The rural development work being undertaken by Deendayal Research Institute (DRI) under the guidance of Nanaji Deshmukh received applauds from IITians at an international conference organised in Chicago on October 9. The delegates not only praised the development model but also expressed desire to study it. The theme of conference was Social Entrepreneurship and Rural Integrated Transformation. Many world famous personalities including former US president Bill Clinton were present at the conference, which was inaugurated by Union Minister of State for HRD Smt D Purandeshwari. More than 4000 delegates from world participated in the conference.
Dr Nandita Pathak, director of Udyamita Vidyapeeth of DRI, presented in detail the activities of DRI through PowerPoint Presentation and highlighted how the life of villagers in 500 villages around Chitrakoot saw sea change. The presentation touched the heart of the IITians that they expressed desire to visit Chitrakoot. Dr Pathak returned India on October 12 and she was extended warm welcome at the Airport. She was also extended warm welcome at Manikpur Railway Station. According to Dr Pathak what moved the delegates at the conference very much was the dedication of Nanaji Deshmukh who left politics in the age of 60 and dedicated himself fully to the rural development.
(FOC)
