Big plans for choti si ASHA

By Anuradha Verma

Jan 6, 2000

What do Shanmuga, who just completed his PhD from Princeton University, Sandeep, who did his from the University of California and former IIT Professor, Sheetal Sharma, textile designer and Mahesh, producer of Chyanvanprash have in common? In one word - Asha. Meaning hope, the organization was formed in 1991 in the US by Sandeep when he was still a research scholar. Initially dedicated to providing support to literacy programmes for the underprivileged children, iy is now working to cater various needs of society.

Today, according to Shanmuga, there are over 35 chapters in the US alone, with 250 active volunteers, who are involved in regular fund-raising activities, and over 500-600 volunteers who make sure thay attend the meetings and whose services are enlisted during projects. The organization also weeds out the genuine NGOs from the existing ones. Involving mostly students, the volunteers also include several executives from top-of-the-line firms. 'For instance, there is an IBM executive who devotes three hours per day to Asha,' says Shanmuga. That itself speaks volumes for the dedication that's called for. Shanmuga has been actively involved since the last year. For the next year-and-a-half, he has put all other plans on hold, and plans to work for Asha in Chennai. 'Sandeep has set up the base. I want to take the Asha philosophy further and make it show up at the larger level. There are so many things wrong with the system...like the rush for jobs.. I want us to be noticed so that in the long run, we can make a difference.'

Despite his family's 'ambivalence' towards his decision, Shanmuga, however, has no qualms choosing his vocation over a well-paying, cushy job in an MNC. 'It's like this. When I'm 60 years old, I want to feel that I've made a difference.' His parents, of course, want him to do what the 'others are doing.' And, he is not the only one. Asha has also shown the way for the return of many youth from the shores of America. ;There are many more who will be coming back.' Promises Shanmuga. 'Once you leave India, you realise there is so much that is good.' Such as? 'Relationships. With friends, with family...you miss this in the US.' Currently, on a tour of Asha Projects, he talks of a project dealing with the weavers of Benaras. This was one of the cases where they refused our funds. Now, we have to find out what they actually need...maybe help them set up cooperatives. During our visit, we also come across the exploitation by the mahajans, who have everything figured for themselves and send their kids to the best schools in the town, whereas the weavers' children work for them in dim lights.' Shanmuga, therefore, also plans to explore the possibilities of setting up Asha schools.

One such school is already functioning at Reoti village in Ballia. Mahesh, who earns his livelihood thorough chyavanprash, runs the literacy programmes in the village. 'Other than making chyavanprash, we also make other handicrafts to atract their attention, so later they can also pick up the skills,' he says. Asha volunteers are also engaged in the production of candles, incense sticks, handmade greeting cards, patchwork bed-covers and sarees to become self-reliant and ensure low cost education for the community.

(For more information call Sandeep at 347365 or through email at ashain@lw1.vsnl.net.in)