A Study on Impact of Balsanskaar Varg and Kishori Varg Programs on Mumbai’s Vasti’s Communities: An RSS Jankalyan Samiti Initiative

Abstract

With a visit facilitated by RSS Janakalyan Samiti, we witnessed the Vasti Parivartan Yojna making an impact at various Mumbai Vastis. What we noticed at the time was two initiatives, specifically Balsanskaar Varg, which works with kids between the ages of 6 to 12 through the use of moral stories, activities, and value education; and the Kishori Varg, which works with teens between the ages of 13 to 18 through leadership, career, and life skills training. We interviewed children, parents, local facilitators (affectionately referred to as Tai), and volunteers, along with direct observation, in eight Vasti communities. What you saw was nothing short of inspiring children becoming more self-assured, disciplined, and socially conscious. Parents reported improved behaviour at home, and renewed interest at school. Although the issues of limited access to resources remain, the effect of the programs is undeniably transformative. With greater community support, along with institutional support, these programs can positively change many more lives in Mumbai’s Vastis.