Deepalaya Annual Report 2003-2004 (3.79 MB)

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The year 2003-04 for Deepalaya is the 25 year, its Silver Jubilee Year – a year of commemoration and celebration of past
achievements, while looking ahead to a Golden Jubilee in the future.
The year 2003-04 was a year of global upheaval. The peace process has yet to be fully realized in Iraq, Palestine, Israel and
elsewhere in the world. The relationship between India and Pakistan is improving to the extent that war might not be a possible
outcome in the future. The India Shining political agenda, for the crème de la crème of Indian society, did not improve the living
condition of the poor and marginalized. Nor for that matter did the communal hatred incidents in Gujarat improve the stature
of India on an international scale.
The balance of payment situation, nay the surplus reserve of USD 100 billion did not change the fate of poor, especially
children, whose rights are neglected. On the one hand, India is increasingly being drawn towards westernization, with a large
English speaking population and a strong foothold in the Information Technology world, growing in economic strength in the
global marketplace. On the other hand, the status of children has further deteriorated, and India stands high on the list among
countries with poverty rates, deprived populations, specially children. The HIV/AIDS time bomb is ticking and unless
immediate drastic awareness is not undertaken, India, like Africa, will face an enormous crisis in this area.
The focus of this year's Annual Report is Inclusion and that of Silver Jubilee is Change. Inclusion of the marginalized,
abandoned and exploited has been a principle at Deepalaya. They are included in every program we undertake, so as to achieve
sustained change. Hence, inclusion and change are mutually complementary.
During this reporting year, Deepalaya had the distinction of leading a group of ten NGO leaders from Delhi to USA and
hosting thirteen USA NGO leaders in India under an Exchange Program funded by Department of State, USA. This was a
beneficial and mutually enriching experience. During the year, we were able to obtain financial support of AMC/Target
Corporation (USA), Intel Sat (USA), Child Welfare League of America, Peak Broadcast System (Norway), The New Zealand
High Commission, The British High Commission, Positive Steps (Scotland), Coca Cola (India), Unniti Foundation (India),
Jyoti Sagar Associates (Delhi), Shine Consulting U.K. etc.; while Canadian International Development Agency, India Forum
for Cooperative Development , Tata Education Trust and HPS Foundation successfully concluded the projects undertaken for
specific periods with Deepalaya. Overall the rural development initiatives, especially Self Help Group's, micro-credit,
micro-finance have been highly successful. Deepalaya Gram in Gusbethi is expanding and additional infrastructure like staff
quarters and girls hostel were added.
From the annual revenue point of view, this financial year saw an increase of 35.4% in income/receipts, which is phenomenal
for the year and very encouraging, although efforts at local fund raising did not yield encouragingresults.
Deepalaya is establishing itself as a ‘Resource’ with a future in capacity building of smaller, younger NGOs, who need
assistance and advocacy support in the area of child rights, especially in the realm of education, inclusion, child labour and
gender equity.
Deepalaya invites all well wishers, friends, donors and supporters to celebrate with us the 25 years of enabling Inclusion and
Change.
Rtn. T.K. Mathew
Secretary & Chief Executive
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