A look at one of the unsung heroes in India who work at bringing about a positive change.

Around the time that India was gradually growing into its newfound independent status and the country was reeling under the startling poverty an illiteracy that had made firm base in its very foundation, an organization was walking the talk of the government.

The numerous plans aimed at educating Indians about family planning through the years could not do what the Family Planning Association of India has done through years of sheer dedication and diligence. The FPAI, now known as FPAIndia establish itself as a Non Governmental organization, a voluntary body, started its work on 23 July 1949 under the aegis of a few likeminded people keen to make a difference.

Five decades later, it has grown into a large organization with over 40 branches all over the country. It holds camps, various projects and has reproductive health clinics in all parts of India, from the smallest villages in the interiors to the throbbing metros. Looking into almost all matters of social relevance, the NGO's main aim is for a stable population and educating Indians about issues ranging from family planning to HIV/AIDS. The Mumbai Branch, which has its administrative offices in Colaba, is spread out all over the city with clinics and offices through the length and breadth of the city.

As far as funding is concerned, Mumbai branch manager, Mrs.Vandana Waval says, "Government and private corporate organizations, both chip in but it is individuals who enthusiastically come forward and help out. It is very encouraging when we get this kind of response on a people to people basis." 

Some of the issues that the FPAIndia focuses on include

• Reproductive health education and services
• Family Life Education
• Help the community to form self-help groups for better health, nutrition and immunization.
• Address gender issues including sexual harassment and domestic violence.
• Provide contraceptive counseling, safe termination of pregnancy (MTP) and endoscopic sterilization.
• Provide diagnosis and treatment for infertility and gynecological problems.
• Attempt prevention of sexually transmitted infections including, HIV/AIDS through education awareness.
• Provide Family Life Education for persons with special needs e.g. the mentally / physically/ sensorily handicapped, their families and their teachers.
• Counseling to clients for various problems related to reproductive health.
• Training in Laproscopic sterilization, Microsurgery, IUD

Special projects that the organization has undertaken:

• YASH-AVERT project (Youth and Sexual Health)STI/HIV/AIDS targeted intervention among youth with high risk behavior at Bhiwandi and Colaba. Helpline 22880405
• Empowerment of women’s group and community for Reproductive health, gender and development through networking in Bhiwandi.
• Aastha Project to reduce the spread of HIV and incidence of STI among Bar girls and partners in Bhiwandi
• Sexuality Education Counseling Research Therapy /Trg (SECRT) targeting the adolescents in promoting sexual and reproductive health, safe sex and information on STI/HIV/AIDS.

Comprehensive Reproductive Health Clinics

• Kutumb Sudhar Kendra Mumbai Central. Tel: 2309 8267
• Planned Parenthood Center Fort. Tel: 2207 5400
• Kutumb Niyojan Adarsh Kendra Thane. Tel: 2547 2117
• Prajanan Swasthya Kendra Bhiwandi. Tel: 952522-258752/23098267

This is just a succinct overview of an organization that believes in the old adage that actions speak louder than words. And that has benefited the countless, nameless faces populating the country whose problems more often than not go unnoticed by the majority.  

Log on to www.fpaindia.com for more information. 

FPA India Mumbai Branch
Cecil Court, 5th Floor, Mahakavi Bhushan Marg,
Mumbai – 400 039
Tel: 22874689/22871856

(Donations 100% tax exemption under 80 G(2)(a)vii)