Group B Report

Behavioural Science
Case Analysis Report - Maharogi Sewa Samiti
Factors responsible for the growth of Maharogi Sewa Samiti
as a unique institution:
The reason that the work done at Anandwan is appreciated and
acknowledged even after so many years of its establishment is that they
focused on not only treating leprosy patients but also restoring their
dignity.
When these people took up the work of clearing the forest land, and saw
the tangible benefits of their own work, they developed the sense of self
respect that they had lost due to societys disdainful attitude towards
them.
The fact that the institute slowly became self-sufficient helped its
stakeholders to not just depend on passive charity or come under any
influence, but it made them self-reliant and developed a sense of
gratitude amongst them. This happened due to the presence of a strong
charismatic leader whose personal belief has shaped the institutions
ideology. This ideology could also be shaped because of the autocratic
style of leadership which eventually gave way to a democratic style as the
organization grew in size.
To cater to the various needs of leprosy affected patients, close attention
has been paid to every small detail. Tools were specially designed to
improve their efficiency and productivity. Also, work done by different
patients depends on the ease with which they can do a certain work.
Maharogi Sewa Samiti was also successful because of the organizations
emphasis on high quality. This is evident from the fact that the farm
produce was of higher quality and also the productivity of these farms was
also higher when compared to the farms of other villagers. The training
imparted to all the people working in Maharogi Sewa Samiti is non-formal
in nature and skill based. This has created a strong sense of loyalty
amongst the various members associated with the Maharogi Sewa Samiti.
These members have developed a strong personal commitment towards
their work as it is this work that has made them self-sufficient and selfreliant after society had neglected them.
Maharogi Sewa Samiti has successfully employed strong and practical
slogans as an inspiring force. These are also used to an advantage while
communicating with outsiders or promoting solidarity within the

institution. Truly, the philosophy Work builds; Charity destroys has

worked for the Samiti till now.

The role of a dedicated leadership in fostering a shared

ideology

Source of inspiration: Baba Amte got admission into the Calcutta

School of Tropical Medicine specifically to study about the treatment
of leprosy. He offered himself to experiment the bacterium M leprae
leading by example
Courage: Despite it being a communicable disease and societys
deeply rooted ignorance and prejudice, he took initiatives for the
treatment, training and rehabilitation of the afflicted patients
Closeness to followers: He enjoyed an excellent reputation and
immense credibility among his followers
Strong desire for self-sufficiency of the organization: The members
of the Samiti are not passive recipients of charity but equal partners
in the process of creation of high quality goods
Positive Message: The message given is one of hope and
expectation, despite ones handicap one is encouraged to contribute
to the community activity
Use of slogans relating to the personal beliefs of the leader act as an
inspiring force among the Samitis members
The concern and sensitivity showed by the family towards human
suffering and the firm commitment it has shown in helping others to
help themselves has given them high credibility. The values
important to the leadership have become the organisational
ideology of the Maharogi Sewa Samiti.

Use of slogans, maxims, etc. as an inspiring force

Powerful and catchy slogans

Personal beliefs of the charismatic leader (Baba Amte) transformed
into the institutions ideology

Problems:
The organizations working is based on the personal ideology espoused by
its creator. Once the fatherly figure of Baba Amte is not in a position to
actively lead the organization, it may lose its way and motive in the near
future. Also, the organization never had any specific growth plan; its
growth was always due to necessity. This strategy is not favourable to
such a big institution and may result in loss of trust amongst the
members.
Another problem associated with the Maharogi Sewa Samiti is the lack of
formal training, which takes a lot of time and the effort spent on every
individual by the mentor.

The existing decision makers consist of close associates of Baba Amte and
his family. The basis for the motivation of the members is the personal
loyalty and regard they hold for Baba Amte and his family. The long term
health and contribution would depend on quality of leadership. It is
desirable to move towards a more broad-based pattern of leadership. It
should invite members to participate in operational and strategic matters.