India Untouched - The Forgotten Face of Rural Poverty

India Untouched - The Forgotten Face of Rural Poverty

Product ID: 14041

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Author: Abraham M George
Publisher: East West Books
Year: 2004
Language: English
Pages: 400
ISBN/UPC (if available): 818866118X

Description

India Untouched is a personal account of the experiences of an extraordinary philanthropist of Indian origin, Abraham George, who has devoted his life to working for the poor in South India for the past eight years. The backdrop is the day-to-day lives of a great majority of Indians who live in the villages, mostly untouched by the rapid economic progress that has been occurring in every city across the country since reforms were introduced in 1991. He tells his powerful story candidly and honestly as he seeks solutions that would reduce the hardships faced by hundreds of millions of Indians still living in poverty and social deprivation.

India Untouched is an inspiring work offering many innovative ideas for social and economic reform, born out of one man’s vision for change. These ideas have, in a short time, brought about dramatic improvements in the lives of thousands of poor people. In discussing the hurdles he has faced, and by offering alternative solutions, he challenges the premises under which many present government policies are being implemented. His background as a successful entrepreneur, and his advantage as an outsider looking in and as an insider working within the system, gives him a unique perspective from which to analyze issues with a fresh and unbiased focus.

Having been raised in India and subsequently spent much of his professional life in the West; George has now come full circle, returning to his roots with the knowledge gained from a multicultural upbringing. His attempt in socioeconomic reform is documented here in a series of interwoven essays that contradict the generally held assumption that rural poverty in India is beyond redemption. The book addresses several key issues: education, economic development, Social justice, health care, environment, free press, art and culture, and ethics. George makes the compelling argument and demonstrates through his social work that only by embracing new ideas that are a departure from the traditional ways can the problems of poverty and social inequality be effectively addressed in India.

India cannot go on much longer the way it has been, ignoring the plight of millions of poor people, if peace and tranquility are to prevail. A free and democratic India offers great promise, but only if it can mobilize its human resources to work as one people for the common good. It must turn despair into hope and promises into reality. The unanswered question is whether India’s leaders and policy-makers can be persuaded by a participatory public to alter priorities, policies and practices to benefit all its citizens, both rich and poor.

REVIEWS

An important and moving story about one of the world’s most critical issues.
-ALEX S JONES
Director, Shorenstein Center on the Press

Informed and dispassionate, inescapable conclusions, must be read by those who love India, and by read by those who love India, and by those who wish to truly understand the country.
-RAVINDRA KUMAR
Editor and Managing Director, The Statesman, Kolkata.

A great book of conviction, Packed with emotional wallop.
-DAVID ANABLE
President, International Center for Journalists, Washington, DC

A moving story though self-discovery about bringing differences in the lives of millions, built on the pillars of commitment, integrity, honesty and perseverance.
-VERGHESE KURIEN
Founder, National Diary Development Board

Contents

FOREWORD

PREFACE

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

CHAPTER 1
A Long-Awaited Journey

CHAPTER 2
Getting to Know India

CHAPTER 3
The Literate Children of Rural India

CHAPTER 4
A Promise of Hope

CHAPTER 5
Beyond Prosperity for the Few

CHAPTER 6
Forever Left Behind

CHAPTER 7
Of Holy Cows, Untouchables, and Non-believers

CHAPTER 8
Unequal and Powerless

CHAPTER 9
Beyond Redemption? Disease and Health Care in Rural India

CHAPTER 10
Unconventional Possibilities

CHAPTER 11
The Intangibles: Environment, Freedom of the Press, and the Arts

CHAPTER 12
In Search of Moral and Ethical Conduct

CHAPTER 13
Global Perspectives and Perceptions

Reference Notes

Readings

Index

About the Author