The sense of belonging and sharing form the social fabric of any country and communities within. Social scientists and activists understand the complexity involved in community building. It is a sum total of many small steps and therefore, everyday efforts are needed. Development makes sense only when we can ensure mass participation. But marginalisation deprives a big section of society from participating in the development, and this happens across the globe. Some communities are handed the worst as they have always been on the brinks, while some may be pushed to the brinks by global or national changes. In the recent times, wars, economic depression, epidemics, and pandemics have impacted people globally. The poor and informal work force is always hit the hardest. India too has not escaped from the pandemic and global economic changes.
Sustaining a culture where everyone helps each other

In India, there has been a long history of social activism, religious welfare, cultural welfare, and moral support that has helped communities tide over tough times. But it is not true for all sections. If one talks about the Chaurasia community, although they have many prominent faces in all walks of life, a large chunk of the community suffers from deprivation. In the last two years, their problems have compounded. Many of their men and women form the informal workforce. These are the people with lack of access to many schemes and policies. Voices within the community are now raising the volume for mass participation.
Ramesh Lakhulal Chaurasia, as the president of Akhil Bhartiya Adarsh Chaurasia Mahasabha is talking about engaging more people. He is focusing on creating an environment that enables people to be more productive and also have access to better health care. Only healthy individuals can be truly productive and also lead a creative life. The motto of India’s reformers can be well summed up by these lines from Franklin D. Roosevelt-
‘The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little.’

And end to exclusion makes society stronger
Ramesh Lakhulal Chaurasia is a philanthropist who also works in his individual capacity to include all segments of Chaurasia community. He also hopes for solidarity and sense of sharing within all community members. Exclusion either due to choice or due to circumstances leads to negative choices and decision making. It can lead to unhealthy collaborations. The major impact is then felt by women and children. Only rolling out schemes or coming up with welfare programs is not enough till a healthy dialogue is started in which everyone is a participant.

A platform for more voices gives way to a bright future
Akhil Bhartiya Adarsh Chaurasia Mahasabha and its President Mr. Ramesh Chaurasia organise orientation programs and community gatherings which are open to all members of the community. These meetings become a platform for voicing out issues and also understanding the problems faced by the community members. These also provide stages for community leaders to talk about different government and non-government schemes like food security programs, educational opportunities, health care, etc.
There is a pressing need to generate more employment opportunities. As the working landscape is changing, youth is being informed about latest fields and needs. The public health system needs to be developed further. The civil society and NGOs need to take a lead. Such initiatives need to be devoid of any unhealthy influence and personal gains. Ramesh Chaurasia is also helping those who are already involved in the welfare field in all ways possible. Future programs will include more focus and measures for women and child health. He and his organisation keep seeking information and data as well as communication from the community members for further initiatives.

Building a safer and more inclusive society
The world as we knew has changed. There is need for healing on all fronts. The times have uncovered human vulnerabilities. It has shown how our well being depends on social interactions and support. This is why an inclusive society needs to be built as humans cannot exist and evolve in isolation. While people like Ramesh Chaurasia work in their own capacities, everyone should rise to the times we live in and build spaces which are safe for everyone to participate and engage.

http://www.rameshchaurasia.in/