Charting Paths of Progress: AID’s Message for Mukti’s Journey

On Mukti’s 20th Foundation Day, Association for India’s Development (AID) was distinguished as the Best Partner organization in 2023. Mr. Somnath Dey, the development coordinator of AID, delivered a speech aimed at guiding Mukti toward its mission.

Expressing gratitude, Mr. Dey acknowledged the Mukti family members, with whom he embarked on his journey in 2005. This collaborative journey between Mukti and AID has been transformative, enriching both parties with invaluable knowledge and experiences. Mr. Dey particularly highlighted his time spent in remote villages, a period of profound personal growth.

Commending Mukti’s progress, Mr. Dey reminisced about spending extended periods on the Sundarban island, deepening his understanding of its challenges and potentials. Despite his advisory role, Mr. Dey expressed his desire to be regarded not as a guide but as a friend to Mukti.

Drawing inspiration from renowned educators and activists Myles Horton and Paolo Freire, Mr. Dey emphasized the importance of community-driven development. He referenced their collaborative work and the book “We Make the Road by Walking,” stressing the pivotal role of educators in fostering positive relationships and shaping consciousness.

Mr. Dey articulated the need to integrate material progress with consciousness, highlighting the disparity between material prosperity and genuine human development. He observed that individuals in economically prosperous cities may lack the level of consciousness found in communities along river boundaries, underscoring the importance of holistic development.

Advocating for a rigorous evaluation criterion, Mr. Dey proposed assessing impact at the grassroots level. He emphasized the necessity of gauging improvements directly from community members to ensure that Mukti’s efforts align with their needs and aspirations.

In conclusion, Mr. Dey urged Mukti to remain mindful of its true purpose and to continuously evaluate its progress. By prioritizing community empowerment and consciousness-raising initiatives, Mukti can pave the way for sustainable and meaningful development, rooted in the genuine needs of the people it serves.