This book deals with the practical aspects of human development in rural context in a holistic way. It facilitates the understanding of holistic issues concerning sustainable self-employment, enhancing productivity, rendering hope and practical perspectives to the neglected, identifying hidden potentials, participatory approach and action, involving the grassroots institutions, empowerment and leadership. Also, it analyses the contributions of NGOs towards rural development and the role of media in creating mass mindset. The book will be of great use for policy makers, researchers and development workers. About the Author: Irmel Marla is the Social Scientist & Anthropologist, University of Heidelberg, Germany, her specialization has been in HRD and Rural Development. She had been the Head of the Dept, Human Resource Development Department, German Private Insurance Company and also delivered Lecturer in various Educational Institutions of Germany for 28 yrs. She had the experience in rural India through participating in her late husbands research projects (prominent: Bonded Labour in India) by co-conducting pilot phases and evaluations. Now she is been living and working in an NGO in South India and is the Member Executive Council, Mitraniketan, Kerala. She is also the Chairperson of Dr. V. Sarma Marla Foundation and also of International Institute for Research & Voluntary Action (India & Germany).