Articles: Somnath Dutta, Sr. Manager
Communications & Policy Engagement (CPE)
Grassroots Research And Advocacy Movement (GRAAM)
“India is a museum of diversity,” a statement once made by many historians, philosophers, and even invaders. This diversity extends beyond a single dimension, permeating every aspect of the nation, from culture to resources. It represents options, flexibility, and the potential for growth that can lead to a vibrant future. Just as kings of the past thrived by harnessing the wealth from diverse regions, today, the challenge is to tap into this vast diversity for the collective benefit of the nation. The first step in this process is to recognize and understand the various sectors of growth, from agriculture to industry. When individuals are engaged in their own ideas and thoughts, it paves the way for a prosperous future. Entrepreneurship becomes the key to unlocking this potential, as it holds the power to bring about sustainable development. Both rural and urban India have the capacity to contribute significantly to nation-building, but the need to connect with rural and marginalized communities is a priority. Rural India, with its local food production, renewable energy, handmade crafts, and other initiatives, serves as a foundational pillar for understanding where entrepreneurship can flourish.
The goal is to reach people, understand their thought processes, and support them in transforming ideas into actionable decisions. When governments introduce policies, collaboration at the grassroots level is crucial for ensuring their successful implementation. This is where the role of Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs) becomes vital. With the push towards Viksit Bharat and Vision 2047, it is imperative for NPOs to take the lead in driving research, facilitating change, and making a lasting impact. In this journey, NPOs can play a pivotal role in building sustainable livelihoods by actively engaging with marginalized communities. India’s grassroots are hubs of talent and ideas, and harnessing this potential is key to fostering entrepreneurial growth. Rural women, in particular, are the idea-makers and production managers of these hubs. However, numerous barriers exist at every stage of an individual’s entrepreneurial journey. The biggest challenge is often taking the first step, which heavily depends on financial access. Additionally, limited business opportunities, inadequate infrastructure, and socio-economic and geographical constraints continue to hinder the growth of grassroots entrepreneurship in multiple ways.
Inclusion and effective collaboration from NPOs can open the window to progress. Several steps act as pillars in this inclusive action. First, it is crucial to identify the areas of grassroots engagement. Second, thought-finding research is necessary to understand the scope of entrepreneurship. Third, inviting corporates or funders to financially collaborate and invest in development is essential. Fourth, designing the entire process-building framework is key. This process-building aspect synchronizes clusters, including training modules, mentorship, capacity building, seed funding, business development services, market accessibility, and skill development programs. The cornerstone of this effort is training individuals in various skills that enhance their entrepreneurial capabilities, such as financial literacy, marketing, and leadership.
Another important aspect is delivering the output in alignment with the objective. A relationship and marketing approach is essential to bridge the gap between local entrepreneurs and external markets, offering networking and market access. This is how practical influence can be brought to marginalized communities. It encourages people to participate and showcase their talent. The more marketing involvement there is, the more indigenous products and creativity will be highlighted. This not only boosts the local economy but also creates a pathway to tap into the global economy. In this drive, empowering women is a key activity that shapes the platform for showcasing their capabilities, talent, and thought processes. Skill development training, capacity building, and direct market access will boost their confidence, break participatory barriers, and help them achieve financial independence. This integrated approach of practical education and entrepreneurial training not only creates job opportunities but also contributes to poverty alleviation and community development.
If we look at examples of NPO initiatives, there is ample evidence from various parts of the country showing their impact. These generous steps mark a positive move towards nation-building. They have inspired organizations to implement social business initiatives through the effective application of entrepreneurship. Social business is a novel concept that integrates both social and economic benefits. Grassroots Research and Advocacy Movement (GRAAM), a think-and-act tank, focuses on grassrooting policies and deep-rooting development by amplifying community voices through evidence-based, convergent actions. We Mill is one of its initiatives, developed in collaboration with Wuerth Elektroniks India Pvt. Ltd. and CSIR-CFTRI, aimed at fostering ‘rural wealth creation’ in alignment with Atmanirbhar Bharat, thereby strengthening the rural economy. The initiative began with identifying a location for the manufacturing unit, followed by product development, entrepreneur selection, capacity building, branding, and marketing. This process led to the creation of Asare Sanjeevini Food Products, a social business led by 14 women entrepreneurs.
This project empowers rural women by providing sustainable livelihood opportunities and creating a model for ‘Rural Wealth Creation.’ Implemented by GRAAM in collaboration with CSR, the initiative seeks to improve economic opportunities for rural women, ensuring a prosperous future for generations. The process involved community mobilization, market research, entrepreneur selection, capacity building, and the establishment of a production unit. The products, primarily Ragi and millet-based, are crafted under the “Health First, Business Next” motto. The initiative focuses on local sourcing of raw materials, community engagement, and empowering women to lead. It aims to promote sustainable agricultural practices and establish a replicable, women-led social enterprise model that fosters empowerment, community development, and environmental sustainability. With a production capacity of 5 tonnes per month, this initiative enables GRAAM to support local farmers, contribute to the Millet Mission, and enhance nutritional security, thereby improving livelihoods in rural communities.
In conclusion, it can be stated that the impactful engagement of an NPO has the potential to bring about a significant shift in the economic landscape. Established entrepreneurship not only ensures the success of a specific initiative but also inspires others to think creatively and innovatively. This fosters a positive thought process and contributes to nation-building. Our grassroots communities are rich in talent and ideas, and the key lies in guiding them towards effective decision-making. This will naturally expand economic opportunities and global market reach. In this way, an NPO can directly impact and serve as a catalyst for grassroots economic change.
