Digest - Grassroots Chronicles
April 2025
EVENTS
Reframing Power: Women, Markets, and Systems of Change
Across three key platforms - SHE Changes Climate, the Girls Count Regional Consultation supported by UNFPA, and the Women’s Economic Empowerment Forum hosted by the Gates Foundation - Kanika Verma, Lead - Green and Inclusive Entrepreneurship at Development Alternatives, amplified the call for systemic change that places women at the forefront of climate, market, and livelihood solutions.
#EnergyTransition
An Introduction to the Aravalli Green Wall Landscape Programme of the Government of India
The Aravalli Green Wall Landscape Programme aims to restore the ecologically vital Aravalli range through nature-based solutions. A workshop by The Nature Conservancy brought stakeholders together to chart a collaborative, community-driven roadmap for its implementation.
#Aravalli
Earth Day 2025 Celebration – Green Actions, Brighter Future
Creative awareness activities inspire youth toward environmental sustainability.
#EarthDay2025
Earth Day Workshop at O.P. Jindal Global University on Water and Community Action
On the occasion of Earth Day, Development Alternatives Group recently conducted an inspiring workshop at O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat, Haryana and brought powerful ideas to life.
#WaterWarriors
Anju Devi Speaks at Climate Asia’s 4th Annual Conference themed ‘Mitti Ki Baatein’ - Amplifying Locally Led Adaptation
At Climate Asia’s 4th Annual Conference – Mitti Ki Baatein, Anju Devi, President of Nav Chetna Agro Producer Company and Treasurer of the Urja Mandala Mahila Samiti, brought rural green entrepreneurship leadership to the forefront. She shared her journey of green enterprise opportunities through solar-powered vermicomposting. Her voice at the Action Lab session underscored the power of community-led innovation and women’s leadership in driving clean energy, climate resilience and local job creation narrative.
#MittiKiBaatein
Rewiring Change: Unpacking the Why, What and How of Social Innovation
Development Alternatives (DA), in partnership with SBI Foundation along with the Center of Social Innovation & Inclusive Entrepreneurship (CSIIE) & Indian Micro Enterprises Development Foundation (IMEDF), organised a workshop titled "Rewiring Change- Unpacking the What, Why & How of Social Innovation
#RewiringChange
Earth Day Clean-Up & Poster Competition in Bangaon
HUL, community & students unite for Earth Day action
#EarthDay2025
Campus Placement Drive – Shriram Life Insurance
Campus drive facilitates job opportunities for vocational trainees.
#SkillingForEmploymentSTORY OF CHANGE
Chandraprakash’s Journey: Rebuilding a Sawmill, Restoring a Dream
Rebuilding doesn’t just mean picking up where you left off—it means starting anew. That’s exactly what Chandraprakash did.
PUBLICATIONS
India’s Pond Rejuvenation Programme: Learnings from the Mission Amrit Sarovar Implementation in India
Water is essential for life and ecosystems, but in India, water scarcity and degraded water bodies are growing concerns. The rejuvenation of ponds, which historically play a key role in groundwater recharge, biodiversity support, and meeting human needs, is a vital solution. This report assesses 12 pond rejuvenation interventions, both Amrit Sarovars and non-Amrit Sarovars, across diverse climatic zones in India. It examines their implementation, impact on the triple bottom line, and offers recommendations to improve governance and enhance future efforts under Mission Amrit Sarovar.
PERSPECTIVES (Blog)
Airwaves of Change: Radio Bundelkhand’s Gender-Inclusive Revolution
Bundelkhand faces significant climate challenges, but Development Alternatives is driving sustainable, community-led solutions for 4 decades now. In this blog, Maj. Gen. Rahul Bhardwaj highlights the impact of Radio Bundelkhand, a community radio station reaching over 150 villages.
By promoting gender-inclusive climate communication, the station empowers women to participate in discussions on sustainable practices, inspires individuals to take action, and trains community journalists to report on local climate issues. Through this initiative, Radio Bundelkhand strengthens resilience and fosters empowerment, particularly among women.
VIDEO
Episode 8 | Development Alternatives Journey : Solo or Collaborative?
Chairman, Development Alternatives Dr Ashok Khosla in a Tete-a-tete with CEO Shrashtant Patara in our Series: 40 Years of Sustainable Solutions- The DA Story. In this video, Dr. Khosla discusses about his journey as the founder of Development Alternatives. He sheds light on the support he got from friends, partners and other NGOs.