This book is based on the lifetime experiences of the authors and presents the successful comprehensive strategies implemented for reducing poverty in a defined geographic community of over 120,000 people. These strategies include vocational training of youth, self Help Groups, livestock development, vocational training of youth and reducing the impact of catastrophic illnesses. Bank finance was available as credit for the poor as well as the savings by the women as part of Self Help Groups. There was close handholding by RUHSA. The poorest of the poor participated in planning and decision making and gave valuable insights for their own development.