Sandeep Pandey concludes successful visit to US/Canada - Raises awareness of issues facing India's marginalized poor
October 29, 2005


Noted social worker Dr. Sandeep Pandey, recipient of the 2002 Magsaysay Award and a co-founder of Asha for Education, recently concluded a four week tour of the US and Canada. He visited close to 20 cities, where he spoke about his on-going work in India in three broad areas - Grassroots Empowerment and Right to Information; Water rights and the Anti-Cola struggle; and India-Pakistan peace initiatives and denuclearisation of South Asia. The talks were very well attended by people from all walks of life, who showed a keen interest in the issues and engaged Dr. Pandey in constructive discussions. Consistent with Asha's commitment to send 100% of donations to projects, all costs were borne using personal contributions from individuals who support Dr Pandey's work. No donor money was used for any expenses associated with this trip. For more details, visit www.ashanet.org/pandey/visit2005

Dr. Pandey's unflinchingly principled and outspoken stands have attracted libelous attacks from individuals and groups ideologically opposed to his views. Anonymous emails and online postings discrediting him and organizations he is associated with, including Asha for Education, have surfaced in the recent past. Though these postings consist either of gross distortions or complete fabrications, for the benefit of our supporters, and for the record, Asha for Education has responded to these baseless allegations below.

Asha for Education is a non-political, non-religious group whose mission is to catalyze socio-economic change in India through the education of underprivileged children. We support over 150 projects located in all parts of India, that benefit a diverse range of communities. We however do not work with any group, or support any project, that discriminates against individuals based on religion, caste, sex, creed or any other criteria. We denounce violence in all forms and do not support any organizations or individuals that promote violence or terrorism. We are not connected with any political party/group in India or any other country.

Asha for Education is a decentralized organization with no internal hierarchies. All decisions are made in a democratic fashion. Therefore, no single person exercises control over any aspect of the functioning of Asha for Education including its mission, project selection process or project monitoring process. Though we may admire the work of Dr. Pandey and others in Asha India, their opinions do not influence Asha for Education's mission or vision any more than those of other committed Asha volunteers.

We take strong exception to the baseless allegations made against Dr. Pandey, and reiterate our faith in his commitment to non-violence and his support for the poor, irrespective of their religion. While we believe that the facts speak for themselves, we wish to reiterate that Sandeep Pandey, and Asha for Education denounce terrorism in any form. We are also committed to working with any organization that is apolitical, does not spread hate against any section of society and caters to people of all religious backgrounds and faiths.