They live work & prosper in foreign lands…, Times of India, Sep 29, 2011

Soundings from the ground, Times of India, Sep 29, 2011

On 2^nd October Ravi Kuchimanchi, Balaji Sampath and Kirankumar Vissa received the Times of India Social Impact award on behalf of Association for India’s Development (AID) for its Global Contribution to the development of India.

In its 20th year of existence, the award has come as an affirmation of our philosophy of working in the interconnected fields of health, education, livelihoods, agriculture and social justice. AID's work has been constantly guided by its experience at the grassroots which has also made it possible for us to question and change the dominant paradigm of development.

The award is recognition for AID's sustained involvement in a wide range of social causes, with the selection not based on application but by the suo moto choice of the jury of eminent people. We are glad that the profile of AID for the award portrays the breadth and depth of the efforts of AID and its partners in India covering nirman, sangharsh and seva - the constructive work for sustainable development, the struggle for people's rights and systemic change, and the 'giving of ourselves' or voluntarism.

We would like to consider this as recognition for the kind of work that hundreds of organizations and movements are doing and the selection of AID is simply a representation of this work. We hope that this recognition gives more strength to our efforts, more energy to our supporters, and most importantly helps in amplifying the voice of the people struggling for their livelihood and rights. We are also aware that any recognition places additional responsibility to live up to higher expectations, and we seek everyone’s increased involvement to make it possible!

In their brief interaction with the Prime Minister and in a follow up letter, the Jeevansaathis expressed concern about the hostility towards the activists in India who are bringing up questions of governance, accountability and human rights. Our ability to make a social impact depends on the freedom of such people to work at the time and place of need.

The letter further expressed their concern about the quality of education in government primary schools despite the fact that Right to Education provides basic education to all. The letter touches upon the land acquisition and rehabilitation bill and setting up of grievance redressal system for Public Distribution System, Anganwadi and Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee Act.

AID is very encouraged by the Times of India Social Impact Award in the Global Contribution category and is grateful to its grassroots partners, volunteers, supporters and well-wishers who make the impact possible. AID is also grateful to the poor and oppressed people of India whose strength and resilience drives us.