Many people have a deep interest in joining the social sector, but very few have a nuanced and informed understanding of the various aspects involved in working in it. For example, social purpose organisations that generate profit come as a surprise to most. Similarly, many may not be aware of the difference between social entrepreneurship and a social enterprise. Social enterprises, in fact, carry out a purely commercial activity, while social entrepreneurship has an underlying social objective and is not connected to profit. This article aims to unpack these similar-sounding yet starkly different terminologies ‘Social Enterprise’ and ‘Social Entrepreneurship’ and understand the role of development management in creating these.

A Social Enterprise is essentially an organisation that engages in commercial activities and looks at a profit in conjunction with improving the well-being of people or the environment. Deriving profit from this activity could be one of the motives. Social enterprises are often viewed as organisations that do not generate profits or distribute them to stakeholders. You would be surprised to know that most social enterprises make profits and reinvest them back into the organisation. The structuring of social enterprises is for-profit, non-profit, or not for profit. A social enterprise's core purpose or ethos is built on a social mission to maximise the bottom line.

Social entrepreneurship refers to initiatives made by a person or group of people. The resultant benefits are the outcome of an entrepreneur who has a social vision, and the product is the result of a social initiative with no profit. Entrepreneurs are the change against whom they look to forge organisations or fashion change in existing ones to create social impact. Innovation is fundamental in social entrepreneurship.

Also Read: Which is the best course for a management career in the social sector?

Development Management for Social Entrepreneurship

Development Management focuses on empowering development professionals to roll up their sleeves and dive into complex community issues which need sensitivity, empathy, and tactfulness. The Post Graduate Program in Development Management (PGP DM), developed and carefully curated by the Indian School of Development Management (ISDM), enables professionals to look at existing models, structures, systems, and processes. They are empowered to redesign appropriate strategies and interventions that could be more effective and efficient. Many ISDM alumni have been deeply involved in launching or working with social entrepreneurial ventures today.

– Tanushree Jain, PGP DM Batch of 2017-18
FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR OF NUSHAURA

“NUSHAURA is a for-profit social enterprise working with rural and tribal artisans across various remote villages in Rajasthan. They curate sustainable, healthy, handmade products. The aim is to maintain the well-being of the consumers and Mother Earth. What is unique about this social enterprise is how the artisans are equal stakeholders, creating an increased sense of responsibility and efficiency.”

– Anamika Kandari, PGP DM Class of 2017-18
OWNER OF THE KHALSEN HOMESTAY

The Khalsen Homestay in Uttarakhand was started to support rural livelihood opportunities and create a mindset to reduce, reuse, and recycle.

“People from the hills are very hard working but lack entrepreneurial skills. They have resources, and there are multiple schemes to support them, but there is a huge gap in awareness and implementation. So, our efforts have set a sustainable income generation model.”

– Abhishek Paluri, PGP DM Class of 2020-21
OWNER OF THE KHALSEN HOMESTAY

HUManity is an organisation focused on identifying the needs of childcare institutions and providing need-based interventions. The programs are implemented with the objective of the holistic development of children by including components that enhance life skills, literacy, and infrastructure.

The Need for Social Enterprises and Social Entrepreneurship

There is a crying need for a broader understanding of the social problems that affect communities and searching for effective outcomes to address them. Developing models in social enterprises, irrespective of profit as a motive, is a dire requisite. Committed organisations working on social causes with a double bottom line of financial gain and societal welfare are changing conventional business models. The path forward addresses global issues of the environment, welfare, health, and education through innovation and unconventional approaches. Social enterprises like NUSHAURA, the Khalsen Homestay and HUManity address community issues focused on positive social change. To drive the concept of social enterprises, we need entrepreneurs like Tanushree, Anamika and Abhishek who transcend convention with innovative solutions, are operated with ambition and perseverance and are eager to change systems. Social entrepreneurs are viewed as change agents who can tread into areas where other stakeholders have been unable to venture into due to the scarcity of funds or the sheer will to do so.

Is there a closeted Social Entrepreneur in you?

Are you a development professional who loves problems and not the solution?

Do you believe that no one owns a social solution? Do you think these solutions should be co-created with the community to ensure sustainability and impact using a change management philosophy?

Lastly, do you understand that impact is the bottom line of the social sector? You cannot rely on innovation and invention alone but need to prove impact and pursue scale, making them visionary and disciplined in your approach?

If you found yourself answering ‘yes’ to these questions, according to Suzanne Smith, the founder of Social Impact Architects, you have the mindset of a social entrepreneur! The community’s problems and latent needs address them from a social perspective. Social change is achieved through organisations with bold and innovative solutions crafted by social entrepreneurs. They are essential in driving change from the 2 Ps to the 3 Ps of People, Planet and Prosperity. The realisation that every organisation can shape the welfare of communities is what needs to be acknowledged and appreciated. The ultimate goal is for social change to be possible by social organisations and social entrepreneurs.

To take a step further toward social change, enrol yourself in the Post Graduate Program of Development Management by the Indian School of Development Management (ISDM). ISDM is a unique and pioneering school of management. The curriculum does not merely retrofit Business Management to development projects but is explicitly born from the union of the two binding domains of development leadership and management.

For us to understand Development Management, it is important to know what we mean by development. Development is often construed to be about growth, political, and social ambitions put together. However, It goes a step further. Development is a continuous process that looks at societal development and results in their emergence from the depths of deprivation through increased productivity, economic and social freedom. Development being an ongoing process, it is also key to have a thought process that is self sustaining and not project based.

Development management took roots from the application of pure management principles to the running of development activities. Over a period of time it was felt necessary to introduce a process based management system that would remove stagnation in the public service systems of large underdeveloped countries such as India. Thus, evolved the study of Development Management. It has evolved from the days of traditional development administration, and moved on to deliver an accelerated, responsive and customized approach to complex situations and conditions.

Development Management has a much wider canvas and includes -

1. Management of specific issues and tasks in development interventions.

2. This management of development should look to work towards development ideals in a clearly defined context of development.

3. Besides getting the task at hand completed, it also involves creation of a self-sustaining capacity for future interventions through institutions that rely on experience and a knowledge based model.

4. Development Management, thus is involved with management, planning and policy-making aspects of the development process.

Social Science has been keenly working on the dynamics of the processes involved in the transformation of societies as they embark on the road to development. History shows us that the transformation of any society is a process that diverges from a simple task oriented process to a holistic development effort. The transformation of any society is structural, complex, continuous and dependent on a host of factors that fuel the change.

In a structurally diverse country such as India, development is driven through a management process that requires a deeper understanding of the dynamics of a mixed economy with an agenda that is led by populist government policies and intervention. One thing is clear. In development, there is no end game. Transformation is a continuous and cyclical process of change that evolves over a period of time.

With demographic, ethinic, social and economic diversity all the models in development economics somewhat fail to capture the complexities of transformation that are not only incentive driven but are also driven by “social formations' ' and “social processes' '. India, with its huge population is a developing country with “Unlimited Supplies of Labour ''.

We are still in the thought process where the dual-sector model of W. Arthur Lewis is often applied in planning models and looks - the subsistence sector and the capitalist sector. Unfortunately, the complex process of development goes beyond the rather simplistic approach and requires a deeper understanding of the development management process.

Also Read: Which is the best course for a management career in the social sector?

Social Sector - The Next Place To Be In

The younger generation of today is seeking fulfillment at their work. While money is important these youngsters look to be part of a bigger picture. Leading a balanced life that offers them happiness and satisfaction, takes overriding priority over money. At the St Gallen Symposium, a global conference for leaders, students were asked as to what motivated them in the career. Almost 50% leaders of tomorrow responded that work which had a positive impact on society was the most important criterion as against a mere 14% who were motivated by income levels. These findings reflect the shifting attitudes of today’s students who are now keen in applying management skills to shape society.

The younger generation of today is seeking fulfillment at their work. While money is important these youngsters look to be part of a bigger picture. Leading a balanced life that offers them happiness and satisfaction, takes overriding priority over money. At the St Gallen Symposium, a global conference for leaders, students were asked as to what motivated them in the career. Almost 50% leaders of tomorrow responded that work which had a positive impact on society was the most important criterion as against a mere 14% who were motivated by income levels. These findings reflect the shifting attitudes of today’s students who are now keen in applying management skills to shape society.

The development sector in India is now maturing with thrust coming from the government as well as the corporate sector. With the government realising that it is no longer possible to follow the development agenda given the sheer size and numbers, the corporate sector is also coming forward. The professionalization of this is a natural corollary. Even the way of doing business is undergoing a paradigm change with factors such as sustainability, culture, social responsibility and governance coming to the fore. To manage this transition, there is an increasing demand for people who are educated and possess the right skillset.

Why should you consider a career in the social sector?

1. The development sector has rapidly grown in India with organisations/ initiatives like domestic and international NGOs, foundations with a social focus, CSR activities, social consulting, social research organisations etc. coming forth. This has thrown up a host of opportunities with managerial and structural roles getting specialised. Requirements for roles in strategy, communications, fund-raising, project management, programme leadership, CSR partnerships and operations and others have led to the social development sector to evolve as one of the primary career destinations.

2. With the millennial wanting to pursue a meaningful and purposeful career, the roads have opened up the development sector. The changing career opportunities in the sector have led to opportunities with remunerations that are at par with the best in the industry. A case in example is ISDM (Indian School of Development Management) has been regularly placing its students in the social sector with more than 100 reputed development organisations and corporates coming to the campus. The packages offered to the students are at par and in some cases better than other high profile professions like IT.

3. With alternate funding avenues (like CSR) now getting directed to the social sector, the demand for professionals and managers is on the increase. Working in this area gives the professional to deliver sustainable social impact and the opportunity to tackle the most complex social issues facing our nation. For youngsters who are passionate about social issues, the development sector promises a career full of substance.

We now take a closer look at the PGP- Development management offered by ISDM, a premier institute offering learning in real-world management and leadership skills, ethics, development of social conscience in an effort to lead and manage organisations with a social purpose. The ISDM has been in the news for pioneering a curriculum that is focussed at creating professionally equipped Development Managers to contribute to the Indian social sector. The institution has been crafting a process driven approach for the development sector, one that looks at developing professional, socially-aware, deeply sensitive and reflective managers and leaders.

The People Behind ISDM

ISDM is a not-for-profit Section-8 company and has aspirations to build this institution and an enabling ecosystem to achieve impact at scale for the development sector and society. Their belief is that this vision is attainable only through collective wisdom and collective philanthropy. Hence, the Founder members of ISDM are carefully identified and play a role to shape the legacy institution by being a part of the Advisory Board. In a short span of 4 years, we have been backed by brilliant people and key influencers in the sector.

What are the differences between ISDM's PGP DM Program and an MSW Degree

We now examine some differences between the two programs that offer post graduation in Social Work.

Masters of Social Work (MSW) is a postgraduate course that prepares people to work in the social sector. It provides a broad and comprehensive framework of professional social and development practice. The MSW degree focuses on imparting learning in the field of development with emphasis on marginalised communities, women, children, disabled, disaster affected and the underprivileged to put it broadly.

While the ethos of a Masters of Social Work essentially is the same across courses, there are a few differences which young aspirants should know of to make an informed decision.

The traditional MSW course is geared at familiarizing students with working at a grass root level and doing field work. On the other hand, PGP DM Program offered by ISDM goes a step further and imparts management and leadership skills required to work in the Social Sector. ISDM’s PGP DM Program trains students to manage and lead in the development sector in a variety of roles in areas such as research, CSR, advocacy, management, marketing, or entrepreneurship, and in thematic areas ranging from health and education to water, sanitation and gender etc.

In that sense, the minute difference in the two programmes hinges on the career aspirations of the student. ISDM’s PGP DM Program offers the student a wider canvas to grow professionally and also pursue a meaningful and purposeful career.

Career Opportunities after ISDM’s PGP DM Program

Post completing the ISDM’s PGP DM Program, students get opportunities with leading national and international organisations where they work in different functions including program management, fundraising, communications, research, Corporate Social Responsibility engagement, strategy, partnerships, and human resources. There is a sizable demand and requirement for management professionals in social enterprises/NGOs and corporations in diverse areas such as solar power, health, livelihoods, education, and waste management etc.

ISDM has over 150+ placement partners in the development sector and, as a result, were able to assure 100% placements in the previous batches. The placement process at ISDM is unique in that it is student-centric, and not organisation-centric. During the placement process at ISDM, students indicate their organisational preferences and roles to the placement team. Using this information, relevant job offers are sought and presented to them.

Besides, the students that pass out from ISDM continue to be a closely knit community even after graduation. The alumni continue with mentorship, career guidance, attending talks and lectures at ISDM, and many even work at ISDM!

To Conclude

A career in the social sector is now not only for social science graduates. With the emergence of the Development Management program, students from diverse backgrounds are being attracted to drive social change as part of their careers. These courses like the ISDM’s PGP DM are bringing forth quality education that is specifically directed for professionals wanting to pursue a career in the Social/ Development Sector.

The time is ripe to look beyond MBA and glamorous corporate sector jobs. Careers here are transitioning from charity to rewards. It is time for the millennial to realize that there is more to social work than the drudgery of field work. The Indian School of Development Management’s PGP-in Development Management gives the theory and practical tools to drive transformations and create self-sustaining institutions that look at alleviation of deprivation traps.

Published: 04 January , 2024

In the dynamic world of India's social sector, achieving success goes beyond the basic desire to make a difference. It requires a combination of hard skills and essential soft skills. We present you with a listicle that breaks down these crucial soft skills and provides you with a checklist for mastering them.

1. The Power of Teamwork

Collaboration is the cornerstone of success in India's social sector. Unlike the corporate world, where solo endeavors are common, here, teamwork is non-negotiable. But it's not just about working together; it's about working effectively together. In a sector where diverse stakeholders come together, the ability to collaborate, communicate, actively listen, and understand various viewpoints is essential. It's teamwork, but with a social twist.

• Effective Communication

  In the social sector, being able to communicate clearly is pivotal. Effective communication ensures that your message is understood, reducing the risk of project roadblocks.

• Empathetic Engagement

  Empathy is key in understanding the perspectives of the people you serve. It allows you to connect on a deeper level, which is often vital for effective social impact.

2. Critical Thinking: Unraveling Complex Challenges

In the complex web of India's social sector, critical thinking is your compass. Many of the issues tackled in this field are interconnected and interdependent. To succeed, you must think critically, examining problems from multiple perspectives and using data, evidence, and accounts to arrive at holistic solutions. Critical thinking allows you to view situations neutrally and make well-informed decisions, an invaluable skill for NGOs and the development sector.

• Problem-Solving Prowess

  Critical thinking enables you to identify problems and develop creative solutions, a skill that is indispensable in tackling complex social issues.

• Data-Driven Decision-Making

  Making decisions based on reliable data ensures that your efforts are focused on strategies that are more likely to succeed.

3. Networking: Building Bridges for Change

Networking isn't just a buzzword; it's a superpower in the social sector. It opens doors to knowledge exchange, collaboration, and new opportunities. In India's vast and diverse landscape, professionals often work on similar issues in different regions. Networking bridges these geographical gaps, enabling the sharing of ideas and mutually beneficial conclusions.

• Knowledge Sharing

  Networking allows you to tap into the collective wisdom of your peers, helping you discover innovative approaches and best practices.

• Partnerships and Alliances

  Building a network of partners can expand your resources and enhance your capacity to drive meaningful change.

4. Thriving Under Pressure

The social sector in India often deals with sensitive issues and an overwhelming workload. But with the right approach, you can thrive under pressure. Social Purpose Organizations (SPOs) often provide a supportive community that helps mitigate the stress associated with job demands. Additionally, you can employ various stress management techniques to ensure you remain effective and resilient, no matter how challenging the circumstances may be.

• Stress-Reduction Strategies

  Learning to manage stress through techniques like mindfulness and time management can significantly improve your performance.

• Supportive Work Environment

  Being part of an organization that values work-life balance and offers support can be a game-changer for professionals in the social sector.

5. Willingness to Learn and Unlearn

The ability to learn and unlearn is the secret sauce of success in India's social sector. Learning new skills and concepts empowers you to adapt to evolving circumstances and excel in your role. But equally important is unlearning – the process of letting go of outdated or incorrect ideas. In this dynamic field, you may encounter concepts that challenge your existing beliefs. Embracing unlearning and relearning is crucial for staying adaptable and effective.

• Continuous Professional Development

  A commitment to ongoing learning ensures that you remain relevant in a field that constantly evolves.

• Adapting to Change

  Embracing new ideas and approaches can lead to groundbreaking innovations and solutions.

6. Cultivating Empathy

Empathy is a soft skill that can't be overlooked in the social sector. Understanding and sharing the feelings of those you serve is at the heart of creating meaningful change. Empathy allows you to connect with the people you aim to assist on a deeper level and truly make a difference.

• Client-Centered Approaches

  An empathetic approach helps you tailor your services to the unique needs and experiences of your clients.

• Building Trust

  Demonstrating empathy fosters trust, which is essential in a sector where trust can be the difference between success and failure.

In the realm of India's social sector, success is not solely about good intentions; it's about mastering the essential soft skills. This checklist of soft skills—teamwork, communication, critical thinking, networking, thriving under pressure, a willingness to learn and unlearn, and cultivating empathy—is your roadmap to making a profound impact. Embrace these skills, and you'll be well on your way to becoming a changemaker in India's social sector. Whether you're just starting your career in the social sector or seeking to enhance your current role, this checklist will guide you toward the success you desire.

What are the soft skills for social workers?

• Soft skills for social workers include teamwork, effective communication, critical thinking, networking, ability to work under pressure, and a willingness to learn and unlearn. These skills are crucial for success in the social sector in the social sector, where collaboration, empathy, and adaptability are paramount.

What skills do you need to work in the development sector?

• To excel in the development sector, a combination of hard skills (project management, fundraising) and soft skills (teamwork, communication, critical thinking) is essential for effective development management and leadership.

How do I start a career in social work?

• Acquiring a blend of hard and soft skills is key to starting a social work career. ISDM’s Post Graduate Program in Development Management offers a comprehensive curriculum and practical learning experiences, fostering essential skills for success in the field. More details at ISDM's Program.

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted people’s health, livelihood, infrastructure and access to essential goods and resources. Social purpose organisations (SPOs) represent the less empowered billions who had little or no agency to overcome these unprecedented hurdles to sustain themselves. The challenges these SPOs needed to address suddenly became additionally complex. The Post-Graduate Program in Development Management (PGP DM), developed and carefully curated by the Indian School of Development Management, is a pioneering program for social sector aspirants. The design, curriculum and pedagogy of the PGP DM keep pace with the dynamic needs and managers that developmental work and SPOs require in this post-pandemic world.

The post-pandemic world calls for SPOs to look at their work through a systems lens with a novel approach. The ecosystem has become exceedingly dynamic, with rapidly changing needs and processes. These ground realities call for a program that responds to the development sector’s emerging needs. While similar courses and pedagogies in the development sector give development professionals a sound theoretical foundation, ISDM’s program in Development Management approaches these issues through evolving pedagogy and sector responsive modules. They help create managers and leaders who are adept at rising to the occasion in difficult situations and aim to deliver social impact at a population scale.

Development Management and leadership is the answer for SPOs in the post-pandemic world.

What is Development Management?

Development Management brings together the two domains of management principles and development praxis with a foundation in universal human values of equity, compassion, and justice. The endeavour is to create a whole new ecosystem of ideas, individuals, and institutions driven by adequate and appropriate development leadership and management practice. Development Management attempts to pioneer the capacity-building of development professionals through various means to achieve the goals of India’s social purpose organisations across the country. It aims at enabling practitioners to plunge into understanding complex societal issues, design appropriate strategies, build relevant networks with state and market stakeholders, and work with them collaboratively based on that understanding.

ISDM’s vision is to nurture a cadre of professionals with adequate knowledge, the ability to engage with complex systems, and a reliable professional and ethical code of practice. The PGP DM trains practitioners to analyse, interpret and apply a development lens to managerial theories, principles, and procedures, enabling them to understand the contextual realities and complexities to respond by developing sustainable solutions.

A Glimpse into the Post-Graduate Program in Development Management

The 47-week program is divided into eight terms. The curriculum is built on the contemporary thinking in management education as advocated by Srikant Datar, Garvin and Cullen, who proposed a proper balance between knowing, doing and being as essential in management.

The program redefines learning as a model of reflective engagement over a year-long period of experiential learning rather than mere cognition. Keeping this approach in mind and bringing development and management principles together, this program has been designed by renowned academics from both the development and management sectors.

What sort of courses will you study in a Development Management Program?

The curriculum is divided into 22 customised offerings to enhance managerial efficiency and promote leadership effectiveness in SPOs. It addresses building research for development, managing results and impacting people’s lives. It encourages executive talent development and management for financial sustainability through the appropriate choice of management core courses and electives. Students undergo courses in Financial Perspectives, Strategic Innovation for Social Change, Operations Management for Quality and Impact, Behaviour Change Communication and Marketing Management. If that weren’t enough, students would also be introduced to Human Development in an Unequal World to Technology and Management, Corporate Social Responsibility, Behavioural Sciences in Social Change, Digital Marketing and Social Entrepreneurship.

Why should you choose Development Management?

A program like the Post-Graduate Program in Development Management will -

1. Make you adept at deep diving into understanding complex societal issues
   As a development professional, you will be working hand-in-hand with communities laden with systemic and cultural issues. You will need to develop the ability to understand and work within these contexts of complexity, sensitivity, and great uncertainty. You will learn that there could be multiple, equally intricate, and complex pathways to finding appropriate solutions to benefit the community and scale impact.

2. Enable you to design appropriate strategies and interventions in addition to building impactful organisations
   As a leader, you need to build world-class organisations with the appropriate strategies, structure systems, processes, and culture. You will do all of this, keeping in mind the context you work in and simultaneously focusing on the design, implementation, evaluation and monitoring of these appropriately designed social interventions. Your professional management skills will range from effective communication, critical thinking, data interpretation, problem-solving, analysis, synthesis, and the application of management theories in the development sector.

3. Empower you to work adeptly with both state and market stakeholders
   Development in a progressive social, economic, and political climate involves the interaction of the State, Markets and Civil Society, the three key pillars. SPOs do not work in isolation as they join hands with the government and other funding organisations to extend their reach. They can provide critical funding, the infrastructure, and the heavy lifting needed to expand and scale-up growth. This will require leadership to wear multiple hats and still ensure that you continue to deliver sustainable social impact at scale by creating relevant partnerships.

4. Transform you into a reflective practitioner who leads SPOs to create sustainable and scalable impact
   Throughout the program, you will be trained to value diversity, believe in universal human values, demonstrate professional management skills and knowledge, and understand complexities while engaging with compassion. You will become a reflective practitioner who will recognise the collaboration of state-market and societies in bringing about sustainable change at the population scale.

The vision is to create development leaders who can set the direction for social change and develop ripples as they influence others to join the cause. At least 230 ISDM alumni are doing their bit in creating impact at scale across India’s social purpose organisations! What are you waiting for?

Tenzin Chorran | Published: 27 January, 2024

A student from the social work courses - Tenzin Chorran from Post Graduate Program in Development Management at ISDM's. During the rural immersion part of the program called 'Realising India', she visited a village in Sehore, Madhya Pradesh, where she was appalled by the situation of women in rural hinterlands.

Rural Immersion is a critical component of ISDM's PGP DM program. Our batch was divided into groups and sent to different districts to understand the ground realities of societies and institutions. Along with my group, I went to Sehore for two weeks. The field visits in the rural areas helped me understand the human-nature interactions where most rural communities are still dependent on their immediate natural resource environment, such as forests, for daily livelihood needs essential for survival. The close interaction with the community using Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) tools helped me identify the daily struggles of marginalised communities, especially rural women, and analyse their knowledge of livelihood conditions.

During one such visit, I met *Savita, a 25-year-old woman from Bhilai Khari, a tribal village in Nasrullaganj block of Sehore district in Madhya Pradesh. She wakes up at 5 am every morning, walks a few kilometres to gather some fuelwood, fetches water on the way back from the hand pump and starts cooking meals for her family on a chulha. She represents most women in her village who do this daily because half of their households do not have an LPG gas connection.

Based on conversations with other women from the community, I realised that the struggle of fetching fuelwood and water for domestic consumption is an everyday task, requiring vast amounts of physical labour. The bundle of fuelwood that these women carry ranges from 5-10 kilograms, and they usually make multiple trips to collect water from the hand pump. The summer months are typically parched, and the water in the handpump dries up, which means that these women have to travel at least three kilometres to a nearby pond to extract water.

All the households in this village have the traditional chulha, and out of 40 homes, 20 of them got the LPG connection three years ago. We gathered that this was through the government's introduction, Ujjwala Yojana. The remaining households had their connections either wrongly delivered to other people even though they had filled the forms or refused to shift to the usage of LPG in their homes.

The Ujjwala Yojana aims to empower women and decrease drudgery by shifting to clean methods of cooking which can save time and energy and avoid health-related issues among women in rural India. Unfortunately, the scheme has been made redundant due to a lack of affordability and availability of services. The local rural communities cannot afford the refilling of the LPG cylinders due to financial restrictions, which is Rs 700/- for every refill. Almost twenty households with LPG connections have not been able to refill their cylinders due to a money crunch and rely on the chulha again. Apart from behavioural biases for the chulha preference, another reason is the inability to carry cylinders to their houses due to limited doorstep availability of services.

It is perhaps important to note a wide gap between the implementation of government schemes and the primary stakeholders' requirements of that particular scheme. For instance, in the case of this small village in Nasrullaganj, many women like Savita might not be able to benefit from the Ujjwala Yojana, considering innumerable gaps which presently exist. Addressing these gaps, and effective community participation should encourage the bottom-up decision-making processes. Policymakers partnering with the government need to stress the importance of evidence-based decision making. The focus here should be evidence collection through the participatory method, constantly rechecking and evaluating the reach of social security schemes to ensure their success

Tenzin Chorran

*All names have been changed to protect identities

Published: 18 January, 2024

Suchananda Roy is a student of ISDM's Post-Graduate Program in Development Management. During the rural immersion part of the program called 'Realising India', she met a strong and bold woman in her sixties who had served as a Sarpanch from 2004 to 2009 in Goth Gram panchayat in Ambah block in Morena. Her story is inspirational because she did this in a highly patriarchal society, where the practice of ‘Sarpanch Pati’ is still prevalent.

Shivani*, a dynamic woman, faced backlash from a male-dominating society when she stood for elections about a decade ago in Ambah block in Morena. According to reports, there is a 17% difference in literacy rates between men and women. However, Shivani’s strong willpower enabled her to serve humanity and uplift the conditions of women in her village. Her determination made her surpass any odds; she did that and came out with flying colours.

Her fearlessness and confidence exuded when she narrated her life story. According to Shivani, the ghungat (a veil to cover her head) is obligatory for every bride since societal custom dictates it. Though she wore the ghunghat, she didn't allow it to stop her tremendous ambitions to bring change to society. She believed change could only occur when a woman in her home started a conversation with her family. Even though, as Development Management programme students, we had been taught about gender equality, it was something else altogether watching Shivani practice it.

Fifteen years ago, societal pressures shackled Shivani but not her vision. She was a one-woman army when it came to working for the development of people and her village. I imagined how difficult it was for her to be in a position to govern the system while facing humiliation from her society. Even today, the concept of 'Sarpanch-pati' prevails in the district. In one of the Gram Sabha meetings that I attended, the Sarpanch, a woman, was not present. Her husband represented her in the Gram Sabha proceedings. More than ten years ago, Shivani overcame the same bias through sheer perseverance, and soon people recognised her sincere efforts and respected her.

Still from a Gram Sabha meeting in Morena.

Shivani’s model village began inspiring surrounding villages facing similar challenges. Despite prevalent patriarchal norms, she not only stood for local elections but ended up becoming the first female head of her village panchayat. Adding a feather to her hat, she won the award of 'Adarsh Gram Panchayat' during her tenure. She received many such awards during her term from various levels of government.

During our conversation, Shivani mentioned how she was proactive in building water resources so that no woman would have to walk several kilometres to get the same. She even went to the teacher's home and asked why they were not in school during teaching hours in case of uninformed teacher absenteeism, which shows how she was concerned with the children's education. She shared that while she didn't get the opportunity to study beyond class ten, she wanted to ensure that this should not happen with other children due to a lack of infrastructure.

During her tenure, Shivani continuously raised her voice right from the Gram Sabha to the Chief Minister's office for building good infrastructure, library, and playground in the school's vicinity so that no child is left behind and the overall growth of a child can take place. She was determined and sincere towards her idea of developing a village and put all her efforts into making a self-sufficient village.

President Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam recognised her efforts, inviting her to the Rashtrapati Bhawan. Inspired by 'Rani Laxmi Bai's stories, she remained courageous when working for her people. She said, "Kisi ka dam hai to rokke dikhaye, mai sherni hoon, kabhi har nai manungi". Due to Shivani's poor health, she didn’t contest any further elections. However, with her progressing health, her aspirations are back as she aims to become an MLA (Member of Legislative Assembly). She feels that she will not see the envisioned change unless she enters the system.

Shivani is a role model not only to me but many women in her village, and you can see why that is. Her principles give many young people strong notions of how a woman can contribute to society by removing the gender stereotyping roles and bringing gender equality into people's minds.

Suchananda Roy

*All names have been changed to protect identities

Published: 04 January , 2024

The Post Graduate Program in Development Management (PGP DM) stands as a beacon for those seeking to master the intricacies of managing and leading Social Purpose Organizations. Tailored not only for seasoned professionals in the Social Sector but also for freshers and individuals eyeing a transition into this domain, the program is a testament to the vision of ISDM founders—Ravi Sreedharan, Sharad Agarwal, Gaurav Shah, and Suparna Diwakar. By amalgamating management principles with the social sector's ethos, the curriculum finely tunes itself to the unique demands of the Development Sector.

The Uniqueness of Development Management

1. Expansive opportunities in the Social Sector

Dispelling the misconception that the Social Sector lacks job opportunities, it is, in fact, a vast field. Encompassing thematic areas from health to education, individuals can find roles in fundraising, digital marketing, management, advocacy, research, and content creation. With increased philanthropy and stringent CSR mandates, the sector is witnessing a surge in funding. The Development Management program emerges as the bridge, addressing the need for the right talent. It not only equips students with the skills required for various roles but also nurtures the entrepreneurial spirit, enabling graduates to establish their Social Purpose Organizations.

2. Job satisfaction beyond remuneration

In an era where meaningful work, work-life balance, and fair compensation are paramount, the Social Sector emerges as a sanctuary. The Development Management program serves as the conduit, providing students with the skills and networks necessary to secure jobs aligned with their values. Beyond a paycheck, it facilitates job satisfaction and empowers individuals to make a tangible impact on the world.

3. Cultivating management dexterity

Effective management skills are indispensable in any field. The Development Management Program distinguishes itself by seamlessly integrating management concepts such as design thinking, systems thinking, and financial perspectives with social sector requisites like ethics, sustainability, collaborative work, and field experience. The outcome is a professional not merely versed in management but possessing the heart of a Social Sector leader.

4. Insights from sector pioneers

Management within the Social Sector demands a distinct skill set. Unlike industries thriving on competition, collaboration is paramount here. Learning the art of effective management and collaboration requires insights from those who've successfully navigated these waters. The Development Management Program provides a unique opportunity to interact with sector leaders, enriching students with practical wisdom and real-world perspectives.

5. Versatility through project exposure

The program is not just a conventional classroom experience but a dynamic educational journey. Students engage in diverse projects, honing their teamwork and reflective skills. Workshops, guest lectures, rural immersions, and interactions with sector leaders foster a broad skill set, providing students with a multifaceted learning experience.

6. Work experience not a barrier

Breaking away from the convention, the Development Management Program is inclusive, welcoming both seasoned professionals and freshers. While the program recommends two years of work experience, freshers can glean substantial value from the PGP DM. Volunteering experience with NGOs or other Social Purpose Organizations is highly valued, making the program accessible to a broader audience. The fundamental prerequisites are passion and the drive to make a meaningful impact.

7. Inclusive across backgrounds

Open to professionals from diverse backgrounds—doctors, lawyers, engineers, artists, and accountants—the Development Management program accommodates a spectrum of skills. Beyond technical expertise, the course sheds light on leveraging existing knowledge for effective contributions to the Social Sector. The inclusive nature of these programs fosters an environment accepting of diverse identities, making them spaces that transcend traditional boundaries.

8. Urgent demand for social sector professionals

The aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic exacerbated pre-existing societal issues, pushing over 230 million Indians back into poverty. The Social Sector now requires committed professionals armed with management skills, knowledge, and tools to tackle these complex issues. The Development Management Program, blending sustainable development and management, becomes a crucial resource to prepare individuals for the urgency of this situation.

In a field where conventional management education may have its limitations, ISDM's PGP DM is seen as a positive force for change. It provides a well-rounded set of skills, insights from industry leaders, and a platform for diverse experiences, making the Development Management program an appealing alternative to a typical MBA. In the ever-changing landscape of social impact, ISDM quietly stands as a reliable institution, shaping leaders capable of making a meaningful difference in the Social Sector.

by Shashvi Thakur | Published: 03 January , 2024

Unveiling Transformation in Morena's Heartland

In the heart of Morena District, Madhya Pradesh, a metamorphosis is quietly underway. Amidst the rustic landscapes and cultural tapestry of the region lies a narrative of empowerment, resilience, and hope. This tale, born out of the 'Realising India' program by the Indian School of Development Management (ISDM), transcends the ordinary to spotlight an unsung hero and his extraordinary impact on the marginalized Bedia community. Join me on this journey to uncover how Taekwondo is becoming a catalyst for change, as we explore the life of Mahesh and the transformative possibilities he unfolds.

Mahesh: A Beacon of Change in Morena

Our narrative commences within the walls of Mahesh's Taekwondo academy, where two young girls exhibit remarkable skill, a testament to their instructor's unique approach. Mahesh, not merely a teacher but a harbinger of change, shares glimpses of his life during our conversations. Despite modest earnings at a local school, Mahesh's commitment resonates beyond financial realms. A Taekwondo black belt holder with a global footprint, his journey unfolds against the backdrop of medals and certificates that narrate tales of triumph.

A Progressive Vision

As we delve deeper, Mahesh's progressive and scientific approach to teaching emerges. His advocacy for innovative methods and a shared responsibility between teacher and child transcends conventional boundaries. What makes Mahesh's story remarkable is his lack of formal training, relying solely on experiential learning to shape his teaching strategies dynamically.

Breaking the Chains of Patriarchy

Mahesh's academy emerges as a beacon of hope for the Bedia community, especially young girls shackled by societal norms. His affordable services provide alternatives, disrupting grim trajectories and offering choices beyond early marriages or involvement in prostitution. Even within the constraints of an orthodox community, Mahesh champions change with methods aligning with established organizations, showcasing the transformative power of grassroots efforts.

Resistance and Resilience

As the story unfolds, we encounter the resistance faced by Mahesh's initiatives within the Bedia community. Seen as a threat to cultural norms, Mahesh rejects external opportunities, choosing instead to catalyze change from within. His wife, a living testament to his values, actively participates in this 'life-saving' art form, reflecting the resilience of a family dedicated to making a positive impact.

A Family's Dedication

Amid challenges and limited social security, Mahesh rejects external opportunities, remaining rooted in the community. Throughout the pandemic, his family grapples with ration shortages, yet Mahesh's commitment remains unshaken. Instances of community letdowns and lack of support haven't deterred him from his selfless work, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to uplifting his community.

The Recognition Gap

Despite transformative efforts, Mahesh's contributions often go unnoticed within the community. Only his students truly understand the profound impact of his efforts. Despite challenges and setbacks, Mahesh continues to sow seeds of change, providing unimaginable possibilities for the children of the Bedia community.

The Unseen Contributions: Recognizing Grassroots Impact

While Mahesh's efforts might not receive due recognition within the community, the transformative impact on his students speaks volumes. This recognition gap underscores the often-overlooked yet invaluable role of grassroots initiatives. Mahesh's influence extends beyond the academy, providing the children of the Bedia community with a renewed sense of possibilities and a chance to break free from societal constraints.

In the face of cultural resistance and limited social security, Mahesh's dedication to his community becomes even more commendable. His rejection of external opportunities in favor of catalyzing change from within showcases a rare resolve. The challenges faced by his family during the pandemic highlight not only the adversities but also the strength that sustains Mahesh's unwavering commitment to his selfless work.

Mahesh's story is not just about teaching Taekwondo; it's a testament to a global mindset seamlessly integrated into local landscapes. His progressive teaching philosophy challenges traditional norms, proving that impactful education doesn't always require formal training but thrives on experiential wisdom. Mahesh's commitment to empowering the Bedia community transcends mere physical training; it delves into reshaping societal narratives and breaking the chains of patriarchy.

Nurturing Change Beyond Boundaries

As we navigate through Mahesh's journey, it serves as a call to action. It prompts us to reflect on the transformative power of education and community-driven initiatives. The untold stories in India's heartlands are not just narratives; they are blueprints for change. ISDM, through programs like 'Realising India,' plays a pivotal role in nurturing change-makers who comprehend the nuances of India's developmental challenges and actively contribute to sustainable, community-centric solutions.

Shashvi Thakur, through ISDM's Realising India program, unraveled the inspiring narrative of Mahesh, underscoring how education, determination, and community-driven initiatives can catalyze change. This tale reflects ISDM's commitment to nurturing leaders who comprehend the nuanced challenges of India's developmental landscape and actively contribute to sustainable solutions.

**All names have been changed to protect identities.

Shubhalaxmi Dalvi is a student of ISDM’s Post-Graduate Program in Development Management. During the rural immersion part of the program called ''Realising India'', she went to a remote village in Banswara District, Rajasthan and documented the story of a woman employed in the age-old craft of making bamboo baskets with nobody to inherit their history and legacy.

A middle-aged woman works with her husband with bare minimum resources and no shed to cover their heads in the October heat. You might think this is a scene from a period film or a story from decades ago, but this is *Kesari's reality in a remote village in Banswara District, Rajasthan.

Kesari belongs to the Bansphod (name derived from bamboo) community. She has been weaving bamboo baskets with her parents and later with her husband since she can remember. For the past 30-years, Kesari has been coming to the same place to work and sell the baskets she makes. As is the case in the handicraft business, income is not stable. While certain days end with earnings worth Rs 2000/-, sometimes products go unsold for days at a time.

With this income, Kesari and her husband are educating their son, in the hopes that he would have a better future than they had. The word Banswara comes from Raja Banksia who was famous for bamboo ''bans''. The region is losing its traditional art and its importance in modern times. Kesari shared that once, this land was known for its bamboo, but now the people whose livelihood depended on it can hardly make a living. "Humein market lagne par yaha se bhaga dete hai, bade dukan ke stall lagati hai sarkar par hamare liye kuch nahi hai" she said sadly. (They run us away from the spot whenever the market is set up, only the bigger stores get some space to set up their stalls. The government doesn’t do anything for us.)