Moving Out of Poverty 8th June 2009

Dasra hosted a panel discussion with Shobhaa De, Naina Lal Kidwai, and Dasra board member, Dr. Deepa Narayan entitled Breaking the Cycle: Sustainable Solutions to Getting Out and Staying Out of Poverty. The event, which had a turnout of over 100 people, took place on Monday 8th June 2009 and was moderated by Anand Giridharadas. Dasra worked closely with the American Center, and Asia Society India Centre, in co-hosting the event.

The discussion was lively and enthusiastic with each woman bringing illuminating and thought-provoking points to the debate. Naina Lal Kidwai, the group general manager and country head of HSBC Group Companies in India, argued the importance of access to credit and financial systems for women in lifting people out of poverty while Shobhaa De made a passionate argument for the wealthy to change their attitudes towards the poor. She also highlighted preconceptions surrounding poor people such as they believe they are poor because of karma or previous lives.

The panel was timed to coincide with this year’s publication of the latest part of Dr Narayan’s study Moving out of Poverty which distilled life stories, discussions and questionnaires collected from over 60,000 poor people and recently poor people in more than 500 communities in 15 low and middle income countries in South and East Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Dr Narayan was able to draw from her extensive knowledge in the area to dispel myths and bring statistical evidence to her fellow panelists’ arguments and in answer to audience questions.

The evening attracted news coverage from Times of India, the Hindustan Times, and a variety of TV channels including CNN IBN and Zee Business. Dasra staff extended networks and reached new people with news of Dasra’s work and achievements.

Dasra would like to thank the American Center in Mumbai and Asia Society India Centre for co-hosting this event.