by Shala Carlson
As Habitat for Humanity's work has progressed on the ground in India, outreach also has been occurring thousands of miles away. Members of Habitat's development staff have been forging relationships within the non-resident Indian community, with efforts in Canada, Great Britain and particularly the United States.
The Indian diaspora in America is large and largely prosperous. The 2000 census put the number of Indian-Americans in the United States at nearly 1.7 million. That same year, Fortune magazine estimated that the wealth generated by Indian entrepreneurs was around $250 billion in Silicon Valley alone. The Indian American Centre for Political Awareness reports that Indians have the highest levels of education of all ethnic groups in the United States, with nearly 40 percent holding a master's, doctorate or other professional degree.
But even more impressive than these numbers is the diaspora's depth of generosity. The Times of India reported in August that NRIs sent home as much as $21 billion this year, a figure that has jumped 150 percent since 1995.
"Having the support of the diaspora community is critical," says Shruti Murti, Habitat's associate director of India giving, who has been seeking donations and volunteers through a series of organizational and one-on-one meetings. "Having the support of those who are not specifically tied to the diaspora community but have an interest in this specific country is also important because it reflects that Habitat for Humanity International's work spans nations, races and religions and brings every human being into one global family - one that sees no differences and sets no limits, that gives to all so that everyone will one day have the opportunity to live with dignity."
For months, Murti's work was largely focused on preparations for the Jimmy Carter Work Project. "Yet our work does not stop there," she says. "We aim to make new and existing long-term relationships for the entire duration of the indiaBUILDS campaign.
"India is booming and has etched itself onto the global map in technology, business and economic strata," she continues. "The indiaBUILDS campaign will help India catch up from a social standpoint as well. I hope that our work raises awareness and sparks interest in people around the world to allow them to see the real India--not through movies or fairy tales. There is a rich, vibrant culture radiating in India, and it will glow stronger as each new family is given a decent home."
