PERCEPTION OF POVERTY: THE VIEW OF PEOPLE FROM A POOR COMMUNITY Abstract: The poor are the true poverty experts. Hence a policy document on poverty strategies for the 21st century must be based on the experiences, priorities, reflections and recommendations of poor people, women and men. On the basis of this objective “Perception of Poverty” explores the complexities of poverty from the perspectives of poor people themselves. It reveals that although the experiences of poor people vary widely by location and situation, there are significant commonalties in the way poor people describe their lives: sense of powerlessness and voicelessness; precariousness of their livelihoods and lack of security; isolation, humiliation, and lack of connections to resources and opportunities. According to the rural people of poor community, the poorest part of the community is not only vulnerable to command food and other essentials but also getting justice, freedom to live a valued life and they have no influence in the society. The result is a 'domino effect' of disadvantages and inequalities, all of which make it difficult for poor people to escape the hold of poverty. This paper introduces viewers to people who are challenging these obstacles, now the viewers can think initiatives that are helping to empower the poor, make their lives more secure, and give them access to greater opportunities. WASIMA SAMAD CHOWDHURY 0