Back to resources

CSOs: Mirrors, not just handmaidens

Civil Society | Jun 4, 2015

When a government limits the freedom of NGOs to criticize, as seems to be happening now, it prevents them from doing what it needs them to do. The world over, it is understood that civil society organizations (CSOs) provide checks and balances to counter the unbridled power of the state and any abuse of that power.

View PDF

More like this

Civil Society

Foreward: The Blue Sweater

India is experiencing a massive transformation. Economically, socially and politically, it is a time of rapid change. The second decade of this new century is critical. It gives us a window of opportunity to complete the unfinished agenda of inclusive growth; of universalizing access to opportunities. Old debates about the role of the state and […]
Apr 19, 2012 |

Strategic Philanthropy  |  Civil Society

Giving Matters | Dasra Philanthropy Forum

This is an edited version of Rohini Nilekani’s conversation with Neera Nundy during the Dasra Philanthropy Forum, held at the Ford Foundation in New York. 15 years ago, when we came into some wealth, I was lucky enough to have invested in a small company which my husband had started. Over the years, it made […]
Nov 10, 2014 | Panel Discussions

Civil Society  |  Others

Democracy’s Handmaiden: Humour. In today’s India, we need more of a funny bone in our public life

In these dark times, there is no harm in easing up with some sharp humour. Like the coronavirus, humour is infectious, but can spread much needed joy. The world over, social media is lighting up with witty memes around the pandemic. Bumbling politicians have been prime targets, and especially President Donald Trump. “Calm down, everyone,” […]
Jul 11, 2020 |

Water  |  Civil Society

IIHS-UC Berkeley Conference | Building Urban Infrastructure in India

The “urban” economy plays an increasingly vital role in India’s economic development. The joint two day conference hosted by IIHS and the University of California, Berkeley on 26th and 27th March, 2013, brought together leading scholars from India and globally to discuss the many critical questions relating to the effective and equitable functioning of the […]
Mar 26, 2013 |