Action Aid invites you to join the circle of love. Your compassion can make the world a better place. ActionAid India, an international development organization with its headquarters in UK has been working for the past 28 years in India with a focus on the alleviation of poverty levels in society.

This organization, which believes in putting poor people first, has been receiving funds from international sources and works in 30 countries. ActionAid has internationalised governanace and is today headed by an Indian from Bangalore, Mr.Salil Shetty, who was formerly India director. In India, it has its headquarters in Delhi and has 12 regional offices covering the poverty pockets of this vast country. Mr.Harsh Mander, IAS, heads it today. Two years ago, the need to sensitise and involve Indian individuals, corporates and the civil society led to the establishment of Action Aid India Society, which functions out of Bangalore.

Bangalorebest.com spoke to Nilima Rovshen, CEO-Operations, Action Aid India Society, on the activities and future plans of the Society.

How responsive and supportive have Bangaloreans been in Action Aid India Society's activities?
"Highly supportive! Today, the community is participating wholeheartedly in all our activities. For example, student volunteers from elite homes and families participated in repeated car wash activities in Bangalore and Bombay, which was a huge success! Every individual is interested in making a contribution in changing the lives of the poor and marginalised. People want to do something, but at the same time they want to be assured that their money goes to the right cause. We have also involved many Corporate houses whose employees spend their time in helping children and families improve their lives. Money is not always the only contribution an individual can make to the society."

On people's mistrust of NGO's
"Look, it is just a matter of building trust, as all partnerships can only work with common goals and objectives. Transparency and accountability are necessary and many NGOs provide this, as the Society Act itself requires annual accounts and annual reports to be filed. This document is available to every donor."

On the major milestones of Action Aid India Society in Bangalore
"ActionAid India Society works with ActionAid in all their campaigns for rights issues. One of the major campaigns that was successfully implemented was the food security project, wherein Farmers Jury was conducted to enable the farmers to decide on GM seeds. Funds from within India for Orissa super cyclone were mobilised by the Society very successfully and housing projects and cyclone shelters are moving towards completion."

On future projects
" We have recently produced a film on HIV/AIDS called "Ek alag mausam" which was released in the Mumbai Film Festival. The critics response was positive and it will soon be released in India and Internationally. The film is designed to reach the masses and give them a correct understanding of the subject .... it is all about living and celebration of life. It is a must for every individual in today's context."

Action Aid's vision is a world without poverty. This is not a distant dream, but a goal that can be realistically achieved. All it takes is the will to reach out to those in distress. All are welcome to join the fraternity of Action Aid.

Click here to know more about Action Aid's activities

For more information, contact:
Nilima Rovshen, Action Aid India Society,
Skip House, 3rd Floor,
25/1 Museum Road, Bangalore-560 025
Phone: 2224 0399/ 2299 0420/ 320
Fax: 2299 0420

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