New Delhi, India: Professional Assistance for Development Action (PRADAN), one of India’s leading social development organizations, has marked its 43rd Foundation Day. PRADAN has been working towards large-scale rural poverty alleviation mission across rural pockets, particularly amongst tribal and vulnerable groups and committed to reach out to 14 million households by 2030.
To commemorate the occasion, PRADAN hosted a special dialogue titled ‘Neev 2025 – A Rendezvous with the Foundation’, featuring a stellar line up of development sector leaders, policy experts, and thought influencers.
While conveying the keynote address Shri Shailesh Singh, Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, said,“ From the early years of NRLP to today’s DAY-NRLM, we have witnessed a remarkable journey of empowerment. PRADAN has been a valued partner in this transformative movement that has touched over 1 crore women and enabled ₹74,000 crore in SHG credit. With over 10 crore women now part of 91 lakh SHGs and more than 1 crore becoming Lakhpati Didis, the impact is both visible and inspiring.
This is the power of collaboration—when government and civil society come together to build systems, scale ideas like the Business Correspondent Sakhi model, and shift what is possible for women and communities in rural India. The road ahead is clear: creating dignified livelihoods and making space for women and youth to lead change.”
This milestone offers an opportunity for reflection and renewal reaffirming PRADAN’s commitment to strengthening its foundational values (“Neev”) and engaging deeply with national and international develop
ment paradigms. PRADAN, till date has reached more than 3.7 million households, across 9 states, helping them achieve livelihood and self-sustenance through women empowerment. Around 54% households participating in the income generating livelihood activities earned more than Rs. 1,00,000 during FY 2023-24, in fact 4% of these households recorded income of more than Rs. 3,00,000.
The event delved into discussion of crucial issues related to grassroots development, local governance, sustainability, and the integration of SDGs in community-centric development models. Speaking on the occasion, Saroj Kumar Mahapatra, Executive Director of PRADAN said, “As we celebrate 43 years of PRADAN’s journey, Neev 2025 invites us to look back with pride and look ahead with purpose. Till date, we have positively impacted more than 3.7 million households, across 9 states and aim to impact 14 million households by year 2030. We also aim to target a 200% increase in clean energy use and adoption of regenerative agriculture techniques for sustainable agricultural development. It is our endeavour to continuously evolve as development professionals, staying rooted in community realities while engaging with global development conversations.”
Esteemed speakers at Neev 2025 included: Shailesh Singh, Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India; Dr. Mihir Shah, Distinguished Economist, Water Policy Expert & Development Practitioner; Shweta Banerjee, Country Lead – India, BRAC International; S.M. Vijayanand, Chairperson, Core Committee of Ministry of Panchayati Raj for Localizing SDGs and Chairperson of PRADAN’s Governing Board; Tinni Sawhney, Chief Executive Officer, Aga Khan Foundation; Dinabandhu Karmakar, Expert in Rural Development and Natural Resource Management; Sanjay Sharma, Executive Director, Manjari Foundation; Saroj Kumar Mahapatra, Executive Director, PRADAN.
Through initiatives like #Neev2025, PRADAN remains dedicated to catalysing transformative change in rural India, empowering marginalized communities, enhancing local capacities, and bringing sustainable development through inclusive and participatory processes.
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