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India Rural Colloquy 26 India Rural Colloquy 26 Register Now

Eight days. Six states.
One conversation.

Explore a week of conversations, ideas and collaborations shaping the future of rural India.

India Rural Colloquy 2026 — Assam

Climate Action at Scale

From Bioregions to Resilient Communities

Bordoloi Hall, Don Bosco Institute, Kharguli Hills, Guwahati
Climate change, biodiversity loss and rural livelihoods cannot be addressed by governments, markets or civil society acting alone. The next generation of climate action will depend on new forms of collaboration that transcend institutional silos and place communities at the centre. Drawing on the emerging experience of the Bodoland Bioregional Collaborative, this strategic dialogue explores how governments, research institutions, community organisations, philanthropy and the private sector can move beyond fragmented interventions towards place-based partnerships that restore ecosystems, strengthen livelihoods and build climate resilience.
11:00–13:00 Roundtable Discussion

Getting Collaboration to Work

From Rhetoric to Action

Narayan Sharma
Narayan Sharma
Assistant Professor, Cotton University, Guwahati Assam
MK
Manas Pratim Kalita
Regional Coordinator, India Society of Agribusiness Professionals
Dharmendra Chandurkar
Dharmendra Chandurkar
Co-founder and Chief Knowledge Officer, Sambodhi Research and Communications Pvt. Ltd.
Ashok Kumar
Ashok Kumar
Director, Farm Prosperity, TRI
Arindam Dasgupta
Arindam Dasgupta
CEO, Tamul Plates Marketing Private Limited
MR
Madhabananda Ray
Executive Director, Centre For Microfinance & Livelihoods
Anuapm Sarmah
Anuapm Sarmah TBC
Team Lead, Brahmaputra Landscape, WWF India
Pranjal Chakraborty
Pranjal Chakraborty TBC
Vice President, Gramya Vikash Mancha
Sarbeswar Basumatary
Sarbeswar Basumatary TBC
Padma Shri Awardee, Farmer, Community leader
K.N Singh
K.N Singh TBC
General Manager, Trinity Fructa Pvt. Ltd.
M Firoz Ahmed
M Firoz Ahmed
Scientist F, Director and Head- TRCD & HRCD, Aaranyak
Pradyut Bhattacharjee
Pradyut Bhattacharjee
Executive Director, Seven Sisters Development Assistance

Letters, Libraries and the Making of Rural India

A Conversation with Pradeep Lokhande

The Postcard Man of India | Founder, Rural Relations | Creator of Gyan-key & Fit-key

Across rural India, millions of young people possess immense talent but limited access to opportunities that nurture curiosity, confidence and lifelong learning. For over three decades, Shri Pradeep Lokhande has quietly transformed this reality by building what is today recognised as the world's largest rural reading initiative. Known across India as "The Postcard Man and Library Man of India," he built one of the country's most remarkable grassroots networks by travelling extensively through rural India, personally visiting thousands of villages and staying connected with communities through handwritten postcards. Over the years, he has inspired several pioneering initiatives—from installing thousands of donated computers in rural schools to creating the Non-Resident Villager (NRV) movement that encourages Indians to reconnect with and contribute to their native villages. Most recently, through Gyan-key and Fit-key, he has built what is recognised as the world's largest rural reading initiative, establishing more than 6,100 rural libraries, distributing over 1.4 million books, and inspiring more than 1.3 million young readers across seven states. In this intimate conversation, Shri Lokhande reflects on the experiences that shaped his life's work and explores why the future of rural India depends as much on nurturing curiosity, reading and relationships as it does on infrastructure, technology and employment. Conversation Themes
  • The story behind becoming The Postcard Man of India
  • Building one of India's largest rural knowledge movements
  • Reading as the foundation of leadership and lifelong learning
  • Lessons from three decades of working with rural youth
  • The role of communities in nurturing the next generation of changemakers
Partnership Launch The WoW Knowledge Network Building India's Next Generation of Learning Communities Every thriving locality is sustained by institutions that cultivate knowledge, curiosity and leadership. The WoW Knowledge Network is an initiative of TRI and Gyan-key that seeks to transform Work, Opportunity & Well-being (WoW) Hubs into vibrant community learning spaces where rural youth can discover ideas, develop aspirations and prepare for the future. The initiative will integrate curated rural libraries and learning resources within WoW Hubs, making books, ideas and lifelong learning accessible alongside career guidance, entrepreneurship support and community leadership.

India Rural Colloquy 2026 — Madhya Pradesh

The Prosperity Formula for Madhya Pradesh

How Can Madhya Pradesh Become a Model for Prosperous, Climate-Resilient and Inclusive Rural Development by 2047?

Civil Engineering Auditorium, MANIT, Bhopal
Madhya Pradesh stands at an important moment in its development journey. As India moves towards Viksit Bharat 2047, the state has the opportunity to demonstrate how gender-responsive governance, community institutions and climate resilience can together create pathways to inclusive prosperity. Bringing together policymakers, practitioners, academic and community leaders, the Madhya Pradesh State Colloquy explores practical approaches to building flourishing local economies and resilient communities.
14:30 - 15:10 Opening Adresses

Samriddh Madhya Pradesh 2047

Locality-Led Pathways to Prosperity

What will it take for every district in Madhya Pradesh to participate in India's growth story? The opening keynote sets the vision for a prosperous, resilient and inclusive Madhya Pradesh, exploring how local institutions…

Kunwar Vijay Shah
Kunwar Vijay Shah
Hon'ble Minister, Tribal Affairs, GoMP
Prahlad Singh Patel
Prahlad Singh Patel
Hon’ble Minister of Panchayat,, Rural Development & Labour, GoMP
NB
Nirmala Bhuria
Hon'ble Minister of Women and Child Development, GoMP
15:10–15:20 Roundtable Discussion

Voices From the Field

Those closest to the challenges often hold the deepest insights into the solutions. This session brings together community members to share first-hand experiences of navigating through rural challenges and solutions, offering…

Featured Discussants: In this session community member shares their experiences around gender, climate resilience and governance.

15:20–16:00 Featured Conversation

When Communities Lead

The Future of Climate Resilience

Across rural India, communities are demonstrating that climate resilience is built not only through infrastructure, but through collective action, local leadership and community institutions. In this special conversation…

Mahesh Sharma
Mahesh Sharma
Founder, Shivganga Samagra Gramvikas Parishad
JP
Jitendra Pandit
Practice Director, TRI
16:00–16:20

Rooted in Place, Built for the Future

Reimagining PMAY-G Housing through Vernacular Architecture and Sustainable Materials

Affordable rural housing must offer more than shelter - it should respond to the local climate, reflect how communities live and create a sense of belonging. In this session, Simran Channa presents an approach to PMAY-G housing…

SC
Simran Channa
Architect/Designer and Partner, Dhammada Collective
16:20–17:20 Leadership Dialogue

Local Prosperity, Lasting Change

Reimagining Rural Development for Madhya Pradesh

How can gender equality, responsive governance and climate resilience become the foundations of long-term prosperity? This high-level dialogue brings together senior government leaders, researchers and development…

Anil Kumar
Anil Kumar
Special DIrector General - Women Safety and Welfare, MP Police
G. V. Rashmi
G. V. Rashmi
Secretary for the Women and Child Development (WCD) Department, GoMP
AP
Avi Prasad
Commissioner, VB-GRAM-G
YK
Yogesh Kumar
Director, Samarthan
LT
Lokendra Thakkar
Executive Director, National Centre for Human Settlements and Environment, Bhopal
SC
Siddharth Chaturvedi
Executive Vice President, AISECT, Bhopal
NG
Neha Gupta
Independent Consultant
17:20–17:30 Closing Reflections

From Dialogue to Action

The State Colloquy concludes by synthesising key insights, identifying opportunities for collaboration and outlining actionable pathways to strengthen partnerships across government, academia, civil society and communities.

RB
Ronith Banerjee
Practitioner, TRI

India Rural Colloquy 2026 — Uttar Pradesh

Beyond Empowerment: Women as Architects of Rural Well-being

How can Uttar Pradesh move beyond women's empowerment to build a future where women lead institutions, shape markets and create resilient communities?

Department of Social Work, University of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
Across Uttar Pradesh, women are redefining the future of rural India. Through Self-Help Groups, Farmer Producer Organizations, Panchayati Raj Institutions and enterprises, they are strengthening local economies, improving public systems and shaping resilient communities. The Uttar Pradesh State Colloquy explores the next frontier of this transformation—not simply empowering women to participate in development, but enabling them to lead institutions, influence markets, govern local systems and create lasting well-being.
14:00–15:00 Opening Adresses

Women as Architects of Rural Well-being

Leading Resilient Communities to Shared Prosperity

As India advances towards Viksit Bharat 2047, women will play a defining role in shaping the country's economic and social future. The opening session explores how policy, institutions and community leadership can unlock women's…

Umashankar Pandey
Umashankar Pandey
Padma Shri Awardee and Jal Yoddha
Yogesh Kumar
Yogesh Kumar
Commissioner & Registrar Cooperative, GoUP
Rakesh Dwivedi
Rakesh Dwivedi
Head, Department of Social Work, Lucknow University
Aliva Das
Aliva Das
Practice Director, TRI
Arvind Mohan
Arvind Mohan
Dean of Faculty of Arts, University of Lucknow
Anirudh Pandey
Anirudh Pandey
Chief Conservator of Forest, GoUP
15:00–15:45 Leadership Dialogue

Women Shaping the Future of Rural Uttar Pradesh

Women across rural Uttar Pradesh are driving entrepreneurship, strengthening community institutions and expanding economic opportunity. Yet the next challenge extends beyond participation—towards leadership. How can women…

Pinky Jowel
Pinky Jowel
Mission Director, National Health Mission & Secretary, Medical Health and Family Welfare, GoUP
Sarveshwar Shukla
Sarveshwar Shukla
Joint Commissioner of Industries, Department of MSME & Export Promotion, GoUP
Renu Mishra
Renu Mishra
Executive Director, Association for Advocacy and Legal Initiatives Trust (AALI)
Aliva Das
Aliva Das
Practice Director, TRI
Praveena Chaudhary
Praveena Chaudhary
Joint Director, Department of Panchayati Raj, GoUP
Sandeep Giri
Sandeep Giri
Professor, Department of Social Work, University of Lucknow
16:00–16:45 Strategic Conversation

Powering Rural Futures

Women, Climate and the Green Economy

Climate resilience represents one of the greatest opportunities for rural transformation. Across India, women are leading innovations in climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy, water conservation, agroforestry and…

Umashankar Pandey
Umashankar Pandey
Padma Shri Awardee and Jal Yoddha
Sidhartha Shankar
Sidhartha Shankar
Deputy General Manager, NABARD
Nikunj Usadadia
Nikunj Usadadia
Research Officer, International Water Management Institute
Purna Roy Chowdhury
Purna Roy Chowdhury
Chief Functionary and Chief Program Officer, Trickle Up India Foundation
Pankaj Shukla
Pankaj Shukla
CEO, Agri Entrepreneur Growth Foundation (AEGF)
Anup Prakash Upadayay
Anup Prakash Upadayay
Associate Professor, IIFM Bhopal
17:00–17:30 Closing Reflections

From Dialogue to Collective Action

The State Colloquy concludes with reflections from distinguished leaders and community practitioners, synthesising the day's conversations into a shared agenda for advancing women-led rural transformation across Uttar Pradesh.

Shyamal Santra
Shyamal Santra
Practice Director, TRI
Rajeev Tripathi
Rajeev Tripathi
Associate Director, TRI

India Rural Colloquy 2026 — Invitation-only Strategic Dialogues

Powering Rural Prosperity

From Green Landscapes to Growth Capital

Lecture Room 1, India International Centre (Annexe), New Delhi
The Leadership Roundtables convene a carefully curated group of policymakers, philanthropies, financial institutions, business leaders, researchers and development practitioners to examine complex questions shaping the future of rural India. Designed as action-oriented dialogues, each roundtable prioritises candid discussion, cross-sector collaboration and practical pathways for partnership. Rather than producing another set of recommendations, these conversations aim to catalyse long-term collaborations that extend well beyond the Colloquy.
11:00–13:30 Invitation-only Leadership Roundtable

Bioregions for Bharat

Collaborating for a Green Future

India's ecological future will be shaped not by isolated projects, but by the ability of institutions to collaborate across landscapes. As climate risks intensify, there is growing recognition that ecological restoration…

Anchal Kakkar
Anchal Kakkar
Director, Climate Asia
Minhaj Ameen
Minhaj Ameen
Founder & CEO, Consortium for Agroecological Transformations (CAT)
Jagdeesh Puppala
Jagdeesh Puppala
CEO, Living Landscape
Munish Kaushik
Munish Kaushik
Senior Facilitator, CommonLand Foundation
Sushil Saigal
Sushil Saigal
Interim Managing Director, The Nature Conservancy (TNC), India
DC
Dharmendra Chandurkar
Co-founder and Chief Knowledge Officer, Sambodhi Research and Communications Pvt. Ltd.
Akash Badave
Akash Badave
Chief Executive Officer, Sustainable Livelihoods Development Program, Nirmaan Organization
Apoorve Khandelwal
Apoorve Khandelwal
Fellow and Team Lead Sustainable Food Systems, CEEW
Ashok Kumar
Ashok Kumar
Director (Farm Prosperity), TRI
Irina Snissar Lobo
Irina Snissar Lobo
Co-creator, Common Ground Initiative
Ishan Agrawal
Ishan Agrawal
Natural Resources Professional, Common Ground Initiative
KP
Kirankumar Patel
Team Leader - Gujarat, Reliance Foundation
Pradyut Bhattacharjee
Pradyut Bhattacharjee
Executive Director, Seven Sisters Development Assistance (SeSTA)
SB
Saheb Bhattacharyya
Country Lead - Livelihoods, WWF-India
Subrata Singh
Subrata Singh
Executive Director, Foundation for Ecological Security (FES)
14:30–17:00 Invitation-only Leadership Roundtable

Financing the First Mile of Viksit Bharat

Capital Pathways for Mini and Nano Rural Enterprises

India's aspiration to become a developed nation depends on the strength of its smallest enterprises. Across rural India, millions of mini and nano entrepreneurs generate livelihoods, strengthen local economies and serve as the…

Alka Upadhyaya
Alka Upadhyaya
Former Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India
Vivek Mathur
Vivek Mathur
Former Partner & COO, Elevation Capital

India Rural Colloquy 2026 — Chhattisgarh

Grassroots Leadership for Viksit Chhattisgarh

Who will lead the next generation of rural transformation and how can public institutions create the conditions for communities to thrive?

Auditorium, Tribal Research Training Institute, Naya Raipur
From self-help groups and Gram Panchayats to forest communities, cooperatives and grassroots institutions, local leadership is shaping new models of governance, livelihoods and public service delivery in Chhattisgarh. The Chhattisgarh State Colloquy brings together community leaders, senior policymakers, researchers and development practitioners to explore how grassroots leadership can become the foundation of Viksit Chhattisgarh.
10:00–10:45 Opening Address

Building the Next Chapter of Rural Chhattisgarh

The State Colloquy opens with the shared vision for strengthening community-led development across Chhattisgarh. Senior government leaders will reflect on the role of responsive institutions, local governance and collaborative…

Manoj Pingua
Manoj Pingua
Additional Chief Secretary, Forest and Climate Change Department, Government of Chhattisgarh
Rahul Bhagat
Rahul Bhagat
Secretary to Chief Minister and Secretary, Good Governance & Convergence | Government of Chhattisgarh
Neeraja Kudrimoti
Neeraja Kudrimoti
Practice Director, Climate Action, TRI
10:45–11:30 Community Leadership Forum

Gram Samwad

Communities Shaping the Future of Rural India

In this signature session, community leaders—including women leaders, progressive farmers, elected representatives and cooperative institutions—share firsthand experiences of strengthening livelihoods, improving public systems…

Speakers to be announced soon

11:40–12:40 Collaborative Policy Challenge

Samadhan Manthan — Policy Innovation Lab

How can community knowledge shape better public policy? In this distinctive session, interdisciplinary teams will present practical policy proposals for strengthening grassroots leadership and rural transformation. A…

Bhim Singh
Bhim Singh
Secretary, Department of Panchayat and Rural Development, Government of Chhattisgarh
12:40–12:50 Keynote Address

Reimagining Grassroots Leadership for Viksit Bharat

Grassroots leadership is increasingly recognised as a cornerstone of resilient and inclusive development. This keynote explores how governments, community institutions and civil society can work together to strengthen local…

Arun Kumar Pandey
Arun Kumar Pandey
PCCF - HoFF, Government of Chhattisgarh
12:50–13:50 Leadership Dialogue

The Big Conversation

Who Will Lead the Next Generation of Rural Transformation?

India's rural future will depend on strong partnerships between governments, communities and civil society. This cross-sector dialogue explores how public institutions can create enabling environments for community leadership…

Priyanka Mahobia
Priyanka Mahobia
Director, Directorate of Panchayat, Chhattisgarh
Rahul Hiremath
Rahul Hiremath
Professor, IIM Raipur
Satyalata Miri
Satyalata Miri
President, Zilla Parishad, Janjgir Champa
Jitendra Pandit
Jitendra Pandit
Practice Director, TRI
13:50–14:00 Closing Reflections

From Dialogue to Collective Action

Announcement of Winning Policy; relevant department makes public commitment to examine/pilot the policy; closing remarks; vote of thanks.

Niharika Barik
Niharika Barik
Principal secretary, Department of Home, GoCG
Sanjeev Parashar
Sanjeev Parashar
Director in-charge, IIM Raipur

India Rural Colloquy 2026 — Jharkhand

Flourishing Rural Jharkhand

How can Jharkhand transform its natural wealth into enduring prosperity through climate resilience, empowered Panchayats and community leadership?

Auditorium, Xavier Institute of Social Service (XISS), Ranchi
Jharkhand is rich in forests, minerals, rainfall and community traditions, yet many rural communities continue to face water stress, livelihood insecurity and fragmented local economies. As the state looks towards its Ulgulan 2050 Vision, a new development pathway is emerging—one that places ecological resilience, local governance and community institutions at the centre of rural prosperity. The Jharkhand State Colloquy brings together government leaders, researchers, community champions and development practitioners to explore how climate resilience, water security and empowered Panchayats can become the foundation of a flourishing rural economy.
10:30–11:30 Opening Addresses

A Vision for Water Security, Community Leadership and Shared Prosperity

The opening session frames the aspirations of Ulgulan 2050 and examines how climate resilience, responsive governance and community leadership can shape the next chapter of Jharkhand's development. It reflects on the role of…

Deepika Pandey Singh
Deepika Pandey Singh
Hon'ble Minister, Rural Development Department & Panchayati Raj, Government of Jharkhand
Mukesh Kumar
Mukesh Kumar
Secretary, Tourism, Art Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs Department, Government of Jharkhand
Pradeep Kerketta SJ
Pradeep Kerketta SJ
Assistant Director, XISS
12:00–13:10 Leadership Dialogue

Rain-Rich, Water-Insecure

Building Climate-Resilient Landscapes for Rural Jharkhand

Jharkhand receives abundant annual rainfall, yet much of it flows away before it can recharge groundwater, sustain agriculture or strengthen local livelihoods. The challenge is not simply one of scarcity—but of stewardship. This…

Dinabandhu Karmakar
Dinabandhu Karmakar
Senior Practitioner and Expert on Water conservation
Prerna Dixit
Prerna Dixit
Additional Secretary, Department of Rural Development, Government of Jharkhand
Chami Murmu
Chami Murmu
Environmentalist & Community Leader, Sahayogi Mahila, Saraikela-Kharsawan
Nitish Priyadarshi
Nitish Priyadarshi
Assistant Professor, Ranchi University
Jamuna Tudu
Jamuna Tudu
Environmentalist & Community Leader, Van Suraksha Samiti, East Singhbhum
Shila Matang
Shila Matang
Associate Director, TRI
13:15–14:10 Policy Forum

Prosperous Jharkhand from Prosperous Panchayats

Own Source of Revenue, Rural Enterprise and Place-Based Economies

Strong local governments are essential for resilient local economies. This session examines how Panchayats can become engines of economic development through stronger local revenue systems, community-led planning and rural…

Sudhir Pal
Sudhir Pal
PESA Advisor, Department of Panchayati Raj, Government of Jharkhand
Kavita Devi
Kavita Devi
Mukhiya (Elected Women Representative), Hesel Panchayat
Johnson Topno
Johnson Topno
Executive Director, PHIA Foundation
Raj Shree Verma
Raj Shree Verma
Associate Professor, XISS
Bala Devi Ningthoujam
Bala Devi Ningthoujam
Lead, PRADAN
14:10–14:30 Closing Reflections

From Dialogue to Collective Action

The State Colloquy concludes by synthesising key recommendations emerging from the day's discussions and identifying opportunities for collaboration between government, academia, civil society and community institutions. The…

Anant Kumar
Anant Kumar
Head of Rural Management Programme, XISS

India Rural Colloquy 2026 — National Convergence

Shaping Rural India's Future

Flourishing Localities to Prosperous Economies

Juniper Hall, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi
The National Convergence brings together policymakers, researchers, entrepreneurs, philanthropies, businesses, civil society leaders and community practitioners to examine the ideas, partnerships and institutional innovations that can shape India's rural future. Across three thematic tracks, India Rural Colloquy 2026 explores how flourishing communities, prosperous local economies and regenerative landscapes can together create a Rural Renaissance.
10:00-10:15 Opening Address

Future of Rural India

The Opening Address marks the beginning of the National Convergence, reflecting on the collective journey of the India Rural Colloquy across six states, setting the stage for a day of thoughtful dialogue on the pathways to Rural…

Neeraj Ahuja
Neeraj Ahuja
Practice Director, TRI
10:15–11:50 Debate

The Great Rural Prosperity Debate

Which Path Will Build India's Future?

As India charts its path towards becoming a developed nation, what will drive broad-based and lasting prosperity? This debate brings together leading economists and development thinkers to examine competing pathways, from…

Arun Kumar
Arun Kumar
Indian Economist and Former Professor, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Jawaharlal Nehru University
Santosh Mehrotra
Santosh Mehrotra
Visiting Professor, Centre for Development Studies, University of Bath, UK, & Higher School of Economics, Moscow
Rajiv Kumar
Rajiv Kumar
Former Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog
Pankaj Pachauri
Pankaj Pachauri
Veteran Journalist and Founder, GoNewsIndia
Laveesh Bhandari
Laveesh Bhandari
President, Centre for Social and Economic Progress
12:00–13:00 Strategic Roundtable Discussion & 'What Women Want' Report Launch Rural Women’s Aspirations: A National Study on Aspirations, Agency and Opportunity

Rural Women’s Aspirations

Women’s aspirations are changing faster than the institutions that shape their opportunities. This Strategic Roundtable Discussion will mark the launch of Rural Women’s Aspirations: A National Study on Aspirations, Agency and…

Featured Discussants: Senior leaders from Government, Philanthropy, Civil Society, Research & Academic Institutions and Private Sector.

13:00–14:00
Networking Lunch
14:00–15:00 Leadership Dialogue & 'Demographic Transition, Evolving Families and the Future of the Care Ecosystem in India' Whitepaper Launch

Neighbourhoods of Care

Demographic Transition, Evolving Families & the Future Of Healthcare In Rural India

As rural India undergoes profound demographic and social change, the need for accessible, community-based care has never been greater. This session explores how families, Panchayats, women's collectives, frontline workers and…

Neeraj Jain
Neeraj Jain
Country Director, PATH
Narendra Kumar Arora
Narendra Kumar Arora
President, AIIMS, Bilaspur
Kachina Peifer Chawla
Kachina Peifer Chawla
Former Division Chief- Health System Strengthening (HSS), USAID, Co-Founder and Director, Light House Health Solutions LLP
Prabhat Sinha
Prabhat Sinha
Head of Corporate Affairs, Takeda
15:00–16:15 Panel Discussion & 'Why Adaptation Finance Stops Short of the Indian Village And the Institutional Architecture that Would Carry it There' Whitepaper Launch

Adaptation Finance Beyond Customary

Reconnecting the Broken Chain from National Policy to Village Action

Despite significant national commitments to climate adaptation, the flow of finance often fails to reach the communities most vulnerable to climate risks. This session launches new evidence on the gaps in the adaptation finance…

SS
S Sasikumar
Joint Secretary, Department of Rural Development (MoRD), GoI
Ruchika Singh
Ruchika Singh
Executive Director, Food, Land and Water, WRI India
Santosh Singh
Santosh Singh
Partner and Managing Director - Climate and Agri Solutions, Intellecap
Venkat Pindipolu
Venkat Pindipolu
Co-Founder, CarbonMint
16:15–17:30 Valedictory Address

Rural Renaissance and India's Next Frontier

The India Rural Colloquy 2026 concludes with a forward-looking conversation on India's next development chapter. As technology, entrepreneurship, science and local institutions reshape the future, what role will rural India play…

Speakers to be announced soon

Beating Colloquy

A Closing Ritual for Reflection, Gratitude and Renewal

Ideas Cafe, TRI Square, New Delhi
For seven days, the India Rural Colloquy has travelled across the country, bringing together communities, governments, entrepreneurs, researchers, philanthropists and practitioners to imagine new pathways for Rural Renaissance. Every journey deserves a meaningful return. Inspired by the enduring tradition of Beating Retreat—a ceremonial return from duty to reflection—Beating Colloquy marks the closing chapter of the Colloquy. It is not an ending, but a conscious pause between intense collective effort and the quiet work of carrying ideas back into everyday life. As the conversations conclude and the journeys home begin, participants gather with colleagues, friends and families to celebrate what has been created, reflect on what has been learned and reaffirm the relationships that make long-term change possible.