A blog promoting 'participation as empowerment' with the perspective of making democracy work for all, every day - within families, communities, institutions, and political systems
This reflection on the Reimagining Civil Society podcast episode, “Learning for Self-Care: Preventive Health,” highlights the vital role of civil society organizations in advancing community-led health initiatives. Featuring insights from Dr. Rajesh Tandon, it emphasizes preventive healthcare, local knowledge, and grassroots action as essential pathways toward healthier, more resilient communities.
Between Knowledge and Development: Reflections on Change Among the Korwa (PVTG) of Garhwa, Jharkhand
This reflective blog explores the changing realities of the Korwa, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) in Garhwa, Jharkhand. Through conversations with community members, it examines the intersection of development, education, traditional knowledge, and cultural identity, highlighting the need to value Indigenous knowledge systems alongside modern development pathways.
This blog explores mobility challenges faced by women in Vypin, Kochi, highlighting how infrastructure alone does not ensure equitable access. It underscores the need to integrate participatory approaches with implementation for inclusive and meaningful development outcomes.
Insights from participatory research across Kochi, Bengaluru, and Ahmedabad reveal that disability-inclusive mobility demands far more than infrastructure compliance. It requires recognising the diversity of disabilities, the intersecting barriers of gender and class, and the wisdom that communities hold in identifying practical solutions.
This blog, written by our intern Kush Rastogi, a B.A. English (Hons) student at Amity University, Noida, reflects on Dr. Rajesh Tandon’s podcast 'Reimagining Civil Society'. It captures powerful stories of literacy movements in India, highlighting civil society’s role in empowerment, innovation, and inclusive education.
India’s Gram Panchayats today govern at a time of profound transition. Climate change is intensifying floods, droughts, and heat stress, public health risks such as water-borne diseases are becoming more frequent, rural youth migration is hollowing out local economies and digital systems are expanding faster than local capacities to use them meaningfully.
Across India today, a major shift is taking place in how universities think about knowledge, learning, and their role in society. The National Education Policy 2020 calls on higher education institutions to step outside their walls and engage deeply with communities
This reflection revisits William K. Carroll’s *Expose, Oppose, Propose*, exploring the role of civil society, knowledge production, and Transnational Alternative Policy Groups in confronting global inequality, ecological crises, and democratic decline. Drawing on a discussion at PRIA, it highlights the need for community-led alternatives, critical dialogue, and transformative action toward a more just and democratic future.
A six-week research internship with PRIA in Delhi offered immersive fieldwork on gender and water access, highlighting women's resilience and the importance of community-led solutions in informal settlements.
A reflection on two powerful, youth- and women-led climate action experiences in Dublin and Ajmer, highlighting how listening, trust, and community leadership can drive inclusive, meaningful solutions to the climate crisis.
This blog reflects on the legacy of Dr. Rajesh Tandon, a pioneer of participatory research and co-founder of PRIA. Tracing his journey from grassroots practice to global advocacy, it explores the enduring relevance of participatory approaches in advancing knowledge democracy and social transformation.
A woman’s remark during our community sessions revealed how trust—online or offline—is deeply shaped by societal norms. These discussions highlighted how digital freedom for women hinges on personal autonomy, social trust, and collective support, making participatory research vital in addressing gendered barriers in digital spaces.
For many women in Ahmedabad, commuting is more than just travel—it’s a daily challenge. From unsafe public transport to poor connectivity, mobility barriers restrict access to education, jobs, and independence. Read how women are pushing for safer, affordable, and inclusive transport solutions.
From history to the digital age, society has feared women’s independence. In Jharkhand, restrictive norms limit women's access to phones and the internet, reinforcing control over their visibility and freedom. This research explores how digital access remains a battleground for gender equality and the urgent need for change.
Our colleague, Rabi Raj, spoke at the ARA-TLS Knowledge Synthesis Symposium 2025 in Colombo, Sri Lanka, emphasising the vital role of participatory research in shaping urban planning and driving climate action.
.png)
.jpg)
.png)
