In an era where systemic change is crucial for sustainable development, a collaborative project between NALSAR University and Kshetra Foundation aims to build community capacity to address conflict resolution and foster self-governance. This initiative, formalized through a 5-year Memorandum of Understanding, seeks to empower local communities by equipping them with skills for conflict transformation and collaborative problem-solving. It focuses on empowering paralegal volunteers, anganwadi teachers, self-help groups (SHGs), and community leaders through NALSAR's academic support and Kshetra's expertise in the Dialogic Method. The method, known for its effectiveness in fostering dialogue and empathy, aims to create a ripple effect of positive change within communities. The project is being supported by Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies.
In this interview with TheCSRUniverse, leaders from all three organisations- Kshetra Foundation, NALSAR University and Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies share their insights and expectations from the project. We get to know about the strengths of each organisation and how they are collaborating to bring their collective vision to the ground.
Read the full interview to know more about the objectives, implementation strategies, and anticipated societal impact of this innovative initiative:
Dr. Krishna Udayasankar, CEO of Kshetra Foundation
Q. Please tell us about the core objectives and broad implementation plans for this project. We would also like to know more about the Dialogic Method and why do you consider it more suitable for this project?
A. Our primary objectives are to empower community members as agents of change, fostering conflict resolution skills and promoting sustainable development. The Dialogic Method, a proven framework for collaborative dialogue, is central to our approach. Its emphasis on active listening, empathy, and trust-building equips individuals to take ownership of their challenges and drive positive transformation within their communities.
Imagine a community where residents can come together to address their concerns, resolve conflicts peacefully, and work towards a shared vision for their future. That is the goal we strive for with this project. By providing community members with the Dialogic Method, we aim to equip them with the tools they need to be effective agents of change and shape their own futures collectively.
Q, How does Kshetra plan to support community changemakers like paralegal volunteers and Anganwadi workers? Do you have any specific strategies to engage and motivate community leaders and members who might be resistant to change?
A. Kshetra is committed to providing comprehensive support to community changemakers, including paralegal volunteers and Anganwadi workers. We will offer tailored training programs to enhance their skills in conflict resolution, community mobilization, and advocacy. Additionally, we will establish mentorship programs offer practical support as they deal with an on-ground situation in real time.
To engage and motivate community members who may be resistant to change, we will emphasize and demonstrate the benefits of dialogue and collaboration, addressing their concerns directly and building trust over time. By showing the positive impact of our programs, we hope to inspire community members to become active participants in the change process and take ownership towards sustainable change.
Q. How did the pilot workshops in Telangana shape your approach to this project?
A. The pilot workshops in Telangana provided invaluable insights into the specific needs and challenges faced by the communities. These experiences have shaped our approach, enabling us to tailor our programs more effectively. We learned that people are eager for change, but they often need the tools and support to make it happen.
Q. How does Kshetra Foundation plan to adapt its methodologies to address the diverse cultural and social dynamics of the communities involved?
A. Kshetra is committed to being culture and context sensitive and adaptable. We will tailor our methodologies to the specific needs and contexts of each community, ensuring that our programs are relevant and effective. By working closely with community leaders and members, we can gather a better understanding of local customs, traditions, and power dynamics.We will also incorporate these learnings into our training programs, ensuring that our approach is grounded in the cultural context of the communities we serve.
Q. What broader societal changes do you hope to see as a result of this collaboration, and what role can policymakers play in facilitating these changes?
A. We envision a society where communities are empowered to address their own challenges, where conflict is resolved peacefully, and where sustainable solutioning towards inclusive development is prioritized. Through this collaboration, we aim to contribute to these broader societal goals.
Policymakers have a crucial role to play in supporting community-led initiatives. By creating an enabling environment, investing in capacity building, and promoting participatory governance, they can support communities to drive positive change."
Prof. Sri Krishna Deva Rao, Vice-Chancellor of NALSAR University
Q. This project follows a very holistic, long-term approach to conflict resolution and self-governance by communities. How did NALSAR contribute to its design- were there any specific case studies or past initiatives by your institution that informed the development of this project?
A. NALSAR’s deep-rooted commitment to community engagement has been instrumental in shaping this initiative. Our past experiences in legal aid and rural development, coupled with ongoing research in governance and customary law, have provided a robust foundation. For instance, our Legal Aid Clinic's encounters with grassroots challenges have highlighted the imperative for holistic solutions beyond mere legal redress. This project is a natural progression from our institution's ethos of practical legal education and social impact. It builds upon our existing strengths by integrating legal and management perspectives to address complex community issues.
Q. Could you tell us a little more about the defined objectives and goals of this project? How do they align with NALSAR's broader mission and vision for legal education?
A. Our collaboration with Kshetra aims to create a sustainable model of community development that leverages the combined expertise of our law and management students. By fostering dialogue, conflict resolution, and self-governance, we seek to empower communities to address their own challenges. This initiative aligns with NALSAR's commitment to producing socially responsible graduates who can contribute meaningfully to society.
Q. In what ways do you see this project benefiting your students? Do you foresee integration of conflict resolution and community engagement into NALSAR's curriculum?
A. This project offers a unique opportunity for our students to gain practical experience in addressing real-world challenges. By working with real-world community changemakers, students will develop a deeper understanding of the complexities of community development. We envision integrating conflict resolution and community engagement into the curriculum of both disciplines to equip future graduates with the skills needed to be effective change agents themselves.
Q. What are some of the challenges you anticipate in implementing this project, and how do you plan to address them? Similarly, how do you think this initiative will impact the communities involved- what are the most significant changes you expect?
A. Implementing such a comprehensive project requires careful planning and execution. Challenges may include resource allocation, capacity building, and ensuring long-term sustainability. We will address these by fostering strong partnerships with the community and leveraging the expertise of both law and management faculty, as well as with more civil society organisations such as Kshetra Foundation for Dialogue.
We anticipate that this initiative will empower communities to become more self-reliant and resilient. By strengthening local governance and promoting social cohesion, we hope to create a lasting impact on the lives of those involved, and foster a more equitable and inclusive society.
Q. Would you like to share any suggestions for policymakers or development professionals that are trying to empower and uplift communities anywhere in India? What can they learn from your approach?
A. Empowering communities requires a holistic approach that prioritizes capacity building, participatory governance, and sustainable development. Policymakers and development professionals should invest in initiatives that build the capacity of local communities to address their own challenges. By fostering partnerships between academia, government, and civil society, we can create sustainable and impactful solutions. Our project demonstrates the value of integrating legal and management expertise to achieve meaningful social change.
Ms. Natasha Joshi, Associate Director of Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies
Q. What motivated Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies to support this collaborative project between NALSAR and Kshetra Foundation- what were the stand-out factors that led you to choose this initiative among others?
A. Kshetra's dialogic method is aimed at fostering in society a deeper capacity for listening, building understandings and arriving at high value outcomes for all. Colleges and universities are a wonderful place to anchor such work given young people have in them a built-in capacity for change and learning. As young citizens, and studying law at that, these students can usher a future in which conflict is constructively engaged with and dialogue becomes the natural process for resolving disagreements.
Q. What are the key areas of focus for Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies and how does this project align with the broader strategic goals of the organisation?
A. Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies supports organisations working on wicked social problems. From addressing the climate crisis, to looking at changing gender norms, RNP strives to address root causes keeping problems in place. Complex problems need to be engaged with creatively, and empathetically, and both these capacities are a foundational part of what the dialogic method trains one in.
Q. Your organisation has entered into long term collaborations with other academic and research institutions as well (e.g. NIMHANS, NCBS, etc). Why do you think it is relevant to have academic collaborations to solve persistent social issues?
A. Academic institutions are locations of deep expertise yet a lot of times, the expertise remains trapped within the institutions. By partnering with civil society organisations - like Kshetra - colleges and institutions can build a two-way bridge between the work they do and the continuously evolving needs of society. Institutes of higher education are also home to many young minds and students are great investments for the future.
Q. What advice do you have for other philanthropic organizations that wish to invest towards solving pressing issues of the society? Also, how can policymakers ensure better support for collaborative efforts between academia, civil society, and government?
A. We are hopeful that many more funders will come forward to support horizontal offerings like Kshetra's dialogic method. While organisational development and capacity building - as learning to dialogue for instance - may not show immediate, tangible results, programs targeting culture, mindset, and capacities play a vital role in keeping the broader social ecosystem healthy. Needless to say, the potential for this work is best realised through an enabling policy environment.
