I am Vice President of the Board of India Development Service (IDS), a Chicago based non profit organization working to support grass roots socio-economic projects in India for last 45 years.
Jerome and Steve always go the extra step, showing a genuine interest in learning the complex nature of socio-economic development that goes far beyond the textbooks. We know of only one program that does this: Worldview.
Through their Global Activism series, Steve and Jerome have welcomed and interviewed Indian activists IDS has brought to Chicago for 22 years. In 2015, Steve and Jerome travelled with us to India, visiting IDS projects including a girls’ empowerment project, youth barefoot researchers, water conservation efforts, a microcredit program, and more. Check out their podcasts and video clips.
Worldview has truly been “window to the world” for many immigrants and diverse communities who have made Chicago our home. Listening to Worldview makes our communities feel connected to our roots and gives us an opportunity to grow by learning what’s happening not only in our homeland, but in other parts of the world. Taking Worldview off the air would be stripping our communities of our identities, our voice, and our heritage. With the prevalent undercurrents of racism and bigotry spreading throughout the world, we need programs like Worldview to provide us a balanced view and to maintain our sanity. Please do not steal this away from us!
Nilesh Kothari
India Development Service