Community radio has emerged as a powerful tool for change in rural India. In this month's newsletter, we have discussed the important role that community radio plays in shaping the narratives of marginalised communities. The newsletter highlights Radio Bundelkhand, a community radio station that empowers the local community in the Bundelkhand region of India. You can learn how community radio has amplified the voices of those who were once silenced, truly embodying the essence of freedom of speech and expression. Additionally, you can discover how community radio stations can overcome financial sustainability challenges. The newsletter also features inspiring stories of Mankesh and Ravi, who have been greatly impacted by community radio, and Varsha, who has become a voice of climate change in her community using the community radio platform. Finally, you can read about how the Shubh Kal programme is empowering the youth in the hinterlands of India.

India's economy has been growing steadily due to increased digital penetration. However, there is still a huge untapped potential for rural enterprise and job creation in the country. With over 70% of the population residing in rural India, the need to generate 10 million jobs annually is more pressing than ever. The latest newsletter delves into the transformative power of 'Digital Infrastructure' as a key driver of entrepreneurship-led job creation.

Understand how digital initiatives can revolutionise rural economies and create a more inclusive society. Read about the impact of UPI and the e-commerce movement on rural businesses and the need for policy-level changes to empower and uplift rural entrepreneurs. Know about the Kaun Banega Business Leader competition by Work4Progress India, which seeks to tackle the challenges of starting a business in rural India by soliciting innovative business ideas from young people and women. Finally, this month's editorial brings to light the pioneering work done by Development Alternatives in promoting entrepreneurship in rural India.

The month’s newsletter is on Conferences of the Parties and the upcoming COP28 in Dubai. Read about the role of locally developed choices in empowering communities on various aspects of climate, finance, and education. Explore the importance of CCE in empowering individuals and communities to adapt to the challenges of climate change. Learn about the potential of de-centralised renewable energy applications to help bridge the energy divide quickly, affordably, and sustainably.

The October issue explores the connections and approaches to applying nature-based solutions to various projects and programmes. From the editorial, we learn about the importance of nature-based solutions and the various governmental and non-governmental initiatives towards this effort. In 2022, GoI initiated the Mission Amrit Sarovar programme. Read how this is revitalising water bodies in the country.

Rapid urbanisation in urban centres of India has led to a housing shortage. Thus, affordable housing is crucial for socio-economic development of the country. In this September issue, we discuss the building sector and its impact on the environment. Read about the cornerstone policies being implemented by Odisha for affordable housing. Learn about the Odisha government’s attempt to implement an umbrella programme called the Odisha Livable Habitat Mission, which enables individuals to take on leadership roles within their communities.

The Development Alternatives Group has initiated its flagship programme for transforming the built environment through sustainable materials called Ashraye. Know about the core components of the programme and how it aligns national and subnational mandates towards meeting India’s international commitments towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Last but not least, the LOCO model is being implemented in Madore village by Development Alternatives. Learn about this innovative and sustainable approach that is providing a safe water supply to communities in water-scarce regions like Bundelkhand.

The month’s newsletter celebrated India’s 77th Independence Day and G20 presidency. The August issue highlights the nature-based solutions adopted by different segments and ordinary people to save the ecology and the environment. In the editorial, we discuss the steps India needs to follow to make Mahatma Gandhi’s vision a reality. The ongoing effects of climate change have made the urgency to protect, sustainably manage and restore natural ecosystems evident. Know the unique model being followed by the Natural Dyed Handloom Cluster to create a sustainable business with responsible production practices. Read how sustainable natural resource management can help India respond to poverty, climate change, and natural resource depletion. Learn about the nature-based solutions that can aid cities in embarking on a transformative journey towards resilience and sustainability in the face of an evolving climate crisis. Last but not least, Radio Bundelkhand has inspired and motivated communities to adopt sustainable approaches over the years. Read the transformative changes the various programmes are bringing at the ground level.

From unprecedented heatwaves to raging floods, the evidence of the disruption in the balance of nature is here. In the past months, we have seen how the effects of climate change are playing havoc across the world. Our July issue discusses the different ways governments and other stakeholders are working to build climate resilience.

Know about the efforts being made by the DA to resolve the fluoride issue in Sonbhadra and conserve water in Bundelkhand. Learn about Bihar government’s efforts to promote a clean and green environment in its state. Agriculture waste is a huge problem. Read how its management can help create a greener economy. This month’s editorial reminds us that all is not lost as it talks abouts the various efforts being made by organisations to curtail the adverse effects of climate change.

India has one of the youngest populations in the world and as its working-age population grows, it has been a victim of jobless growth, high migration rates, and low female labour force participation rate, among other factors. This month’s issue is on social and solidarity economy (SSE), a unifying theme.

We explain why SSE can be an excellent opportunity to recognise social enterprises that are more rooted in India’s cultural ethos. Know how SSE and its three critical pillars of inclusive economic growth, job creation, and social cohesion and empowerment prioritises social well-being over profit maximisation. Learn about Mithun’s diligence to achieve economic independence and the role played by the Work4Progress programme to fulfil this. Get a glimpse of the Soligas’ journey of becoming empowered and self-reliant and preserving their ancestral livelihood by employing modern technologies. This month’s editorial dwells on the many ways India can benefit from the UN resolution on ‘Promoting the Social and Solidarity Economy for Sustainable Development’.

Plastic waste management is a critical issue in the modern world as plastic has become an indispensable part of human life. Read our May newsletter to understand the impact behavioural change can bring in resolving the environmental issues caused by plastic waste management and encouraging sustainable consumption.

This newsletter presents the various programmes and initiatives being implemented at the ground level in Hardiwar and Bundelkhand to bring changes in the ecology and people’s perspective. We also discuss how behavioural change in stakeholders can address the challenges faced by society in managing plastic waste effectively. Read about adaptive pathways that can adequately respond to evolving external environments. This month’s editorial discusses the concentrated effort required to adopt circular economy principles for plastic waste management.

In 1982, a small group of concerned individuals came together to form this organisation called Development Alternatives. In this April issue, read about Development Alternatives’ long journey and various initiatives it has implemented in the last 40 years to make a sustainable impact on the people and the ecosystem. Know about the organisation’s engagement in Bundelkhand and why it calls the region its karmabhoomi. The issue also tells how it is different from other CSOs and the way it has succeeded in creating thoughtful, active leaders who have reoriented the development pathways needed for a better future.