Story of SAMAVESH

The idea of Samavesh had evolved over a number of years, through our experiences with development programs and debates within Eklavya. The team launching Samavesh had been part of Eklavya, and had received support to experiment, evolve and finally branch out as an independent organisation. Since the newly emergent group within Eklavya, initially called Centre for Planning and Development, had a long-term interest in development and governance, it was felt that a separate organization would best serve this purpose.

Main Objectives of Samavesh

• Studying and evolving systems and strategies for strengthening processes of participative development and democratic governance.
• Evolving strategies to support poor and deprived groups, especially dalits, tribals and women in rural areas to come together through social and economic organizations to strive for change.
• Promote and build capacities of community groups and local people as resource persons to lead and sustain changes in health, education, natural resources, improved agriculture, etc.
• Carry out studies and research in relevant fields to understand and evolve effective strategies for better governance and development.
• Samavesh believes in working closely with other groups and organisations striving towards similar objectives. In extending the outreach of socio-economic programs, special efforts are required to collaborate with the government as well as networks of NGOs.