EKTA PARISHAD and FRERES DES HOMMES : An Historic Partnership

Frères des Hommes began in India in 1965, and has supported rural and urban development projects ever since.

© Ekta Parishad

In order to provide for the work led by these emerging local Indian organizations, FDH decided to call on an Indian correspondent who was part of civil society. That is how, from 1983 to 1991, Rajagopal began to accompany ten projects supported by FDH, in the domains of human rights, agricultural development, and citizen education through the theater.

The significant growth of the level of autonomy and the skills by the Indian organizations has allowed FDH to start working directly with them, without intermediaries.

So, since 1991, Rajagopal has devoted himself to the “Ghandian Foundation for Peace” and founded “Ekta Parishad” (United Forum,) the organization with which FDH has remained connected with since its creation.

The intervention themes of Ekta Parishad (defense of economic, social, political and cultural rights of the most marginalized and discriminated populations, technical training and the use of citizenship, struggle for access to natural resources…) and its non-violent practices, being in accord with the values of FDH, the cooperation between the two organizations endured. Finally in 2004, after the tsunami, FDH decided to engage itself in the financial support that were essential in the emergency actions and reconstructive efforts that were initiated and put in effect by Ekta Parishad in the southern states of India, that were hit badly by this natural disaster.

Relaying the Janadesh campaign in France and in Europe is therefore an important step for Frères des Hommes in this fifteen year old collaborative effort.

Sabine Benjamin

Translation Jordan MARIL