The purpose of AFP's Jagruti Programme is to educate, empower and enable the Asian Diaspora to proactively partake in innovative development initiatives which have a sustainable positive impact on lives of people in South Asia.
The Programme's vision is to raise awareness about developmentissues being faced globally and specially relating these issues to South Asia.
Our Approach
We want to raise awareness about Development issues through interactive events. We have hosted a number of events ranging from photo exhibitions to talks from our returned volunteers, which have been themed around one of our focus areas. This approach has enabled us to engage people through debates and discussions which they can participate in.
Pollute and Prosper: At Whose Cost? Wednesday 23rd July 2008 from 6.00pm. to 8.00 pm
Since a multinational straw company chose a site near Amarpurkashi and the local River Aril to set up one of its many paper factories, this company has steadily polluted the river, the surrounding agricultural land and all villages in the immediate vicinity. The pollution has become so severe that the underground water has been affected and villagers now have to pay ever increasing amounts to bore more than a hundred feet for drinking water. They no longer have anywhere to water their cattle as the river water is highly acidic and poisonous. Farmers’ crops are ruined every year but they do not get a penny in compensation. Ash from the factory’s chimneys settles on everything – crops, villagers, homes, clothes – and a horrible chemical smell fills the air. Cases of jaundice, dysentery, typhoid and asthma have risen dramatically in the last few years. What can be done? The talk by Jyoti and Mukat Singh highlighted what the international community can do to change this.
Pollute and Prosper: At whose cost?
'Caste system: Does it exist in modern India?'
Founded in 2001, the Dalit Foundation works tirelessly towards its vision of an equal society in South Asia regardless of caste, class or gender. Director, Santosh Samal, led a vibrant debate about the presence of the caste system in modern India. Santosh spoke about Dalit Foundation’s advocacy work in rural India to support the empowerment of Dalit communities, as well as initiatives like the leadership programme training youth to develop advocacy, research and management skills.
'Caste system: Does it exist in modern India?'
'Integrated Education- The Way Forward for India's Disabled Children'
Amarjyoti Research and Rehabilitation Centre is an institution established to provide care and opportunities to anyone affected by disability. Umaji the founder, discussed the inception of the New Delhi integrated education school which takes a unique approach as half the children in the school are disabled. The children who come to the school are either affected with disability from birth or through an accident. This integrated approach encourages the non-disabled community to have an open attitude and truly see that disability does not mean inability.
'Integrated Education- The Way Forward for India's Disabled Children'
`Bowling in a new direction – The rise of Blind Cricket in India’ by Mr George Abraham, the founding Chairman of the World Blind Cricket Council (WBCC) and Chairman of the Association for Cricket for the Blind in India (ACBI).
George Abraham sought to make cricket more accessible for India’s 35 million visually impaired. He developed the first visually impaired cricket team using sounds and other techniques to aid their games. He spoke about the issues of disability in India, focusing on visual impairment and how sports can help to build the abilities and self-confidence of the players.
Article- George Abraham
'Emerging India - For the Urban Elite or the Rural Poor?'
Mukat Singh, the dynamic founder of the Amarpurkashi Project in Uttar Pradesh, one of AFP’s Partner organisations looked at the issues of rural development. Education, unemployment, discrimination, health and sanitation, corruption and development strategies are the major issues in rural development today. Mukat Singh discussed the key issue that most affects the rural population - Education . After 37 years in development at grass-roots level, he has a wealth of knowledge and experience in this field and a passionate belief that the right kind of education is the key to successful development for all.
“The work they are doing is truly amazing, and it really opened my eyes to the problems that India is facing”
Article- ‘Emerging India- for the urban elite or the rural poor?’
Empowering Urban and Rural Poor Women - Challenges in Modern Gujarat
Talk by Illaben Pathak, the dynamic founder of Ahmedabad Women's Action Group (AWAG), one of AFP's Partner Charities served an inspiration to many city workers in London. AWAG works as a catalyst between the community and the government playing a critical role in advocacy and policy issues concerning women and domestic violence.
The event focused on the issue of domestic violence and dowry in India and how AWAG has played a critical role in changing the lives of vulnerable women in Gujarat. It was an opportunity for many to learn about an issue which is hidden from the public eye for many reasons.
“I was humbled by the sheer selflessness of your guest speakers and inspired by their seemingly boundless determination to help their fellow sisters”
Portraits of a Broken People: Photo Exhibition
A Management Consultant by profession, Nishant Lalwani spent his placement with the Dalit Foundation, recording their stories through his photographs. As one of the most opressed communities in this world, they have had to fight for what we would regard as basic rights. Since Nishant's return to the UK, AFP have hosted three photo exhibitions with him. This gave the opportunity for many people of all ages and walks of life to learn about the harsh reality faced by the Dalit community.
When AFP volunteers return from placements overseas they are encouraged to share their experiences through workshops, talks and articles. Their personal experiences bring to life the development issues faced in India.
‘Slum Communities in Gujarat : Burden to Society or Economic Contributors?’
In 1947, the population of urban centres in India was 10 million. Today it is 120 million – a 12 fold increase. India has experienced considerable growth in both its service and manufacturing sectors, both of which are located in and around urban centres. There has been a high level of rural to urban migration as individuals and families opt to pursue opportunities in these sectors.
Whilst population growth in India stands at 2%, urban growth is double that at 4%, and slum areas are experiencing an alarming rate of 8% growth. This leads to the question of whether there really is hope for the future of slum communities in India . Do the choices made by rural migrants really help them to better their future?
Jayshree Boot, AFP returned volunteer talked about the migration pattern in Gujarat , the challenges faced by the slum communities and initiatives which have been created to empower them in particular their rights and obligations.
Article- 'Slum Communities in Gujarat: Burden to Society or Economic Contributors?'
