Anantvan - A Subtle Intention Has Sprung Forth In Its Gross Form.

Just returned from a thoughtful, aesthetic, spiritual, integrated experiment in the Jungles of Central India. Anantvan is an Ashram in the heart of the Jungle and inspired by the ideals of a Naturalist, Mahatma Gandhi and Indian Spirituality. A wildlife experience without your customary glass of wine and meat in the evening. Where the emphasis is "On Serving" rather than " Are you being Served". Be prepared to be cooled not by Air conditioners but by "A Curtain of  Twigs" watered by an old man who went to Dhruv seeking to contibute and work. The local villagers are being employed and trained in construction, service and carpentry. One of the carpenters was entrusted the evening prayer which brings the Ashram together. Cement usage has been kept to a minimum with only the Washrooms built with cement & bricks. Mud and stones are the binding material. What is ofcourse assured are aesthetically designed bathrooms and very comfortable beds.

AnantVan sprung from the personal evolution of Dhruv and Lakshmi to create a community where travelers, artistes, thinkers, naturalists and seekers can integrate and contribute with their individual and collective intelligences. It can also be seen as the evolutionary impulse unfolding within Dhruv whose previous experiment, Churhat Kothi was driven by a desire to provide a jungle camp where you were more than a mere hotelier. At the Kothi, the intention was to create a space where the Jungle comes to you and passionate naturalists share Wildlife and the habitat in a meaningful and authentic manner. The experiment was a success at all levels and resulted in the finest Wildlife company CC Africa taking over the camp after three seasons.

An organic farm is also conceived amidst the 20 acres of Anant Van. But one must know your enemy to fight it. So an experiment is underway to assess the outcome of Wheat farming using Urea, Natural Manure and No Manure. The result overwhelm you: Urea fed farm reminds one of well fed, physically healthy and robust child but on steroids. In contrast, the manure free is scrawny, weak, impoverished and the Natural Manure is reasonably healthy child. So the next phase is assess the taste of the wheat from the three experiments. Do we know what the impact of Urea and the chemicals on our body ?.

If you thought technology is excluded in the evolution be prepared for the "Cool Room" built Below Sea Level. Plasma Screens, Macs and hopefully broadband( sometime in the future).

The Aesthetics of the Anant Van reflects the interiors of Dhruv and Lakshmi Aunty and the state today. The Bastar influence blends in with the Ashram. The idols of Narasimha, Ganesh and Shiva separated in distance but united in thought, welcome you on entering the Ashram. The Mohua tree is the abode of Narasimha with several bells hanging from the branches. When we were there Dhruv's grandfather who is currently a monk with Chinmaya Mission visited the Ashram and there was a soothing presence of wisdom.

Anant Van is yet another gift that India has for Indians and the world in line with several little experiments underway within the country to build a future as envisioned by our founding fathers and our great historical leaders. Grateful to that which allows us to connect and communicate with such conscious enterprises.