Features
Special IDR features and series, including editorial collaborations.
The myth of systems change
The growing preoccupation with systems change risks distorting priorities and undermining meaningful work on the ground.
IDR Explains
A comprehensive introduction to a development topic, concept, or approach that captures expert views as well as the latest secondary research on the topic.
SUPPORTED BY COMMON GROUND INITIATIVE
IDR Explains | Commons
In just 10 minutes, learn how India’s commons power its people, ecology, and economy—through examples, their history, and challenges.
IDR Explains | Forest Rights Act (FRA)
In just four questions, learn what FRA is, why it was enacted, how it aims to benefit India’s forest-dwelling communities, and what are the barriers in doing so.
IDR Explains | Circular Economy
In just five questions, explore the circular economy—what it is, why it’s crucial for sustainability in India, and the challenges of adopting it.
Photo Essays
Photo-driven stories that depict ground realities, explore pressing issues, and outline innovative solutions.
On Srinagar’s rooftops, a winter food tradition faces uncertain weather
For generations, Kashmiris have prepared and preserved dried vegetables—Hokh Syun—to survive harsh, isolated winters. But changing weather and a growing market for these foods are slowly pushing the tradition out of households.
Making culture stick in Mizoram, one fridge magnet at a time
A fridge magnet artist shares why he is meticulously replicating Mizo cultural artefacts, and reflects on the marketing and workforce challenges shaping his craft.
Claiming a hawking corner in smart Shillong
A street vendors’ association in Meghalaya urges the state government to include vendors in policy design, follow central law, and stop unlawful relocations.
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For fieldworkers, the LPG shortage is turning into a crisis of trust
North West Delhi district, DelhiIDR Interviews
Conversations with visionaries on their life’s work, and their efforts to challenge the status quo in our country.
9 min read
A day in the life of
Frontline workers and first responders share their insights from working at the grassroots.
The girl who refused to drop out
A day in the life of a young field coordinator in Raichur, Karnataka, reflecting her journey of almost dropping out of school to supporting herself, her family, and her community.
A book club, sign language, and our fight for Deaf rights
A day in the life of a Deaf student and founder of a book club as he strives for awareness, inclusion, and building a shared space for the Deaf community.
Why conservation needs connection: Guarding Rajasthan’s forests
A day in the life of a forest guard, who navigates gender roles, community needs, and conservation in Rajasthan.
Building team culture isn’t optional
A nonprofit co-founder reflects on how scaling rapidly unintentionally alienated employees, which led to cracks in organisational culture.
Preparing for a marathon, not a sprint
Dalit civil rights activist Thenmozhi Soundararajan on why failure is an opportunity to build power, how systems of oppression affect well-being, and what healing looks like for individuals and communities.
Why don’t nonprofits talk about their failures?
A number of risks, both real and perceived, stop nonprofits from talking about failure. Here's how various stakeholders can work together to overcome them.
Perspectives
Op-eds and commentary that hold a mirror up to civil society, reflect upon its evolution, and unpack key trends.
The myth of systems change
The growing preoccupation with systems change risks distorting priorities and undermining meaningful work on the ground.
Reforming public health in India
Improving public health in India is not merely about spending more money. It hinges on systems that build trust, reward effort and pool risk.
For us Adivasis, without forests there is no health
For Adivasi communities in Karnataka, health and subsistence are inseparable from forests and the history of displacement they carry. Healthcare, then, is not simply a matter of 'free' medicines or hospitals, but respecting our rights, knowledge, and dignity.