A blog promoting 'participation as empowerment' with the perspective of making democracy work for all, every day - within families, communities, institutions, and political systems
Insights from participatory research across Kochi, Bengaluru, and Ahmedabad reveal that disability-inclusive mobility demands far more than infrastructure compliance. It requires recognising the diversity of disabilities, the intersecting barriers of gender and class, and the wisdom that communities hold in identifying practical solutions.
This blog, written by our intern Kush Rastogi, a B.A. English (Hons) student at Amity University, Noida, reflects on Dr. Rajesh Tandon’s podcast 'Reimagining Civil Society'. It captures powerful stories of literacy movements in India, highlighting civil society’s role in empowerment, innovation, and inclusive education.
India’s Gram Panchayats today govern at a time of profound transition. Climate change is intensifying floods, droughts, and heat stress, public health risks such as water-borne diseases are becoming more frequent, rural youth migration is hollowing out local economies and digital systems are expanding faster than local capacities to use them meaningfully.
Across India today, a major shift is taking place in how universities think about knowledge, learning, and their role in society. The National Education Policy 2020 calls on higher education institutions to step outside their walls and engage deeply with communities
In this reflective blog, our colleague Yedu revisits William K. Carroll’s powerful call for justice globalism through his book ' Expose, Oppose, Propose'. Against the backdrop of widening inequalities, ecological breakdown, and democratic backsliding, the book challenges us to critically reimagine the role of civil society and transnational movements in shaping a just and sustainable future. Drawing from a recent book discussion at PRIA, the blog offers insights into how counter-hegemonic knowledge, grassroots leadership, and transnational solidarity remain vital to confronting the crises of neoliberal capitalism.
A six-week research internship with PRIA in Delhi offered immersive fieldwork on gender and water access, highlighting women's resilience and the importance of community-led solutions in informal settlements.
A reflection on two powerful, youth- and women-led climate action experiences in Dublin and Ajmer, highlighting how listening, trust, and community leadership can drive inclusive, meaningful solutions to the climate crisis.
This blog reflects on the legacy of Dr. Rajesh Tandon, a pioneer of participatory research and co-founder of PRIA. Tracing his journey from grassroots practice to global advocacy, it explores the enduring relevance of participatory approaches in advancing knowledge democracy and social transformation.
A woman’s remark during our community sessions revealed how trust—online or offline—is deeply shaped by societal norms. These discussions highlighted how digital freedom for women hinges on personal autonomy, social trust, and collective support, making participatory research vital in addressing gendered barriers in digital spaces.
For many women in Ahmedabad, commuting is more than just travel—it’s a daily challenge. From unsafe public transport to poor connectivity, mobility barriers restrict access to education, jobs, and independence. Read how women are pushing for safer, affordable, and inclusive transport solutions.
From history to the digital age, society has feared women’s independence. In Jharkhand, restrictive norms limit women's access to phones and the internet, reinforcing control over their visibility and freedom. This research explores how digital access remains a battleground for gender equality and the urgent need for change.
Our colleague, Rabi Raj, spoke at the ARA-TLS Knowledge Synthesis Symposium 2025 in Colombo, Sri Lanka, emphasising the vital role of participatory research in shaping urban planning and driving climate action.
With 820M+ internet users in India, digital access is growing—but women still lag. In collaboration with Aapti Institute, PRIA's research explores how patriarchy shapes women’s trust in digital platforms. Young girls are challenging norms, demanding access, and redefining agency in the digital world. The pandemic forced a shift, but online harassment remains a barrier. It’s time to ensure safe, inclusive digital spaces for all. Let’s build trust, equity, and access for a truly connected future.
Infrastructure audits that are carried out without the involvement of citizens often lead to ineffective outcomes and wastage of resources. This is the situation in Vytilla, one of the pilot neighbourhoods under PRIA's MobiliseHER project in Kochi, where a lack of citizen participation has caused frustration among both residents and commuters in the area.
Urban mobility is more than just a functional necessity—it is a matter of equity, determining access to education, employment, healthcare, and community life.
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