Empowering rural communities: A journey of collaboration and impact

As part of the Development of Corporate Citizenship (DoCC) programme at S. P. Jain Institute of Management & Research (SPJIMR), our team embarked on a transformative journey with Citizens Foundation in Assam. Supported by the Human Resource Development Program (HRDP) and HDFC BANK PARIVARTAN, our mission was to contribute to sustainable living initiatives in the picturesque village of Goreshwar.

Joined by my batchmates, Amit Shaw and Debasish Barman, we dove into our roles with zeal and dedication. My focus on strategy and planning presented both challenges and incredible rewards as we worked tirelessly to empower the rural communities of Assam.

The progress we’ve made is not just a testament to our efforts but also to the collaborative spirit and innovative thinking that define our approach. Drawing inspiration from successful NGO initiatives in nearby Hajo village, we aimed to replicate and adapt strategies for maximum impact at Goreshwar.

We are immensely grateful for the mentorship provided by Prof. Chandrika Parmar, Ganesh Reddy, Hemant Tirkey, Amit Srivastava, Anshuma Brahma, and Jahirul Choudhury. Their warm welcome and invaluable insights from the local community have been instrumental in guiding our path.

Reflecting on our recent conversation with Mr. Ganesh Reddy, Joint Secretary at UN Global Compact Network India, several key takeaways resonate deeply:

• Community-driven development goes beyond mere participation; it’s a pathway to transformation.
• Success hinges on profound engagement, with intern involvement proving instrumental in our journey.
• The true measure of our impact lies not just in our actions but in how they’re embraced by the community. Let’s take ownership and prioritise sustainable change.
• Challenges such as data management and visibility are opportunities for growth, paving the way for informed decisions and continuous improvement.
• Sustainable development is not merely an aspiration; it’s a commitment and a collaborative journey with the community.

Our experiences at Goreshwar have reinforced our belief in the power of community engagement and the importance of sustainable development. We are committed to making a lasting impact, one step at a time.