No Observers, Only Participants

In this conversation, Dr Rajesh Tandon, the founder of PRIA sits down with Nikita Rakhyani to revisit the journey of an organisation born out of a deep belief in people’s power to shape their own futures. Together, they reflect on PRIA’s early days, the ideas and values that defined its mandate, and the conviction that knowledge, democracy, and development must be rooted in participation. Dr Tandon shares why working with people has always been central to PRIA’s work, and how letting communities lead continues to be both a principle and a practice. A thoughtful look back at decades of learning, listening, and collective action. Learn more about PRIA at www.pria.org or on Instagram @pria.india. Grassroots Nation is a podcast from Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies. For more information go to www.rohininilekaniphilanthropies.org or join the conversation on social media @RNP_foundation.