Community development : a bird's-eye view

This is not a booklet specially written. Instead it is one comprising special writings edited for, and adapted to, a special clientele and a special situation.

As a concept of growth, consistent with democracy both in developed and developing countries, the Community Development Programme has already come to stay. It has acquired a global position. As the concept has grown in India, Community Development demands for its fulfilment support from three major pillars. One of the pillars is what has come to be known as Panchayati Raj. This is democracy growing from the roots going back to the past but aiming to seek synthesis with the future beaconed by the Sputnik Age. The second pillar is Sahakari Samaj economic democracy aiming to achieve synthesis between the private, the public and the cooperative sectors in the economy. The third pillar is the chain of associate insti tutions based entirely on voluntary effort of individuals gathered together for common purposes. This cuts across divisions-caste, creed, religion and politics. It is based on an enlightened understanding of the role of man in his community, centering predominantly around the youth both men and women.