Participants' Comments

International Participants

I found Self Help Groups very crucial for sustainability of the project. It is people initiated , all the contribution is from the group members. It really avoids dependency. Development is all by the people themselves not an external type . It is also easy to understand that at the very beginning of this approach how things were very difficult. Our world is devastated by donor supports that finally leads to no contribution to the society life changes. To break free from support approach to self help approach could not be an easy task. The very terrific thing is you have done it (successful).

- Abebaye Ayele, Farm Africa, Ethiopia

I think a key lesson from People Based Development is that a real paradigm shift has to include a real shift in the power dynamic, be it from the bureaucratic centre of an organisation decentralising control, through to individuals themselves truly finding their own solutions. For an individual to take greater control they need access to information, not just learning what potential services are out there, but learning from peers, how are others finding solutions. For this to happen people need to come together learn from each other’s experience and perspectives. The role of the ‘professional’ in this aspect, diminishing to that of a potential ‘facilitator’, the innovators being the individual budget holders themselves. This is the true paradigm shift.

- Peter Richmond, Aberdeen, UK

Much of the things we learn here are very relevant for our education in Norway. I’ve been reflecting a lot about how to use these principles...I will absolutely recommend you to use the opportunity to attend this course at Manavodaya.

- Espen, Lillehammer, Norway

Before the training we have been focused on the works rather than the people, but now people will be considered as a first priority while taking action - means that the implementer must know the people’s intentions, needs, feelings, response and reaction towards the work; so the coming major investment and contribution will go for the people, quality, empowerment and advocacy based activities

- Bishnu Dahal, Nepal

It helps me tremendously in my teaching to be able to point to an organisation that uses a values based approach couceously and consistently in development work. Manavodaya experience creates legitimacy for such an approach.

- P. Wilson, Austin, USA

Bank Officials

I have to say that the methodology of the programme was the best attended by me. I have participated in many programmes earlier, but such excellence and complete knowledge of a subject was never obtained before.

- K.G. Maheshwari, State Bank of India, Saharanpur

The Training programme offered an opportunity to understand the concept of Self Help Group not only from a bankers point of view but from the view point of “Empowerment of Poorest of the Poor” which is the basic purpose of formation of SHG.

- U.C.Vasal, Bank of Baroda, Pilibhit

With this method, I have developed a perspective of treating the poor as the first citizen of the country. We try to resolve their problems at the bank branch itself. Bank is no more 10 to 5 activity. We are now attending meetings at village level early morning and late evening.

- Sunil Kumar, Dewa Branch, Barabanki Gramin Bank

My doubts and shortcomings have cleared as a result of training. Now we can put new life into groups. We can raise that social, economic, political and moral status. Those domant can be awakened. We can show them good accounts practices. We can improve internal lending and make them strong. I can now tell them now to stone economic activities and raise their living standard.

- Anil Srivastav, Branch Dharampur, Gorakhpur Regional Rural Bank

Government Officials

This is a meaningful and down to earth programme for improving the condition of the oppressed people left behind in the reace o flife. I have been participating in the programme for last five days but I feel that I should have done so long back. I have learnt the real concept pf Self Help Groups after coming to Manavodaya. Indian culture has a unique identity. In this context, despite the global march towards materialism, Manavodaya has preserved the traditional Ashram living. I like this very much.

- Dwarika Yadav, Block Education Officer, Chukhadan, Chhattisgarh

Your training gives true meaning to the name of institution Manavodaya. The path shown towards shaping of life and the many things learnt in the programmes shall remain unforgettable. I am going back with an inspiration to lead a disciplined life and it will be my endeavour to put into practice these priceless treasures. I have no words to praise the immense learning obtained in a short time. My thinking has changed significantly by the guidance received at your institution. I have realised that if we can transform our way of thinking then we can change the thinking of people too and then we can perform with ease the most difficult tasks too. I shall try to use the guidance given in my field work exactly as told by you. I shall also try to change the thinking of people in the area so that they are able to shape their lives themselves.

- Anil Kumar Shukla, Hargaon, Sitapur

As a result of the programme, I am compelled to feel that the limited knowledge we had could not have led to social change and we will have to change our way of thinking. We will work according to the guidelines obtained a Manavodaya and these will prove to be milestones in our life. As a suggestion, we request you to conduct similar programmes in all cities so that ordinary people too can benefit.

- Bishambhar Prasad, Village Development Officer, Pathardeva, Deoria

After the entire programme I felt a special sense of pain for the poor. I realise that together with government service, human service should be my first priority, as we are first human beings. It is natural for participants to develop a change in thinking by the humane perspective presented here.

- Om Prakash Singh, Village Development Officer, Hilauli, Unnao

I now feel that the bureaucratic quality in me was wrong. As we are associated with development administration, we have to abandon this evil. We have to work with affection whatever be the area of work.

- Shailendra Kumar Singh, Village Development Officer, Asoha, Unnao

I have realised that formation of groups should not be based on greed. Earlier we were working on group dynamics based on a subsidy of 1.25 lakh which was entirely wrong. The new method that we have learnt will always be a source of happiness for us and for future generations.

- Ali Baksha, Government Officer, Banda

NGO Professionals

First we have to strengthen ourselves by removing the many weakness and faults in us. I must win over myself first. Only then I will be able to educate and strengthen others.

- Manju Singh, Gorakhpur

I learnt the causes of poverty. The poor produces food but the price is fixed by some one else. He sells his product raw. This sustains poverty. As a social worker, we must enable him to break his silence and develop self confidence. Once he becomes confident, he will be capable of doing every work. Every person wants to maintain self respect.

- Suman Shukla, Banda

If there are only 1% people who follow the thinking presented here then society will transform, I can say this with 100% confidence. What we have learnt in this training can benefit lakhs and crores of people. I am without bias that this workshop was very good.

- Dilawar Singh, Shahjahanpur

In my opinion, such a programme should be conducted for all the people involved in making projects. Half baked knowledge and hopes for some gains from projects will come to what end, we have come to realise only from this training. In the hope that such programmes are conducted for the benefit of maximum people and the country is able to move towards true meaningful development.

- Suniti Nainiwal, Dehradun

I am unable to describe in words the unlimited stock of knowledge obtained here. The direction obtained has permanently settled in my mind and I shall always abide by them. I shall particularly take care about simplicity. As long as my breath remains. I shall remain associated with social causes.

- Savita Singh, Maunath Bhanjan

The self introspection in the morning sessions was the best aspect which has given me a genuine new direction. This must be brought in the work of all organisations. Only then we will be able to achieve our objectives. Otherwise development is nothing more than a source of living. We must first change our thinking, only then we can bring about a change in the thinking of others and give direction to them.

- Ram Avtar Namdeo, Mahoba

Other Comments

I have been leading an artificial life, always trying to show off my knowledge and achievements. I humbly submit before everyone that from now on I shall try to be honest and genuine in my efforts even if it implies a harder life.

- An open confession made by a participant