Shri K.Vijay Kumar IPS Shares with Marie Banu the Possibility of India to Be a Naxal-Free Nation

Cover Story - Pg 6 Re-introducing women’s rights About Stree Mukti Sanghatana and its activities in Mumbai

Published by P.N.Subramanian on behalf of Manava Seva Dharma Samvardhani, 391/1, Venkatachalapathi Nagar, Alapakkam, Alumni Talk Profile Chit Chat ChennaiPublished - 600 by: 116 Mr. and P. N. printed Subramanian by him at Pg 3 Pg 9 Pg 12 Express Press, Express Gardens, No.29, Second on behalf of Manava Seva Dharma Samvardhani, Women Empowerment to A Hand to Grow Main Road, Ambattur Industrial Estate, “I believe that India will be free of 391/1, Venkatachalapathi Nagar, Alapakkam, Social Development About All India Democratic Chennai - 600 058. Maoism - in the present form.” Chennai -600 116. Phone: 044-42805365. Haleema Begam’s efforts to Women’s Association and its An interview with Editor Editor: Marie: Marie Banu Banu J place micro-finance within commitment to achieving Shri. K. Vijay Kumar IPS Phone : 044-42805365 the bigger frame of social democracy, equality and development women’s emancipation. 2 Focus Conversations Today•March 2017 From the Editor Response –Ability “There is no tool for development more effective than the empowerment of women.”—Kofi Annan

Dear Friend,

Empowerment is a multi-dimensional process which enables individuals or a group of individuals to realize their full identity and powers in all spheres of life. The inclusion of all sections of the society in the public sphere is critically important for any democracy. Empowering women is essential to build stronger economies, achieve internationally agreed goals for development and sustainability, and improve the quality of life for women, men, families, and communities. There is no denying of the fact that women in India have made a considerable progress in almost seven decades of Independence, but esponse-ability is the emotional safety? So what would they still have several challenges to face. It is ability to respond rather that look like in real life situations? ironical that a country, which has recently than react in a situation. “We are not The next time you get into a acclaimed the status of the first Asian country RThis is a choice we can exercise in conflict situation, a situation that to accomplish its Mars mission in the maiden our life. More often than not we responsible for the can be emotionally intense, either attempt, is positioned at the 29th rank among are caught in excuses, blame or at work or at home, remind 146 countries across the globe on the basis of circumstances; we Gender Inequality Index. withdrawal, because ordinarily yourself that you have the choice Swami Vivekananda has quoted: “There is “responsibility” means duty, are response-able to pick your response, it need not no chance for the welfare of the world unless doing things the way you are be the habitual “flight or flight” the condition of women is improved. It is not expected to do them by people in the face of your reaction. The “fight-flight” possible for a bird to fly on only one wing.” around us or because of the reaction is programmed to come The inclusion of “Women Empowerment’ as “rules of the society”. circumstances.” up when we experience something one of the prime goals in the Millennium The power to respond is a outside of us as life threatening. Development Goals underscores the relevance defining feature of humanity. Our However, when we face an of this fact. Therefore, in order to achieve the response-ability is a direct emotionally intense situation, the status of a developed country, India needs to expression of our freedom & our when we face survival threats. reason for the strong emotion is transform its women force into an effective empowerment. Being human is However, the amygdala cannot not outside, it is inside us. For human resource which is only possible being response-able. It is the distinguish between physical and example: having a difficult through the empowerment of women. ability to consciously and conversation with a colleague or Women should also realize that they do not perceived threats. So, we end up deliberately choose our responses exercising “fight or flight” even in your partner, you may be anxious take undue advantage of the special treatment with intention and care. We are not but that is not caused because of or the laws that are made to prevent situations where we do not have responsible for the circumstances; any threat to our physical safety. your colleague, it is because you discrimination against them and to ensure we are response-able in the face of need this conversation to be that they have freedom and equality at par In essence, we seek our “emotional your circumstances. safety” through “fight or flight” respectful and meaningful. This with men. Though we are response-able, understanding will bring you into There are several NGOs that work for the which is definitely not sustainable we tend to be in a place of reaction and creates a downward spiral. the state of response-ability. cause of women empowerment. Some have many times. This is a Start exercising your response- been featured in this issue for your reading. Would you like to consider physiological process caused by connecting to your ability to ability. Enjoy the freedom coming Marie Banu the amygdala in the emotional part respond, in other words, “rest- from that. of the brain. The amygdala offers digest”, to meet your needs of us the capacity for “flight-fight”

Yours Energetically

Ms. Bhuvaneshwari Ravi is trainer, facilitator and coach of the Positive Energy (PE) program. She is a Editorial spiritual seeker with a vision of transforming her own energy state from surviving to being. In this journey she has gathered deep insights and is continuously working towards creating a pathway for more seekers. With years of exposure to spiritual practices like yoga, reiki, and personal development interventions like Latha Suresh coaching, she is working in the Organization Development and Leadership Development space. She can be contacted at [email protected] for arranging Positive Energy training and Marie Banu Coaching sessions. Conversations Today•March 2017 Alumni Talk 3 Women Empowerment to Social Development

raditional and cultural barriers have discouraged women in many areas. By overcoming these barriers, Tsome women have managed to achieve and emerge as leaders. Ms Haleema Begam, Founder of Rojavanam Arakkattalai in Tindivanam district, Tamil Nadu has confronted several struggles to be what she is today. Born in Ulagapuram village at Tindivanam district, Haleema was brought up in Chennai and Pondicherry, as the family had to move between these cities to suit their business. “My father owned a printing press and also dealt with iron scrap merchandise. We had a comfortable standard of living, but as we had to adhere to traditional gender roles, I could not pursue my studies beyond class 10 earlier,” says Haleema who completed her B.Com degree two years ago. “I am happy with the social skills and exposure that I gained while studying Diploma in Arabic in Trichy. Without that, I would not have gained self-confidence,” she adds. As was the practice in her Muslim community and also a popular social norm, Haleema got married at the age of 18. Marriage brought her to Chennai once again and the cultural dynamics in the city inspired her to get of borrowing and repayment,” promised cash incentives on completion of engaged in a job where her she elaborates. the programmes, Haleema did not plan her presence and skills were This led Haleema to establish training as a revenue generation model. looked forward to. But, she ‘Rojavanam Arakkattalai’ in Instead, she conducted 3 batches free of could not pursue her dream 2014 to ensure that women who cost, with 20 women in each batch. The due to her husband’s ill health borrowed through SHGs used women after training kept requesting her and as she had to relocate to the funds to create self- for job opportunities and thus came the Tindivanam. employment opportunities. launch of a garment unit in August 2016, At Tindivanam, Haleema She formed 10 SHGs and her with six power machines, all pooled in became an active member of a prior experience helped her through personal investment. Once again, Self-Help Group. Her active sail through these stages she was beset by challenges as there were engagement led her to become without any hindrance. only few orders and sustaining the garment the coordinator of the SHG However, almost all these unit was difficult. In the meantime, as she very soon. “I saw the groups failed to invest in got to interact more often with the differences that SHGs could savings as they only used the community members, she succeeded in make in the lives of women and group as a source for forming 50 self-help groups, that are now their families as it did for me borrowing funds. “My plans took a pause ready to be engaged. Haleema dreams of too! Socio-economic status of and I was almost going to give up. It was introducing interest free micro loans for the SHG families eventually and home with perfect balance, even then a friend referred me to CSIM. I these women. “This is my mission in changed. Witnessing women overcome denying the promotion that came her way. pursued PG Diploma in Social Initiative life. I know it is difficult, but this can be their financial crisis steadily instilled faith “I gained confidence. I learnt to socialise and Management. This was the right place very effective”. in micro-finance. I wanted to extend more with all women. I made a lot of friends for me. Undeterred by all obstacles, Haleema support to my community,” she explains. within bank circles who motivated me to “The course not only allowed me to continues to plan her next steps with more Impressed by her work and start my own NGO and work with SHG learn NGO management and engage in a diligence than before. She has developed a commitment, Mathura Micro Finance women,” she says. bigger network, but I evolved as a stronger project with six components – education, Private Limited decided to recruit While many women availed loans person. I had new ideas and felt motivated. agriculture, environment, law, substance Haleema as their Coordinator. Haleema’s through micro-finance scheme, Haleema I could place micro-finance within the abuse, women and children—which will work with the SHGs convinced her family observed that 96% did not utilise the funds bigger frame of social development and help communities evolve as conscious about her interest and capacity in handling for the reason they had borrowed for. “An was able to see the continuum between decision makers. “Social and Knowledge such a huge responsibility. As it was isolated focus to reach, with no interest in women’s empowerment and social Capital are two things that can redefine the uncommon for a lady in her community to the actual outcome, disturbed me. Money development,” she says. course of development in a community. play this role, she had to face a lot of was always in the hands of men, who most Having learnt tailoring at a very young Utilisation of services will improve along challenges. “I had to reassure that I knew of the time, do not feel responsible for age and her husband being a mechanic in with the demand to seek them, ushering in what I was getting into, and that I will be repayment. Every time I went to the the same field, Haleema decided to start a accountability from both ends—service working only with women,” she says. community for collection, women made training centre for underprivileged women providers and service users,” says Before taking up this job, Haleema only me wait and went about mobilising the and adolescent girls at Rojavanam Haleema, dreaming of a balance emerging knew a garment shop in Dindivanam. As amount for that month’s payment, from the Arakkattalai’s office, thereby putting the from these dynamics that will promote the circumstances forced her to earn and same informal sources, that the micro- office space to a new use. social development inherently. feed her family, she transformed into an finance programme intended to eliminate. As women were speculative about the enterprising woman, who managed work Women were pushed into a vicious circle vocational training programmes that also —Shanmuga Priya.T

Centre for Social Initiative and Management (CSIM) is a unit of Manava Seva Dharma Samvardhani. Please visit www.csim.in for more information. 4 Events Conversations Today•March 2017 CSIM Annual Convocation

SIM Chennai organised its 15th Annual Convocation S.No Course Details Total on Saturday, 25th January, 2017 at 11:00 AM at its Students Chennai Office premises. Shri. G. S. Sundararajan of ShriramC Group was the Chief Guest for the event and Smt. 1 CSIM Alapakkam Post 15 Graduate Diploma in Social Uma Maheswari, Head of the department of Sociology, MOP Initiative & Management Vaishnav College for Women was the Special Guest. (PGDSIM) Smt. Uma Maheswari gave the Welcome Address and Shri. G.S. Sundarajan delivered the Convocation address and 2 Queen Mary’s College - 43 conferred the PG Diplomas and Diplomas upon our 262 PGDSIM Prospective Social Entrepreneurs. He also released CSIM 3 LIVE Loyola - CSIM - Post 6 Annual Newsletter ‘Prajyoth’. Graduate Diploma in Social Shri. P.N. Subramanian, Chairperson - CSIM Governing Enterprise Management Council, presented the Annual report and Smt. Latha Suresh, (PGDSEM) Honorary Director, delivered the Vote of Thanks. CSIM 4 Social Entrepreneurship 60 Academic and Governing Council Members, CSIM Faculty Outlook Programme and Alumni besides several other college students and well (SEOP) wishers attended the event. 5 Stella Maris College - SEOP 23 6 Madras School of Social 25 Work - Social Enterprise Skill Lab 7 Sri Kanyaka Parameswari 55 Arts and Science College for Women - Social Connect Programme 8 Shri Shankarlal Sundarbai 35 Shasun Jain College for Women - Social Connect Programme Total 262 Conversations Today•March 2017 Events 5 Convocation Address by Shri G. S. Sundararajan of Shriram Group SIM has been doing yeoman Where are these Level 5 Leaders in the Slowly, but steadily, Shri. Thiagarajan service to the cause of Social field of Social Entrepreneurship who, by grew Shriram Group’s businesses from an entrepreneurship and its offshoot, their sheer dint of indefatigable insignificant Used Commercial Vehicle SocialC Impact. I have been involved in commitment and sustained period of work Financing outfit to a 90,000 crore financial some way or the other with CSIM for over have created a huge positive difference in conglomerate today. All of this was done 10 years now and I am extremely proud of the lives of people around them and of with a single-minded devotion to serve what they continue to do in these areas and course to the community at large. I am only the un-derserved and the deprived more particularly in the Indian context. going to give you 2 standing examples of strata of our society. I am going to talk about what what I such tall personalities. One who I have The path to Shri. Thiagarajan’s success believe is Social Entrepreneurship, who never met but who I have read about and was obviously not devoid of stumbling are some of the role models in this field heard of and personally seen the impact he blocks; be it the lack of resources to grow and of course will conclude by giving my has created, and the other with whom I his used truck finance businesses in the small bit to you all on what is the single have worked for the last several years. initial years, or the jaundiced eye with most important driver of Social The first person is none other than the which rating agencies like CRISIL used to Entrepreneurship. these business men get carried away by the Founder of CSIM, Shri. P N Devarajan. look at the Shriram business model or even Being engaged in any business activity Laabh objective and do whatever it takes Shri. Devarajan demonstrated the Reserve Bank of India’s subtle fulfilling any common need, even if this is to achieve that Laabh. But this is not the throughout his life how we can do very negativity about Shriram’s businesses in a latent need, is Social Entrepreneurship. case in Social enterprises as their well by doing good to others. While the 90’s. None of these deterred Shri. This activity need not necessarily be only primary focus is always to Do Good and Chemical Engineers are generally Thiagarajan from driving the group in Sanitation, Health, Education or Skill this differentiates Social involved in building processes and designs towards the ultimate goal of creating a development. It can also be in Entrepreneurship significantly from in the industry they work, Shri. Devarajan, significant positive difference to the Transportation, Communication or even other Entrepreneurs. Which is why the quint-essential Chemical Engineer communities we are serving. Time and Entertainment. As long as there is a Social Entrepreneurship commands the believed in complete transformation and again he would urge his teams to ask only significant Social impact that can be natural respect of the Community! permanent positive change—the big one question before embarking on a new measured and constantly improved upon, If this is indeed my understanding of difference from the other run-of-the-mill activity—“Is this good for the it is Social Entrepreneurship. Obviously, Social Entrepreneurship, what are the key chemical engineers, Shri. Devarajan community?” He would say that profits Social Impact comes only when there is a characteristics of Social Entrepreneurs? accomplished these in the cause of our will automatically come. focus and thrust to serve the un-served or Anyone with a powerful idea who society through sustained social More importantly Shri. Thiagarajan under-served in these areas and ensuring combines his/her vision with real world development. He has been a great leader- a thrived on creating and building that profit is not the only motive. It is quite problem solving creativity becomes a Level 5 leader- inspiring people around partnerships and ensuring that the clear to me that unlike starting any Path-breaker. In such a person there is him to push themselves and in turn their prosperity of the partners was primary to enterprise and trying to make profits and always Radical thinking and most of the company to greatness. He has lead by the growth of the Shriram Group. So much provide returns to stakeholders by hook or time this is contrarian thinking for the example both in his business and in Social so, Shriram Group catapulted itself to the by crook, Social enterprises operate with a people around. Such kind of people make work. I have always been amazed at the dominant position it is today and broke the huge bias on Social benefit and Social markets work for them (and not the other various dimensions of “Giving” that he has myth that if you focus only on the Impact as the primary determinants of way around) and insists on gaining emulated and at the extraordinary life he community you will remain small. their success. immense strengths from a wide network of has led to bridging the huge social divides I would like to share this verse by H W Commercial profitability is subservient Alliances and Partnerships. As these path- that exist in our society. Shri. Devarajan Longfellow. “Lives of great men still to Social impact for these enterprises. In breakers focus on doing good to the gave a real meaning to Dalai Lama’s remind us, we can make our lives sublime, short, Social enterprises certainly have the community they are always full of words, “We must each lead a way of life and departing, leave behind us Footprints objective of ‘Doing well’ but with the sole Humility. There is a book titled: “Good To with self-awareness and compassion, to do on the Sands of Time”. Lives of Shri. means of Doing Good to the community Great” where the author prescribes various as much as we can”. In fact I am convinced Devarajan and Shri. Thiagarajan are such around them and the Society at large. qualities that differentiates the different that Marie Banu’s book on Shri. Devarajan examples of people whose footprints will I am sure you have seen business people levels of Leaders. The highest level, will be more appropriate to be titled “Path guide every other follower to lead an in many industries and communities who according to the author, is Level 5 and Breaker” instead of “Path Finder”. inspired and purposeful life. insist on starting the day or the new year the only quality that differentiates the The other person I wanted to mention I would like to conclude with with this twosome—Shubh and Laabh. Level 4 leader from a Level 5 Leader is here to all of you is Shri. Thiagarajan, the Upanishads: “We are what our deep inside There is no Laabh without Shubh even for Humility. Successful Social Founder and architect of the Shriram desire is; as is our desire so is our dream; as the normal businessmen. It is an Entrepreneurs, by definition, therefore Group. Shri. Thiagarajan is a statistician is our dream so is our deed; and as is our expression of their intent to do good and are all Level 5 Leaders. by qualification and was working with the deed so is our destiny.” I am sure that each then do well, that is why Shubh comes first All these may look like theory which is Insurance Industry in his initial years. Like of you will create your own destiny and before Laabh. But as all of us know perhaps extremely good to read and hear. all great enterprises, Shriram Group had its inspired by the desire to Doing well by intention is not as good as the act. Many of What about its practical applicability? humble beginnings way back in 1974. Doing Good.

Centre for Social Initiative and Management

entre for Social successful business Contact Persons: CSIM also facilitates Social Initiative and practices and yet retain Accounting and Audit for Management their social mission. Ms. Marie Banu, Dr. Madhuri. R, social enterprises, CSR (CSIM)C is a unit of Manava It also offers training and Head, Coimbatore, projects, and NGOs Director, Chennai Seva Dharma Samvardhani. hand holding support to @ 9884700029 @ 9840222559 through Social Audit It is a learning centre that prospective social Network, India (SAN, promotes the concept of entrepreneurs and enable Mr. Ramesh Balasundaram Mr. Anand G Adsul, India). social entrepreneurship. them to launch their social Director, Bangalore Head – Devrukh, CSIM offers training and initiatives. @ 9845211311 @77580 28270 For further information, consultancy to social For more information, please call: Ms.Latha enterprises – for-profits please visit our website Mr.K L Srivastava, Mr. Sandeep Mehto, Suresh, Director, SAN, and non- profits – to www.csim.in Director, Hyderabad Head – Hosangabad , India @ 92822 05123. facilitate them to apply @ 9912656112 @ 96696 77054 www.san-india.org 6 Cover Story Conversations Today•March 2017 Conversations Today•March 2017 Cover Story 7 Re-introducing Women’s Rights

he understanding of women Eight such Yatras over a period of 15 The number of women who volunteered initiatives that intended to consistently services and access to credit, women were empowerment is, no doubt, years gave SMS the foundation to to work with SMS increased manifold; all update our society on emerging issues in far behind in socio economic parameters. continuously evolving. So are the advocate for specific initiatives. One of them wanted to help improve the lives of the realm of women’s rights. Since 1987, SMS felt that working with these women Tnew challenges as women make their such notable event is the signature vulnerable women. While still engaged in a SMS has been publishing a Marathi cannot only help promote the vision of presence felt in various domains, where campaign in 1989 where 40,000 women formal employment, these women took magazine to achieve this objective. While solid waste management, but also women’s presence was not even thought of participated to request the Government time out to strategise interventions and the literates could read this magazine, SMS contribute to conservation of environment. earlier. As women march ahead, breaking of Maharashtra to introduce a policy to reach out to women from all strata. made sure that illiterates also had the Women waste pickers were trained on gender stereotypes, there is also a huge provide creches at the workplace for the Domestic Violence complaints were access to the same information through All basic protection and hygiene. After body of work going on simultaneously, benefit of young mothers. addressed through different strategies like India Radio broadcasts and other means. registration and training, women were conscientising and preparing society to Communicating critical messages was family counselling. Adolescent Engaging men in brought together, either through a self-help welcome these developments. Established an art and SMS managed to do it in their sensitisation women empowerment group or waste cooperative or micro-credit in 1975, Stree Mukti Sanghatana (SMS) in own style in every campaign. The first of programmes were has reached a group, and then capacitated to make profits Mumbai has been an important part of this its kind ‘Cultural Troupe’ was formed to also organised to consensus now; it is from their businesses. They were also journey, in the state of Maharashtra. present messages on women’s issues influence gender also being taken up as trained in alternative skills like gardening, Founded by seven friends who were through different forms of media. This is dynamics among a policy directive in bio-methanation and vermin-culture. moved by the situation of women the only Cultural Troupe in our country that students. SMS also some states. SMS was Assistance in developing business plans oppression in the country, SMS did not has been functioning for over 35 years, opened day care able to demonstrate was also provided. gain acceptance easily. “We wanted all reaching out to every section in the society. centres to take care of the impact of men Promoting zero waste practices was the women to receive facilities and “Access to education is not the children of engagement as early next big step to engage these women waste opportunities as we did. People laughed at empowerment. Similarly, lack of access to working mothers, so as 1980s. “Men from pickers with an institutional set up. Having this thought,” reminisces Ms Jyoti education does not mean that marginalised that their career our audiences demonstrated the impact of biogas plants, Mhapsekar, one of the Founder Members cannot be educated or sensitised on social aspirations were not volunteered to work Parisar Vikas is now trying to focus on of SMS. Conceptualised as a voluntary issues. Society, despite its heterogeneity, side lined by new with us for the composting and bio-gas production at the organisation to help vulnerable women, must be able to comprehend situations and responsibilities for the benefit of vulnerable household level. SMS’ first task was to sensitise the emulate change, and if possible, at each of child. All along, the women, supported by SMS. We Having been with SMS since its community and encourage women to seek their levels,” Jyoti explains. use of theatre, music and publications on were never against men,” says Jyoti, also inception, Jyoti tries to put women help from different sources. “The first Being pioneers in the field, SMS is women’s issues, not only improved gender informing about the school level empowerment in perspective. “SMS girls’ school in Maharashtra was approached by other autonomous perceptions, but also helped Jyoti and her sensitisation programmes that led to dreams to see a gender just society. I may introduced in 1848. We still have illiterates organisations to help design campaigns team understand feminism. positive gender attitudes in some districts not live to see it, but we all must know that and a huge number of drop outs in our and also prepare educational material on “Over the years, our understanding of of Maharashtra. Apart from the strategies areas of focus under women empowerment country. It was bound to be a long journey,” women’s issues. The relevance and feminism has improved. We see the same discussed above, SMS initiated an is a dynamic frame. We have come a long says Jyoti, in a reflective tone. Explaining effectiveness of materials (songs authored change in our society as well. There are two exclusive project of the time – Parisar way since 1975 and change in contexts further, she says that rape and dowry were by the women at SMS, articles published landmark cases that redefined rape laws in Vikas, in 1998 with the cooperation of need not be mistaken as being regressive. the two big issues then, that affected the and also, their magazine) were evident our country – Mathura case and Nirbhaya Municipal Corporation of Greater Bombay New forms of patriarchy have emerged and wellbeing of women in the society. from the way they were extensively used case. Then and now, the significant (MCGB). so has the resistance of women. A lot of SMS established its first counselling by other like-minded organisations. One of difference is the participation of men in the Noting that waste picking is a caste and work is happening. We only have to be centre in 1985. Presently, there are 10 their plays - ‘Mulagi Zali Ho’, meaning girl latter. Feminism is no longer confined to gender based activity of urban poor, SMS positive and supportive throughout. Happy centres spread across seven districts in is born, written by Jyoti became a huge what women perceive,” says Jyoti, a also recognised that most of them came Women’s Day!” she signs off. Maharashtra. Besides counselling services with over 3000 performances. This play recipient of the Nari Shakti Puraskar award from female headed households and were for the affected women, self-reliance was was translated into eight languages and in 2016. socially marginalised. Working without —Shanmuga Priya.T promoted through vocational guidance and was also performed by other organisations While theatre and music ensured any form of protection, lack of bargaining employment opportunities, so that they are in their respective project areas. spreading awareness, there were other power along with inadequate health economically independent. SMS has organised many large scale awareness campaigns on women’s issues across Maharashtra and India, that had a remarkable impact in the society. Their first play “Ha Prashnacha Chukicha Aahe!” meaning “The question in itself is wrong!” was produced in 1979 and highlighted problems faced by working women. SMS’s awareness campaigns, known as Yatras, were spread across 10-15 days, where around 50 volunteers came together and enacted performances, organised structured conversations with the audience, used presentations to educate them on health issues, violence and harassment, and also displayed their range of publications. These progammes gave an opportunity for the villagers to observe similar messages through different media over a longer period of time, thus influencing a change in their attitude and behaviour. 8 Trendsetters Conversations Today•March 2017 What is the role of funders in social impact matters? “He who pays the piper calls the tune”—An old British saying The saying is said to emphasise that the person who is paying someone to do something can decide how it should be done.

his above saying is widely used and too bogged down in filling out output, often in connection with funders outcome and impact boxes that we miss and investors – those that provide the point of how a community-based Tfunds to enable social economy organisation can have a wider impact on organisations to get on and do things that local and active citizenship – with all the have social or community benefit. socialistic, caring, roles and There is a fine dividing line between responsibilities attached to that. those that provide the financial resources So, having said all this – what’s to be and those organisations that carry out the done? I met a representative from a large work. How much right have funders in funding organisation in Scotland dictating what the work should be, who recently. They stressed listening, should do it, how it should be done and partnership, exchange, trust, openness… how should the benefits be reported and I agreed with them. But the back? It is not an easy and relationship is often precarious – but straightforward relationship, as often the here goes with some suggestions: funders are not always fully aware of the • trust is often quoted glibly but it is context, do not always understand the crucially important as the basis difficulties in the delivery of services, between a funder and a recipient. and, at times, can get overly involved in The thing about trust is that it takes how the delivery organisation is time and shared experience to build managed and how it reports. up and, unfortunately, can be At times, those that provide the money broken easily and suddenly; can over step the mark. I used to work with • linked to trust is for both parties to overseas aid organisations and UK adopt a more enlightened attitude to Government departments that provided failure. If funders recognised and much of the funding in the 1980s and they accepted failure, more risks can be used to dictate to the aid organisations taken, new things tried, and which consultants they should use, what As the UK currently appears to be • when it comes to reporting back on importantly learning can result suppliers they should buy from and so on. turning its back on Europe and aping the the difference made by the from failed attempts; In a benign way, this may have been meant culture and traditions of the United States, recipients of the funds are we really • if possible, funders should be less to be helpful; but at worst it could be seen we are placing more emphasis on reporting on the ‘right’ things and prescriptive in how an organisation as interfering and dictatorial. philanthropy as a substitute for state the real change that has happened or reports on the difference it is In the distant past when I worked for a funding – especially in areas of social and just on a bunch of targets making. Of course, some community enterprise support community change. Personally, I feel this So now turning to social impact. In the parameters need to be set down and organisation in Scotland we received a is a very worrying trend as economically Social Audit Network we believe that the agreed but the contextual situation grant from the local council. Each year we successful individuals are now resorting to monitoring and evaluation process should should be understood fully by both were expected to report on how the money use the profit they have gained from be owned and controlled by the parties; had been spent. They trusted us to deliver neoliberal business practices in doing organisation. Without doubt, the recipient • there is also an issue over size and beneficial impacts arising from how the ‘good’. Often, they will want to give of funds should report back to a funder on familiarity. Generally, those money had been used. ‘something back’ through redistribution to what has been done with the money and providing funds want to deal with Over the past ten years the situation has those less well-off. There is nothing what difference has occurred – but the larger organisations with changed dramatically. Organisations in intrinsically wrong with this, but the control of the evaluation should be recognisable ‘business’ systems and receipt of funding are now asked to nature of the relationship between the empowering the organisation and not procedures. This is often to the provide proof of the positive differences philanthropic funder and the recipient undermining it by funders pushing for only exclusion of smaller organisations. that they have made – and, on top of this, requires more open understanding. their agenda to be addressed. This tension around ‘size’ will not the funders themselves are increasingly There are a number of factors that can We argue that accounting for social and go away especially when neoliberal getting involved in how an organisation considered in understanding this community change is an integral part of economic systems measure success reports on its social and community relationship: what a social economy organisation by how much entities have ‘grown’. impact. This may be very positive but I • funders often want to fund should be doing. And perhaps more There may be a way of getting feel it is important to understand that there organisations that are familiar to controversially, we feel that funders are round this – but I am not sure what it is now a shift in the relationship between them in what they do, and how they just one of a number of stakeholder groups is… funders and the recipients – and that this practice that have to be reported to… They are Finally, and to go back to the quote at the shift may not be entirely positive. • funders are sometimes remote from often highly influential stakeholders but beginning – arguably ‘he’ in the saying It comes down to who actually is the sharp end of delivery. What do should not be dominant. should learn from social economy guiding the social and community they really know of juggling social Another important element to reporting organisations how to play the pipes and change. Should it be funders with often and business objectives, of having on social impact, is that mechanistic and learn the tune before putting his hand in limited staff most of whom have to lay people off, of struggling to highly structured impact reporting can the funding pocket. distribution and monitoring roles? Or make ends meet? miss the point. —Alan Kay should it be the delivery organisations • funders will often talk of working in I read an article from Australia recently Co-Founder, who know the social and community partnership. But is it really a called The politics of social impact: ‘value Social Audit Network , UK needs, the local situations and the way partnership when one partner for money’ versus ‘active citizenship’. The needs can be addressed? wields financial power over another author, Jenny Onyx, argues that we can get Conversations Today•March 2017 Profile 9

The aim for AIDWA is to intervene in all possible stages and promote objectives of A Hand to Grow democracy, euqlity and fraternity. oday’s society is replete with a number of challenges that women have to contend with, in all walks Tof life. These include but are not restricted to issues such as exploitation, sexual harassment, child sexual abuse and honour killings, to name a few. “These issues are being experienced by women not just in homes, but in open spaces, schools, colleges and at the workplace,” explains P Sunganthi, General Secretary, All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA). “We’ve observed that perpetrators of these crimes feel that they will not be questioned,” she continues, “There is a notion that they can threaten victims with force, and that children would not protest on account of fear an humiliation.” For several years, the CPI(M)’s women wing, AIDWA, has taken up issues like these on a war-footing, and tackled it efficiently. “We conduct awareness campaigns for the benefit of school and college girls, and do that without even identifying as a political party-affiliated organisation,” says Suganthi, “Remember institutions are against any political intervention as such. Hence, it is but imperative that a proper awareness in terms of political platform as a source should be created among them.” But it’s not just this that the organisation is restricted to, in its activism against social injustice. “Our agricultural labourers — daily wage earners, minority and marginalized section of women, self-help group entitled to exercise their right to select The issue of domestic violence is discrimination and other malpractice. for women and dalit women — are also their life partner, they are not allowed to another major problem being faced by which also we join hands with their some people we work for,” says do so, in reality,” says Suganthi, “In the the women of today. “Addiction to liquor womenfolk and create necessary Suganthi, “There is an acute drought at name of tradition and custom as is the basic cause, which has not spared awareness by way of organizing the moment with no harvest in sight. Due enshrined in the age-old code of Manu, even children and old people,” Suganthi different propaganda through different to this situation, farmers are forced to they are mercilessly killed, leave alone says, “We have so far provided means.” undergo an untold amount of suffering.” ostracized from their clan. Thus, these counselling to nearly 6000 affected The aim for AIDWA is to intervene in As a consequence of situations like are the two most crucial problems that people throughout Tamil Nadu through all possible stages and promote these, farmers are subject to depression are being encountered by the women.” AIDWA. We have prepared charter of objectives of democracy, euqlity and and some sort of mental agony. Suganthi But the journey to social reform hasn’t their common demands and presented to fraternity. Thus, we endeavour our best says, “They (farmers) are not in a been easy. Facing practical constraints the Government for necessary remedial to intervene in all possible stages and position to settle their bank loans, and from family and relatives has been a action. Time and again, we have promote our common objectives of relief measures from the Government are challenge. “There’s the matter of late represented to the Government for democracy, equality and women neither adequate nor timely. Those who working hours, then there’s also the abolition of TASMAC shops. Last year emancipation from the clutches of have extended micro finance to them are question of raising your children, taking we staged closing down of nearly 118 exploiters. Our journey towards the ideal liberally resorting to the practice of care of our family, and.certain other shops through our Women’s Wing out of state of absolute democracy, equality engaging rogues to collect their dues problems that we need to tackle which our Government itself had among the women on a par with men from the rural people.” ourselves,” says Suganthi, “ When we virtually closed 38 shops.” with no discrimination on the basis of AIDWA on its part has managed to are necessitated to provide shelter and The NGO’s persistence has forced the caste, creed and financial status and rehabilitate these affected dalits and support to the forcibly separated couples, government to announce closure of a above all, their economic freedom in our stage protests for increasing minimum we have to face threats to our very life by hundred TASMAC outlets, so far, with nation, does continue. “It is doubtless number of working days from 100 to 200 the caste fanatics.” the hope that many more such that it requires a virtual revolution or days. “We have also been actively Suganthi claims that several of her prohibition-centric measures will be change of order to be brought about for lobbying to increase daily wages from volunteers in AIDWA have been introduced. “It is a real victory on this the sake of the oppressed women,” says Rs200 to Rs400, payable by the attacked by anti-social elements. “They front. We have also represented to the Suganthi, who continues, “Change is Government,” Sugnathi continues. But are forced to face false cases too. Besides Government for opening up only permanent and that is our Marxist even as one battle is currently being this, the local administrative rehabilitation and counselling centres in philosophy.” She signs off: “Everything fought, another one surrounding caste representatives also face tough the Government hospitals for the sake of will change and a safe and secure society bigotry and caste-based political challenges while discharging their the affected families,” says Suganthi, will certainly blossom in the days to violence, has also emerged. “This responsibilities,” she says, “Cases like who continues, “In addition to this, the come for the ultimate benefit of our problem is also increasingly happening Leelavathi’s gruesome murder are also dalit women are also put to various kinds women.” in Tamil Nadu, from time to time. While, being met with by the members of the of sufferings like sheer exploitation, as per law, both the boy and the girl are women’s association.” sexual harassment, caste-based 10 Spot Light Conversations Today•March 2017 Nruthya Bodhini – Musings of an Artiste 07 – Arengetrum- Blossoming self

here are several “selves” hidden ability to focus and aligned her thoughts in every team. Until each of and feelings. Having to keep the these ‘selves’ don’t totally audience entertained through an entire T performance by herself pushed Sadhana blossom and connect to the purpose, social entrepreneurial ventures become to integrate the movements with far-fetched. Most of them take to being emotions into seamless form of expression. One morning while she was a volunteer in a social organization. sipping her mother’s filter coffee, That seems to be the best proposition Sadhana chirped, “Amma, I have begun because it is usually a short-term to dream of the dance numbers these commitment - responsibility without the days! I have so many new ideas. pressure of being accountable and the Everytime I am alone, the songs keep euphoria of having given something playing in my head and I am able to that they wouldn’t otherwise or express better. I wonder why I never sometimes, simply a different day really thought about dance like this so from the daily doings. True social far. I am balance dance and college entrepreneurship doesn’t happen this easily now! It is so fulfilling and way. It calls for integration of the enriching.” Her mother smiled knowingly, hugged her and said, “Until purpose and self and that is the point dance does not become you, you don’t where the self begins to blossom. reach the hearts of the audience. There is “Sadhana, you are almost ready for no point in just reaching their eyes, its Arengetrum, your first solo the heart that counts, my dear. I am so This ability is experienced the minute they were planning for a huge Indian performance. A couple of months of happy this is happening to you and I see one is willing to leave their comfort wedding. It was also a significant event rigorous practice and you can do it!” what happened to music and me zone and move to being on their own for the dance school and teacher since Her teacher enthusiastically patted happening to you and dance.” Sadhana would be the first student in her Sadhana’s back. “Oh, will Amma agree and connect to the society and its The transition from being a volunteer issues deeply. class to do her Arengetrum. Everything to it? Am I truly ready to do it? What if to a social entrepreneur involves single- was meticulously planned and so many we don’t have the money for it right Three months flew by quickly – handedly taking both accountability and costumes, background score, lights, tiny hurdles that cropped up were now?” Sadhana contemplated as she crossed, keeping everything within the walked home from dance class. When responsibility for the society. The shift stage, and invites…whew! It felt like allows for one to build a bridge from the tight budget that they had for the event. she got home, she told her mother what Finally, it was the D–day. Sadhana’s the teacher had said. Amma listened micro cosmos to the macro cosmos. It entire family, relatives and friends carefully to Sadhana and calmly said, “I ignites empathy, resilience and bonding supported her with their presence. The know you will do it one day and I have that turns a dream into reality. The auditorium was filled with people saved up all my money over the last three process of this ignition is the real known and unknown, invited by her years for it. You know, my dear, it’s been transformation within. To own, family and friends. Her teacher was my dream to see you perform an entire adopt and experience the gleaming with hope and anticipation and show by yourself.” Sadhana was possibility of possessing an gifted her a new set of dance anklets as overwhelmed and touched. “Mom, how ability to make a difference her blessing for Sadhana. are you always prepared and organized? to others and therefore to “Just meditate, trust all your You never cease to amaze me!” Little did efforts and leave the results to Sadhana realise what an impact her oneself is what social entrepreneurship is about. God. Don’t worry, you will do mother’s actions had on her – she would well,” whispered Amma to a turn out to be just like her mother, an nervous Sadhana. “This is just action-based planner that achieved the beginning my dear and life everything she set out to do in the future. is large and long ahead. So She began training rigorously for her just do your best!” Rajam Arengetrum. She had class everyday in Mami, the elderly the morning and evening for two hours. knowledgeable violinist, said, The teacher choreographed new pieces blessing her. The performance for her. She was having a hard time went on for two and half hours with learning all of that and keeping up with college – after all, 24 hours never seemed to be enough. Sadhana found alternative ways to stay on top of it all by rehearsing in her mind while riding the bus to college and being ready for class every evening. This also sharpened her memory without her even realizing it. Her mind and body began to synchronize and work together as she rehearsed every moment she got. The regularity increased her Conversations Today•March 2017 Spot Light 11

a break for chief guest speech and in her daughter one day. That night, felicitation. Sadhana did her best and Amma and Appa slept with a deep it was a highly commendable sense of completion and fulfilment. performance. Her connect with the The journey had begun. inner dance and the blossoming of There is a time when all of us the self to invoke the art was highly experience oneness with the universe visible through the evening. The that throws open the sense of purpose audience stayed through the in life. More so is the life of a social performance and cheered with entrepreneur. Working alone to make applause and appreciation. The taste of appreciation and stage a difference to oneself and others enveloped and overwhelmed brings a deep connect when both the Sadhana. Her parents swelled up with micro and macro cosmos merge. pride and love for their little girl. Being able to identify it, recognise it Sadhana had become a known dancer and capture it is the most important to all her relatives, friends and other thing to do. Along with everything artists. There was a new identity that else comes the acceleration and had come into her life. This held brakes too. Being a social agent has higher significance than many other two dimensions; the contribution and identities that had existed so far. the joy of taking the path less There was a clear sense of transition traveled. Understanding both and from being a dancer to an artist. The outer song had connected itself to the what it leaves behind in the social inner song sowing a seed of purpose entrepreneur is a very important in Sadhana’s life. All she could tell revelation. Life has its own ways of herself before falling asleep that unfolding such nuances at the most night was “I know what I want to do appropriate time. Those who can and what I am born for now, thank connect to it will know what is you God.” Her mother had seen the happening and recognise the value of connect that was happening to the journey more than the lure of Sadhana on. Like every parent who is popularity that tags along. waits for the child to find their sense To be continued….stay of purpose and life ahead, Amma had connected… also wanted to see the artist blossom —Dr. Kalpana Sampath

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!""# 12 Chit Chat Conversations Today•March 2017 “I believe that India will be free of Maoism - in the present form.” Shri K.Vijay Kumar IPS shares with Marie Banu the possibility of India to be a naxal-free nation.

hri. K. Vijay Kumar is a former say, we should embrace than shun them. A officer in the Indian Police Service bad NGO is an oxymoron and an (IPS) and was the Chief of the occasional accident. But a bad apple has SSpecial Task Force that was behind the enormous negative capability to erase all killing of the notorious bandit Veerappan the positives of the rest. It’s like a rogue during Operation Cocoon of 2004. cop who erases the noble toil of his peers Shri. Vijay Kumar joined the Indian in one wrong move. Police Service on 10 November 1975. He served as Assistant Superintendent in You present role in providing security Pattukkottai, Trichy and Sembiam. As and development in the Naxal-affected Superintendent of Police, he served in States. Do you think that it is possible Dharmapuri from 1982 to 1983 and Salem for India to be a naxal-free nation? from 1983 to 1985. He assisted Mr. Walter Devaram IPS during this tenure. He I’d prefer to use the word ‘maoist, than served from 1985 to 1990 in the Elite ‘Naxal’. Special Protection Group (SPG) with I can’t fix a deadline but things are former Prime Minister Shri. Rajiv getting better with a 4-prong strategy of Gandhi. In 1990, he was posted as the ‘security - development- rights & better SP of Dindigul district followed by information’. The thumbnail is in 2016, Vellore district in 1991. He dealt with Maoist violence was 40% less than the Bus conductors and drivers’ strike previous year’s. I believe India will be free with a firm hand. of Maoism - in the present form. But the In 1991, he went on to form the Special movement may morph. There are too Security Group (SSG) to provide security many pockets of angst that can be tapped. to Former Chief Minister Jayalalitha. In My take is: their philosophy of armed 1997, he was posted as the first Inspector rebellion does not gel with a democracy - General of Police for the South Zone after even an imperfect one-is a better fit for a having handled the caste clashes in the heterogeneous society such as ours (than southern districts. He served from 1998 to disruptive Maoism). Maoists’ narrative 2000 as the Inspector General, Border stands on the conflation of indigence, Security Force (BSF) Srinagar during the exploitation and injustice down the ages. I peak of militancy. He also served as IG feel this entitles a very compassionate and (Operations), BSF before being recalled positive discrimination but certainly not to the state to head the operations to hunt weaponising the deprived. Minus his gun, the forest brigand Veerappan. a Maoist may be ok. In December 2001, he was appointed Commissioner of Police, Chennai. The Your thoughts about honor killing and highlight of his career came was when he how it can be resolved? headed the task force operation, Operation Cocoon that killed the forest brigand Honor killing is abominable practice, Veerappan in October 2004. doesn’t fit into a modern world. Social In 2008, Shri. Vijay Kumar was chosen engineering, which is usually done by to head the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel education (social awareness) or National Police Academy in Hyderabad. Your recent book ‘Chasing the You have mentioned that the proceeds enforcement (by enacting a law) is a He served as the Director General of Brigand’. How was it to relive the of the book will be donated to charity. must. Sati, child marriage, dowry were Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) moments of capturing Veerappan? Which of the present social issues are once ‘honourable’. Not anymore. So, to from 2010 to 2012. you most passionate about? stop honour killings, we need to educate In December 2012, the Union It’s a unique feeling for the mind and the concerned and also vigorously Government appointed Shri. Vijay Kumar body. I just have to close my eyes and I’ve no idea how much money this book enforce the laws. as Senior Security Adviser in the Home goose pimples will erupt. It’s vivid. I don’t would rake in, but that decision not to Ministry where he advises on security and hype when I say I can visualise the retain it was made soon after ops Cocoon. Your advice for IPS aspirants? development in the Naxal-affected States. climactic part- each of my boy’s perch, I’m looking at education & skill - He has been entrusted with the job of what all was going on. All the activities development in parts of his and STF turf. It’s not an easy job. If you like outdoor advising in deployment of the Central seemed dissected into mini- actions - for work, if you like to lead men 24x7 in armed police forces (CAPFs) in the LWE- instance an old couple who suddenly were What is your impression about NGOs in combat (of a different sort), if you like affected areas, besides overseeing heading towards us on mobike, at may be India? getting paid for being fit and looking smart coordination among the CAPFs and State 40 km speed, but it seemed an eternity, (in uniform) and want to try out ‘fair- police forces (SPFs) for counter- because they were cutting into our last 10 Like in most walks of life, amongst weather captaincy’, please join the (IPS) insurgency operations. minutes. Those moments, as I recollect NGOs too, there are the good, the bad and club. But over and above all these, one has In an exclusive interview, Shri Vijay now remain a strange mix of flash back the ugly ones - but mostly good. Luckily, to be a bit cerebral. Because, each year 5 to Kumar IPS shares with Marie Banu and fast forward. I’ve in the last chapter I’ve done business with the last mentioned 7 lakh people are jostling for a 100 IPS the possibility of India to be a naxal- tried somewhat to capture that mood. types. In Maoist - affected areas if they fill slots. IPS is one of the finest jobs ever. free nation. in governance - void in even small ways, I