Education of Adolescents for Development in India: The Case of Doosra Dashak: - Snippet Book Review

Case studies and case illustrations about specific instances, interventions, projects or programmes of organizations are important reflective documents which are capable of inspiring not only the functionaries of the organizations in context but can also work as guidebooks for other organisations working on similar project.s

The book  “Education of Adolescents for Development in India: The Case of Doosra Dashak” authored  eminent researcher Prof Denzil Sadanaha of  Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai  on behest of Sir Dorbji Trust, Mumbai, and has been published by  Rawat Publications, Jaipur, in 2007, is divided into  8 chapters  and  runs into 200-odd pages

Doosra Dashak  project , envisioned by  Padma Bhusham  Anil Bordia,  and being run by Foundation for Education Development, a Jaipur Based Trust,  has been case- illustrated in the book

The project focuses on educating adolescents' holistic development in a critical age of 11-20 years or second decade of children's life deeming age of 21 years as the onset of adulthood . The aim of the project is to develop an integrated and holistic intervention for adolescents in remote regions with fragile ecologies and low social development indicators.  Under the project, adolescents are  being empowered by providing life skills, academic knowledge and  values to become responsible and contributing members of society. 

The book, divided into 8 chapters, is written, in a scholarly style and is available on Amazon, besides the publishers. The most important chapter is one that dwells on micro-planning and management to charter the progress of the children as well as that of the project through periodic review and planning meetings for mid-course correction and holism as well as promoting innovation and creativity at the grassroots levels..

The Doosra Dashak case illustrates the based on the psychology and psychology of adolescents in the age grough the contextual and holistic education is required to 'enable adolescent 'to play a role in thte process of social transformation.'

Being a well-researched book, it has the a glossary and index too for other researchers and for the NGOs to draw inspiration and learn lessons from the project of Doosra Dashka.

The book is a must for the university libraries, education departments, and educational functionaries in both in the government and non-government sectors. Furthermore, the study can work as a 'platform for the exchange of ideas among practitioners. policy makers, academics and activists engaged in similar efforts with adolescents in rural areas.'