CSR collaboration with Bharat Rural Livelihoods Foundation for Sustainable and Inclusive Tribal Development

New Delhi, India: Bharat Rural Livelihoods Foundation (BRLF), an independent society set up under the Ministry of Rural Development, in collaboration with Axis Bank Foundation, has launched the first edition of an annual convening “Samanvay: The National Tribal Livelihoods Summit”. Samanvay aims to nurture a collective space for reflective multi-stakeholder deliberations focused on critical issues and opportunities in India’s rural development landscape.

Derived from the Sanskrit words “Sama” (equal) and “Anvay” (convergence), Samanvay embodies the harmonious integration of diverse perspectives, experiences, expertise, and resources to address systemic challenges and foster equitable development. Samanvay seeks to cultivate the confluence of ideas, experiences, knowledge and learnings of all stakeholders in India’s rural development narrative, including civil society organisations, corporate entities, government bodies, people’s institutions, tribal communities, and young leaders.

The landmark annual event brought together government officials, civil society organisations (CSOs), corporate leaders, policymakers, thought leaders and tribal communities to deliberate on innovative solutions for inclusive and sustainable livelihoods in India’s rural and tribal geographies. Some of the delegates include Shri Vibhu Nayar, Honourable Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs; Shri Pramod Boro, CEM, Bodoland Territorial Council, Assam; Smt Anshu Singh, DDG, Ministry of Tribal Affairs; Ms Pi Lalrinpui, Honorable Minister, Government of Mizoram; Ms. Dhruvi Shah, Executive Trustee and CEO, Axis Bank Foundation; Shri Siddharth Tripathi, IFS, Chief Conservator of Forests, Govt of Jharkhand; and Shri Nand Kumar, IAS, Director General – MGNREGA, Government of Maharashtra, ; among others.

Speaking at the launch event, Padam Shri Girish Prabhune, President, BRLF, and Shri Kuldip Singh, CEO, BRLF, highlighted the critical role of multi-sectoral collaboration in transforming rural livelihoods. They said,

“Samanvay is more than a summit—it is a movement dedicated to building resilient and sustainable rural economies. By bringing together diverse voices, we are fostering a collective commitment to ensuring that tribal and rural communities have access to equitable opportunities for growth and prosperity.”

Ms. Dhruvi Shah, Executive Trustee and CEO, Axis Bank Foundation, said, “​Samanvay 2025 celebrates 10 years of BRLF’s journey and brings to the fore the importance of collaborations and partnerships in solving livelihood challenges in rural India, especially in tribal dominant regions. It is an opportunity by stakeholders to come together, have dialogues and discuss the future possibilities to address our collective purpose of improving lives and livelihoods in rural India.”

Shri Pramod Boro, CEM, Bodoland Territorial Council, Assam, highlighted the importance of localised governance and grassroots participation in livelihood programs, stating, “For any sustainable development initiative to succeed, it must be rooted in community-led governance. Bodoland Territorial Council remains committed to enhancing tribal livelihoods through participatory development and policy innovations.”

With a focus on inclusive and sustainable growth, BRLF stands committed to inspiring renewed commitments from all stakeholders through subsequent regional gatherings that will further the explorations made in Samanvay 2025 at the national level. Renewed commitments emerging from these annual and regional gatherings will strengthen GO-NGO collaborations, fostering innovative strategies to address poverty and sustainable livelihoods. The summit paves the way for addressing the significant challenges that India faces in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals 2030 through collective action, empowering marginalised communities and shaping a more inclusive future.

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