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 society’s 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 institution’s 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 organization’s 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 self-reliant 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 society’s 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 one’s
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 Samiti’s 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
institution’s ideology

Problems:
The organization’s 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.