One does not inculcate hope in the clients that social workers serve. For social change to be significant and lasting, it must come from within people. This is the mantra of Annapurna Pariwar; this organization subscribes to the Chinese proverb that giving fish to a person feeds them that day but teaching them how to fish feeds them for life. Annapurna Pariwar is owned by and serves the most vulnerable residents of Pune and Mumbai's slums. In this way, the organization's programs and priorities are dictated by and constant needs assessments and the members themselves. This stood out to this author because it is unlike social programs in the United States where too often programming is done at the top rungs of an organization which may or may not include input from the clientele. The difference is stark as one sees the ownership and enthusiasm members of Annapurna exhibit.
There is much to be done for the urban vegetable sellers, seamstresses, domestic workers--among others--of Mumbai and Pune. Their vulnerability is unlike anything this author has observed elsewhere because their lived experiences are compounded by the effects of globalization, the caste system, patriarchy, language differences, and political inaction. Their plight is disheartening to see but stokes a fire within oneself to want to help.
From an American perspective, slum living conditions and quality of life is at least dismal if not revolting. At first look, it is difficult to see order in the chaos of everyday life and even harder to conduct a strengths-based assessment. However, it takes only a few minutes of reflection before the beauty of community togetherness surfaces. People here, though may be hungry and wanting of shelter, are grateful and happily interact with the people around them. Their lives are not constrained to accumulation of material goods but rather they develop and foster relationships with each other and visitors to their homes and neighborhoods. It is refreshing to see this type of happiness especially because it does not carry American need for material things to be happy and content.
Dr. Media Purao-Samant, the chairperson and long-time leader of Annapurna, reminds us that complicated problems such as those faced by slum-dwellers require complicated solutions. Her background in finance, statistics, and social work lent themselves to the success of this organization. An interdisciplinary approach is necessary in this type of work. It reminds oneself not to limit oneself to any single discipline or framework. Social workers can benefit from economists and entrepreneurs in working to alleviate societal ills. Moreover, the comprehensive schemes facilitated by Annapurna is indicative of the need to tackle social problems at multiple levels. Though micro practice is important, social workers cannot ignore the mezzo and macro levels of intervention. While Annapurna provides microloans to its members, it simultaneously takes care of their family and community by also providing access to day care centers and health insurance. Additionally, the research arm of Annapurna works to influence research literature and dissemination of information through regular scholarly publications provided to scholars, policy makers, politicians, and others.
It is clear that social problems require not only traditional interventions but also new approaches such as social entrepreneurship, and women empowerment especially in patriarchal cultures. Moreover, it is not enough to only deal with an individual client's needs, workers must also work to ensure that they have a sustainable livelihood. A piecemeal approach ignores the intersectionality of social problems and oppression and limits oneself to interventions that are limited in scope. Social entrepreneurship, as opposed to charity, works among poor people because it gives them the tools and skills necessary to live their lives according to their own wants and needs.
Despite the deep troubles experienced by the slum residents, there is plenty of hope because of organizations like Annapurna Pariwar and its members who tirelessly work to better not only themselves, their families, but also their communities.
Thank you Chris for summarizing this experience perfectly!!! It was such an amazing experience hearing her speak and realizing the power of social work. Sometime I feel that in our field, we may lose hope but she is a living fact that with perseverance and dedication we can make a difference! Your blog describes her struggle and determination and it would be great to share so others can find out the amazing work that can be done, even in the poor communities of India. Additionally, including the TED talk linking was super helpful!
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