Chief Funcationay’s New Year Message

Figure 1 – Chief Functionary – Shri Bharat Bhushan – PANI

Namaste! Wishing you a heartfelt and inspiring start to the New Year 2025! This year brings an opportunity to reignite our collective passion, deepen our commitment, and renew our determination to create meaningful change. It is also a time to reflect on our journey with pride and to set our intentions for a brighter future.

Over the past 38 years, PANI has been a cornerstone of sustainable development, tirelessly working to uplift marginalized communities. Inspired by Gandhian values, we have advanced transformative efforts in education, health, nutrition, sanitation, women empowerment, child development and environmental sustainability. Today, our reach spans 31 districts of Uttar Pradesh, where we collaborate with 469 partner organizations, all united in our mission to nurture an equitable and better world.

Being part of PANI is more than a professional association; it is about belonging to a family committed to a greater mission. Every day with PANI is a step toward addressing societal challenges, empowering lives and inspiring dreams. Here, every action matters, and every effort contributes to the vision of change we collectively strive for.

As we step into 2025, our focus remains on addressing critical issues like climate action, women and adolescent empowerment, health and nutrition. This year, we aim to embrace innovative technologies, including AI, to open new avenues in education, healthcare and environmental conservation. Our vision is of a society where every girl can pursue her dreams, every farmer is rewarded fairly, and every individual lives with dignity and opportunity.

Your unwavering support empowers us to overcome challenges and advance our mission. Together, we will continue to build an equitable, sustainable and empowered society.

Let us make 2025 a year of transformation and collective progress. Your trust has been the foundation of PANI’s journey, and we assure you that we will remain steadfast in our mission and values. Wishing you a year filled with hope, purpose and limitless possibilities!

PANI’s Tribute – Loss of A Legend – Late. Mr. Ratan Tata

The passing of Shri Ratan Tata Ji on October 9, 2024 leaves an indelible void. More than a business leader, he was an inspiration, embodying compassion and a deep commitment to societal progress. His vision of businesses as agents of positive change has profoundly impacted countless lives, particularly in rural India. From supporting innovative agricultural projects that uplift farmers to improving community health, nutrition and education, Shri Ratan Tata Ji’s contributions have been immeasurable.

At PANI, we are deeply honoured to have partnered with the Tata Trusts for many years. This collaboration reflects the spirit of Shri Ratan Tata Ji’s vision. Together, we are dedicated to empowering rural communities in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, with a particular focus on women’s economic empowerment. We strive to create sustainable livelihoods, improve access to quality education and enhance the overall well-being of these communities.

We at PANI pay heartfelt tribute to Shri Ratan Tata Ji and pledge to continue his legacy of compassion and responsible leadership. We will strive to uphold the values he embodied such as integrity, innovation and a deep commitment to the well-being of our nation. PANI will continue to work tirelessly to create a brighter future for rural India, inspired by the extraordinary example set by Shri Ratan Tata Ji.

Achievements 

Carbon Kisan Connect: A Game-Changer for Smallholder Farmers & Climate Action

On November 21, 2024, the Honourable Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Yogi Adityanath Ji, launched Carbon Kisan Connect (CKC) – a pioneering initiative supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and implemented by PANI. This first-of-its-kind digital initiative aims to turn smallholder farmers into key players in global carbon markets while promoting climate-smart agriculture.

Bridging Farmers with Carbon Markets

CKC will establish India’s first Unified Carbon Initiative (UCI) – a digital platform connecting farmers to multiple carbon standards and registries, ensuring better price discovery and increased financial benefits. By leveraging the World Bank’s Climate Warehouse architecture, CKC will provide open digital access for trading high-quality “Charismatic Carbon Credits”, prioritizing small, marginal and women farmers in climate-vulnerable regions.

Impact at Scale

The initiative is set to:

• • Onboard 1 million farmers (with a strong focus on women).

• • Reduce farm GHG emissions by 40%.

• • Save 5 trillion cubic meters of water.

• • Improve soil health and stabilize carbon credit prices.

• • Generate additional farmer income through carbon trading.

Nurturing Partnerships

CKC will unite Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), private sector entities, research institutions and global corporations to create a transparent and efficient carbon trading ecosystem. The platform ensures trust, accessibility and fair benefit-sharing for farmers, addressing key challenges in Voluntary Carbon Markets (VCMs).

Empowering Farming Communities for a Sustainable Future

Through training, technology adoption and grassroots engagement, CKC will enable climate resilience, economic stability and sustainable farming practices. By linking farmers directly to global carbon markets, CKC is not just an initiative – it’s a movement towards a greener, fairer and more prosperous agricultural future.

Events and Celebrations

Inner Development Workshop: Strengthening PANI’s Culture with Phicus

At PANI, we believe that an organization’s culture is its foundation – it shapes our values, the way we collaborate and the impact we create in the communities we work with. In our journey toward organizational growth and resilience, we recently took a significant step by engaging in a Culture Building Workshop facilitated by Phicus Social Solutions.

Understanding Our Cultural Landscape

The Phicus team conducted in-depth discussions with team members across all levels – long-standing employees, new joiners and professionals from diverse functional backgrounds at PANI to gain insights into PANI’s cultural strengths, unique essence and areas for growth.

Beyond internal perspectives, Phicus also engaged with the communities we work with to understand how our on-ground efforts resonate, how our teams interact and how we can further strengthen these connections.

An Insightful and Engaging Workshop for Collective Growth

These insights culminated in a dynamic two-day workshop, where we engaged in thought-provoking exercises, interactive discussions and collaborative problem-solving. It was an opportunity to reflect on our identity, our journey and the behaviors that define us – not just to identify improvements, but to co-create a culture that aligns with our values and prepares us for the future.

A Culture of Shared Ownership & Continuous Evolution

This workshop is just the first step in an ongoing effort to build a resilient, inclusive and forward-thinking culture at PANI. As we move ahead, we encourage every team member to actively contribute to this journey as their experiences and insights will shape the organization we aspire to become.

International Day of Rural Women – 15th Oct

Celebrating the Strength and Resilience of Rural Women

On October 15th, the International Day of Rural Women, we come together to honor the indispensable contributions of rural and indigenous women to agriculture, food security, and poverty alleviation. This day reminds us of the vital role these women play as drivers of sustainable development and stewards of their communities. Investing in their skills, rights, and agency resonates deeply with the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, who championed self-reliance and inclusion for the marginalized.

At PANI, our vision is to create a world where every rural woman is empowered to claim her voice and agency, equitably access resources and opportunities, and act as a catalyst for positive change in her community. Over the past three decades, we have partnered with more than 2.1 million rural women, focusing on key themes such as:

• • Women and Adolescent Girls’ Empowerment: Promoting leadership, education, and advocacy for equal rights.

• • Health, Nutrition, and WASH: Enhancing access to essential health services, clean water, and nutritious food.

• • Sustainable Livelihoods: Building capacity for economic independence through skill development and entrepreneurship.

• • Climate Change and Natural Resource Management: Equipping women to lead climate resilience initiatives and safeguard their environments.

Rural women are often the quiet yet powerful backbone of their communities, seamlessly balancing their roles as caregivers, agricultural workers, and innovators. They are the architects of food security and sustainability, cultivating not just crops but hope and resilience for future generations.

On this day, PANI reaffirms its commitment to empowering rural women and fostering an environment where their voices shape decisions and inspire progress. Our efforts are driven by the belief that when women thrive, entire communities rise with them.

As we look ahead, we envision a future where every rural woman has the tools, opportunities, and confidence to lead her community toward a brighter, more equitable tomorrow. Together, let us continue to celebrate and support the women who are transforming their worlds, one step at a time. Together, we rise.

International Day of Girl Child – Oct 11

In the month of October, PANI, for over a week, celebrated International Day of the Girl Child across multiple project locations, uniting communities in honour of girls’ potential and strength. Through our Empowering Adolescent Girls (EAG) program, we hosted events with enthusiastic participation from girls, families and local leaders. Our EAG program equips girls with skills, knowledge and confidence to navigate life with strength and purpose. Adolescent girls through different events participate in activities and competitions organised by PANI, wherein they expressed their creativity and vision for the theme – “Girls’ Rights”. The jury from the community evaluated and appreciated the vision of these young girls. In a few events women police officers educated these girls on safety measures, emergency contacts and ways to protect themselves in challenging situations.

Operating across six locations in districts Ayodhya, Sultanpur, Ambedkar Nagar, Chitrakoot and Siddharth Nagar of Uttar Pradesh, PANI’s EAG program is improving the lives of over 26,000 adolescent girls to support their dreams and aspirations.

Families and community leaders played an important role in these events. Their support reinforced and reaffirmed our belief and commitment to community involvement to drive change for adolescent girls.

Human Rights Day celebration

From Dec 10 to Dec 18, PANI celebrated Human Rights Day with over 2,000 adolescent girls across Siddharth Nagar, Ambedkar Nagar, Sultanpur, Ayodhya and Chitrakoot districts of Uttar Pradesh.

In these regions, deep-rooted traditions often limit the freedoms and opportunities adolescent girls have for self-expression. Girls who do not conform to societal expectations are often negatively labeled, further restricting their ability to explore their potential. Opportunities generally denied to them, these events provided a rare and empowering platform for girls to sing, dance and act freely on large stages.

Adolescence is a critical growth period – a time to shape one’s identity, discover potential and make choices for the future. Yet, many girls in this age are taught to conform rather than thrive. PANI believes that meaningful interventions at this stage can change the trajectory of lives, helping girls reclaim their voices and build aspirations for a better future.

Through its Empowering Adolescent Girls (EAG) program, PANI is creating safe spaces where girls can express themselves, explore their strengths and challenge societal norms. By nurturing their confidence and providing them opportunities to thrive, is helping to build a future that is more equitable and just for every girl on her own terms.

Farmers Day Celebration – 23rd December

Celebrating the Champions of Agriculture on Kisan Diwas

On December 23rd, Kisan Diwas, PANI stood in solidarity with farming communities and stakeholders to honor the resilience and invaluable contributions of India’s agricultural backbone. This day, commemorating the birth anniversary of Late Shri Chaudhary Charan Singh, fondly remembered as the Champion of Farmers, serves as an inspiration for our mission to empower farming communities.

This year, PANI organized vibrant gatherings with over 4,000 participants across the Siddharth Nagar and Gonda districts of Uttar Pradesh. These events became a thriving Community of Practice, nurturing learning and exchange of knowledge among farmers on topics like natural resource efficiency and the adoption of progressive farming technologies.

A highlight of these gatherings was the active participation of women farmers, who led demonstrations of climate-resilient agricultural models. These included the water-efficient Machan Model and the properly aerated Vermicompost-Pit Model – innovative, practical solutions that promote water conservation and soil health improvements. Their confidence and expertise during these sessions underscored their evolving role as proactive decision-makers in agriculture, effectively challenging traditional gender norms.

For PANI, Kisan Diwas is more than a celebration; it is a reaffirmation of our commitment to fostering an equitable and Sustainable Future for Agriculture. This day is about standing with those who tirelessly nourish the nation and celebrating their selfless efforts.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the farmers, partners, and stakeholders who joined us in making this day impactful and meaningful. Together, we continue to build a future where agriculture thrives on innovation, inclusivity, and resilience.

Workshops and Conferences

PANI at the National CSR Conclave: Advancing Collaborative Action

The National CSR Conclave, an esteemed annual event organized by CSR Box, serves as a premier platform for fostering meaningful dialogue and collaboration among NGOs/CSOs, CSR representatives, service providers, academic institutions, research organizations, and government stakeholders. This two-day event draws thousands of attendees from across the social development sector, facilitating discussions on sector priorities, sharing knowledge and honoring exemplary contributions to societal development.

As a powerful space for networking, the National CSR Conclave provides an invaluable opportunity to engage with thought leaders and innovators in the field. It offers a unique avenue for NGOs/CSOs and leading philanthropies to connect, exchange ideas and explore potential collaborations that can shape impactful partnerships in the future.

This year, PANI not only actively participated in the conclave but was also honored with an invitation to speak during one of the sessions, a representation of PANI’s growing recognition and presence in the sector. Representing PANI, Mr. Mukesh Sadana eloquently shared the organization’s vision, initiatives and impact during the session. This discussion underscored PANI’s commitment to addressing critical social challenges through innovation and collaboration.

Meanwhile, other PANI representatives strategically engaged in networking activities, developing connections with potential collaborators and identifying synergies for future endeavours. The conclave’s diverse representation allowed PANI to build relationships with key stakeholders, gain insights into emerging trends and position itself as a leader in driving sustainable development solutions.

Looking Ahead: Strengthening Our Commitment to Social Development

PANI’s active involvement in the National CSR Conclave reaffirms our dedication to advancing collaborative action and creating lasting impact. By participating in such national-level platforms, we aim to amplify our voice, expand our reach and forge partnerships that align with our mission of empowering communities and promoting sustainability.

As we continue to build on the connections and insights gained at the conclave, we remain steadfast in our commitment to driving meaningful change through innovation, collaboration, and resilience. Together, with like-minded partners, we envision a future where collective efforts pave the way for a more equitable and sustainable world. This journey continues.

Monnotsava

PANI at Mannotsava: Strengthening Commitments to Youth Mental Health

PANI participated in Mannotsava, a unique Mental Health Festival that brought together public stakeholders, healthcare professionals, researchers, artists, and community advocates. The two-day event offered opportunities to engage in inspiring conversations, hands-on workshops, and interactive sessions on themes like Mental Health and Society, Technology, Philanthropy, Childhood, Aging, Parenthood, Gender, and Art. It served as a valuable platform to gain insights and explore collaborations in the mental health space.

Through this participation, PANI highlighted its ongoing Youth Mental Health Wellbeing program, supported by the Indra Foundation. This initiative focuses on addressing challenges faced by young people and promoting resilience, emotional well-being, and mental health literacy. Mannotsava provided an opportunity to connect with like-minded organizations and individuals committed to advancing mental health initiatives.

One of the key outcomes of the event was the establishment of a connection with the Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies (RNP) team. This has opened avenues for exploring potential collaborations to expand the reach and impact of PANI’s mental health efforts. Discussions are currently underway, and PANI is in the process of developing a proposal to seek support for scaling its Youth Mental Health Wellbeing program.

PANI remains focused on building partnerships and engaging with stakeholders who share a vision for improving mental health outcomes. Mannotsava reaffirmed the importance of collective efforts in addressing mental health challenges and underscored the need for sustained collaboration to create meaningful change.

Local Resource Mobilization Workshop by Misereor

Cultivating capacities through collaborations

On November 11th and 12th, 2024, PANI had the privilege of participating in the Local Resource Mobilization (LRM) Workshop organized by Misereor in Lucknow. This two-day workshop shows Misereor’s steadfast commitment to empowering its partners for long-term sustainability.

The sessions provided practical insights into resource mobilization fundamentals, funding opportunities and strategic capacity-building. Special focus was placed on crafting effective communication strategies, including elevator pitches tailored to funders. These learnings will certainly provide invaluable strength to PANI as it refines its approach to resource mobilization, ensuring we can better serve marginalized communities.

PANI extends its heartfelt gratitude to Misereor and the facilitators for curating such a thoughtful and impactful workshop. With over three decades of partnership, we deeply value this shared journey of growth and collaboration. Together, we continue striving for a more equitable and empowered society.

Azim Premji Foundation’s team visit

On November 11 & 12, 2024, PANI had the privilege of hosting a team of three representatives from the Azim Premji Foundation along with five representatives from Vistar for an in-depth exposure visit to the Empowering Adolescent Girls (EAG) program in Tarun block, Ayodhya. The objective was to provide the Vistar team with a comprehensive understanding of the multi-phase, nine-year-long EAG intervention that PANI has been implementing to empower adolescent girls through structured education, life skills and leadership development.

The visit commenced at PANI’s Headquarters in Ayodhya, where the team was introduced to the organization’s vision, diverse programs and, most importantly, the strategic framework of the EAG initiative. Discussions revolved around the program’s phased approach, its expansion into five additional locations, and the methodologies adopted to ensure deep-rooted impact. To witness the program’s implementation first-hand, the team then visited a Resource Centre in Kakrahi Gram Panchayat, where they engaged with adolescent girls and facilitators, gaining valuable insights into how these spaces serve as catalysts for learning and empowerment.

On the second day, the visiting teams explored another Resource Centre, further delving into the operational nuances of the EAG program. At the Project Office, discussions covered key elements such as the functioning of Resource Centres, PANI’s role in promoting sports and skill development and the structured progression of sessions across the three phases of the program. Special emphasis was given to community engagement – how parents and other stakeholders are actively involved to ensure sustainability beyond the program’s phased implementation. The visit concluded with reflections on how the program ensures long-term impact by equipping communities to sustain the momentum after PANI’s direct involvement phases out.

The Vistar team expressed keen interest in adapting and implementing the learnings from the visit in their own operational areas, demonstrating the replicability and effectiveness of the EAG model. At PANI, we value such collaborations that allow us to share knowledge, strengthen networks and amplify impact. By working together, we continue to drive meaningful change and empower communities across India.

DoDM Paper Presentation

Dialogue on Development Management (DoDM) is an annual event organised by Indian School of Development Management (ISDM) to invite leading organisations, and leaders from the social development sector to share their experiences, knowledge and learnings. The event organised on 21st November at Dr Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi, also invited and held paper presentations on different themes such as organisational Development for Sector Resilience, Sustainable Community Development, Technology and data for Social Impact and Samaj, Sarkar and Bazaar as development catalysts.

Shivanand Shukla and Shravan Verma from PANI wrote a paper on “Women-Led GPDP: Reflecting on the Role of NGOs in Expanding Capabilities of Women for Active Participation in Gram Panchayat Development Planning”, a study conducted under the project “Democratizing Water for Livelihoods and Life through Women (DWLL)” of PANI being implemented in Mall Block of Lucknow district of Uttar Pradesh.

The study examines the pivotal role of Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) in empowering women to actively participate in their gram panchayat development plans. Utilizing Amartya Sen’s capability approach as a framework, the research focuses on how targeted interventions by NGOs function as enablers of women’s agency, knowledge and leadership in local governance.

DM’s Message on mulching

As winter settles over Uttar Pradesh, farmers are busy preparing their fields for the sowing of rabi crops. This season also brings the widespread practice of stubble burning, where leftover plant material from grain harvests are intentionally set alight across vast stretches of farmland. The fires release large amounts of particulate matter and harmful gases, filling the air with dense smog that affects villages, towns and cities alike, significantly diminishing air quality and making breathing difficult for many.

Beyond air pollution, stubble burning also harms the soil health. The extreme heat kills soil microbes and organisms, both beneficial and harmful, depletes nutrients and dries out the soil, forcing farmers to use large amounts of water – a rapidly diminishing natural resource – to rehydrate fields before the next crop planting.

PANI has been working closely with small and marginal landholders in Gonda, one of Uttar Pradesh’s larger districts, to help them transition from traditional stubble burning to the more sustainable soil enriching practice of mulching.

Farmers, alongside their Community Resource Persons (CRPs) who are agricultural professionals trained by PANI, are transforming crop residues and plant waste into nutrient-rich organic soil cover for their fields. This mulch not only boosts soil fertility by enriching organic matter content and improving moisture retention, but also enhances soil structure, promoting deeper rainwater absorption and helping to control erosion.

PANI is deeply grateful for the strong support provided by local government and administrative authorities in promoting mulching as a sustainable farming practice in Gonda and across Eastern Uttar Pradesh. Through initiatives like the video message featured in this post, we are empowering rural communities to build resilience through climate smart agricultural practices and the efficient management of natural resources.

Special thanks to Ms. Neha Sharma, District Magistrate of Gonda. Addressed to, and circulated widely with farmer groups, she, in the video, talks to farmers about the advantages of mulching. She highlights its role in enhancing soil health, conserving moisture and signieducingficantly r carbon emissions caused by stubble burning, thereby contributing to environmental sustainability.

Block Level Workshops by DWLL

For many rural women in India, imagining themselves walking into a government office to claim their entitlement feels out of reach.

Mobility restrictions, deeply rooted social norms, male dominance and the fear of social penalties such as bad remarks or criticism for stepping out of the house have conditioned generations of women to avoid public spaces like these. This lack of access not only keeps them from securing the benefits meant for their families but also perpetuates the invisibility of their voices in governance processes.

The government has made commendable efforts to provide women with representation and entitlements. However, for rural women, these opportunities often remain out of grasp without the knowledge, confidence and skills to navigate systems that are seemingly complex for them.

At PANI, we are helping to bridge this gap by equipping rural women with the tools to understand their entitlements and access what they deserve. Beyond this, we facilitate platforms where women and government officials can meet, exchange ideas, discuss challenges and work together to address community needs.

A positive shift is underway. Women who once felt powerless are now aware, equipped and confident. They are advocating for themselves and their families, ensuring the timely delivery of services. Governance structures, in turn, are becoming more inclusive, responsive and trusted by communities.

While providing ‘Access’ is a key starting point, empowering women also requires addressing ‘systemic barriers’, restoring their ‘agency’ through awareness and knowledge and creating a ripple effect that strengthens entire communities.