The Future of MSS:

After more than half a century of work and achievements, Maharogi Sewa Samiti could rest on its laurels. Baba Amte, now approaching his nineties, is still the guardian of the organization's spirit and identity. His body can no longer keep pace with his still-inquiring mind. But in the hands of Baba's two sons, Dr. Vikas and Dr. Prakash Amte, and their wives, Dr. Bharati and Dr. Mandakini Amte, and many rehabilitated leprosy patients and other beneficiaries who play leadership roles at MSS, the future seems secure.

But, the organization also faces significant financial challenges ­ MSS has suffered from huge budget cuts due to the recession in the Indian economy. Though the government is responsible for a large portion of the expenses of running public schools and universities on the various campuses, most often, the funds are not received on time, and cannot cover even the most basic costs of all the students.

The other problem facing Anandwan, the largest MSS community, is demographics ­ the population is ageing and older, disabled members cannot contribute to the economic activities that previously ensured Anandwan's self-sufficiency. As MSS grapples with its financial difficulties, the organization is aware of the urgent needs of the disenfranchised people they serve. They constantly stretch their donations as far as possible and continue to innovate in every way possible. They hope to accomplish some ambitious work in the future:

Rural Youth Villages:
Establish youth villages to expand occupational and vocational training for gainful employment of rural youth, thereby mitigating their need to migrate to over-crowded urban slums.

Agricultural Research & Training:
Share knowledge of improved agricultural production through improved seeds, better patterns of crop-rotation and inter-cropping, sustainable water table management, production of bio-mass, compost fertilizers, and wormiculture with farmers, and conduct research and experimental projects. Provide opportunities for on-the-spot demonstration and guidance to rural farmers.

Eco-friendly Construction & Architecture:
Promote MSS' own cost-efficient environment-friendly building materials and construction designs and invite scientists and researchers to study it and help with technical documentation.

Plastic Recycling:
Provide technological support, guidance and training, for recycling and novel profitable uses of non-biodegradable plastic and other waste.

Hemalkasa Project Expansion:
Improve the infrastructure and academic activities for education, medical treatment and improvement in the standard of living of the Madia Gond Tribals by constructing a separate hostel for girls, adding 11th and 12th classes and classrooms, expanding hospital facilities with updated equipment and drugs.

Sources:
Baba Amte, A Vision of New India, Hans Staffner, S.J.
Rajni Bakshi's, "Bapu Kuti : Journeys In The Rediscovery Of Gandhi". Baba Amte's Vanaprastha http://www.narmada.org/AMTE/vanaprastha1.html
Maharogi Sewa Samiti documentation generously provided by Dr. Vikas Amte

Back to Top