The tenth Annual Conference of the Association for India's Development (AID), was held at the AID Rural Technology Resource Center (ARTRC) in Paralekhemundi, Orissa from December 22^nd to 24^th, 2007. The conference sessions focused on Education, Agriculture, NREGA, RTI and Land and People issues.

The Education session began with AID Jeevansaathi Dr. Balaji Sampath presenting the progress made by AID Chennai’s READ INDIA program in partnership with PRATHAM, where children in 10,000 schools are benefiting. AID Orissa’s READ ORISSA program was appreciated for the story festival conducted in partnership with SAMBAD.

The highlight of the Agriculture session was the training on organic farming for farmers from Srikakulum and Gajapati districts. AID Saathi Peter Bakos demonstrated how to cook rice using a “hay box” – an insulated box made of natural materials that uses less fuel. Participants helped with making the boxes and cooking rice. The hay box has been tried out in some rural houses in Andhra Pradesh and has been very well received.

AID Saathis Madhulika and Kamayani spoke about their work in Rajasthan campaigning for minimum wage on behalf of laborers and the social audit of NREGA Kamayani had participated in. Ajay Kumar, one of the leaders from the Agriculture Workers Union, talked about how the oppression of the poor, dalits, adivasis and women continues with regard to land and agriculture related issues in Orissa, West Bengal and Maharastra.

Ravi Kuchimanchi, AID Jeevansathi and Founder of AID, moderated a discussion where the role of AID in several peoples' movements all over India was discussed and projects undertaken by AID chapters across India were broadly analyzed.

The conference concluded with every one appreciating the efforts of AID Orissa in organizing the conference. The highlight was the eco-friendly life promoted by AID.

Selva Ganapathy, AID Delhi