On 24–25 March 2026, Development Alternatives (DA) was invited to participate in a two-day writeshop-cum-workshop organised by the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR), Delhi Branch, at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. Bringing together around 20 experts and practitioners from government, academia, NGOs, and civil society, the workshop created a focused and collaborative space to co-design a comprehensive five-day Training of Trainers (ToT) programme under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana – Watershed Development Component 2.0 (PMKSY-WDC 2.0).

Representing DA’s Training and Capacity Building Unit (TCBU), Harshita Kaur contributed insights to the discussions. The engagement drew upon diverse on-ground perspectives to shape key elements of the programme, unfolding as an intensive exchange of ideas where technical expertise met practical experience.

Discussions spanned designing detailed session plans, developing modules, and crafting effective training methodologies and tools. A strong emphasis was placed on documentation, including case study writing, storytelling techniques, and the use of digital and visual media for wider dissemination.

Through interactive group work, participants co-created training frameworks that were not only robust in design but also rooted in field realities. The process underscored the importance of making capacity building participatory, contextual, and adaptable.

More than just a workshop, it was a space of collective thinking, bringing together experience, insight, and intent to shape a programme that can strengthen watershed development efforts across the country.