ASHA: Only A Genius Can Keep India Poor

[vjohn <vjohn@cae.wisc.edu>]

Dear Friends:
 Dr. Parameswar Rao had given a very inspiring talk here
in Madison in May. Here is another opportunity to talk to him.
-Vinod

The Association for India Development, Milwaukee Chapter

Presents:  Only A Genius Can Keep India Poor

A Presentation by Dr. Parameswara Rao
August 7, 1999 at 3:00 PM
At The Yankee Hill Apartments, Milwaukee

About Dr. Parameswara Rao

Dr. Parameswara Rao, the founder of the Bhagavatula Charitable Trust (BCT) in
rural Andhra Pradesh, is among the foremost social entrepreneurs in India today.
Dr. Rao returned to India after obtaining a Ph.D. in Nuclear Chemistry from
the Pennsylvania State University in 1967 to his ancestral village of Dimili
to start a village school.

In his own words, "The objectives with which I had come to Dimili were :
1. To discern for myself whether India continues to have the genius of yore
 or whether that genius is no more
2. If India still has that genius whether it could be revived
3. Whether I could play any role in that rejuvenation if any were possible
4. Incidentally repay Dimili to the extent possible, the debt of our six
 brothers who were educated because of it."

Dr. Rao's efforts have been amply rewarded. His work grew into the NGO BCT
that works in 30 villages directly and influences hundreds of villages. A
model for holistic development, BCT is well known for work in reclaiming
wasteland, setting up income generating activities through village initiatives,
women's empowerment and education.  In doing so, he has developed a remarkable
understanding of the dynamics of rural India.

Come meet this remarkable person and hear his experiences helping India's
villages. The talk focuses on resources and efforts needed to achieve real
progress in rural India, followed by an informal discussion on the theme.

Directions:
From West (Madison, Waukesha, West Allis, New Berlin):

Take I-94E towards Milwaukee. Near downtown, take 794E towards lakefront.
Take exit to Jackson/Van Buren on 794 (comes on the left after exit to
Plankinton Ave.) Take Van Buren North (one-way) towards Milwaukee downtown.
Go past Wells and Kilbourne. At State St. (one-way) take a left. Yankee
Hill Apts. is between Van Buren and Jackson St.