India
21st Century Megacities and Villages
India is its people; they are its hope, its strength, and also its concern. As India moves toward surpassing China as the most populous nation in the world, how are the Indian government, private business, NGO’s, and grass roots movements succeeding and struggling to meet the needs of so many? Megacities are one answer, but are they working? According to a 2011 report by the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India, “for the first time since Independence, the absolute increase in population is more in urban areas than in rural areas.” What is behind this trend of urban migration, and what are its implications for India’s economic and social future? Specifically, how is it affecting the livelihood and culture of the 69% of Indians who still live in rural villages? Participants will be introduced to both ground level and theoretical perspectives on what it means to manage resources, build critical infrastructure, and provide basic necessities for 1.2 billion people. This 10-day seminar will look at the case of Mumbai, and include trips to rural areas and an experimental planned city to give participants a living, breathing impression of the ever evolving Indian way of life.
Seminar Locations
This seminar will begin and end in Mumbai.