Author: PRIA Blog
"What should district level civil society organisation in eastern Uttar Pradesh do today?
There is no support for what we need to do. And donors want us to do what does not really make a difference today.
So, who will support us in this moment of dilemma?”
Nearly 200+ leaders of civil society organisations from UP, Bihar and Jharkhand assembled to celebrate silver jubilee of Sahbhagi Shiskshan Kendra (SSK) in Lucknow on April 6.
In recalling its journey, its founder director, Ashok bhai narrated early days of struggles in gaining acceptance of grass-roots activists that commitment also requires competence. Most critically, SSK championed the methodology of participatory learning in a context where all education and training was carried out in a manner that deposited knowledge from the teacher to the student.
In recalling those early days of conducting week-long residential workshops with participatory learning methodology, several delegates mentioned their initial resistance to the process which expected them to take initiative and responsibility for their own learning.
In revisiting that history, the conversations focused on what are the ways out of the present dilemmas for civil society in the country, and more specifically in the region. Several elements of the responses:
These are difficult times; these are exciting times too. Clarity of purpose and faith in the innate capacities of people to learn and act in the common public interest are essential for swimming through the currents today!
Rajesh Tandon, Founder-Chair of SSK
April 13, 2015
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.
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