaculturalists. This leads to another layer of my work, which is consulting in all its forms. There are several people in different parts of India that I have long term relationships with that includes the mentor/teacher aspect. These include ngo colleagues and students with farms. I am also always being introduced to and meeting people who have some interest in sustainability and India. For most of the time I am in India, aside from the few occasions in a tourist zone or an anonymous small town retreat, I am what I do. It is that way in India. You inhabit a lot more than space. What I’m meaning to say is that I am pretty much engaged in someway with this work most of the time. This is often in small ways and not so small, from introductions to meetings, from conversations to correspondences. Consulting can be a varied and subtle thing.

In Darjeeling I am a part of DLR Prerna, a small local ngo. With them I am helping to integrate permaculture from the project level through to the organizational approach of our work. A focal area for some of this work is Dabai pani, or Mineral Springs. This is where the Sanjukta Vikash tea cooperative is located. DLR Prerna has a long history with this community and is continuing in helping them in working with the challenges of our global world.

I have also begun working with a design group, Pro.Darjeeling, as their permaculture designer. Clients include an orchid research centre, an eco-resort, and a farm converting over to permaculture.

In Karnataka state I am working with an ngo called, Institute for Indigenous Agricultural Systems and Knowledge (I-ASK). In addition to conducting trainings we are presently in the process of converting a farm in southern coastal Karnataka into a permaculture demonstration site.

Each yearly tour I have done so far includes new places and organizations that have requested trainings in permaculture and sustainability. It is a constant challenge to meet all the requests that come my way. Sadly, I am often unable to accept all of these offers as my time is very limited and India is a very BIG place.

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming involved in any of the situations I have described please contact me. I am actively seeking qualified people to become part of this amazing journey and work.