29/3/2026 by Varun Thautam

This post documents the first week of idea initiation. This includes the prior work by Vanamu.org since we heard about the possible shutting down of Samatva in its current rented location and its move to its new site of Nanda.

<insert photos of evidence towards primary disucssions>

This was a design that had one evolution with Nanda that can be seen here, which led to this step 1.

You can access step 0 of the design here on request.

Namrata introduced the idea of community engagement after the graduation ceremony and curated the structure of step 1, from the presentation to the engagement after it.

<Insert Presentation Photo>

That first evolution of the design based on feedback from Nanda alone was presented to the elders’ group present at the ceremony.

You can access Namrata’s presentation here on request

This curation also included the first-ever elders’ meeting, where we, for the very first time, sat in a community circle. This was also the very first time we’ve had the opportunity to have this level of a say and the breadth of responsibility to have a stake. Perhaps a first chance to have a collective positionality about our children’s learning.

<insert photos and videos of the elders circle>

We also met as a site-marking team the very next day on a Sunday morning, where we understood the site dimensions and looked at the spaces marked out. We talked through these spaces, which allowed us valuable discussions on site. A symbolic collective rangoli on the ground, binding us with the site.

<insert site marking photos/videos>, and let’s describe them in a little more detail.

Further discussions with Hemanth (our contractor) and Vijay Kumar (our stonemason) led to several design changes.

<Insert collective photos>

At Vanamu, we assume the role of the architect of the space and the community that builds the space; opening it up to anyone else who would like to foster the space along with Nanda and her home of children.

We thank you for these overwhelmingly rich and diverse inputs from all these above engagements that have led to a shift in framing and, as a mason/architect, to a personal reflection in a series of recordings.

A 10-minute taster and its continuation into an 80-minute podcast-style reflection are intended for the elders interested in listening at their own interest; <you can hear them on request>.

An AI-generated 10-minute read is here and the 20-minute read is here, <open access, >

The revised design can be seen here <open access, names hidden>

This post also opens up the space and time for conversations in any form. around this first step of regeneration. Let’s go “get a yield” towards a community. Vanamu is listening.

Let’s move on to step 2.

II MAYA MANDALAM II

@mayavadi_organic_farm_nandi is an experiential off-grid farm located in Nandi Hills, Bangalore. Within over 9 years of existence, they have been experimenting with the locals, agricultural techniques which allow combining farm activities and ecosystem regeneration.

This Maha Shivratri join us in building a Community-driven, Consciousness dome at Mayavadi, a symbol that would be built and nurtured by visitors to Mayavadi. We wish to provide a meditative space nestled in nature, that helps one connect with their inner consciousness.

Facilitated by @varun_thautam & Poobala Krishnan from @mayavadi_organic_farm_nandi the Hands-on Workshops spread across 10 days would see the participants learn to build Vaults & Catenary Dome with Brick and Lime, Plastering and Waterproofing with Lime, the traditional way. The participants shall also explore a spectrum of activities like permaculture, yoga, natural farming, art, and small treks and swim in the nearby Channagiri hillside.
We have the following options for the participants to choose from for registering:
Batch 1: 4th – 6th March, 2022
Batch 2: 11th -13th March, 2022
Long-term apprenticeship: 4th-13th March, 2022

More registration details in the poster and link in bio. Kindly DM Instagram @va_namu
& @grahani_gaatha for any assistance in registering.

VENUE and ACCOMMODATION
https://goo.gl/maps/DuBWfrPX5jL173qK7
More information about the space on.
https://www.airbnb.co.in/rooms/16253939 (Your registration includes the food at stay at this location)
Accommodation might be in a studio space / covered machan/tent with bathroom and shower facilities.

FOOD
Simple organic meals shall be prepared on all three days during your stay for the workshop.
This excludes the breakfast of the first day and the dinner of the last day.

FEES:

Rs 7,500 for full time students with a valid ID.
Rs 10,000 for others
Rs 2,000 for children under 10
Rs 15,000 for full time apprenticeship.

Fees include, food and stay, building materials and tools, teaching fees.
The cost of travel to Mayavadi is not included, but you might be able to hitch a ride with others driving down.

REGISTRATION & FEES

To register, make a payment via this link: https://rzp.io/l/7osg2iXvjU
Max : 10 participants

CONTACT

Namrata Toraskar 7022160372 (For general queries, payment)

Varun Thautam 6361591177 (Whatsapp only, for questions on workshop content)
ORGANISERS

Poobala Krishnan – @mayavadi_organic_farm_nandi (instagram)

Namrata Toraskar www.vanamu.org

Varun Thautam www.varunthautam.com