A Pivotal Year in India’s Civil Society Landscape
Authored by Gautam John (CEO, Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies)
This piece is built on all of the excellent insights received here.
Looking back, 2013 stands out as a pivotal year that catalysed the growth of India’s civil society. The seeds for this transformation were planted years earlier, but 2013 marked a convergence of factors that empowered citizens to unite and drive social change.
A few key developments paved the way for this shift. In the 1990s and 2000s, social work pioneers like Ela Bhatt, Vandana Shiva, and Aruna Roy demonstrated that positive change was possible through grassroots organising and mobilisation. Their courageous work kindled a spirit of idealism for future generations. See: Grassroots Nation
Simultaneously, a new wave of philanthropists emerged, eager to fund initiatives for social good. Organisations like Ashoka, Jagriti Yatra, and Sankalp Forum provided platforms to foster connections and spur social entrepreneurship, and TED Conferences held their only India conference in 2009. All of this and their networks supported and nurtured a thriving ecosystem for civil society organisations.
On the policy front, legislative victories expanded citizens’ rights and accessibility. The Right to Information Act empowered people to demand transparency and accountability from the government. The Right to Education, Forest Rights Act, and Domestic Violence Act also expanded citizens’ rights.
Furthermore, the legal and political spheres underwent significant changes. In 2013, the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act introduced stricter penalties for sexual offences, reflecting intolerance towards gender crimes. That year, the Lily Thomas vs Union of India case challenged the impunity of convicted politicians, reinforcing accountability. In 2014, the Supreme Court recognised transgender rights in NALSA v. UOI, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity.
Technological advancements also played a role: expanded telecom infrastructure and the rise of digital spaces connected and mobilised youth nationwide. The world watched as movements like the Arab Spring demonstrated the power of people united through technology. The mandatory CSR spending introduced by the 2013 Companies Act further encouraged corporate participation in social causes. Together with the digital revolution, these policy changes democratised access to resources and bolstered support systems for emerging CSOs.
The transition from the Millennium Development Goals to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) around 2012–2015 was a global shift that also resonated in India. This new, broader framework not only focused on poverty and healthcare but also included goals for environmental sustainability and equitable growth. The SDGs likely provided a globally accepted template for leaders and founders to align their missions, amplifying their impact and reach.
By 2013, India’s increasingly aware and connected citizenry was primed for change. The 2011 Indian anti-corruption movement channelled national frustration into civic participation and onward in to politics. For idealistic youth, the Forbes India 30 Under 30 list, launched in India that year, provided further inspiration.
Looking back, it’s noteworthy how fellowships like Teach For India, Gandhi Fellowship, LAMP Fellowship, and Indicorps quietly yet effectively laid a foundation for young aspirants in India’s civil society during that era. The TFI Fellowship began its mission in 2009 and closely followed the Gandhi and Legislative Assistants to Members of Parliament Fellowship, both launched in 2008. Indicorps had an earlier start in 2002. These fellowships, each in its unique way, became avenues for emerging talent to engage deeply with India’s societal challenges.
In this era of awakening, many reconsidered their career paths to focus on social impact. A variety of forces — from pioneering changemakers to shifts in policy, technology, and social movements — converged to make 2013 a turning point for civil society. As CSOs blossomed, citizens realised their collective power to drive social transformation.
Ten years later, in 2023, many of these organisations are marking their 10-year milestones. Their anniversaries are a testament to the importance of 2013 in catalysing a new civil society landscape that continues to develop solutions to India’s most pressing social challenges. The foundations laid in 2013 have enabled today’s CSOs to build on that legacy as they chart the path ahead for the next decade of positive change.