"Of India's population of 1.1 billion, about 800 million - more than 60% - are poor, many living on the margins of life, lacking some or all of the basic necessities. Despite its emergence as Asia's third biggest economy, India has the highest illiteracy rate in the world - 70% and the people lack adequate shelter, sanitation, clean water, nutrition, health care and job opportunities. The groups that are mostly left behind are minorities. There is a growing concern that unless this situation is addressed, the country will be torn apart by the despair and rage of the poor."
