Raghbir S. Basi

Income inequality in countries around the world is increasing. The trickle­-down strategies and piecemeal approaches to development are not delivering meaningful wellbeing to the people at the bottom of the economic pyramid. The masses are becoming restless; there is growing discontent and frustration.

I taught development courses at U.S. universities for over 30 years. It became clear that top-down efforts are not reaching the poor masses, especially in rural areas. After taking early retirement, my encore work is aimed at helping initiate bottom-up development to benefit the “left behind” people in the villages of India and, directly and significantly, make a difference in their lives through the creation of the Village Life Improvement Foundation.

For a start, I went to my ancestral village, Kharaudi, in district Hoshiarpur, Punjab. It is widely recognized that the sanitary conditions in the villages are deplorable. I held many deep discussions with people about their needs individually, in groups, as well as with the entire village community. Three needs stood out; underground sewerage, clean water availability to households, and better education for children. We formed a working Board consisting of influential villagers, making a plan of action and raising funds; and we went to work.

Results​: All households in Kharoudi are now connected with piped fresh water and an underground sewerage system, streets are paved for cleanliness, lights are installed for night­ time security, and three parks have been created, including one for children. Five computers are placed in the local primary school for computer literacy. Funds were raised from the villagers, especially the Diaspora in North America and Western Europe and the government of Punjab.

And a few new businesses have started:

● An individual has started a plumbing service and a shop with related hardware.

● An individual has started an electrician service and a shop with needed supplies.

● A family who had an old diesel engine lying around has started a “made to order” wood sawing enterprise for area furniture makers.

● A farmer has started growing Muesli for a European firm and has increased his income many folds.

● A number of other shops including a confectionary and soft drink shop, have sprung up.

My work has reaffirmed my belief that change has to be catalyzed within the community for sustainability; however, an outside change agent is critical (financially and otherwise) for it to be successful.

As for the value of experienced adults, I believe that the valuable knowledge one gains over a lifetime should be used to help solve the problems of our times and to benefit others.