Project Why

While I was in India, I spent time volunteering with Project Why, founded by Anouradha Bakshi. I was so impressed with Anouradha, the staff, and their way of empowering the children of the Delhi slums; putting to work the words 'giving a hand up, not a hand out'. With only the best motivates, and using education as their main tool, I loved what I saw and wish I could have stayed longer as I know I could have learned a great deal from Anouradha. Since I wasn't able to stay longer, I requested her interview and was so thrilled when we got to talking. I am excited to share this interview with you, as we can all learn a lot from her methods!

Tell us briefly what Project Why is about and how you came to found it.
Project Why was founded about 10 years ago as I felt I had a debt to pay back to society, having led an extremely privileged life myself. But the real kickstart happened when I met Manu, a disheveled, bedraggled beggar who was physically and mentally challenged and lived on the streets, riled by all, in spite of having a family. His plight disturbed me no end as I wondered how any self respecting society could allow this to happen. I made myself a silent promise to see that Manu had a home and lived in dignity. The fist step was to give him back his dignity in the street he was born, hence project why began. Manu did get a home 3 years ago but sadly passed away last week.

Some NGOs are quite successful, and others fail at their mission. What, in your opinion, makes for a successful NGO?
Success and failure are words that can have different meaning. Sometimes successful NGOs are those that are rich in resources but may be wanting in their mission, failure can sometimes mean lack of resources. What I personally feel is that a NGO should remain true to its initial mission and not get diverted by greener pastures. For that you have to remain grounded and ensure that you are there, on the field at all time.

What is the most challenging aspect of your job? The most rewarding?
The most challenging is to raise funds and have people reach out and help. The most rewarding: the children's smiles, the proudly handed report card, the first step of one that could not walk, the first sound of the one that could not speak, the list is endless

What is the largest challenge for a child living in an Indian slum? How does poverty in urban India differ from poverty in rural India?
Space to live, play, run. Sunlight, fresh air, nutrition, education support, the conditions in urban slums are abysmal and not enabling at all. Rural children at least have access to better air, water, space, and even food but may lack in access to education

When North Americans are volunteering in India, what are the best things they can do to be respected and fit in within the culture? What are the worst things they can do, that would be certain to offend?
Just go with the flow, dress sensibly, be open and understanding. Indians are easy going and accepting of others. I do not think people would get really offended as Indians are quite accepting of others but as I said inappropriate dressing would be something that would raise eyebrows.

What is the best way that we, as North Americans, can support Project Why and the children of Indian slums?
A project like ours is small and hand to mouth so any contribution however small is welcome and goes long way. Volunteering your time is also something people can do as that is very enriching to children.