Just a few months ago India surpassed Japan to become the fourth-largest economy in the world. This is a major milestone in India’s economic rise and global influence. With 900+ million rural people, we also have the highest rural population among major economies. While urban centres dominate economic narratives, rural India holds the keys to deep and lasting transformation.
Join us at the Fifth Edition of the India Rural Colloquy as we bring together government leaders and policymakers, local changemakers and activists working to bring forth India’s rural renaissance – from welfare dependency to an engine of growth.
Join the movement dedicated to empowering rural communities and building a stronger India. Sign up for our sessions, so you can be part of the change.
This year marks five years of the India rural colloquy. What began as a virtual series has now grown into a dynamic, multi-state event that shapes narratives and catalyses change. As we enter this milestone edition, the Colloquy returns with deeper regional engagement, stronger institutional partnerships and a renewed commitment to amplify rural India’s voice on the national stage.
Because rural India matters—not just to those who live in its villages, but to the future of the country itself. Whether you’re a policymaker, community practitioner, academia, creative professional, or changemaker, the India rural colloquy offers a space to learn, share and act together.
Connect with farmers, women leaders, youth innovators and local panchayat officials driving grassroots change
Use insights to inform policy, program design or investment decisions in rural India.
Forge partnerships across governments, academia, social enterprise, corporates, media, design labs and NGOs.
Participate in dialogues that result in pilots, media features, research outputs and ongoing collaboration.
Shri Dharmendra Pradhan Hon’ble Minister of Education, Government of India
“The global landscape is shifting towards valuing competency. School and college dropouts are gaining international recognition for their entrepreneurial and innovative contributions. Degrees and competence stand as distinct entities. This realisation has fuelled the elevation of vocational education’s significance. Our educational framework is actively striving to ensure that fundamental skills and knowledge are cultivated within the initial 15 years of learning.”
Dhruvi Shah
Executive Trustee and Chief Executive Officer, Axis Bank Foundation
“Collaborations, particularly partnerships with well-established civil society networks, emerge as highly efficient vehicles for deploying social capital. These programs exhibit remarkable efficacy, highlighting the enhanced role of CSR funds in driving positive change.”
The Indian Rural Colloquy is your chance to hear what the people at the sharp-end of rural development have to say – those who aspire for more and those who are on the ground helping make this happen.
