Governance is often understood as the system of rules, processes, and institutions that guide decision-making, ensure accountability, and enable societies to function effectively. While strong institutions are essential, governance does not operate in isolation; it depends on an ecosystem of…
As accountability demands grow louder, social development governance faces a deeper question – is doing things right ever enough? NuSocia Translational Research Center For much of the last century, governance in social development operated on an unspoken bargain: if the…
The landscape of social development has always been tumultuous, but in recent years, a distinct schism has formed between how organizations manage their social conscience versus their strategic risks. While Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks have become synonymous with…
We all know the feeling. You’re on a field visit, energized by the sight of a skilling program in action. The students are engaged, the trainers are passionate. But then you open the MIS dashboard, and the numbers… just don’t…
India’s local governance framework is progressive. With mandated reservations for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions, leadership at the village level is meant to be more representative, inclusive, and responsive to diverse community needs. Yet, what governance promises in structure does…
Why AI for Social Impact in India Is Stalling at the Policy Layer India’s development sector is experiencing a paradox. Artificial Intelligence (AI) uptake across health, education, agriculture, livelihoods, justice, and social protection is widespread and accelerating. Yet, very few…
The Selco Foundation has been in incubation since 2014. In 2019, in support from the Atal Innovation Mission, the organisations set up the Guwahati-based AIC-SELCO Foundation Incubation Center dedicated to driving inclusive growth in North East India. The Center focuses…
AI. Machine Learning. Deep Tech. Recently, there has been a lot of buzz, and frankly, noise when it comes to the tech world. Every company, sector, and manager is trying to figure out which tool, form of integration, type of…
For many students, especially when facing subjects like mathematics or science—learning can feel intimidating. Complex formulas, abstract theories, and the pressure of getting it right on the first try often lead to anxiety instead of curiosity. But what if learning…
Artificial Intelligence is rapidly reshaping our world, and a recent webinar by NuSocia, featuring leaders from policy and corporate sectors, confirms that its biggest impact may be on the future of work and skills in India. The discussion highlighted a…
Artificial Intelligence is transforming fields like sustainability, healthcare, and governance. However, the “black box” effect presents a persistent risk. As highlighted in NuSocia’s recent “Sustainable AI: Solving Environmental Problems Responsibly” webinar, developing or deploying AI models without deep domain expertise…
When you mention AI in a city boardroom, the first thought is Artificial Intelligence, algorithms, chatbots, and predictive analytics. But step into the dusty lanes of rural India, and you might be surprised to find a very different association. For…
The global conversation around skilling has increasingly focused on the digital sphere, with governments, corporations, and educational institutions championing new training platforms and tools. However, a critical question remains: are these initiatives truly reaching those who need them most? The…
Open source has emerged as more than just a technology movement – it represents a philosophy of collaboration, transparency, and democratized access to knowledge. In the social development world, where organizations operate at the intersection of scarce resources, urgent needs,…
Artificial intelligence has become a powerful force, reshaping industries and influencing our daily lives. While conversations around AI often revolve around efficiency, automation, and even replacement, a significant and quieter revolution is also underway: the use of AI to foster…
In the world of social development, data is the bedrock of informed decision-making. Yet, we’ve all seen projects where mountains of data are collected, only to sit unused in a forgotten spreadsheet. The true power of data isn’t in its…
A Deep Dive Framework for Social Sector Professionals to Navigate AI Adoption Introduction: Why the Social Sector Must Understand AI Personas Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept – it’s a tool of today. For social sector organizations,…
In our digital renaissance, artificial intelligence isn’t just a breakthrough—it’s an energy revolution. McKinsey analysts highlight a staggering projection: global data center power use is expected to rise from around 70 gigawatts today to over 220 gigawatts in just five…
The idea of machines that can “think” like humans has captivated us for generations, appearing in sci-fi, research, and pop culture. A major turning point came in 1997 when IBM’s Deep Blue defeated world chess champion Garry Kasparov. For the…
Between 1st June and 25th September 2023, India faced extreme and erratic weather patterns, marked by unusually high rainfall in 220 districts and drought conditions in 120 districts. This climate volatility, driven by the intensifying impacts of climate change, resulted…
As India grapples with the twin challenges of water scarcity and environmental degradation, lake rejuvenation has emerged as a promising solution. Lakes, once the cradles of biodiversity and the lifelines of agrarian livelihoods, have suffered from decades of neglect, siltation,…
A recent social media trend discussed how the serving method of staple foods might impact women’s participation in family conversations. The theory suggests that the communal, all-at-once serving of rice allows for more participation, whereas the serving of hot rotis…
A Case Study from the Gulf of Oman The biodiversity of marine life in the Gulf of Oman, and indeed the broader Indian Ocean region, profoundly impacts the public health of Oman and its neighboring countries. As highlighted by the…
Introduction Traditional handicraft-making practices are followed and passed on to the next generation in the villages around the Mithapur district in Gujarat. These practices are not very well known in the world as these are performed by women who face…
In a recent impact assessment, our team reviewed a program on improving the dropout and joining rate of girls from schools in multiple states and communities through a project design that involved community inputs effectively. The project also showcased how…
In the backdrop of India’s rapid economic progress, the narratives of two geographically distinct yet strikingly similar landscapes, one in Andhra Pradesh and the other in Tamil Nadu, unveil a disheartening tale of persistent inequality rooted in caste-based disparities. These…
In Talaja village in Bhavnagar, Gujarat the primary occupation of most of the people is agriculture. Lying next to the sea, they have the sea water which is of no use for agriculture and their farming practices were also not…
In Mumbai, the neighborhood of Worli is renowned for its posh reputation within the island city. However, nestled in the shadow of this bustling area lies Worli-Koliwada, a village where a significant part of the traditional fisherman community resides. Their…
Nestled within the mineral-rich state of Jharkhand lies a community in the heart of Jamtara District that has persevered through a myriad of challenges. In a region characterised by small, marginal land holdings and a heavy reliance on rainfall for…
Climate change is an existential challenge, particularly for developing nations like India, where the adverse effects are felt most acutely by the most vulnerable populations. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC, 2022), India is projected to experience…
Today, on World Bee Day, we pause to recognise an often overlooked but essential link between biodiversity, food systems, public health, and livelihoods: bees. Bees aren’t just about honey. They are among the most critical pollinators we have — essential…
India, with its rich ecological heritage, is home to four of the world’s 36 global biodiversity hotspots—the Western Ghats, Himalayas, Indo-Burma, and Sundaland. Yet, despite this immense natural wealth and its growing vulnerability, only 7.9% of CSR spending in India…
Large Language Models (LLMs) have ushered in a new era in artificial intelligence. Their capabilities – ranging from understanding and generating human-like language to performing tasks like translation, summarization, content creation, and complex problem-solving – have transformed how industries operate…
AI is a powerful ally in evaluation, best used to handle repetitive tasks like data cleaning and pattern recognition. However, it is just that, an ally alongside a sharp evaluator. AI cannot replace human insight—critical for interpreting data within ethical,…
Transforming Healthcare through AI AI’s entry into public health has produced notable advances in disease surveillance, diagnostics, and risk prediction 1,3,4. Yet, these are largely enhancements to existing systems, benefiting those already within the formal healthcare network. For underserved communities-where…
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is often perceived to be a neutral, objective tool – just code and computation, free of human flaws. But behind the screen, AI reflects the very systems, structures, and social dynamics that shape our world. Among the…
In 2014, the Supreme Court of India delivered a watershed judgment in the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) v. Union of India case, affirming the rights of transgender persons to self-identify their gender and be recognized as a third gender.…
Personal branding is more than just a tool for career growth – it is a guiding force that influences how we approach our decisions and in our world of social development, how we approach complex social challenges. Many people associate…
Identity is shaped by the environment, socioeconomic conditions, and external forces. For India’s Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), identity is deeply intertwined with their traditional knowledge, cultural practices, and the challenges they face in preserving these legacies. NuSocia has conducted…
While modern medicine has made significant advancements, it remains out of reach for many communities due to geographic inaccessibility, high costs, and cultural barriers. Traditional healers, on the other hand, are deeply embedded within these communities, offering immediate and affordable…
India’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives for women’s empowerment have seen a significant engagement around traditional skill-building programs such as stitching, tailoring and food processing. While these efforts have undoubtedly provided economic opportunities to thousands of women even, they have…
India’s electric vehicle (EV) industry is on a meteoric rise, growing at an annual rate of 94%, nearly three times the global average. With projections estimating India’s EV market to reach $150 billion by 2030, it’s clear that the nation…
The CSR space in India has become very dynamic with the increasing maturity brought in by the older corporations and a constant expansion of the ambit with the addition of newer entities. This dynamic nature has placed a renewed emphasis…
The social development space has long lagged behind in innovation and tech practices as compared to their private sector counterparts. With poor funding sources and initiatives initially driven out of philanthropy, development used to be slow but resource intensive. Reaching…
As India steps up its sustainability efforts, the corporate sector is rapidly aligning with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals to meet global standards. These ESG trends are not just about compliance—they represent the future of responsible and profitable business…
As we approach the end of another transformative year, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on the evolving landscape of impact advisory. At the heart of our work lies a commitment to creating meaningful and measurable change. Through the diverse…
In January 2024, we had set forth 5 trends that we expected to see in the coming year. We now take a look to see how they held up. Trend 1: Shifts in funding towards water and carbon What we…
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancers pose a significant threat to India’s productivity. They account for nearly 60% of deaths in the country and result in annual economic losses estimated at $6 trillion globally. WHO in…
Cancer care in India has made significant strides in medical advancements, but the socioeconomic and psychological burdens on patients and their families remain overwhelming. Insights from recent projects at NuSocia emphasize that combating cancer effectively requires addressing the non-medical challenges…
Recently, the NuSocia Translational Research Center (NTRC) had the opportunity to conduct a research assignment on modern day slavery and organizations working against this. As we dove deeper, we came across a dozen different certifications that large corporations are required…
India’s growing population remains one of the front-running pieces of information that the globe talks about. Internally, population growth is often cited as a challenge in multiple social development areas like employment, skilling, education, etc. However, this anxiety around population…
As the global population continues to grow, cities are facing increasing pressure to accommodate the influx of people. Urbanization is one of the defining trends of the 21st century, with over half of the world’s population now living in urban…
Access to safe water and sanitation remains a critical issue in India, where out of its population of 1.4 billion, 35 million people lack access to safe water, and 678 million people are deprived of safe toilet facilities. This crisis…
Floods are a brutal reminder of nature’s force, affecting millions and leaving devastation in their wake. As of August 2024, both India and Bangladesh have been hit hard, with relentless rains causing rivers to overflow, leading to deadly floods. In…
Water security is essential for sustainable development and human well-being, encompassing the ability to access safe water, protect against pollution and disasters, and ensure ecosystem preservation. As recognized by the UN, it is central to global governance, with its significance…
By NuSocia Labs Introduction: The AI Revolution in the Non-Profit Sector Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force across industries, and the non-profit sector is no exception. As organizations dedicated to social good, nonprofits face unique challenges and…
A Perspective from NuSocia’s Public Health Centre of Excellence “The greatest opportunity offered by AI is not reducing errors or workloads, or even curing cancer: it is the opportunity to restore the precious and time-honored connection and trust—the human touch—between…
By: The NuSocia Translational Centre (NTRC) The social sector space is fundamentally run on evidence garnered from communities and beneficiaries that are being impacted. Without this data, problems cannot be identified and even well intentioned programs, projects, and social impact…
Long-term CSR interventions differ from short-term efforts in their sustained engagement and commitment to addressing complex social, environmental, and economic issues. These interventions often require significant initial investments and ongoing support but yield substantial returns over time. Often, a new…
In the intricate fabric of Indian society, the distinction between sex and gender has often been blurred, leading to misconceptions and discrimination against transgender individuals. While sex refers to biological characteristics such as reproductive organs, gender encompasses the societal roles,…
Implications of the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 India’s New Education Policy introduced in 2020 brought about a plethora of changes in the education system’s policy front. One of them being the integration and support of children with disabilities (CWD).…
Access to toilets may not be a glamorous topic, but it’s undeniably crucial. For every individual, the ability to use a toilet safely and comfortably is a basic human right, included in Article 21 of the Constitution under the Right…
Nestled within the mineral-rich state of Jharkhand lies a community in the heart of Jamtara District that has persevered through a myriad of challenges. In a region characterised by small, marginal land holdings and a heavy reliance on rainfall for…
In Mumbai, the neighborhood of Worli is renowned for its posh reputation within the island city. However, nestled in the shadow of this bustling area lies Worli-Koliwada, a village where a significant part of the traditional fisherman community resides. Their…
In Talaja village in Bhavnagar, Gujarat the primary occupation of most of the people is agriculture. Lying next to the sea, they have the sea water which is of no use for agriculture and their farming practices were also not…
In the backdrop of India’s rapid economic progress, the narratives of two geographically distinct yet strikingly similar landscapes, one in Andhra Pradesh and the other in Tamil Nadu, unveil a disheartening tale of persistent inequality rooted in caste-based disparities. These…
Nonprofits play a pivotal role in addressing specific community needs and creating positive change. However, being legally restricted from engaging in profit-making activities necessitates a continuous effort to raise funds. To navigate this challenge effectively, nonprofits should employ a strategic…
“I would revolutionize college education and relate it to national necessities. There would be degrees for mechanical and other engineers. They would be attached to the different industries which should pay for the training of the graduates they need” –…
In the dynamic business world, filled with rapid technological changes and uncertain geopolitical scenarios – one constant thing is that the future belongs to those who keep an eye on the change, have an open mind and are agile to…
As a consultant, I love frameworks. But I am also prudent about them. Too many cooks spoil the broth. Too many frameworks confuse their users until these frameworks speak to each other and establish connections with each other. Frameworks are…
As the year comes to an end and a new one begins, most of us start to think about our health. We control our diets and our physical activity, but we have limited control over where we spend most of…
Peace is not merely the absence of conflict; it is the foundation for thriving societies and prosperous economies. It is a collective responsibility that contributes to realizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For businesses, the SDGs can be envisioned as…
The gender pay gap refers to the difference in average earnings of people based on gender. It is a widely recognized indicator of gender inequities, and it exists across industries and professional levels. The gender pay gap in India has…
The ingenuity of women in the realm of entrepreneurship stands as a testament to their remarkable resilience and creativity. Reflecting on history, it often occurs to me that while many groundbreaking inventions are attributed to men (at least as per…
Health is a fundamental right, yet access to it is not always as straightforward as it seems. Health-seeking behaviour, a pivotal aspect of ensuring timely healthcare access, encompasses an individual’s proactive inclination to seek medical attention when unwell. While quality…
India is faced with the colossal challenge of providing equitable access to quality healthcare services for its massive population of over 1.3 billion people. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, India’s healthcare system faced significant challenges, including a large population, regional disparities,…
As social consultants and development sector practitioners, we are on a constant mission to create meaningful, impactful change. But sometimes, the best of intentions can unintentionally cause harm. This is particularly true in conflict-affected contexts, where well-intentioned social development projects…
How can women and girls participate in protecting the environment? Women from indigenous groups, and local communities are the most vulnerable and bear the brunt of climate shocks. Research and statistics show that they would prove to be better partners…
Global policy discussions around gender and climate action Last month, from November 6-18, the global development community was focused on the 27th United Nations Climate Change conference, or shortly known as COP27. An annual conference being organised since the United…
The world is witnessing more acts of kindness despite increasing acts of violence, anarchy, political, social, and economic instabilities, inequalities, and armed conflicts.While people from all over the world are facing their own battles individually or collectively with COVID-19, economic…
I believe that kindness is a core human value. And it drives humanity across the world. I strongly believe that every human being carries the quality of kindness. A lot has been said about kindness as an act towards others…
The time for change is now! 10 years ago, the United Nations institutionalised the 11th of October as International Day of the Girl Child. In the last ten years, governments, nonprofits, policymakers and the general public have been looking for…
Engaging in on-ground social research brings many occasions when the respondent while sharing their details, gets emotional as the questions, howsoever carefully crafted, might touch some raw nerve. As a social researcher, I am always at a loss for how…
What is your land holding size? How much land do you own? We used to ask farmers during our survey and the reply used to get us “3 acres”, “I own 5 acres” and “One acre”. Then we used to…
When I am asked about NuSocia, I not only see a 20 member team, 30 clients, 50 projects and 5 years of hard work to get where we are today but also 3 passionate individuals from different walks of life,…
Sustainable development Goals (SDGs) are the new 17 universal goals which cover a 15 years’ time from 2016 to 2030, these goals are the part of wider development agenda which will stand on the base formed by the Millennium Development…
The concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is as old as business itself and a prominent notion in management discourse; however researchers still do not share a common definition or set of core principles. Nevertheless, there is a consensus that…
Raising funds to achieve one’s mission or Fundraising, is one of the most crucial function for any non profit organisation and yet, is rated as one of the most challenging functions as well. This is equivalent of sales for the…
Mergers and Acquisitions (or M&A as they are popularly known as ) are very common in business world. Very often we read about a new startup being acquired by a big company or merger between two established companies. India being…