India Village Service

Early in their missionary careers, in order to fully experience village life in India, William and Charlotte Wiser lived for five years in the village of Karimganj near Mainpuri. These experiences led to the publication of the book Behind Mud Walls and established the principles behind the India Village Service. Founded by the Wisers in 1945, the serviceÌs philosophy holds that it is better to teach people to do for themselves than to do for them. The Wisers also advocated serving the "felt needs" of the people rather than the needs perceived by others. While accepted practices today, both were radical theories in the 1940s. Colleagues of the service needed the ability to create new methods suited to existing village life and create a flexible service based on current needs. As Dr. Wiser said, "If the villager hasnÌt learned, we havenÌt taught."

(Christian Missions and Point IV, Division of Foreign Missions, National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. in William Wiser personnel file RG 360)

Shyam Lal, an IVS colleague, compares the size of eggs laid by Rhode Island Reds against those laid by village hens. India Village Service, Lucknow, 1952. (RG223-3-64). Click to enlarge.

Mr. Abraham, an IVS colleague, helps villagers cultivate eggplant in Mehni Shora. India Village Service, Lucknow, 1952. (RG 223-3-61). Click to enlarge.

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