Revitalization of Rivers in India Draft Policy - Isha Guru Jaggi Vasudev

Revitalization of Rivers In India
Draft Policy Recommendation
TEACHING NOTE
SYNOPSIS
The case looks into the management aspects of Project Greenhands, an outreach initiative
of Isha Foundation, a non-political non-religious organization founded by Sadhguru
Jaggi Vasudev to promote well-being of the individual, society and the world. At a
superficial level, the case looks into the objectives of Project Greenhands, its evolution,
implementation of the project, the challenges it met (resource mobilization, land for
plantation etc.), the impact of the project at the individual and societal level and the
possible future endeavors. The case tries to explain how it gained much mind space among
the population. We find that the project has been rooted in the universal values and rural
ethos. At a deeper level, the case sheds light on the people dynamics behind the project
and the role of Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev. We find that Sadhguru’s guidance has been the
invisible force of inspiration for the people behind the project. This force made Project
Greenhands to achieve Guinness World Record endeavors like planting 852,587 saplings
in 6,284 locations across 27 districts in Tamilnadu through three days in the month of
October 2006. It is faith and commitment that makes these people believe that they can
achieve their objective of planting 114 million trees (11.4 crore) trees. Through this case, we
gain an insight into the way a faith based organization function, when engaged in service
to the society. Project Greenhands is an example of how alignment of purpose, people and
processes will result in organizational excellence.
TEACHING OBJECTIVES
The case will help the students understand:
• The need to have congruence of purpose, processes and people (3Ps) in achieving
organizational excellence.
• The people dynamics in a faith based organization.
• The role of human values in project management.
• How public can be mobilized towards a cause and the role of public mobilization in
making a movement successful.
• How projects that have a selfless goal creates ripples that are transformative in nature.
TEACHING STRATEGY, APPROACH AND TARGET AUDIENCE
The case can be used on courses related to Management of Non-governmental
Organizations/ Faith-based Organizations, Project Management, Corporate Strategy,
Management of Change and Transformation, Organization Development and
Environmental Management. This case can be used effectively in classroom discussions
Annexures
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