[SEWA] have been doing many different things, leading the SEWA movement which is about economic freedom for the poor, women, and self employed. - Ela Bhatt

I grew up in the time around India’s independence, in the aura of a country fighting for its freedom. It was a heady and idealistic time, and we were all infected with a spirit of optimism, and the spirit of Gandhiji.

Systems are needed, for example for management, accounting, skill development and MIS to serve the needs of the working poor.

realities of our own countries rather than catching up with the western economic models, [Bhatt urged] the people to follow a principle which ensures six basic necessities- food, shelter, clothing, primary education, primary healthcare and primary banking- are available within a 100 mile distance. If these necessities are locally produced and consumed, we will have the growth of a new holistic economy.