Description

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A Peace Corps volunteer’s inspirational story about the power of small change

In 2001, Peace Corps volunteer Rajeev Goyal was sent to Namje, a remote village in the eastern hills of Nepal. Brimming with idealism, he expected to find people living in conditions of misery and suffering; instead, he discovered a village full of happy, compassionate people. After organizing the villagers to build a water-pumping system in the midst of the dangerous Maoist war that had gripped the country, Goyal learned how complex rural development truly is. He also witnessed how the seemingly lowliest villager can hold profound power to influence not only his or her own village but also the highest rungs of government. 



Years after this experience, Goyal applied the lessons he learned in Namje to his work on Capitol Hill. Approaching Congress as if it were a Nepalese caste system, Goyal led a grassroots campaign to double the size of the Peace Corps. His unique approach to advocacy included strategically positioning himself outside the men’s room of the capitol building waiting for lawmakers to walk out. As a result of his determined bird-dogging, Goyal managed to make allies of more than a hundred members of Congress and in the process, he ruffled the feathers of some of the most powerful figures in Washington. But due to his efforts, the Peace Corps was granted a $60-million increase in funding, the largest dollar-amount increase in the organizations history.
 
On this path to victory Goyal endured a number of missteps along the way, and, as he reveals, his idealism at times faded into fear, anger, and frustration. In this honest and inspirational account of his life as an activist, Goyal offers daring ideas for how the Peace Corps and other organizations can be even more relevant to our rapidly changing world. He urges environmentalists, educators, farmers, artists, and designers to come together and contribute their talents. Filled with history, international politics, personal anecdotes, and colorful characters, The Springs of Namje is a unique and inspiring book about the power of small change.

About the Author

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Rajeev Goyal, a graduate of Brown University and the New York University School of Law, is a lawyer, activist, rural-development worker, and former Peace Corp volunteer. Since 2008, he has served as the national coordinator for the Push for Peace Corps Campaign.  He leads environmental and sustainable agriculture initiatives in eastern Nepal through several NGOs.

Praise For…

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“The role of a Peace Corps volunteer is subtle. We live in a community for two years, and usually we continue to stay in touch for years afterward. Most volunteers never build anything. Often we teach, and the value lies in human connections that can’t be measured. And there’s a strong tendency for Peace Corps volunteers to be humble about what we’ve done. Rajeev never would have told me about his work in Namje if I hadn’t asked; other people described the remarkable water project he undertook as a volunteer.”—Peter Hessler, from the foreword to The Springs of Namje

"The Springs of Namje tells many stories, including, very movingly, how to try and effect real change in Washington D.C.--it's about idealism and savvy, and it shows how they can mix powerfully."—Bill McKibben, author of Eaarth: Making a Life on a Tough New Planet
 
“At a time when Washington is characterized by political gridlock, partisan bickering, and an ideological stalemate, Rajeev Goyal’s inspiring story shows that one person can still bring about enormous change for good.  His story also shows how programs like the Peace Corps provide a pipeline for the kind of leaders our nation hungers for: innovative, passionate, purpose-driven, and eager to contribute to a society of peace and justice at home and around the world.”—Timothy P. Shriver, Ph.D., Chairman & CEO of Special Olympics

“Mr. Rajev Goyal has done a marvelous job in the book The Springs of Namje. He has artistically presented his experience while he was a peace corps volunteer in Nepal. The book illustrates how Rajeev built up strong human relations with the Nepalese people, and how he helped them in the best possible ways.”—Anuradha Koirala, Founder and Chairperson of Maiti Nepal and 2010 CNN Hero of the Year 
 
"An honest and inspiring look at the hard work and reward of development efforts."— Booklist
 
"Engaging account of his failures and successes in both countries is an edifying and inspiring triumph.”—National Geographic Traveler’s “Trip Lit” section