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This volume addresses a central dilemma of our times from a perspective based on lessons from the ground??persistence of structural poverty after sixty years of independence amidst rapid economic growth, widening social anomie, political crisis and failing policy. . The collection presents an alternative school of thought which has been evolved by scholars and activists over decades, in which the poor are presented not as the problem but as an essential resource. Among this volume??s distinguishing ideas are: a new role for the poor, raising mass consciousness, a core methodology for transformation, restructuring the state, pro-poor partnerships for all social constituencies, insistence on holism and values, learning from the poor and new social movements, and eschewing a priori thinking. This perspective powerfully argues the validity and feasibility of sustainable and transformative societal change. . The compilation is rich in lucidly presented case studies and illustrative examples. The strategies advocated would catalyse the process of achieving political and economic democracy at the grassroots and facilitate sustainable development. They would also help in the democratization of the phase of transition and growth. This work is an excellent reference source for development economists and students, researchers and faculty studying governance, poverty and human rights, and issues of security and human rights. Table of Contents Foreword KARAN SINDH Preface I: A QUARTER CENTURY OF LEARNING FROM THE POOR: Introduction The Point of Departure: Understanding the Reality, Constructive Dissent and Moving from Lessons on the Ground to Sustainable Policy PONNA WIGNARAJA Evolution of the Macro???Micro Pro-poor Strategy PONNA WIGNARAJA II: THE CORE METHODOLOGY WITH THE POOR AS SUBJECTS: Introduction Some Conceptual and Methodological Issues PONNA WIGNARAJA Knowledge, Power and Action: The Role of Participatory Action Research D L SHETH Participatory Development Praxis in Pakistan??s Punjab: A Case Study AKMAL HUSSAIN Social Mobilization and Keeping the People??s Surplus in People??s Hands SUSIL SIRIVARDANA Strengthening the Base through Participatory Democracy for Transition to Sustainability SHRIKRISHNA UPADHYAY III: SENSITIZATION AND TRAINING OF FACILITATORS THROUGH PRAXIS AND PAR: Introduction An illustrative Case Study of Experiential Learning and Deep Immersion Training PONNA WIGNARAJA and MADHU SUBRAMANIAN IV: MAKING THE MACRO FRAMEWORK PRO-POOR: A STRATEGIC AGENDA: Introduction Towards a New Socialistic Pattern and the Welfare Model in Kerala, India MADHU SUBRAMANIAN Poverty, Power and Local Government in Pakistan AKMAL HUSSAIN and SAVAIL HUSSAIN Values, Development with Equity and Democracy: The Dynamics in Bangladesh SHAIKH MAQSOOD ALI Postscript Index