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

On December 16, 2024, at the Konvensyen Inovasi Sosial (KIS) 2024, held at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Development Alternatives' CEO Shrashtant Patara and Associate Vice President Kanika Verma led an engaging session titled "Design Thinking: Creating the Future of Innovation." The session explored the synergy between Design Thinking and Systems Thinking in facilitating inclusive entrepreneurship for sustainable social and economic development.

#KIS2024

“Conversation on Water” program by the Society for Development Alternatives, empowers students with knowledge, skills, and citizen science tools to address water-related challenges. Through interactive sessions, demonstrations, and pledges, the program fosters young Water Champions ready to tackle water scarcity, pollution, and sustainability, shaping future leaders for environmental action.

#Water

Showcasing community-led watershed management and climate communication.

#TaraGramClimateYatra

The TARAgram Yatra 2024, held in Bundelkhand, brought together diverse organisations to explore resource efficiency and sustainable development in rural areas. Participants engaged in discussions and field visits, including to Madore Village, where DA’s initiatives in eco-building and water accessibility showcased the transformative impact of resource-efficient practices. The Yatra emphasised the need for holistic community engagement to drive sustainable change in rural landscapes.

#TGY

TARAgram Livelihood Yatra 2024, organised by Development Alternatives, offered an immersive experience into empowering rural livelihoods through social innovation in Bundelkhand. With tools like Kaun Banega Business Leader, participatory Comic Workshops, and the District Entrepreneurship Coalition, the Yatra showcased co-creation and collaboration in building sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystems. Highlighting micro-movements of change, it emphasised knowledge sharing and inclusive growth, inspiring participants to drive meaningful community impact.

#TGY2024

TARAgram Yatra 2024 showcased community-led innovations in Circular Economy, Rural Livelihoods, and Climate Resilience across Bundelkhand. The event highlighted sustainable practices, ecosystem restoration, and entrepreneurship, fostering collaboration between grassroots, policymakers, and corporates to scale impactful solutions nationwide.

#TGY

TARAgram Mela at TARAgram Yatra 2024 celebrated ‘Local Green Enterprises’ as pathways to sustainable change through inclusive, community-driven, and regenerative business models. Inaugurated by Shri Lokesh Jangid, Hon’ble Collector and District Magistrate of Niwari, the event showcased the rich heritage of Bundelkhand and other regions of India through exhibitions of handicrafts and agricultural products.

#TARAgramMela

GRIHA Council hosted the 16th GRIHA Summit on Accelerating Climate Action in Built Environment. DA was represented by Mr. Mohak Gupta, Assistant Programme Director, Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy in the panel of “Traversing through Social Strata & Community-based Adaptation”

#GRIHA

Alt Urban is a flagship initiative of DA to drive transformation in ‘resilient cities’ for an inclusive and regenerative future.

IMEDF, a Section 8 company of the Development Alternatives Group, under its Capacity Building vertical conducted three days "Rural Collective Enterprises Immersion Programme" in Bajju Bikaner from 2nd to 4th December 2024. The programme aimed to disseminate knowledge and insights on inclusive and regenerative entrepreneurship, with a focus on collective enterprises.

#CapacityBuilding

Road safety workshop for truck drivers, enhancing skills, well-being, and safety.

#truckdriver