Overview
Since Concern began working in India in 1999, the focus has largely been on dealing with emergencies. Concern also works in other critical areas such as livelihood security, education, and HIV and AIDS awareness programmes.
The civilisation comprising modern India dates back at least 5,000 years. The merger of Aryan and Dravidian created the classical Indian culture. Arab and Turkish explorers came, and were followed by European traders in the late 15th century. By the 19th century, Britain had assumed political control.
Non-violent resistance to British colonialism led by Mohandas Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru brought independence in 1947. The subcontinent was divided into the secular state of India and the smaller Muslim state of Pakistan. India and Pakistan have been bitter rivals ever since, and have fought three wars since then.
India today
Today’s India is a country of striking contrasts. A major economic and political force since gaining independence, it has a growing middle class and has made tremendous strides in commerce. This includes a booming technology industry and an output in motion pictures that rivals Hollywood. However, the caste system stifles growth, more than a quarter of the population lives below the poverty line, and an estimated 5.1 million Indians are currently living with HIV. More than half of all children under the age of four are malnourished, and almost half of Indian women are illiterate. On top of this, the country is extremely prone to natural disasters.
Concern in India
Concern has been working in India since 1999 and is working on:
• Emergency relief
• Helping people prepare for future disasters
• Promoting family income
• HIV and AIDS awareness programmes
• Supporting projects that aim to eliminate child labour Read more...
