What is Jana Shakti
JANA SHAKTI, a non-ideological and apolitical movement, it wants to bring hope back to India. This grass root movement was founded by internationally known Crusader, K.J. Alphons, I.A.S. and Joseph Thomas a social activist and Management Guru. October, 1994, Jana Shakti started to peacefully awaken the conscience of the Nation to the fundamental issues facing India. Jana Shakti means people at all levels working together and coming up with a plan of action to inform and educate everyone about their basic rights so that our freedoms are not compromised; it will demand CITIZEN FRIENDLY GOVERNANCE, JANA SHAKTI is about people organising themselves to demand a better deal.
JANA SHAKTI is registered under the Societies Act, its interim National Governing Council (NGC) consists of 21 eminent persons from all sections of society. They include representatives of social and community groups, professionals, academicians, environmentalists, industrialists, business people and artists.
JANA SHAKTI believes that it is time for a Second Freedom movement in India, because this country has not really addressed the FUNDAMENTAL ISSUES it faces, while the rest of the world is marching forward. Previous attempts to bring changes have either failed or have not been allowed to get off the ground. If freedom is to benefit all citizens. If the nation wants to regain its old glory. If it wants to progress. India must urgently, realistically and with determination address its problems.
The Jana Shakti Agenda
JANA SHAKTI, believes that Nation can and must be pulled out from the mire of hopelessness, mediocrity and narrow vested interests. It believes that India offers a vast pool of ancient knowledge and tradition to restore hope. After extensive discussions and consultations with diverse communities and groups across the nation, the NGC has determined the following as very basic issues that require immediate action :-
1. Corruption
2. Illiteracy
3. Communalism
4. Population Explosion
5. Environmental Degradation
6. Holding Free and Fair Elections to Uphold Democracy.
These and other important issues need urgent tackling, if the nation is to find a renewed direction and purpose. In an economic environment of limited resources, especially for a young nation, Jana Shakti believes that the deepening corruption requires top priority. Success in alleviating, at least, curbing, this serious problem will undoubtedly restore the much needed public and investor confidence, both, at home and abroad and lay a better foundation to address the issues.
ECONOMIC LIBERALIZATION places total faith in the market economy, but the market takes care of only those who participate in it. 450 million illiterates and 350 million people who live below the poverty line do not and cannot participate in the market as they have no purchasing power. Our economic approach should aim at bringing them to the market by providing them jobs. Till this is done, a democratic system has the responsibility to take care of them by providing them three square meals a day so that its citizens can at least survive with some human dignity.
THE ROLE OF BUSINESS
ALL BUSINESS, large and small, domestic and international, have a direct stake in fighting corruption. Ethical business practices require it, obeying laws demand it and keeping the cost of doing business low, necessitate it. The recent efforts to clean up corrupt business practices in many developed and developing countries are just examples of how public and private agencies working together, helping each other, can achieve desired good results.
THERE are equally compelling reasons for business interests to help curb corruption. Customers and employees usually stay away from dishonest business. Quality products require dedicated people and quality practices. Then, there are cumulative competitive pressures which demand open, transparent methods of doing business.
JANA SHAKTI believes that the Indian and international orgnisations doing business in India can and should devote resources and exert their influence in curbing corruption, because it breeds inefficiency and retards the much needed economic development; it neither helps profitability in India or elsewhere. The private sector has a considerable influence in demanding and participating in clean governance, particularly when resource constrained governments need their investments to create jobs and generate revenues.
PEOPLE AGAINST CORRPUTION
CORRUPTION- IS ALL-PERVASIVE : is the conclusion of nation-wide surveys conducted and published by a newspapers and social activist . The results show an overall lack of confidence and mistrust in the integrity of authority. It states that people are near unanimous that to eradicate corruption where 98 percent of politicians and 97 percent of police are corrupt, "We have to begin at the top". To respond to citizens' grievances against our rulers and prevent corruption in public life. Recent well publicized material clearly show the magnitude of corruption; a fierce enemy is within. Ignoring corrupt practices and reluctance to take any corrective steps have only helped worsen the already bad situation. The Jain hawala scandal has exposed all the political parties.
NO WONDER that people can not wait any longer to change things. Therefore, Jana Shakti means people at all levels coming up with plan of action to curb corruption together, implementing it effectively by following the traditional and tested path of non-violence. It means respect for the laws, including rules and regulations and other ethical standards which prohibit bribery.
EVERYONE has a stake in fighting corruption-the public at large, governments, business, unions, non-governmental organisations, professionals and every other rural and urban organisation and individual, in the land. Locally organized effort can and does work, when people are determined and untited, to achieve any objective.
THE FIRST INDIAN FREEDOM MOVEMENT was successful then though, not an easy one. It's central, unique features were the firm resolve of the people: independence through peaceful means. Dr. Martin Luther King and Dr. Nelson Mandela, and many others have adopted the same resolve. Peaceful methods to fight injustices, all over the globe. Now, time has come to drive corruption away, with the same resolve and detemination which rid India of the foreign rule. India was weak to be ruled by foreigners. In a free, democratic country, there is no reason to be 'ruled' by another evil.
The main features of the Jana Shakti's initial plan of action include:
1. Increasing awareness among the citizens about the magnitude of corruption and other issues with facts and figures.
2. Targeting all violators of anti-corruption laws and reporting incidents where functionaries and others demand and accept brides.
3. Crusade against corruption whether by government or by individuals so that such government and individuals are disempowered.
4. Indentifying agencies and bodies in each and every locale, where prompt remedial action may be necessary.
5. Establishing accessible and responsive judicial process to expeditiously handle corruption cases including improving the existing institutions with adequate resources.
6. Build up a new generation of leadership with integrity and track record of achievements who can cleanse politics and make it an honorable profession.
7. Collecting and disseminating information relating to the various Jana Shakti objectives.
8. Campaign for transparency in governance.
The Jana Shakti People
Networking | Administrative Setup | Responsibility and information flow
Every Honest Indian, living here or elsewhere, who agrees with the centuries old teachings of sages and saints and those who follow their conscience, constitutes Jana Shakti. Each working man and women, who believes in 'reap as you sow' every young person, who wants to 'reach for the sky' with hard work and dedication to good values, retired people and minorities and each and every person at disadvantage, who is at a double disadvantage under corrupt practices, all these free and proud Indians, represent Power, Purpose and Direction. This power and purpose must be channelised to create a nation.
Jana Shakti will be guided by that Power, Purpose and Direction from the millions of Indians - a huge support base. It recognizes the importance of that sustained support to methodically organize itself in every gaon (village) and zila (district), across the country. Jana Shakti recognizes the special role of young people and increasingly large numbers of educated and emancipated women of this nation, who make significant contribution in every social movement.
Corruption in India is not a moral or a cultural issue. It is deadly cancer, which must be stopped. It is a challenge for people who want to live with dignity, people with hope, courage and positive approach, helping public agencies become, once again the rightful providers of quality services, to rich and poor like. Where citizens are proud of their fellow workers and support them in their functioning with respect. We do not have much time. Curbing corruption will be a hard and continuous struggle needing an all round support and effort. History is full of examples where resolve was the key to redress social problems.
NETWORKING
Jana Shakti recognizes the significant contributions by many other non-governmental organisations all over the land. This movement wants to continue operating in a cooperative fashion with such organisations. Therefore, networking with social, community and professional groups is an integral part of its programme of building bridges and reaching out. Jana Shakti is encouraged and pleased with the expressed support and cooperation of many such honest organisations, dedicated to improving social, economic, environmental and political conditions in India. Any NGO with similar objectives can become an institutional member of Jana Shakti. In case of mutual institutional membership no membership fee is payable. There will be a four tier executive committee as detailed below:
ADMINISTRATIVE SET UP
The Jana Shakti's countrywide network consists of four levels of responsibilities from village to district, district to state and state to national level. Its decentralised structure consists of every segment and village in the country. It ensures that all Indians and their social organisations can participate in this growing movement. The effort is to motivate devoted, patriotic and willing people from every part of this country to help develop and drive its programmes.
RESPONSIBILITY AND INFORMATION FLOW
Jana Shakti administrative chart, shows responsibilities from the Panchayat to the National Levels and the two-way information flow across the system. Jana Shakti being a grassroot movement, it is befitting that its organizational structure operates from the local panchayat level up rather than top down. It is anticipated that eventually every panchayat/housing pocket will have its JSU to serve people in the area and advance Jana Shakti obejctives.
Panchayat/Housing Pocket JSU Executive Committee District Executive Committee - State Executive Council - National Governing Council The National Governing Council shall consists of 21 members. The State Level, District Level and Panchayat level Committees will consists of a maximum of 25 and minimum of 10 members. It is left to the discretion of each State Level Committee to determine the optimum number of members. There shall be a Chairman and other office bearers at various levels to keep the organizational set up flexible and democratic. Even a single person's independent initiative to start a Jana Shakti Unit expandable subsequently is welcome. National Governing Council (NGC), comprising of 20 members and a president. The Societies Act allows a maximum of 21 members. The NGC is responsible for the proper control and management of the affairs of the Society, including assigning roles and responsibilities to the State, District and Panchayat level Executive Bodies. Each NGC member will be an ex-officio member of a State(s) Executive Council, for the purpose of continuity and effective communication.
State Executive Council (SEC), comprising of a minimum of 10 members and a Chairman in each State. State Executive Councils in all the states and the Union Territories are expected to be set-up soon within the next few months.
The roles and responsibilities of the State Executive Councils are being specified. It is anticipated that the SEC members will be ex-officio members of a District(s) executive Committee. District Executive Committee (DEC), comprising of a minimum of 10 members and a Chairman in every district. The District Level Executive Committees will be set up by the respective State Executive Council.
The specific roles and responsibilities of DECs will be specified. It is anticipated that DEC Members will serve as ex officio members of the respective Panchayat Executive Committees.
Panchayat Jana Shakti Unit (JSU) Executive Committee, comprising of 10 members and a Chairman for every Panchayat. In urban areas, there will be one JSU in each housing pocket/colony. JSU Executive Committees at the Panchayat/Colony level will be established by the respective District Executive Committee and their specific responsibilities assigned.
The specific plans of action to tackle basic issues will be determined, finalised and monitored at the local level and coordinated by the NGC. Jana Shakti is developing a grass roots programme to effectively measure, document and regularly report the results of its efforts on a section by section, issue by issue basis. The focus is to develop our human assets" which must benefit all sections of society.
Building Jana Shakti
How can you build Jana Shakti ? It is simple to get involved and make a commitment for yourself, your children and the nation's sake. You can identify where you would like to contribute in the Jana Shakti Network in your area. Jana Shakti needs you and your help.
In the areas where there is no Jana Shakti Unit, you are encouraged to start one in your Panchayat or Housing Pocket. Please inform the Jana Shakti Headquarters when you establish a new JSU.
This movement. like every other, needs resources to organize and fight corruption and deliver results. Jana Shakti welcomes you and your organization's financial contributions and support. We also welcome contributions from people and organizations who share and support Jana Shakti's goals.
Most of All, Jana Shakti invites and urges you to become active members and generate the much needed energy to fight and eliminate corruption and address other issues.
Jana Shakti's objective is to enroll at least one million new members including non-resident Indians, by 2001. Jana Shakti's strength will continue to increase as more and more panchayats, district and states formally establish JSUs in every corner of the Union. It is anticipated that its dedicated members and supporters, who will multiply by many millions before the end of this decade will become the bedrock for an ongoing constructive action and growth for Jana Shakti and the nation.
TAX DEDUCTIBLE CONTRIBUTIONS
Jana Shakti is in the process of obtaining Government authorization for making contributions tax deductible. Appropriate receipts will be issued on receipt of membership dues and contributions. All contributions are accounted for in accordance with generally accepted accounting practices.
Founding Leader
Joseph Thomas
Founder President
K.J. Alphons, an officer from the Indian Administrative Service 1979 batch Kerala Cadre, is the founder president of the Jana Shakti. He pioneered the adult literacy movement in the country when he was District Collector of Kottayam;; Kottayam was the first 100% literate town in the country and has the highest literacy rate for any district in the world : 99.6%. Under him Kottayam District achieved a quality of health index higher than the U.S.A. As Commisioner of the Delhi Development Authority.
In three years he demolished about 14,200 unauthorised structures and reclaimed land worth about Rs.10,000 crores (US$ 3 Billion). He has broken the back bone of the land mafia which enjoyed tremendous political clout in the capital. Most of the structures demolished belonged to the rich and the powerful. He took a years leave from his job to work in the Jana Shakti Slum Project. He joined the Minister of Urban Affairs and Employment, India, as his executive assistant in March 1998.
K.J. Alphons is the first Indian to be nominated by TIME MAGAZINE to the list of GLOBAL 100 LEADERS in December 1994.
Jana Shakti's Objective
To iradicate ignorance, unjust treatment, humiliation, uncharitable and intolerable attitude, immorality and inefficiency and to establish a brilliant nation based on truth, justice, self-respect and self-sufficiency. To this end to conduct the following activity:
1.
To promote the spirit of service, co-operation and dedication by organising projects of human service.
2.
To train citizens for self defence.
3.
To establish new educational institutions or to make use of the available institutes for character building in society.
PROGRAMME
CONSTRUCTIVE ACTIVITY:
1.
To spread literacy through the existing institutions and helping promote newer ones
2.
To establish training institutes and centres.
3.
To establish sanskar centres.
4.
To organise lecture and discussion forums.
5.
To conduct activities of public service.
6.
To bring out magazines and periodicals.
7.
To publish useful literature.
8.
To organise all India and tours.
9.
To organise conferences, meetings, workshops, seminars
Building Up Leadership
A TRIBUTE TO INDEPENDENT INDIA
15th of August 2001. India completes 54 years of independence. While we are proud to have become politically independent and prouder still to have retained it, there are not many things about the country about which we can be proud of.
450 million people, which is 48 % of India, is illiterate; 375 million people, which is 39% of India, lives below the poverty line; 100 million children are virtually slave labourers.
India is rated as one of the most corrupt countries in the world. What we witness today is gutter politics. There is corruption in many countries across the globe. But most of these countries have been able to deal with it effectively while it only seems to grow in geometric proportions in this country. We have one of the most obstructionist bureaucracies in the world. Instead of being the steel frame, top bureaucracy has become a fibreless jelly, conniving with the middlemen and the politicians to loot the country. Even the honest do not seem to have guts to speak out.
The much publicised economic liberalisation has not liberated the industry from the clutches of control, with the result that there is no sign of a take off in the near future. Most countries in the region seem to have got their acts together. They are growing at phenomenal rates and attracting investments. Indian industry does not seem to have developed a sense of destiny. There are very few companies with a sense of vision.. Most of them are interested in making a fast buck, without building up a long-term relationship with the customers. Customers are very often treated like dirt.
Children have become mechanisms for producing percentages to make parents happy in the board examinations. Any child who does not get into medicine or engineering is declared useless. While there is tremendous amount of information that is being passed on to the students there is very little inspiration.. They do not dream. Any country which does not have a younger generation capable of dreaming , does not have a future. Then do we have a future ?
Fundamentally there is only one problem with the country: lack of leadership. There is a lack of leadership at various levels: lack of political leadership, lack of bureaucratic leadership, lack of corporate leadership, lack of parental leadership and lack of youth leadership. Jana Shakti believes that there is only one solution: create leadership at various levels. Instead of believing that nothing is possible in this country, we have to get people to believe that it is possible to make a difference wherever they are, whatever they are. If we have to create pride and self-esteem in India as a country, we have to begin by creating self-esteem in each of us as individuals. Creation of self-esteem is the basis for creation of leadership.
Celebration of our beloved India's independence will be an empty exercise unless we can bring hope, inspiration and dreams back into our agenda. If we can do it we can succeed. India can be on top of the world in ten years. But we need to sell dreams to our people to make it possible. This is proposed to be done through a series of leadership seminars/ workshops to be organised across the country for students, parents, corporate executives and opinion makers. Shakti
JOSEPH THOMAS Secretary General
B1/33, Azad Apartments, Sri Aurobindo Marg,
New Delhi, INDIA- 110 016.
Tel. : 011-696 2 696
Fax: 011-685 0391
Email: thomaz@vsnl.com
Training Programmes
Titles of Management & Leadership Development
Programmes developed & conducted by
Mr. JOSEPH THOMAS
1.
LAYING THE FOUNDATION FOR A BETTER TOMORROW A Leadership Development Programme for Building Leadership
2.
ENHANCING COMMUNICATION SKILLS & PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT
3.
BECOMING LEADERS IN SCHOOL, BUILDING and CREATING A programme for Senior School Prefectorial Teams
4.
HOW GOOD A TEACHER AM I ? A Soul Searching Experience For Teachers Through Group Dynamic Games And Introspection.
5.
MASTERING BEHAVIOR AND ATTITUDE Management development programme for leaders, re-discovering the proverb 'Bad habits die hard'
6.
THE POWER OF SELF ESTEEM Teamwork, Loyalty and the role of leadership
7.
WHY DO I DO WHAT I DO ? Leadership . The power to create or destroy.
8.
LEADER IN THE FAMILY Giving a lead in establishing a lovely family in Society.
9.
A COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE Defeating Negative thought patterns in Leaders
10.
THE POTENTIAL OF GROWTH THROUGH FRIENDSHIP Developing a pleasant nature and friendship. Leading the Leaders.
11.
REALISING THE POWER OF SPIRITUALITY AND THE HUMAN POTENTIAL ' A Secular Prayerful Experience on BECOMING.' Spiritual Growth through Group Dynamics
12.
THE REASONABLE PATH An Introspective Support Building Programme for Adolescents their Parents & Teachers.
13.
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT AND TOURISM A discovery of the potential. (Short Promotional presentation for The Skyline Institute of Sharjah In New Delhi. India. affiliates In India Of The University Of Linconshire and Humberside Of The United Kingdom)
14.
PREVENTING AND MANAGING CONFLICT Aimed at improving performance & team building
15.
"LOVING THE UNFORTUNATE" A team building programme to help generate support for setting up of a model township for the disabled in the State of Haryana, in India. Called San Joe Puram, this unique town for the handicapped will stand out as an example to all who are involved in the upliftment of the poor, disabled and the downtrodden.
Contact Jana
