Krack- a- Dawna: How a young couple pioneered natural farming in Mysuru

In the year 1985, long before organic farming crept into the mainstream vocabulary, Long before sustainable living became a fashion, the young couple, Julie and Vivek decided to tap out of their city life, pack their bags and leave for Heggadadevankote, a remote village 50km from Mysuru. They wanted to create their own little world.
This is how Krack- a- Dawna was born.
Today, after 37 years and countless losses and adventures, they have a farm that is spread over an area of 35 acres. They produce almost everything they need for their daily life – Paddy, millets, oilseeds, eggs, spices, sugarcane, and vegetables just to name a few. Juli and Vivek have two sons, a daughter, and a daughter-in-law. They also have three dogs, two cats,15 cattle, 20 goats, over 60 chickens and a cacophony of wild birds for company. Julie and Vivek didn't just want to create a farm, they wanted to create a free-thinking community. They involved the local community on the farm and homeschooled their children and were the first to start a farmers’ market in Mysore.
Today Vivek and Julie are involved in helping mitigate rural problems through activism and policy. The couple is trying to help the community farm responsibly and has opened the farm to students who are eager to learn. Vivek and Julie can only smile when they look back and reminisce about the wonderful adventure they embarked upon.

[CricketGravity]

They are not living alone, their 37 yrs journey which is still going, has dogs, cats, cows, chicken and many other animals who depends on them & their farming. When everyone was busy in cities to compete with each other, these 2 were living the life which everyones dreams to live

[marcopolo]

These guys have done something 35 years ago which I wish to do for the latter part of my life. Inspiring.

[ragingbeast]

I just left my psu job 2 years back and puchased a small 2 acre agricultural plot near my hone. I am doing a little work in pollutry and fishery. Though the income is less, but i am kind of happy now. There are lots of chores in a farm, i enjoy doing them. I have planted some 22 fruit plants, i enjoy watching them grow, i enjoy feeding my fishes in the pond and watching them fishes by standing still. I enjoy feeding my roosters and four goats and watching them run and jump bonkers in fun. I enjoy the company of my three featherbrained dogs who always create new tasks for me by chewing pipes, running among the vegetable beds. I enjoy watching my chickengrow in the sheds, and take care that they do not face any problem and stress.
Though sometimes financial matters come to my mind and i think about my 2 year old baby(may be he will blame me for not getting him a new bike or something else because of financial restrictions), as my income has been kind of halved but still i will always prefer this life over my past life.

[praveenkumarce]

I still remember this couple came on a Kannada news channel 15 years ago.
As college going boy I was astonished to see an Italian woman speaking Kannada fluently.

I watch this couple once in a five years in a random YouTube video and appreciate how well they are aging.

[ronalddmello]

Hats off to Vivek and Julie not just to build this eco system but to leave behind the inheritance for their future generations.. Great work both of you...

[GaneshVIyer]

Cariappa.. the name reminds us of the glory of Field Marshal General KM Cariappa.. I bet that this battle (to be self-sustainable in a world where everyone is out to eat the other up!) would have been as intense and daunting as any other on a 'real' battlefield!

Kudos to you both.. courage of conviction in action! Best wishes from Mumbai.

[jaiyadav]

Thanx D2E for these unheard stories as these give us insights that how small changes create a huge impact especially for nature...

[laheart]

Today I see so many stories of highly successful professionals get into farming. That this couple got into organic farming 35 years back shows their is really laudable.

For someone that did not have an agriculture background, it’s so inspiring!!!

[tradebuzzscalptradinglive]

It was an era without the internet or open economy. Unlike today, there wasn't money in every profession. In such circumstances, people generally stuck to tried and tested means of generating livelihood. To have chosen such a unique life even in that era, despite being educated, would have certainly bestowed cult and celeb status to this couple, had it been today! Much appreciation, respect and my salute to both of you!

[galaxydmello]

Deeply touched by your efforts to connect with nature and mother Earth.
Hand grown food, a glass of wine, a partner to share your thoughts and a sky to gaze.Thats all in needed to live a peaceful life. 🙏

[ramakrishnannagarajan]

Hats off to their perseverance! What a paradise this place has become!!

[amazon]

They live one of the best Life in the world .Thanks for everyone who presented this video on YouTube.
Thanks.

[ashutoshyadav]

Wow..
I think this is the answer everyone's looking for ..
Huge respect 😊

[goodsamaritan]

This is something I am so passionate about and thanks to Vivek &;Juli, they are my inspiration - the best role model.

[adyar]

This family are the true guardians of mother earth. My great respects to you.
Thank you for inspiring us.🙏

[baalah]

*Blessed* 🙌🏽

*They have sown the right seeds* 🌱

[sanjeevkumarms]

These people reminded me the legendary ಕನ್ನಡ writer K P poorna chandra thejaswi...
Inspiring... 🙌

[MuhammadKhalid-dswj]

That’s exactly how one should decide to live out one’s life.
Full of admirations and thumbs-up for the two of you.

[jaiganeshramdoss]

Honestly, this brought tears to my eyes. Good one. Hope all of us can take a leaf out of your books!

[DineshSharma-nczy]

Lovely hats off to Vivek and Julie, you both have set an example for everyone to take up this challenge to lead a happy harmonious life. God bless you all. With lots of love and Regards.