The Mother's Service Society is a non-profit organisation registered in Pondicherry, South India, on 17th October 1970, under the Societies' Registration Act. The present offices of the Society are at No. 5, First Cross Extension, Venkata Nagar, Pondicherry 605011.

The activities of the Society are inspired by the work and teachings of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother and are organised to fulfill their vision in every field of life. The Society's objectives include a wide range of educational and research activities with particular emphasis on social science research in the field of socio-economic development. The Society undertakes field projects for education of the public, conducts studies and prepares reports for governmental and private organisations, engages in pure and applied research, holds seminars, carries on joint educational and research programmes with universities and other educational institutions in India and abroad, and publishes papers, articles and books relating to its educational activities and research findings.

As an institution of higher education, the income of the Society is exempted from tax under Section 10(22) of the Indian Income Tax Act. Since 1981 the Society is approved by the Government of India as a social science research institute for the purposes of exemption under Section 35 (i) (iii) of the Indian income Tax Act whereby donors are permitted 100% tax deduction on donations to the Society for its social science research activities.

This report contains an overview and summary of the Society's educational and research activities from its inception to mid-1993.

I. DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES & PROGRAMMES

The Society owns and manages a 123 acre rural development project in the village of Ramapuram, Cuddalore Taluk, South Arcot District, Tamil Nadu. One month after nationalization of the major Indian commercial banks in July 1969, officers of the Society approached one of the largest commercial banks to adopt Ramapuram--an extremely backward village where the average annual income from agriculture was less than Rs. 200 per acre. Ramapuram became the first village in India to be adopted by a nationalized bank for development.

The Society administered the entire programme on behalf of the bank, dispersing 123 crop loans for Rs. 63,000. Repayment of loans was 100% and on time.

Based on this success, the bank extended the programme in the second year offering crop loans, bullock cart and borewell loans valued at Rs. 7,50,000. Despite the Society's success in digging 8 borewells on its own land, not a single farmer would risk digging a well until the Society offered to bear the risk of digging a well for one small farmer. After the first farmer succeeded, 54 others took bank loans and dug wells. This effort had a catalytic multiplier effect on nearby areas not covered by the loan scheme, where 440 more wells were dug during the next two years. In subsequent years the village adoption scheme has been extended all over India, covering more than 1,00,000 villages.

Within fifteen years, Ramapuram has been transformed from a very poor, rain-fed area into a rich farm region covered with sugarcane and other cash crops, including 300 acres of banana earning Rs. 25,000 per acre.

In the process of studying the developmental potentials of South Arcot District, the Society became aware of a huge, untapped, deep artesian acquifer extending over 2000 square miles and capable of irrigating several hundred thousand acres. In order to exploit this enormous potential, which lay beyond the capacity of individual farmers due to the depth and cost of deep borewells, the Society conceived an integrated, multi-dimensional strategy for developing the district. The strategy centred on the establishment of a semi-autonomous development corporation whose activities would include tapping and distributing water, providing agro-inputs and services, demonstration and training of farmers, marketing, establishing agro-industries, transport and coordination with financial institutions.

The Society's proposal was submitted to the Central and State Governments for consideration. A detailed technical feasibility study undertaken by the State recommended implementation. The proposal was also supported and commended by Dr. David Hopper, Vice-President of World Bank. In the early 1980's the Tamil Nadu Government set up a Tubewell Corporation to undertake some of the functions described in the proposal.

In 1975 the Union Finance Ministry established a new type of credit institution, the Regional Rural Banks, intended to meet the financial needs of the rural population which were not being met by the cooperative and commercial banks. Based on extensive research and field experience, the Society prepared a set of recommendations designed to ensure the successful functioning of the rural banks, particularly with regard to recovery of loans. Among the suggestions accepted by the Union Finance Minister, C. Subramaniam, was a recommendation for granting jewel loans on a much larger scale than ever before. Until then jewel loans were granted only on a very limited scale by cooperative banks and not at all by commercial banks. Within a decade jewel loans constituted nearly 50% of all lending by many of the Regional Rural banks and were liberally issued by cooperative and commercial banks as well.

When the Sixth Five Year Plan was being formulated in 1980, the Society undertook a study to identify new programmes and strategies intended to accelerate development. A report consisting of 138 programmes was prepared and submitted to Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, Member of the Planning Commission, and Mrs. Indira Gandhi, Prime Minister of India.

The report contains a statement of development principles and strategies as well as programmes covering 12 major areas: planning, agriculture, forestry, agro-based and village industry, industry, commerce, transport, tourism, education, journalism, awards, and urban development. Several of the programmes have been taken up for implementation by the Government. A full-page Special Report on the Society's recommendation was published by "The Hindu" in February, 1981.

In 1982 the Society undertook a research project to evolve a broad-based strategy for stimulating national development, based on the view that the country was well-poised for accelerated growth provided that the enthusiastic support of the public could be enlisted for the effort. The strategy consisted of two parts -- Development Year and Development Model.

Development Year is a massive programme of public education over 365 days designed to disseminate information on past achievements, present opportunities and future potentials in every sector of national life. Development Model is a plan for comprehensive and integrated implementation of all existing development schemes through a new administrative organization in one district to serve as a model for the rest of the country.

A report was drawn up outlining the purpose of this programme, the strategies, goals and mode of implementation. The content of the educational programme was illustrated with descriptions of the themes to be presented during different weeks and days of the year, the techniques for projecting them through the media, the role of various governmental and non-governmental organisations, and the anticipated results. The concept, strategies and objectives of a Development Model were described along with a list of 35 general development activities which could be implemented in every district.

A preliminary report was presented to Mr. Rajiv Gandhi, then Member of Parliament, and to the Prime Minister's Secretariat. At the latter's request, the Society prepared a more comprehensive report entitled "Themes and Programmes for Development Year" detailing the information to be projected during the programme and the mode of implementation. The second report contains 29 major themes for public education along with a list of truisms to be projected and misconceptions to be removed. It also includes illustrative material for ten programme weeks including scripts for radio skits intended to dramatise achievements and potentials.

The second report was submitted to the Prime Minister's Secretariat and referred to the Planning Commission and Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for detailed examination. A summary of the report was also published as a full page Special Report by "The Hindu" in August 1982.

In 1982 the Society presented recommendations for stimulating national development to Dr. L.K. Jha, Chairman of the Commission for Economic and Administrative Reforms. A report was prepared outlining 12 reforms designed to reduce bureaucracy and corruption, stimulate agriculture and forestry, and promote industry, etc.

At the request of the Ministry of Law of the Tamil Nadu State Government, the Society also conducted a preliminary study to identify reforms which could be introduced in the state legal apparatus. A report was prepared containing 50 minor reforms in the field of court procedure, education, transport, cooperative banking, sales tax collection and other areas to add a stimulus or remove road-blocks to development.

In 1981 the Society evolved a novel strategy for improving the transfer of agricultural technology to farmers. The strategy calls for the establishment of a Farm School in each village on lands leased out from farmers. Classes are conducted for young farmers in the field and the students are paid for their field labour, so they can earn while they learn. The income from cultivation covers the entire cost of operating the school.

The first farm school was established by E.I.D. Parry & Co. near their sugar factory at Nellikuppam, South Arcot District. One year classes in cane cultivation were introduced. In the very first year, the students obtained a yield of 56 tons per acre, nearly twice the average achieved by farmers in the district.

Preparations were underway during 1991 for establishment of the National Foundation of India (NFI). The Society worked with the Governor of Maharashtra, C. Subramaniam, Dr. M.S. Swaminathan and other founding members of NFI to evolve strategies to make NFI a dynamic and effective instrument for national development. The Society prepared two papers detailing a range of innovative education, research and development programs for NFI to initiate.

II. ECONOMIC RESEARCH

In 1979 the Society undertook a research project to examine the primary causes underlying the high rates of inflation that frequently accompany rapid economic development. The study found that the greater stress on basic human rights and increasing social importance given to the common man indirectly contributed to higher rates of inflation. The results of the study, which were published as a four part article in "The Hindu" and sent to leading economists around the world, suggest that there is an inverse relationship between the purchasing power of currency and the social value accorded to the common man.

When the Society presented a copy of its report to the Planning Commission and to Mrs. Indira Gandhi in November 1980, the Prime Minister expressed particular interest in the proposal to evolve new measures and indicators of development that would more accurately reflect the real progress of the country than traditional economic indicators like GNP. Later the same day Mrs. Gandhi addressed a national conference of scientists on the need for new statistical measures of development.

As a result of this interest, the Society initiated a research project on this topic and evolved a new measuring instrument, the Quantitative Scale of Physical Development, QSPD. The scale measures changes in standard of living over ten categories including nutrition, clothing, housing, health, education, transport and communication, community facilities, etc. A preliminary paper describing the QSPD was submitted to the Union Planning Commission and the Prime Minister's Secretariat.

A field study was undertaken in Thadagam Village, Gingee Taluk, applying the QSPD to measure the development of the village from 1961 to 1981. The study revealed a 47 percent improvement in development of this village in twenty years. Subsequently the Society tested the scale in two more villages and an Annamalai University research team employed it for a comparison of ten other villages.

After study of the Society's model, the Prime Minister's Secretariat requested the Society to prepare a comprehensive plan for the introduction of new development indicators on a nationwide basis and a report outlining six graded proposals with cost estimates was submitted in December 1981. As a result, the Union Planning Commission organised a national conference on Regional Planning and Development Indicators at Nainital in April 1982, and the Society was invited to present its model at the conference.

In 1991, ten years after the original study, the Society returned to Thadagam and resurveyed the village to measure the further progress during the period 1981-91 and as an indication of the general success of village development programs in the district. The study included household surveys of 100 families and detailed nutritional surveys of 50 families. Results were analysed statistically and compared with earlier results on the index. Marked improvements were noted in some key dimensions of development including food, clothing, education, recreation and physical assets.

In 1986 the Society undertook an evaluation of the Integrated Rural Development Programme in Pondicherry. The study revealed that IRDP had raised the average income of beneficiaries by 81 percent and that three fourths of loan recipients recorded a permanent income rise of at least 30%. Recovery of loans was only 45%, but a substantial portion of this could be attributed to improper identification of beneficiaries. The study examined the role of education, prior experience, occupation and community on performance. In addition, it evaluated the overall return on investment of IRDP and found it to be an extremely high 139%, approximately ten times the average anticipated return on all Seventh Plan investments.

III. DEVELOPMENT SCIENCE

Researchers at the Society have examined in depth the process of social development taking place in modern India as an expression of the universal process of evolution of consciousness described by Sri Aurobindo. By extension all the principles of individual evolution apply to the evolution of the social group as well. The research has led to the identification of over 100 laws of development which have been copyrighted by the Society, the publication of a book entitled Kamadhenu: The Prosperity Movement in India, and the organisation of a national conference on strategies to accelerate Indian national development, which was conducted in Madras in 1987.

In July 1986 the Society organised a seminar on Indian Development at the annual conference of the Western Economics Association in San Francisco. A paper outlining the Society's model of the development process was presented by Dr. David Lane. Dr. S.P.Gupta of World Bank, Dr. Irma Adelman and Dr. Sherman Robinson of the University of California at Berkeley were guest participants.

IV. INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Based on its observations and experience in India, the Society has conducted original research on the process of development at the international level. When the International Commission for International Development Issues, otherwise known as the Brandt Commission, was established in 1978 under the Chairmanship of the German Nobel Laureate, Willy Brandt, the Society prepared a set of recommendations to facilitate international cooperation and presented a report to Dr. Dragoslav Avramovic, Director of the Secretariat of the Commission in Geneva.

The Society initiated a research project on an Indian Perspective of Western Social Problems. A new theoretical framework has been evolved for examining the developmental problems of Western societies based on Sri Aurobindo's view of the evolution of consciousness and traditional Indian concepts of the individual and society. This framework was applied to examine the development of the United States and identify the evolutionary factors responsible for contemporary American social problems such as violence, drug abuse, environmental pollution, breakdown of the family, loneliness, boredom and isolation.

A paper on Contemporary American Social Problems was presented by the Society at the XI Quinquennial Congress of the International Union of Anthropological and Ethnological Sciences held at Vancouver, Canada in August 1983.

The Commission on Development of the International Union of Anthropological and Ethnological Sciences, constituted a Subcommission on Western Social Problems, with a member of the Society as Convenor.

V. INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION ON PEACE AND FOOD

In October 1988, The Society conducted a small conference of distinguished persons in Washington D.C. to discuss a proposal to establish a new international initiative to promote disarmament and defense, food production and employment generation. As a result of the recommendations of the participants, the International Commission on Peace and Food was established in early 1989 headed by Dr. M.S.Swaminathan, internationally renown scientist, former member of the Union Planning Commission, and first recipient of the World Food Prize. The Commission consists of 30 international experts on food, development and peace issues from 20 nations and includes three staff members of the Society.

The Commission has conducted four plenary meetings of its members, which the Society helped to organize and support financially. The first was conducted in Trieste, Italy in October 1989 in collaboration with the Third World Academy of Sciences. The second was hosted by the All-Union Academy of Agricultural Sciences in Moscow in November 1990 . The third plenary meeting took place in Madras in October 1991 and the fourth was hosted by the Norwegian Agricultural Research Council in Oslo in September 1992. The fifth meeting is being hosted by the Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta, Georgia, USA during October 1993.

The Commission is studying the issues of peace, food security, economic security and environmental security. The Society has undertaken several research projects on behalf of the Commission.

The Society conducted a prototype study of Tamil Nadu to serve as a model for a country study of India. The prototype was presented at the Moscow meeting of ICPF and adopted as the guideline for the Commission's work in India, which commenced in January 1991.

The Society undertook a major study in 1991 to access the long term employment needs of the country and to identify possible strategies to meet those needs, focusing on the potentials for increasing productivity and employment in agriculture and agro-industry. The research team, headed by Dr. G. Rangaswami, conducted in-depth studies of technical and commercial potential in 8 sectors of agriculture including horticulture, sugarcane, cotton, aquaculture, sericulture, oil seeds, food grains, irrigation and wasteland development for plantation forestry and fodder production as well as examining opportunities for growth of dairy, poultry and plantations crops. These studies accessed the scope for upgrading technology to increase productivity, expanding production, improving quality, domestic and export market potential, economics of production, links with processing, and organisational mechanisms to encourage growth in these sectors. The sectoral studies were then amalgamated to assess the overall potential impact of these potentials on employment in agriculture, agro-industry and downstream businesses, the estimated investments required by government, banks and private sector, the profits and jobs that would be generated by large scale implementation.

The findings of the study indicate that it is possible to create 100 million new jobs in India within a ten year period through intensive development of commercial agriculture and agro-industries. The study projects creation of 45 million direct jobs in agriculture, 12-15 million jobs in direct downstream agro-industries and another 40 million in other rural and urban enterprises. The average cost of new jobs in agriculture and agro-industry works out to Rs 20,000, compared with Rs 2,50,000 in the private sector. The strategy could generate an additional Rs 200,000 crores of GDP, equivalent to a 37% increase at constant prices. The relatively low capital outlay would make it possible to finance the direct costs of the program within the present budgetary limits of the five year plans.

The findings of the study were presented for review and discussion at the plenary meeting of the International Commission On Peace and Food in Madras in October 1991. A seminar was organised in collaboration with the Institute of Rural Management at Anand during November 1991 at which 25 leading politicians, economists, planners and heads of voluntary agencies reviewed and endorsed the strategy and proposed appropriate mechanisms for its adoption and implementation by Government.

The strategy and recommendations were presented to senior officials in the Government of India, including the Prime Minister and his Additional Secretary, the Deputy Chairman and three members of the Planning Commission, the Minister and Secretary of Agriculture. In February 1992, the Planning Commission officially adopted the strategy and it was incorporated in the Eighth Five Year Plan document and the Finance Minister's 1992 Budget. As its first practical step, the Government decided to establish the Small Farmers Agri-Business Consortium to implement the strategy in 12 model districts around the country. Implementation studies have been launched in Pune District of Maharashtra, Dharmapuri District of Tamil Nadu and other places.

In December 1990, a research team visited Moscow and an agricultural region in Northwestern Russia on a project organized by the All-Union Academy of Agricultural Sciences of USSR to develop a strategy to promote the development of private family farming in the country. The study included visits to private and state owned farms in Pytalova District, Pskov Region, as well as discussions with economists and agricultural specialists in Moscow at the Academy of Agricultural Sciences, The Agrarian Institute, and the Ministry of Food Procurement. Pytalova District was the first in Russia to introduce private farming. At the time of the study there were 147 private family farms in the district, but there was no social or economic infrastructure to support their development and activities. The objective of the project was to identify effective strategies for promoting the development of private farms in Russia. The study team concluded that India's experience in Green Revolution and White Revolution was highly relevant to Russia today.

In March 1991 The Society sponsored the visit of a Soviet research team to examine India's achievements in dairy development and explore potentials for collaboration between India and USSR on development of a private dairy industry in USSR. The Soviet team was headed by Dr. Rudolph Praust, Head of the Pytalova Rural Observatory of the Agrarian Institute. The team had discussions with Dr. V. Kurien, the Chairman of the National Dairy Development Board, officials in the Ministry of Agriculture and ICAR, and a private dairy businessman in Delhi. They visited the Anand Dairy in Gujarat, the Bharat Agro-Industries Foundation in Pune and NDDB's fruit and vegetable project in Delhi. Following this visit, a delegation of private Indian businessmen visited Russia to continue discussions. Follow-up discussions were held in Moscow in 1992.

Three research staff of the Society participated in a study mission to Russia organised by the International Commission On Peace and Food in collaboration with the Russian Institute for Information and Technical-Economic Analysis of the Agro-industrial Complex. The purpose of the mission was to examine conditions at the district level in a agro-climatically representative district of Northwestern Russia in order to identify effective strategies for stimulating agricultural and rural development, drawing on the team's experiences in developing countries like India. The mission team met with senior officials in the Russian Ministry of Agriculture and several economic research institutes, as well as district officials, bankers, state and collective farm managers, private family farmers and managers of industrial enterprises. The team found that despite the macro level efforts of the Russian government to stimulate development through privatization and liberalisation, conditions at the local level were severely lacking in the institutional infrastructure required for rapid development--extension services, agro-supply services, rural banks, local processing and storage facilities, marketing organisations, and rural industries.

The recent effort of the Government of India to liberalise and deregulate the Indian economy and the more radical steps being taken by countries of the former Soviet Union to introduce free market economies raise significant questions on the effectiveness of various transition strategies and the underlying linkage between economic reform and the wider field of social change. As a first step in a larger program to examine these issues, the Society prepared a paper identifying some of the fundamental principles governing economic transitions. The paper was presented at the plenary meeting of the International Commission On Peace and Food in Oslo, Norway in September 1992. A conference on the Transition in Russia was organized in collaboration with the Gorbachev Foundation and the Agrarian Institute of Moscow in January 1993. A working group including three members of the Society's research staff completed a draft report in June 1993 on strategies to accelerate the economic transition in Russia.

VI. MANAGEMENT

In 1974 the Society prepared a paper outlining a new perspective on business management derived from the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother and applied in the management of the Society's agricultural properties. Copies of the paper were submitted to more than 90 management institutes around the world and two articles were published by management journals in India.

In 1975 the new approach was applied to analyse management problems at Neyveli Lignite Corporation, when the Superintendent of the Thermal Power Station requested assistance. The Society's recommendations were implemented and the problems were resolved.

In 1982 a study was undertaken of management problems at E.I.D. Parry & Co's sugar factory at Nellikuppam. The study focused on the need to improve the rapport between the factory and the cane growers and between management and labour.

In 1987 the Society undertook management studies of Bajaj Auto Ltd. in Pune, one of India's fastest growing and most profitable manufacturing corporations, and First Leasing Company of India Ltd., the first industrial leasing corporation in the country and one of India's fastest growing and most profitable service corporations, in order to identify the factors responsible for their rapid growth and to recommend solutions to problems incurred during external expansion. This study concluded that the factors responsible for stimulating and retarding the growth of service companies and manufacturing companies are quite similar and that Indian corporations face growth problems similar to those encountered by companies in the USA and Europe. Specific recommendations were prepared for improving productivity, profitability and organisational efficiency in both companies.

When Chrysler Motors, USA was on the verge of bankruptcy in 1979, the Society conducted a study to assess the root causes of the company's crisis and the chances of its survival. Contrary to the view of most management experts, the Society concluded that Chrysler could survive the present crisis and emerge stronger than ever before. A report analyzing Chrysler's problems and a list of recommendations were submitted to the Chairman of Chrysler Corporation, Lee Iacocca.

In 1983 the Society was invited to study the management problems of Rhone Poulenc Nederlands b.v., the $80 million Dutch subsidiary of a multi-national French Chemical and Pharmaceutical company. Researchers interviewed 33 staff members of the company and undertook a detailed examination of organizational functioning, market trends, growth potentials, marketing techniques and operating systems. Recommendations were made for improving performance at the institutional, organizational and operational levels.

During 1984 a study of highly successful American companies was conducted in collaboration with Frederick Harmon, Vice-President of American Management Association in New York. The aim of the study was to test the validity of the Society's theory describing the process of corporate development. The study involved on-sight interviews with over 100 employees of major American companies including Apple Computers, A T & T, Coca Cola, Delta Airlines, Dupont, General Mills, IBM, Marriott Hotels, Merck Pharmaceuticals, Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance and Sears Roebuck.

The principles and process developed by the Society and the findings of the study were published in the US as a book entitled The Vital Difference, Unleashing the Powers of Sustained Corporate Success, co-authored by Fred Harmon and Garry Jacobs. The book was commended by leading management experts like Peter Drucker, Dr. Tom Peters, and Dr. L.K. Jha.

A series of 8 one-day and 3 two-day seminars were organized in the USA, Canada and Europe by American Management Association to present these ideas to top executives of major Western corporations. Articles written by the Society were published by three management journals in the USA -- Management Review (Nov. 85), Supervisory Management (Nov. 85) and The President's Newsletter (Sept. 85).

The findings reported in the study of American companies generated considerable interest in Europe. Management Centre Europe, a division of A.M.A. International headquartered in Europe, invited the Society to collaborate on a research program to determine how far the model and findings of the U.S. study were relevant to successful European corporations.

The European project involved in-depth interviews with 8 leading companies including Minit International and Sandoz Chemicals of Switzerland, Blackwell Publishers and London Life Insurance of U.K., Chargeurs S.A. of Paris, Den Dansk Bank, East Asiatic Co. and the Jutland Morning Newspaper of Denmark.

In addition to the interviews, a survey questionnaire prepared by the Society was administered by mail to 1500 major European firms in 10 countries, out of which 150 responded. The questionnaire was designed to test key aspects of the model in a much larger sample of companies with diverse cultural backgrounds.

Results from both the interviewed and surveyed European companies closely conformed to the pattern observed in the U.S. They confirmed the existence of a fundamental process and principles of organisational development which transcend social, economic and even cultural boundaries.

The results of the European study were published by Management Centre Europe. Articles prepared by the Society were also published by several European management journals -- the International Management Development Review (Jan. '86), Profile (June '86), Chief Executive (June '86), European Management Review (summer '86), and International Management (June '86).

In 1986 the American Management Association invited the Society to collaborate on a survey of 10,000 major U.S. companies, similar to the survey undertaken in Europe.

The Society conducted a study of fast growing companies in India, Europe and USA to identify the common factors responsible for their rapid growth, to compare these factors with those responsible for the growth of major corporations in The Vital Difference and to evolve management strategies applicable to other companies in India and overseas. The results of the study have been published in the U.S. as a book entitled The Vital Corporation by Garry Jacobs and Robert Macfarlane.

The Society presented the findings of its study to 200 member companies of the Professional Audio Video Retailers Association in the USA at a three day seminar held in April 1987 in Acapulco, Mexico. The study identified the factors responsible for the success and failure of these companies and recommended strategies to accelerate their growth in future. The Society was invited back to present recommendations at PARA conferences at San Diego, California in 1988 and at Phoenix, Arizona in 1993.

The Society completed its two year study of the Tool & Die Industry in the USA and presented its findings at two five day conferences organized by the National Tooling and Machining Association in January 1988 and January 1989. The study involved in-depth interviews with 30 companies in the industry and identified opportunities and strategies for the growth and improved profitability of companies in this industry.

This study, which began in 1988, involved a survey of over 200 managers of the Dutch shipping company Nedlloyd Lines and the conducting of interviews and workshops in their offices in Netherlands, Germany, U.K., Hong Kong, Brazil, Japan and the USA. Four seminars were conducted in Holland, Atlanta and Singapore during Spring 1989 to present the findings of the study to corporate executives of Nedlloyd.

VII. EDUCATION

In 1980 the Society presented a proposal to Dr. Maduri Shah, Chairman of the University Grants Commission, for introduction of courses in Development Education at the graduate and post-graduate level in Indian universities and colleges. The purpose of the courses is to impart a practical knowledge to the students about the development process taking place in the country and the opportunities for gainful self-employment as an alternative to salaried jobs.

A research project was undertaken to evolve the syllabus for both B.A. and M.A. level courses. On the suggestion of the UGC Chairman, copies of the B.A. course outline were circulated to the Vice-Chancellors of all Indian universities. About a dozen universities responded with serious interest.

The first M.A. level course based on the Society's syllabus was introduced at Annamalai University in 1982 and has since been extended to include M.Phil and Ph.D. as well. Lecture and reading materials were specially developed for the course. The course content was commended by officials of UNESCO in Paris.

In 1982 the Society organized a seminar on Development Education at Madras in collaboration with Annamalai University and the Institute for Development Education at Madras with a grant from the Indian Council for Social Science Research. The list of distinguished guest speakers included: Mr. C. Subramaniam, former Union Finance Minister; Dr. G. Rangaswami, then Adviser to Commonwealth Organization; Mr. V. Kartikeyan, then Chairman of the Tamil Nadu State Planning Commission; Dr. V.C. Kulandaiswamy, Vice-Chancellor of Anna University; and Prof. Chitti Babu, Vice-Chancellor of Annamalai University.

The purpose of the seminar was to project the need for these courses and examine their relevance in several major areas -- undergraduate and post-graduate social science, engineering, agriculture, journalism, management, and public administration. The main theme of the seminar was the need for a re-orientation of the educational system to solve the problem of educated unemployment by imparting to the students a knowledge of entrepreneurial opportunities and the motivation to avail of these opportunities.

VIII. SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

In 1992 the Society embarked on an examination of the common assumptions underlying the physical and social sciences in the light of Sri Aurobindo's explication of Indian spiritual knowledge of the process of creation of physical existence and life. The study brought out that this creative process is essentially the same in all fields and planes of existence--physical, social, mental and spiritual. The imbalances and negative consequences arising from modern discoveries in all fields science and technology are a result of the partiality of the approach. The authors conclude that modern science can arrive at great discoveries which are free of destructive consequences, once it crosses the arbitrary borders placed on its instruments and fields of investigation. Discussions are underway with internationally distinguished scientists in India, Sweden, Italy, Russia and USA on methods to bring about this breakthrough and reconciliation of scientific and spiritual knowledge.

In 1992 the Society submitted a proposal at the tri-annual conference of the Third World Academy in Kuwait for promotion of technology transfer to and between developing countries under the auspices of the Academy. The proposal was endorsed by the Academy and efforts are in process to initiate model programs for transfer of medical biotechnology products from Russia to India and other developing nations.

IX. INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT

In 1974-75 following the oil crisis, the Society identified a very large demand for buses in the USA to enhance its public transportation system which was not being met by American manufacturers. The Society examined potential US markets through its sister organisation Mere Cie. and provided detailed specifications and market reports to Indian bus chassis and body manufacturers including Telco, Ashok Leyland, TVS, Allwin and Bharat Earth Movers Ltd. Great interest was evinced by Telco but a sudden spurt in demand from Middle East oil exporting countries made the development of a new bus less attractive than increased production of their standard models.

Soon after the oil crises, the Society undertook research in technology for conversion of India's huge coal reserves into liquid fuels based on technology developed in USA. The society presented extensive technical materials to the Union Energy Minister, Mr. K.C. Pant, and Secretary of Mines, Mr. Chari. It also contacted the U.S. Dept. of State and recommended Indo-U.S. collaboration in this field, a suggestion which was implemented by the Indo-U.S. Joint Commission established in November, 1975.

At the request of the Tamil Nadu Minister of Cooperation, the Society undertook research on agro-industries suitable for propagation on a wide scale in the state and presented a report to the state government recommending introduction of jasmine and citronella oil extraction industries in the tiny sector and creation of a large plantation of jojoba shrubs in a dry desert tract. The recommendations on jasmine and citronella were accepted by the government and Rs. 4.5 crores was sanctioned for development of these industries through Land Development Bank.

The Society conducted a seven year research project with the objective of developing the technology for an export-oriented handmade paper industry in India to manufacture high quality art and printing papers for the Western market. Detailed experiments and testing were carried out on a pilot basis to perfect measures to ensure quality up to international standards. Market surveys and test marketing done in the USA revealed a very high demand for quality handmade paper, estimated at more than 3 lakhs tonnes per year. A report detailing the market potential, economics and technical feasibility of this industry were submitted to the Prime Minister's Secretariat and examined by National Small Industries Corporation, which offered to finance 20 units based on the new technology. UNIDO carried an announcement about the new technology in its international newsletter. A pilot unit was established by Mira Papers Pvt. Ltd. at Tirukoilur, South Arcot District, and exported paper to the USA at a price of Rs. 60,000 per ton, roughly five times the price of Indian mill-made paper. The American buyers found the paper to be of very high quality.

In 1983 the Society identified a new technology developed in the USA for intensive cultivation of hybrid fresh water fish utilizing sophisticated breeding and production techniques.

With the assistance of the Society, a large scale research cum commercial project was established near Chengleput, Tamil Nadu by Vorion Chemicals & Distilleries Ltd. After extensive testing, an 80 acre commercial fish farm was commissioned achieving yields of more than 20 tons per acre per year -- 10 to 15 times the normal yield from inland aqua culture projects in India.

This technology holds forth the promise of creating a Blue Revolution for fish culture in India. A single acre of cultivation can return a net profit of more than Rs. 1 lakh per year. Even small 10 to 15 cent plots can generate very attractive returns for small and marginal farmers.

In 1984 the Society undertook a detailed study of the export potential for computer software and programmers from India to Western Europe and the USA. The study involved personal discussions with more than a dozen software houses in Switzerland, Sweden, France, Denmark, Norway, Holland and the USA including a meeting with IBM in New York.

The study revealed that there is an enormous demand for programmers in the West that is not being met by educational institutions in those countries. A deficit of nearly one million programmers is likely by 1990. Western companies expressed serious interest in exploring the potential for collaboration with India in order to meet their growing requirements for technically qualified manpower.

The Society has prepared and submitted a report to the Prime Minister's Secretariat based on the study. The report recommends the establishment of export-oriented computer training institutes in India to prepare 20,000 students a year for work in this field. The institutes could be operated in collaboration with Indian and foreign companies, several of whom have expressed interest in the idea.

An article based on the study was published in the United Nations newspaper Development Business, in December 1984.

X. LITERATURE AND LANGUAGE

The Society developed new principles of literary criticism and applied them to an interpretation of Shakespearean drama, including the four major tragedies, and the works of other European authors including Victor Hugo, Alexander Dumas, Balzac, Thomas Hardy and Oliver Goldsmith. A study of the Mahabharata was also conducted. The approach has been appreciated by both Indian and Western scholars for its originality and unique perspective on traditional questions. A series of articles on Shakespearean tragedy have been published.

XI. PSYCHOLOGY

The Society developed a classification of levels of human personality to distinguish between learned patterns of behaviour, inherited character traits and expressions of unique individual personality. A paper on this subject was prepared. A research project was formulated to evolve measures for testing the level of personality development, which could be particularly useful for identification of creative students, selection of managers for highly responsible positions, and better job placement of incoming recruits.

The Society conducted preliminary research on the factors that contribute to a sense of happiness and personal fulfilment and the problems faced by people of different sexes, ages, social and economic groups, and nationalities in achieving happiness in their lives. The project involved interviews with 30 individuals in India, Europe and USA to obtain clinical data and case material for the study.

XII. APPENDIX

I. DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES & PROGRAMMES

The Society undertook a study, which included preparation of a computerised, statistical, comparative database, to examine the relationship between military spending, political systems and economic development in 150 countries. The study found a very high correlation between democratic forms of government and high standards of living. Contrary to current thinking, the study found that levels of military spending in most developing countries are relatively low. The Society’s findings on the relationship between peace, democracy and development were incorporated in the introductory portion of ICPF’s final report.

The Society prepared a paper at the request of Dr. Federico Mayor, Director General of UNESCO, for submission by him to the International Commission on Culture and Development, headed by the former UN Secretary General, Perez du Cuellar.

The Society collaborated with the Department of Political Science at Gandhigram University on a village level study to identify the factors responsible for stimulating development of rural individuals and communities.

II. ECONOMIC RESEARCH

In November 1995, a representative of the Society met with Harlan Cleveland, President of the World Academy of Art and Science, (WAAS) to discuss collaboration of research projects on employment generation in India, the theory of social development and the future evolution of Science. In December, the World Academy of Art and Science agreed to the Society's proposal for a joint research project on employment generation in India.

A workshop was organised by the WAAS at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, USA in July 1996. The Society participated in the workshop and co-authored a paper on this topic with Harlan Cleveland, President of WAAS.

As a follow-up to the Minneapolis meeting, a second conference was organized in October 1996 by the World Academy of Art & Science at New York State University at Buffalo on the Future of Work and the Society was invited to participate and present a paper. Harlan Cleveland, President of the Academy, presided.

In January 1996, the Society launched a study of employment opportunities in Pondicherry based on the model of the Prosperity 2000 strategy. The study will focus on the potentials for development of commercial agriculture, agro-industry, agro-exports down-stream industries and assess the potential of this strategy for accelerating job creation in the Union Territory.

In March 1996, the Society organised a one day conference in Madras on strategies to accelerate the develoment of India. The conference focused on potentials in agriculture, agro-industry, and early childhood education. Mr. C. Subramaniam, former Union Minister, Mr. Deepak Banker, President of FICCI and Dr. M. Anantakrishnan, Vice-Chancellor of Anna University, presided.

III. DEVELOPMENT SCIENCE

In December 1995, the Society began preparing an outline and first draft for a comprehensive theory of social development integrating political, social, economic, organisational and psychological factors. The theory sets forth basic principles of the development process. In August 1966 we discussed our approach with senior officials of the World Bank and the World Academy of Art and Science in Washington D.C.

The Society undertook a new study in 1995 to examine the historical relationship between economic development and democratisation in Western Europe. The study focusses on the complex interrelationships between agricultural development, feudalism, religious reformation, industrialisation, education and the rise of modern democratic institutions.

IV. INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

In July 1995, four representatives of the Society participated in a conference on Human Security in the Middle East organized by the International Commission on Peace and Food and the Noor al Hussein Foundation in Amman, Jordan. The conference formulated proposals for a comprehensive study of employment potentials and alternative use of military resources in the region. As a result of the conference, the Jordanians requested us to assist them with formulating and implementing a major project to promote employment generation within the country based on the model of the Prosperity 2000 which the Society spearheaded in India.

In October 1995, Society staff completed a draft of a report on "Challenges to Human Diversity" as part of an ICPF project funded by the United Nations Development Programme. The paper examines the development of a common human identity and proposes specific measures to promote world peace and cooperation.

In 1995, the Society undertook an examination of the United Nations Organisation from its origins in order to access its present effectiveness and consider alternative proposals for restructuing of the institution.

V. INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION ON PEACE AND FOOD

During 1993-94, the Society undertook three major research projects in collaboration with the ICPF for presentation at the fifth plenary meeting of ICPF at the Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta USA during October 1993. With the permission granted by the Department of Economic Affairs of the Govt. of India and the Reserve Bank of India, the Society provided financial assistance for the travel of delegates from India and other countries to the Atlanta meeting. Three members of the Society staff participated in the meeting to present our research findings in the areas of Employment, Transition Economics and Human Resource Development.

The Commission submitted its final report Uncommon Opportunities: Agenda for Peace and Equitable Development, (published by Zed Books, London in 1994) to the United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. Boutros Ghali. The book was released by UNESCO in Paris and the World Academy of Art and Science in USA.

The Society revised and completed a study on strategies to stimulate employment generation in developing and industrial countries which forms a chapter of the ICPF’s Report. The study emphasizes the positive role of trade and technology in global employment generation.

VI. PSYCHOLOGY

In 1996, the Society initiated a new project to develop a computerized self-assessment program that can be used by individuals to develop their personalities and to accomplish life objectives. The program consists of three portions: personality self-assessment, aspects of accomplishment, and strategies for growth.

XIII. Research Activities 1997-98

1. Development Potentials for Okinawa, Japan: In June 1997 the Society began a study of development strategies for the island community of Okinawa, Japan. Two society researchers participated in a joint mission to Okinawa to gather information and present recommendations to officials of the prefecture and municipal governments and to leading public individuals on the island. The society's recommendations focused on the potentials for generating employment in multimedia computer-based software and in high tech agriculture.

2. Theory of Development: The Society continued research on a comprehensive theory of social development. In July 1997, the research team conducted a meeting in Madras with leading development experts including Shri C. Subrmananian, former union minister; Dr. Rajachelliah, Director of National Institute Public Policy & Finance and the Madras School of Economics; and Dr. M. Anantakrishnan, Vice Chancellor of Tamil Nadu State Council for Higher Education. In December 1998, the Society conducted a meeting in Washington D.C. to present the theory leading development experts including Harlan Cleveland, President of the World Academy of Art and Science. In January 1998, the Society presented a paper summarizing the theory at an international conference sponsored by the Western Economics Association of USA in Bangkok.

3. Primary & Secondary Education: At the request of Dr. M. Anantakrishnan, Vice Chancellor of Tamil Nadu State Council for Higher Education, The Society presented a strategy to the Confederation of Indian Industry to accelerate primary education in rural areas and computer-based technical education in secondary schools. These recommendations were part of the Society's continuing work on alternative methods of education. The research is being conducted in collaboration with an experimental school established at Arasavangkadu, Tamil Nadu. Approximately 38 village children ranging in age from 3-5 years have been admitted for education. Initial results indicate that children educated by these methods can acquire the mental knowledge and skills of a sixth standard rural education within the first two to three years. The success of the project has received widespread attention after publication of an article in the Hindu by former Governor and Union Minister Mr. C. Subramaniam.

4. East Asian Crisis: Following the sudden collapse of the economies in East Asia the Society embarked on a research project to investigate the causes of the crisis and to formulate possible remedies. Two Society attended the conference of the Pacific Rim Economics Associations in Bangkok to exchange views and present its recommendations. An article summarizing our approach was published by The Hindu.

5. Democracy & Development: The Society continued its research project to examine the historical relationship between economic development and democratization in Western Europe. The study focuses on the complex interrelationships between agricultural development, feudalism, religious reformation, industrialization, education and the rise of modern democratic institutions.

6. National Tool & Machining Association: The Society began a research project in collaboration with Synthesis Consulting of USA on changes taking place in the precision machining and tool & die industry in USA and internationally. The findings of the research project will be submitted as a report and presented at a plenary meeting of the association in January 1999.

7. Study of the Origins of Civilization: A study was completed on the origins and growth of civilization comparing the theories of three leading historians - Toynbee, Spengler and Vico. This study will shed led on aspects of social advancement related to social and economic development in earlier centuries.

8. Money and the Internet as Instruments for Social Development: Applying the Society's theoretical principles on the role of organization in social development, the society conducted research on the origins and impact of money and the internet on society. A paper summarizing our findings was presented at the Western Economics Association conference in Bangkok in January 1998.

9. Study of Unemployment in East Germany: The Society initiated a research project on the causes and possible solutions to the problem of unemployment in East Germany following reunification of the country.

10. Professional Audio Video Retailers: The Society continued research on strategies to accelerate growth of companies in the home entertainment electronics industry in North America, including development of an industry-wide internet database for product training and collaboration between retail and manufacturing companies.

11. Biotechnology Park: Three society staff participated in 2 workshops organized by the M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation in Madras on District Development Employment Potentials and Women's Biotechnology Park.

12. Study of Growth Companies: The society conducted studies of three rural based manufacturing companies in the State of Minnesota, USA in collaboration with Minnesota Technology Inc., a state owned development agency, to identify strategies to accelerate growth of rural businesses and employment.

XIV. Research Activities  1999-2000