From Seva to Cyberspace : The Many Faces of Volunteering in India

The book examines the phenomenon of volunteering in India. It begins by tracing the origins of voluntary action in India, exploring figures and ideas which have played an important role in inspiring Indians toward voluntary action during various stages of history. It then proceeds to cover general concepts which are important in any examination of volunteering, such as how a volunteer should be defined and understood and methods of measuring the value of volunteer labor to nonprofit organizations. It also includes a detailed discussion of the particular contributions of the oldest and youngest volunteers in India. The unique motivations and contributions of those with a religious inspiration for voluntary action are explored at length, as is the important issue of corporate support for volunteer activities. The book concludes with a discussion of new trends and of the strong continuing traditions which inspire modern volunteers in India to offer their time and talents in the service of society.

Femida Handy is Professor, School of Social Policy and Practice, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA. Meenaz Kassam is Assistant Professor of Sociology, Department of International Studies, American University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Jillian Ingold is a PhD candidate of South Asia Studies at University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA. Bhagyashree Ranade is CEO, Marketing and Market Research Consultants and Discovery and Transition, Pune, India.