India has a great tradition of voluntary service and social welfare and in spite of rapid changes; the urge to serve fellowrnen is still strong and wide spread. Right through the ages this tradition has been accepted as social obligation on the part of the individual towards his less fortunate humans. Religion emphasized the virtue of 'dan' or alms i.e., free gift that encompassed different forms of social service. Institutions like 'maths' and temples were responsible for the religiously inspired forms of service, and social institution like caste and joint family were concerned with the care of the handicapped, the destitute, the widow and the aged. Religious considerations by and large, motivated acts of charity and service to please God and acquire 'Punya'. They also generated honest desire in a large number of people to help the needy.

In the Indian context.

Indonesia's population, the fourth largest in the world, is expected to pass the 200 million mark in 1997. It has sustained high rates of economic growth over the past two decades. This has undoubtedly been related to its success in moderating earlier high rates of population growth, and to its significant accomplishments in human resource development. This volume is therefore timely. It presents a comprehensive evaluation of the current situation and assesses future prospects.

The constraints, challenges, and future of the state of Karnataka are addressed in this comprehensive reference engaging a gamut of issues relevant to the state, including the real estate and financial sectors, regional disparities, human and social development, environmental sustainability, and governance. The concluding chapters are dedicated to forming a vision for the state’s future development.