| It was not a simple task to compile information
for this book. In our vast country, with numerous organizations involved
in Seva work, it was indeed a tough task. But thanks to our wide-spread
organizational network and excellent liaison between various organizations
we were able to collect data for this book in a relatively short period.
This was also facilitated because our workers have been exposed to such
an exercise before.
The statistical information presented in this book is based on documents and data received upto 15th August 1997, except in a few cases wherein it is upto 31st March 97. This book, therefore could be treated as a "Progress Report" with reference to our earlier publication "Seva Disha-95". Compilation of the present data entailed considerable labour for the office bearers and workers of the organizations, heads of institutions and seva-involved workers at various levels. Indeed it was possible to compile the present data only because we received excellent co-operation from hundreds of workers in our country. True, it was a time consuming exercise. But the data base now designed is such that, in future, our work is simplified. In future all that the various organisations will have to do is to send information about (a) Sevakaryas newly started hereafter and (b) Sevakaryas discontinued, if any. The data can be revised and updated in a very short time once that is done.One clarification regarding the number of places at which seva work is conducted is felt essential. This figure would be on a slightly higher side. This is because, various Matrusamsthas and samsthas have been operating sevakaryas at one and the same place. Since separate data-entry forms are filled for each sevakarya, these organizations have reported separately about the same place. This problem is sorted out by our computer experts to a large extent; but there still remains a possibility of discrepancy in this regard.What we noticed in the present data collection exercise was that our workers who work with devotion and sincerity in their field work have also been trained for documentation. That is why most of the data forms were filled in properly. Another heartening feature is that the data forms were filled in by grass-root level seva workers who operate their respective centers. In the current compilation an effort was made to learn about the problems and difficulties faced by our workers, their concern about various aspects of life of the population in which they conduct their work and a few aspects of impact of seva work on the concerned people. These questions were included more as a, "calling attention" effort rather than for conducting a scientific research. In view of constraints regarding the space available in this book it was felt desirable to present these findings and observations, item by item in the " Total contexts" i.e. taking view of our country as a whole. A new addition, this time, is the inclusion of a few events in "Boxes". We now have a mine of such eye-opening and glaring experiences. But here again we were restricted by limitation of space.One deviation from "Seva Disha 95" is that the directory of samsthas in various Prants is presented separately. However the addresses of National Head Quarters and Prant Head Quarters of Matrusamsthas are included in this book. The Prant-wise directory of Samsthas can be procured on request. One difficulty was brought to our notice by readers, not fully conversant with our terminology. A glossary of terms is provided in this book to overcome that inconvenience. Poojaneeya Prof.Rajendra Singh, the Sarasanghchalak of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh has pointed out in his foreword that we should not remain satisfied with mere compilation of status reports but we should go beyond and study the impact we create on the society as a result of seva activities. It would not be out of place to mention what we propose to do after publishing this book. A study of the impact of seva work is proposed. A design for studying the impact is now ready. It awaits field-testing. Once that is done a full-fledged study will be launched all over our country in the near future. But the fact that our workers have, by now, achieved reasonable experience with regard to documentation, has generated confidence in all of us that we shall successfully conduct that study as well. Based on this study of the impact on the society, Seva activity can be evaluated and the usefulness of any specific seva activity as an instrument of Social transformation can be decided.It is hoped that with this systematic and scientific approach all our workers will get a clear picture about the various Seva karyas and thus develop them to bring about the desired transformation for the total rejuvenation and glory of our Motherland. Madhav Mehandale Director. Research & Development wing of RSS. Seva Vibhag |