World poverty. Is it a hopeless situation?

Many of us give of our time and money to do what we can. Usually our laudable actions are part of targeted campaigns, since most of us feel that the term ”world poverty” is just too amorphous. 

But indeed, there are those among us who think “big-picture.” One such person is Ramesh Kulkarni, and he has taken his thoughts on how to eradicate world poverty one step further.

Ramesh has produced a one-hour documentary titled, “The American Way: Connecting the Dots.” In it, he lays out his macro-economic solution for world poverty.

Ramesh’s religious and moral background follows a rather universalistic theme. Born a Brahmin Hindu, he has received communion in the United Methodist church, and he makes a point to visit houses of worship of all faiths including Hindu temples, mosques, gurudwaras and Buddhist temples.

Ramesh came to the US in 1999 to work in the information technology field. Success for him brought to the fore a moral responsibility instilled by his father, a professor in India who had himself spent time in the United States as a graduate student.

“My father believed that those who are educated and successful have a duty to help the less fortunate,” Ramesh explained. “As I gained an expertise in economics and management and became familiar myself with the American way of life, my father encouraged me to use my skills in that endeavor.”

According to Ramesh, the magnitude of one’s compassion directly reflects the level to which one has evolved as a human being.

Growing up in India, Ramesh saw extensive poverty – intense and brutal poverty — firsthand. “It’s a contradiction that India has been able to build complex nuclear bombs and yet cannot provide basic amenities to its citizens.”

Although he did not have a background in filmmaking, Ramesh set about to write and produce his documentary. Why a video over a book or other media? “The goal of the film is to bring all the citizens of a nation on to the same page to envision a common dream of a developed society/nation. Envisioning that dream is easier through a documentary film,” he answered.

Here’s a short clip compiled from two parts of the program:

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Ramesh believes that the American Way provides a concrete roadmap and a holistic solution to eradicate poverty. “I believe that aid and donations are not the panacea — nor are acts like holding hands and singing songs, although I sincerely appreciate those noble intentions and the expressions of deep compassion. But what we really need are macro-economic answers.” Ramesh continues, “I am taking the message to the think tank of India, to the government, business leaders and the key institutions.”

The program at times can seem like an American civics lesson. Ramesh agrees with that assessment. “Yes, absolutely. It is a civics lesson combined with its configuration and the rationale of its sound economics to act as a guide for developing nations to address the problem of poverty.”

Ramesh produced the program with production assistance from a number of friends and family members like Rohan Kulkarni, videographer; and Trine Douchand, graphic designer. The team shot with a Sony miniDV camcorder and edited using Final Cut Pro. Working with David Ryan at Video Labs, an initial run of DVDs were replicated and packaged.

Viewers may not end up agreeing with all of Ramesh’s economic conclusions or suggestions. But viewers will be affected. Throughout the history of the US, people from other countries have made astute observations about American society. One notable example is Alexis de Tocqueville with his essays, “Democracy in America,” published in 1835 and 1840.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexis_de_Tocqueville

Is Ramesh Kulkarni a modern-day de Tocqueville? Many say yes. You can make your own assessment by acquiring the program through www.tinyurl.com/2239ru

Regardless of your conclusions, you will respect the moral force, the dedication, the deep thought and the effort that went into this project.

Ramesh can be reached directly at rohan.inational@gmail.com
www.rohanintl.com