Peace Corps in India, 1970-72
Dedicated to the volunteers of India-102 who worked in Tamil Nadu on agricultural extension projects.
Supporting the Green Revolution
Embark on a journey through time with Peace Corps volunteers supporting India's Intensive Agricultural Development Program in the villages of Thanjavur District. Photo credit: John Biancamano
About Us
India-102, a Peace Corps initiative, was established to support the Government of India's agricultural development efforts. Our focus was on the Intensive Agricultural Development Program in Thanjavur District, where pioneering work with new varieties of paddy, including ADT-27, IR-8, and IR-20, was underway. Photo credit: Arnie Burgemeister
The Program
Our training took place in Woodland, California, at the International Rice Research Institute in the Philippines, and at the Tamil Nadu Rice Research Institute in Aduthurai, focusing on hybrid varieties such as ADT-27, IR-8, and IR-20. Following three months of agricultural and language training, each volunteer was assigned to a village in Thanjavur to collaborate with the local agricultural extension office. Some volunteers also engaged in various community development initiatives, including cotton production, poultry farming, and rat control. Our villages were located around Mayuram, Kumbakonam, and Thanjavur in the Kaveri Delta, as well as around Pattukottai in the so-called New Delta. The volunteers remained in India until the summer of 1972.
Timeline of Training
June 24, 1970: Orientation in Woodland, CA
July 10, 1970: Departure from San Francisco, CA
July 12, 1970: Arrival in Guam
July 1970: Manila, Siniloan, Philippines
July 1970: Hong Kong
August 7, 1970: Departure from Delhi to Madras
August 10, 1970: Commencement of training at Aduthurai
September 27, 1970: Graduation
Off to Kanjanur, Adirampattinam, Keeramangalam, Sholapuram, Theralundur, Manalmedu, Peravurani, Ottangadu, Peruncheri, Komal, Kovil Thevarayanpet and beyond.
Legacy
Despite challenges, including the downturn in US-India relations post-Bangladesh War, our commitment persisted until our departure in 1972. While our group was not replaced, the impact of our work continued to resonate. Peace Corps/India gradually downsized, with the last volunteer departing in 1976. This website commemorates the dedication and legacy of the India-102 Peace Corps Peace Corps volunteers
Links to some memories
Donald Camp Peace Corps oral history
"Soon coming" - my Peace Corps memoir
A trek in Nepal by John Biancamano and Donald Camp- 1971
A Religious Festival Today
The Hindu published this story of Donald Camp's experience when he returns 40 years later.
https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/it-happens-only-in-india/article7049878.ece
Return to the Village
The Washington Post published this story of Donald Camp's return to his village. What has changed. What has remained the same.