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him and the people who built this search Centre (aka Barefoot College,
50-year-old enterprise through huge Tilonia) as well, who seems oddly
sacrifice and high values. unable to represent its own history
I’m extremely disappointed that in a factual inclusive way, crediting
EducationWorld gave wing to an individuals and teams whose work
entity based on duplicity. This will has defined SWRC/Barefoot College.
have a far-reaching impact on the Omission constitutes a lie equally
credibility and sustainability of the as false statements and Mr. Roy’s
original Barefoot College as its mis- rampant omissions and poetic
sion has never been — or will be — licence with facts. His need to con-
for personal gain. tinually attribute credit to those who
You should have completed your are his long-standing ‘yes men’, is
homework Mr. Thakore before pub- the worst sort of outcome for what
lishing this cover story. should be an iconic organisation.
Saritaa Hegde Roy Omitting key facts from the testimo-
on E-MAIL ny of staff is yet another indicator of
OCTOBER 2022 an organisation unable to be gener-
ous about the contributions of those
One-sided content without whom they would not have
WE, THE entire staff and leadership achieved what they have in 50 years.
Misrepresented facts team of Barefoot College Interna- There is a reason behind 96
YOUR COVER story (EW August) tional (BCI) are writing to express former staff (70 percent of the total
was well researched and on point our sincere disappointment and employees of the joint organisation)
regarding issues of the Barefoot Col- outrage at your recent cover story who had been working team mem-
lege (BC) model of learning without commemorating 50 years of Barefoot bers of the SWRC for decades, stood
formal degrees and the reasons College, Tilonia (EW August). before Mr. Roy and challenged his
cited why it may not work in India. Your cover feature exemplifies treatment of them, which included
These are revolutionary ideas based the lowest level of journalism by withholding payments due to them
on a steadfast belief in the human circumventing fact, genuine due and his categorically authoritative
spirit and honesty that have yielded diligence and a willingness to allow approach in refusing to enter into
extraordinary results. unsubstantiated and utterly incor- any genuine dialogue about the
However, you have given Bare- rect information to be placed in the future of the organisation.
foot College International (BCI), an public domain. Perhaps this has been The cover feature is completely
implementing agency of the parent done unwittingly but that is ulti- void of our voices as if we did not
organisation viz, Barefoot College, mately your responsibility as editor exist and have not contributed to
credibility by stating they have a of EducationWorld. Barefoot College and its achieve-
shared history goes against the grain It is completely negligent and ments. You should be ashamed of
when legacies and IPR (intellec- irresponsible to deliberately and your lazy and shoddy representa-
tual property rights) are stolen and recklessly allow the publication of tion of an organisation that has a
misused. There are so many errors information which may negatively unique history, far beyond Mr. Roy’s
in your write-up on former BC chief influence the many partners includ- selected representation and salacious
executive Megan Fallone and facts ing the government — with whom mongering for presenting things in
have been misrepresented. BCI works closely. Your purpose in a totally incorrect, subjective and
It would have been expected that allowing such one-sided editorial factually false manner.
some research was done on Fallone’s content into the public domain is de Barefoot College International
actual background and why she and facto endorsement and your purpose Staff, Heads of Sections, Directors &
a bunch of others were expelled in doing so as a reputable publica- CEO, Harmara, RAJASTHAN
from BC. Perhaps further research tion, is incomprehensible.
would have thrown up the fact that We believe that putting poor rural Curiously you don’t mention our
an implementing agency has no right women, children and community interview with your director Megan
to any history, legacy or brand when development work first, ahead of Fallone, who presented the BCI
its services have been terminated. petty fabricated issues is and should perspective. We included Fallone’s
Giving so much space to Fallone on be, everyone’s priority in the social viewpoint despite Mr. Roy’s objec-
the same platform as the founder development sector. This applies to tion. For full text of letters visit
of Barefoot College, is to discredit the leader of Social Work and Re- www.educationworld.in — Editor

16 EDUCATIONWORLD SEPTEMBER 2022