Giving back to society is not something everyone does. A couple with undying spirit and a vision for a brighter tomorrow; both have done some extraordinary work for society since the past two decades. Ramesh Aawsthi and Manisha Gupte are the founders of Mahila Sarvangeen Utkarsh Mandal (MASUM), an organization working on the issues of health, domestic violence, women's resource development and self-employment of rural and tribal people since 1987. This week, in a conversation with Great Bhet the couple talks about their journey as social-changers of society, tune in to Great Bhet on Saturday, 29th September 2012 at 9:30 pm only on IBN-Lokmat.
In the 1970s Manisha and her husband were part of the civil liberties movement in Mumbai. With a background on social work and strong socialist, Gandhian and feminist convictions, Manisha and her husband Ramesh Awasthi co-founded MASUM, an organisation working at grassroots level. Today, they have succeeded in making it a viable and autonomous organization that has provided for thousands of women in the rural areas, the instruments to empower themselves. Our rights are related to responsibilities. They encourage transparency, speak the truth, they have village based committees monitoring their work; they stand up against violence and for social justice. They have been able to create fearlessness among their staff, most of who come from discriminated groups. Their investment in the next generation and in creating strong and positive role models of leadership is a major achievement for them.
MASUM currently focuses on six programmes, namely women‘s right to a life free of violence and discrimination, women‘s right to health, women‘s right to economic empowerment, women‘s right to political participation, rights of children, and rights of adolescents and youth. They help women become emotionally and mentally strong through various activities. The husband-wife duo strongly advocate leadership at the grassroots level. To know more about their life and struggle, tune in to Great Bhet on Saturday, 29th September 2012 at 9:30 pm only on IBN-Lokmat.
Missed this episode? You can catch it on Sunday, 30th September 2012 @ 12 noon and 5:00 pm only on IBN-Lokmat.