About this theme
Every woman, man, youth and child has the human right to a secure place to live, to physical and mental health, and to overall quality of life. It involves more than shelter but extends to all people the right to live in security, peace and dignity.~ Drawn from Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other International Covenants
Roti, Kapda, Makaan (Food, Clothing, Shelter)... of these basic human needs, perhaps most elusive for the poor is Makaan.
In India, millions of people struggle to find shelter, peace and dignity even for a few days, before they are compelled to move again, making way for dams, mines, malls, sprawl of industry and real estate. Lost in the migration are socially and ecologically valuable elements of traditional construction techniques, design of living space and lifestyle itself. Sprawling sea-facing mansions with indoor swimming pools contrast sharply to the fishworker’s hut that faces rough weather with élan even as it shelters the fisher-family. Behind the façade of luxury condominiums, shopping malls and cinema-plexes serving the cream of society, are those who lay the bricks and cables, mine, manufacture and transport the goods, clean and secure the premises. Yet they are crowded into smaller spaces that may never be their own. Meanwhile, “cookie-cutter” flats multiplying along with big retail in every city have no character, nothing vernacular about their vocabulary, and exemplify the industrialized production of makaan. This ostensible luxury comes at a huge embedded price, clearing huge tracts of farm and forest land, contributing to global warming, urban sprawl and construction and transportation practices that guzzle energy and ooze waste.
It can be otherwise. In each ecosystem and culture different and relevant kinds of housing, housing systems and construction practices have developed, reliant on local materials and labor. Can we retain the valuable components of traditions across the landscape, while meeting aspirations of modern society? Live simply so that others may simply live. Measures that reduce our ecological footprint like rainwater harvesting, unpaved grounds, rooftop gardening, and natural ventilation, may also improve our quality of life. Traditional layouts presumed more household and leisure activities in the open, spurring informal social contact and giving women access to public space. In subtle yet powerful ways, our choices in architecture impact our social and natural environment.
Right to housing is essential to citizenship itself. AID and partner organizations work to empower people to make use of the Right to Information (RTI) Act to fight corruption and obtain food rations, health services, job cards, and pensions, AID partners also help the landless obtain land for which they are legally eligible. National Rural Employment Guarantee (NREG) has reduced many families’ need to migrate. In areas facing natural or human-made disaster, such as flood affected Bihar, cyclone-affected West Bengal, or civilwar affected Chhattisgarh, AID provides relief and supports long term rehabilitation so that people can rebuild homes, communities and livelihoods. Defending people’s right to shelter, right to live in their own homes and lands, and pursue their livelihoods is central to the work of AID.
Wishing you peace and joy in 2010, we welcome you to join AID. Let us make a difference together.
