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{{short description|Indian social worker}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=May 2018}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Kiran Martin
| image = KiranMartin.jpg
| imagesize =
| caption = Dr Kiran Martin
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1959|06|09}}
| nationality = Indian
| education = Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, Diploma in Child Health and Paedriatics
| death_date =
| death_place =
| restingplace =
| restingplacecoordinates =
| othername =
| occupation = Social worker, pediatrician, founder and director of Asha Society
| yearsactive =
| known for =
| spouse = Godfrey Martin
| domesticpartner =
| children = 2
| parents =
| website = {{url|https://drkiranmartin.wordpress.com/|Personal blog}}
| awards = [[Padma Shri]]
}}
'''Kiran Martin''' is an Indian pediatrician, social worker and the founder of '''Asha''', a [[non governmental organization]],<ref name="ABC">{{cite web | url=http://www.abc.net.au/sundayprofile/stories/3019720.htm | title=ABC | publisher=ABC | date=23 September 2010 | access-date=14 January 2015}}</ref> working towards the health and community development<ref name="Opinion">{{cite web | url=http://www.onlineopinion.com.au/author.asp?id=6437 | title=Opinion | publisher=Opinion | date=13 October 2010 | access-date=14 January 2015}}</ref> of around 50 slum colonies in and around Delhi, reaching a reported number of 400,000 to 500,000 slum dwellers.<ref name="In Conversation with Asha founder Dr Kiran Martin">{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BUq2lUc6aQ | title=In Conversation with Asha founder Dr Kiran Martin | publisher=The Conversation | work=YouTube video | date=19 November 2013 | access-date=14 January 2015}}</ref><ref name="AFAS">{{cite web | url=http://www.australianfriendsofashaslums.org.au/event/an-evening-with-dr-kiran-martin-founder-of-asha-india/ | title=AFAS | publisher=AFAS | date=2014 | access-date=14 January 2015}}</ref><ref name="Ten20">{{cite web | url=http://www.ten20.com.au/news-and-learnings/announcements/regional-insights-community-led-collective-impact-india-dr-kiran-martin-asha-society/ | title=Ten20 | publisher=Ten20 | date=2014 | access-date=14 January 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150303151040/http://ten20.com.au/news-and-learnings/announcements/regional-insights-community-led-collective-impact-india-dr-kiran-martin-asha-society/ | archive-date=3 March 2015 | url-status=dead }}</ref> She was honored by the [[Government of India]], in 2002, with the fourth highest [[Indian honours system|Indian civilian award]] of [[Padma Shri]].<ref name="Padma Awards">{{cite web|url=http://mha.nic.in/sites/upload_files/mha/files/LST-PDAWD-2013.pdf |title=Padma Awards |publisher=Padma Awards |date=2014 |access-date=11 November 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6U68ulwpb?url=http://mha.nic.in/sites/upload_files/mha/files/LST-PDAWD-2013.pdf |archive-date=15 November 2014 }}</ref>

==Early life==
Kiran Martin did her graduate studies in Medicine (MBBS) at the [[Maulana Azad Medical College]], Delhi and completed her advanced studies in pediatrics from the [[Lady Hardinge Medical College]] of the [[University of Delhi]]<ref name="Willow Creek">{{cite web | url=http://willowcreek.org.nz/dr-kiran-martin-katie-boom-new-speakers-at-gls/ | title=Willow Creek | publisher=Willow Creek | date=9 September 2013 | access-date=14 January 2015}}</ref> in 1985.<ref name="India West">{{cite web | url=http://www.indiawest.com/news/global_indian/asha-s-kiran-martin-spurs-radical-transformation-of-delhi-slums/article_0af91a5d-6302-58e7-8503-afbbb6901f4d.html?mode=jqm | title=India West | publisher=India West | date=2014 | access-date=14 January 2015}}</ref><ref name="Boston University">{{cite web | url=http://www.bu.edu/ghblast/2012/09/05/dr-kiran-martin-founder-of-asha-society-presnting-at-the-global-health-speaker-series-transforming-lives-in-the-slums-of-delhi/ | title=Boston University | publisher=Boston University | date=5 September 2012 | access-date=14 January 2015}}</ref>

==Founding of Asha Society==
Kiran Martin's career took a turn when ''Dr. Ambedkar Basti'', one of the slums in South Delhi, endured a [[cholera]] epidemic, in 1988.<ref name="India West" /> She volunteered to provide medical assistance to the slum dwellers and the experience is reported to have prompted her into social service.<ref name="Willow Creek" /><ref name="In Conversation">{{cite web | url=http://theconversation.com/in-conversation-with-asha-founder-dr-kiran-martin-20308 | title=In Conversation | publisher=The Conversation | work=Article | date=21 November 2013 | access-date=14 January 2015 | author=Rob Moodie}}</ref> In order to provide an organized service, she secured like-minded helpers and founded Asha Society, (''Action for Securing Health for All'') literally meaning ''Hope'' in Hindi,<ref name="India West" /> a non governmental organization, the same year.<ref name="The Age">{{cite web | url=http://www.theage.com.au/national/from-slums-to-hope-with-a-model-plan-for-urban-poor-20101005-16650.html | title=The Age | publisher=The Age | date=6 October 2010 | access-date=14 January 2015}}</ref><ref name="Australia India Institute">{{cite web | url=http://www.aii.unimelb.edu.au/content/dr-kiran-martin-director-asha | title=Australia India Institute | publisher=Australia India Institute | date=15 May 2010 | access-date=14 January 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150116192332/http://www.aii.unimelb.edu.au/content/dr-kiran-martin-director-asha | archive-date=16 January 2015 | url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Kiran Martin's Philosophy===
Kiran Martin claims that she wanted to pursue a direction in life that gave her vision, values and inspiration.<ref name="The Nossal Institute">{{cite web|title=Asha: Hope and Transformation in the Slums of Delhi|url=http://ni.unimelb.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/511842/Asha_Hope_and_Transformation_in_the_slums_of_Delhi.pdf|publisher=The Nossal Institute|access-date=8 March 2015|date=September 2011}}</ref> Martin's values are an integral part of the Asha model and include the belief that all people, including the poor, have the same inherent dignity and rights that deserve protection. The Asha model directly challenges the pervasive system of caste and class that exists in Indian society and elsewhere and in particular seeks to redress the unequal treatment of females by empowering women to bring about change in their own communities.<ref name="In Conversation with Asha founder Dr Kiran Martin" /> Asha was founded with a strong desire for social justice by ensuring the equal distribution of goods, services and the opportunities and benefits of development.<ref name="The Nossal Institute" /> Other values that Asha professes are compassion, gratitude, optimism, joy and simplicity. Led by Martin, these values have directed the approach and expansion of Asha's work over two decades and may explain the success that Asha has enjoyed.<ref name="The Nossal Institute" />

===Growth and Expansion of Asha===
Under the aegis of Asha,<ref name="Asha">{{cite web | url=http://asha-india.org/ | title=Asha | publisher=Asha | date=2014 | access-date=16 January 2015}}</ref> Kiran Martin is reported to have started various programs such as medical aid, development of roads, sanitation and water supply facilities and basic and higher education.<ref name="In Conversation" /><ref name="Australia India Institute" /> The organization is known to be covering around 50 colonies<ref name="Australia India Institute" /> and 400,000 to 500,000 people.<ref name="Boston University" /><ref name="In Conversation" />

Soon after Martin began her health clinics, she began to organise women in the community into advocacy groups to tackle community problems.<ref name="In Conversation with Asha founder Dr Kiran Martin" /> These women's associations, known as ''Mahila Mandals'', began to successfully lobby officials to secure infrastructure improvements. Asha identified and trained women to become Community Health Volunteers to provide basic healthcare and advice to families in their communities.<ref name="UN Habitat">{{cite web|title=Facilitating Community& Government Participation to bring about Slum Transformation|url=http://mirror.unhabitat.org/bp/bp.list.details.aspx?bp_id=570|publisher=UN Habitat|access-date=8 March 2015|date=2004}}</ref><ref name="In Conversation with Asha founder Dr Kiran Martin" /> Children's groups, known as ''Bal Mandals'', were formed to empower children and to provide training in leadership skills to influence their own community and to participate in healthcare and improvement initiatives. Asha provides assistance and encouragement to children and their families to attend and complete primary and secondary education.<ref name="UN Habitat" /> In 2008, Martin's long-term vision of higher education for Asha slum children was realised.<ref name="In Conversation with Asha founder Dr Kiran Martin" /> Asha claims that nearly 1200 students are pursuing higher education in the [[University of Delhi]] with its assistance.<ref name="In Conversation" /><ref>{{cite news|title=Empowering Delhi's underprivileged with education|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/empowering-delhi-s-underprivileged-with-education-113102600266_1.html|access-date=26 February 2015|work=Business Standard|date=16 October 2013}}</ref> This was followed by the Mentorship and Internship Programmes in 2012 to increase students’ chances of breaking into the competitive job market. Asha assists in getting financial aid from the banks and other financial institutions for the economically compromised people of the slums.<ref name="In Conversation" /> Martin is credited with efforts to get the inhabitants of the Delhi slums included in the ''financial inclusion schemes'' of the [[Ministry of Finance (India)|Ministry of Finance]].<ref name="Willow Creek" />

==Awards and recognition==
[[File:Dr-Kiran-Receiving-the-Padma-Shri.jpg|thumbnail|Kiran Martin receiving the Padma Shri award, 2002]]
The [[Government of India]], included her in the [[Indian honours system|Republic Day honours]] list, in 2002, for the civilian award of [[Padma Shri]].<ref name="India West" /><ref name="Boston University" /><ref name="Australia India Institute" /><ref>{{cite web|title=Padma Shri Awardees 2002|url=http://archive.india.gov.in/myindia/padmashri_awards_list1.php?start=730|website=india.gov.in|access-date=9 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150225230616/http://archive.india.gov.in/myindia/padmashri_awards_list1.php?start=730|archive-date=25 February 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> Martin has worked with Hon Mr [[P Chidambaram]], India's Home Minister and earlier the Finance Minister, to increase financial inclusion for slum dwellers, and Mr Chidambaram has also taken a keen interest in the progress of Asha's higher education initiative.<ref>{{cite news|title=Chidambaram praises Asha Society's efforts towards slum dwellers|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/chidambaram-praises-asha-society-s-efforts-towards-slum-dwellers-114050800404_1.htm|access-date=9 January 2015|work=Business Standard|agency=ANI|date=8 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Dixit|first1=Ashok|title=Chidambaram lauds NGO Asha's efforts to empower slum dwellers|url=http://www.siasat.com/english/news/chidambaram-lauds-ngo-ashas-efforts-empower-slum-dwellers|access-date=9 January 2015|work=The Siasat Daily|agency=ANI|date=8 May 2014}}</ref> The [[Chief Minister of Delhi]] has shown support for Martin's work on many occasions, as has the Slum Commissioner of Delhi. Veteran Indian statesman Mr [[L. K. Advani|L K Advani]] has been a long-term supporter of Martin's work. Dr [[Harsh Vardhan (Delhi politician)|Harsh Vardhan]], the Indian Minister for Health, lent support to Asha's model of healthcare during his time as Delhi Health Minister in the 1990s.

Both state and national slum policies have been influenced by Asha's work, and Martin's assistance has recently been sought by Hon Mr [[Kapil Sibal]], India's Minister for Human Resources and Development.<ref>{{cite web|title=Hon Minister Kapil Sibal to launch new programme with Australia India Institute, Asha and Nossal Institute for Global Health|url=http://www.india.embassy.gov.au/files/ndli/9%20AII%20ASHA.pdf|website=Australian High Commission, New Delhi|access-date=12 January 2015|date=1 March 2011}}</ref> In addition to Asha's work being awarded Best Practice by [[UN-Habitat]],<ref name="UN Habitat" /> it has also been praised, studied and replicated by organisations in many countries. The [http://ni.unimelb.edu.au/ Nossal Institute of Global Health], in 2011, conducted an analysis of Asha's decision points, ethos, key strategies, lessons learned, and evidence of impact in the context of New Delhi. The results of this were published as ''Asha: Hope and Transformation in the Slums of Delhi''.<ref name="The Nossal Institute" />

==International Interest in Asha==
Martin is associated with various philanthropic organizations in India and abroad for raising funds for her activities.<ref name="Rainey Endowed">{{cite web | url=http://raineyendowed.com/asha-dr-kiran-martin/ | title=Rainey Endowed | publisher=Rainey Endowed | date=2014 | access-date=14 January 2015}}</ref> Asha's work is supported by formal and registered Friends of Asha societies in [https://www.justgiving.com/friendsofasha/ Great Britain], [http://www.australianfriendsofashaslums.org.au/ Australia], Ireland and the USA. In addition, funding agencies such as Tearfund New Zealand, Tear Netherlands and ICCO Netherlands support Asha's work, alongside international governmental agencies such as [[Irish Aid]], NZ Aid, the Japanese government's GGP programme and [[AusAid]].

Numerous overseas visitors have visited Asha and accompanied Martin on slum visits where they saw firsthand the improvements in the health, empowerment and financial status of people in Asha project areas. These visitors have included the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Mr [[John Key]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Asha slum children play cricket with New Zealand Prime Minister|url=http://ndrf.org.nz/assets/110829-TearFund-Parliamentary-Snapshot.pdf|website=NDRF|access-date=13 January 2015|date=Winter 2011}}</ref> Australia's Prime Minister, Ms [[Julia Gillard]] in 2012,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Doherty|first1=Ben|title=Gillard mends fences with next generation of leaders in India|url=http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/gillard-mends-fences-with-next-generation-of-leaders-in-india-20121016-27p3x.html|access-date=13 January 2015|work=The Sunday Morning Herald|date=17 October 2012}}</ref> the Governor General of New Zealand, Mr [[Anand Satyanand]],<ref>{{cite news|title=NZ Joins Forces with India to Transform Slums|url=http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1309/S00203/nz-joins-forces-with-india-to-transform-slums.htm|access-date=13 January 2015|work=Scoop|date=18 September 2013}}</ref> the Governor of Victoria, Mr [[Alex Chernov]],<ref>{{cite web|last1=Chernov|first1=Alex|title=Launch Of Australian Friends Of Asha Slums|url=http://www.governor.vic.gov.au/victorias-governor/publications/speeches/speech/speech/179|website=Governor of Victoria|access-date=13 January 2015|date=29 November 2012}}</ref> the First Lady of Canada, Mrs [[Sharon Johnston]], the First Lady of Japan, Mrs [[Miyuki Hatoyama]], as well as Cabinet Ministers from Ireland, the UK, Japan, New Zealand and Australia.

Martin has attended many seminars and conferences and has addressed gatherings at the [[British House of Commons]], [[United States House of Representatives]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Dr Kiran Martin - Director Asha|url=http://www.aii.unimelb.edu.au/content/dr-kiran-martin-director-asha|website=Australia India Institute|access-date=12 January 2015|date=15 May 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150116192332/http://www.aii.unimelb.edu.au/content/dr-kiran-martin-director-asha|archive-date=16 January 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Harvard University]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Events in 2012|url=http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/women-and-health-initiative/2012-events/|website=Harvard School of Public Health|access-date=12 January 2015}}</ref> [[MIT]], [[Cambridge University]], [[Boston University School of Public Health]],<ref>{{cite web|title=BUSPH Public Health Forum: Urban Indian Slums Fertile for Change|url=http://www.bumc.bu.edu/2011/04/19/busph-public-health-forum-urban-indian-slums-fertile-for-change/|website=Boston University School of Public Health|access-date=13 January 2015|date=19 April 2011}}</ref> [[Columbia University]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Overview of Asha Event|url=http://www.mailman.columbia.edu/students/student-life/student-digest/display?site=sdigest&event_id=11389|website=Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health|access-date=13 January 2015|date=18 September 2012}}</ref> [[Monash University]], [[Melbourne University]],<ref name="The Age" /> the Australia India Institute.<ref name="Australia India Institute" /> [[Queen's University Belfast]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Beyond Distinction, Beyond Difference - Transforming Lives in Delhi's Slum Communities|url=http://www.qub.ac.uk/research-centres/CentreforSharedEducation/EventsEducation/EventsArchive/|website=Queen's University Belfast|access-date=13 January 2015|date=15 May 2012}}</ref> [[Radio New Zealand]] has also aired a public address of Martin.<ref name="Radio Newzealand">{{cite web | url=http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/saturday/audio/2500279/kiran-martin | title=Radio Newzealand | publisher=Radio Newzealand | date=15 October 2011 | access-date=14 January 2015}}</ref>

== Books ==
In 2001, a book entitled ''Urban Health & Development'' was published after being written by Martin in collaboration with Dr Beverly Booth and Dr Ted Lankester.<ref>{{cite book|author1=Booth, Beverley E.|author2=Lankester, Ted|author3=Martin, Kiran|title=Urban health & development : a practical manual for use in developing countries|date=May 2001|publisher=MacMillan Education|isbn=9780333679340|url=http://isbn2book.com/0-333-67934-2/urban_health_development_a_practical_manual_for_use_in_developing_countries_beverley_e_booth_kiran_martin_ted_lankester/|access-date=9 January 2015}}</ref> In addition, the work of Asha has been cited in publications, research and case studies by institutions such as the World Bank, Tearfund and others.

In 2013, the book ''A Journey of Hope'' was published to mark the 25th anniversary of the founding of Asha. It tells the story of Asha through the reflections of Dr Martin and the photographs of Ed Sewell.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Francis|first1=Josh|title=Lincoln photographers document Indian slums for charity’s book|url=http://thelincolnite.co.uk/2013/03/lincoln-photographers-document-indian-slums-in-book/|access-date=9 January 2015|work=The Lincolnite|date=20 March 2013}}</ref> It includes a foreword by former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard.

==See also==
{{Div col|colwidth=30em}}
* [[UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour Award]]
{{div col end}}
{{portal|India}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* {{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BUq2lUc6aQ | title=In Conversation with Asha founder Dr Kiran Martin | publisher=The Conversation | work=YouTube video | date=19 November 2013 | access-date=14 January 2015}}
* {{cite web|title=Inclusive Cities: Transforming the Lives of Delhi's Urban Poor|url=http://research.microsoft.com/apps/video/default.aspx?id=230733|access-date=15 January 2015|date=2 October 2014}}
* {{cite web|title=Making a Difference: Kiran Martin and Asha in the slums of Delhi|url=http://upclose.unimelb.edu.au/episode/101-making-difference-kiran-martin-and-asha-slums-delhi|website=Up Close (The University of Melbourne)|access-date=9 January 2015}}
* {{cite web|title=In conversation with Dr Kiran Martin; The Inspiration|url=http://www.aii.unimelb.edu.au/news/conversation-dr-kiran-martin-inspiration|website=Australia India Institute|access-date=13 January 2015|date=25 November 2012}}
* {{cite web|title=Asia Profile: Dr Kiran Martin: empowering lives in Delhi's slums|url=http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/radio/onairhighlights/asia-profile-dr-kiran-martin-empowering-lives-in-delhis-slums|website=ABC Radio|access-date=13 January 2015|date=28 February 2012}}
* {{cite web|title=Founder of social development project Asha, which operates in the slums of West Delhi.|url=http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/saturday/audio/2500279/kiran-martin|website=Radio New Zealand National|access-date=13 January 2015|date=15 October 2011}}
* {{cite web|title=Dr Kiran Martin, founder and director of the Indian NGO, ASHA|url=http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/sundayprofile/dr-kiran-martin-founder-and-director-of-the-indian/2984070|website=ABC|access-date=13 January 2015|date=26 September 2010}}

{{Padma Shri Award Recipients in Social Work}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Martin, Kiran}}
[[Category:Recipients of the Padma Shri in social work]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Social workers]]
[[Category:Indian paediatricians]]
[[Category:Medical doctors from Delhi]]
[[Category:1959 births]]
[[Category:Indian women philanthropists]]
[[Category:Indian philanthropists]]
[[Category:Indian women medical doctors]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian women scientists]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian medical doctors]]
[[Category:Women scientists from Delhi]]
[[Category:Social workers from Delhi]]
[[Category:Women educators from Delhi]]
[[Category:Educators from Delhi]]
[[Category:20th-century women physicians]]

Kiran Martin - Revision history

imported>JJMC89 bot III at 18:29, 31 July 2021