Shaping the Future

As much as we talk about it, the future is something we cannot predict. It is not a simple game of cards where the possibility of events is predicted. But one thing we know is that we can shape the future. Shaping the future doesn’t necessarily mean that we can change the outcomes completely. It merely means the effort that we will put in to avoid the
avoidable.
At Sampoorna Swaraj Foundation, the talks are centred on the villages of India. We are
constantly looking at how to shape the future of the villages of India. But the ideal village that existed a few decades ago is changing fast. Agriculture is not as prominent as it used to be, post offices are not the only means of a two way communication, and more than ever, there is a need for a system that can effortlessly adapt to these changes.
Interestingly, as well as unfortunately, one thing hasn’t changed in decades; the interaction
between citizens and the government. There is almost no need for the definition of “interaction” between these two entities because of the absence of a transparent system.

The absence of this important attribute in our Institutions at multiple levels of governance
leaves our citizens at a huge disadvantage. The bigger question is, are our citizens even
aware of a “transparent system”?
The governance at the village level or a Gram Panchayat is at the grassroot level in India.
This is where our rural citizens directly interact with the government. This is the level that
gives them the platform to directly involve in decision making, and making their voices
heard.
If we are going to shape the future for tomorrow, the 800 million people that reside in
rural India should be our focus. The benefits that come with achieving a system that is open
to its citizens, and inclusive in approach is one that will have a significant impact on what will
be tomorrow.