The Rani Urja Mandala Mahila Samiti has successfully inaugurated a 32.5 kW solar mini-grid in Patratoli, Nawagarh, Jharkhand, empowering local entrepreneurs and communities with reliable, affordable, and renewable energy. The event saw an incredible turnout of over 100 attendees, including Urja Mandala Samiti members, local entrepreneurs, and community stakeholders.

#UrjaMandala

Development Alternatives (DA), Indian Micro Enterprises Development Foundation (IMEDF) and Vigyan Ashram jointly organised a workshop titled "Empowering Rural Innovations through Market Linkages for SEED (Science for Equity, Empowerment and Development) supported organisations as part of project TAP-RISE (Technology Acceleration Platform for Rural Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship)

#InclusiveEntrepreneurship

Development Alternatives organised a refresher training programme at the DA Headquarters in New Delhi for the Gurugram Citizen Scientists, empowering communities in air quality monitoring. The session was led by Sunil Kumar of AirShed, who covered key topics such as sensor maintenance, troubleshooting, and using the Vayu App for day-to-day functions. Activities included sensor inspections and practical demonstrations, ensuring participants were equipped to manage the equipment effectively.

#AirPollution

Development Alternatives and Yale School of Management studied C&D waste management in Odisha, exploring business models for SMEs in Bhubaneswar. Through site visits and stakeholder interviews, the team assessed economic, operational, and regulatory factors influencing circular economy adoption. Insights gathered will inform sustainable solutions and long-term collaboration.

#WasteManagement

To promote regional collaboration in sustainable construction, TARA hosted representatives from Nepal’s Department of Mines and Geology (DMG) and the Nepal Cement Manufacturers’ Association (NCMA). The aim was to enhance the understanding of LC3 technology, with a focus on raw material processing and clay mine evaluation.

#UrjaMandala

Development Alternatives, in collaboration with ATE Chandra Foundation, Wheels Global Foundation, and Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA), successfully organised a 5-day Nukkad Natak (street play) campaign from January 3 to January 9, 2025.

#PondRejuvenation

SHG and FIG members visited Jhansi to explore sustainable, community-driven enterprises. Hosted by Development Alternatives, they learned from Shakti Samuday, FPOs, and local businesses, gaining insights into leadership, farming, and small-scale manufacturing. The visit inspired practical strategies for rural resilience and self-reliance.

#IntegratedVillageDevelopment

DA, represented by CEO Shrashtant Patara and Associate Vice President Kanika Verma, had the privilege of showcasing our Safe Mobility Initiative at an event organised by the UPSRLM on December 21, 2024, at Yogi Baba Gambhirnath Prekshagrih, Gorakhpur. The event was graced by Hon'ble Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and MP Ravi Kishan, who flagged off 10 women-driven e-rickshaws—a significant milestone powered by Cluster-Level Federations under the National Rural Livelihood Mission.

#SafeMobility

Enhancing vocational instructors' skills for impactful training delivery.

#VocationalTrainingExcellence

On December 19, 2024, the Product Development Domain (PDD) of Development Alternatives organised a successful training session and meetup in Patna, under the theme Hyperlocal Mapping of Air Pollutants and GHG Emissions. The event, held at Chanakya, witnessed the enthusiastic participation of 18 citizen scientists working on the project, along with two technicians.

#Pollution