Afterwords

Throughout the chapters, we have tried to critically examine the superiority-complex challenges in the roles and practices of NGOs in South Asia by exploring the extent to which they adhere to their fundamentals of being non-partisan political, non-profit, and voluntary entities as an expected action course. We have addressed various aspects of NGO activities in South Asia, such as their historical evolution, their power dynamics and relationships with the state and other stakeholders, their corporatization-driven autonomy and its implications for neo-imperialism, their accountability to their beneficiaries and the state, their responses to the deterioration of quality public institutions, and their advocacy for empowerment of communities. The book has also identified the factors that break down these mentioned aspects, such as political and economic rent-seeking sensitivities, overlapping notions of empowerment, public consciousness of interests or values, exit or voice options, loyalty or attachment to public institutions or policies, state responsiveness or repression, regional or global geopolitics of foreign donors or international organizations. As a demonstration of “strength” through the transformation of fundamentals, NGOs in South Asia are influenced by multiple external factors, such as foreign donors, partners, and international organizations, who may have different agendas and interests than the NGOs themselves or their beneficiaries. It has been a unanimous trend for all sorts of NGOs throughout this book having undeniable potential to promote sustainable and inclusive development in the region. Still, they need to adopt more innovative and creative solutions and approaches that reflect the needs and capabilities of the local people and communities.