Improved social ties aid rural progress

It is of course widely recognized that those rural communities which are united are likely to achieve more progress.

- BHARAT DOGRA

However, the next question is - unity achieved on what basis? In conditions in which there are socioeconomic inequalities and identity-based discrimination and injustice, mere calls for unity will not result in the kind of enthusiastic cooperation that can result in true progress. What is required is that the call for unity should be based on ending all kinds of identity-based discrimination and injustice so that the true cooperation of people can be realised for inclusive progress.

It is this kind of inclusive progress and improved social relationships based on nondiscrimination and equality that Seva Mandir, a leading voluntary organization of South Rajasthan which reaches out to nearly a million people, has been striving to achieve for nearly five decades of its purposeful existence.

The mission statement of Seva Mandir seeks "to construct the conditions in which citizens of plural backgrounds and perspectives can come together to benefit and empower the least advantaged in society." There is emphasis on improving social relationships at various levels culminating in creation of nondiscriminatory, equality-based community institutions taking forward various justice-based causes and ensuring improvement of the natural resource base in ways that can benefit everyone including weaker sections.

Hence over 1,000 community institutions have been created in the nearly 1,500 villages where Seva Mandir has been working. The result is that the impact of its work can last much beyond the duration of any project-based intervention.