Reasons to add Grassroots Nation 🎙️ to your playlist this November…
By Shruti Sundaresan (Communications Lead, Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies)
The preservation of stories from those who have shaped nations, institutions, and witnessed historic moments — is paramount. Their firsthand accounts provide insights into resilience, sacrifice, and the human spirit. These stories provide context for contemporary challenges. They remind us that social development is often hard-fought, and that the lessons of history can guide us toward a better future.
Listening to narratives shared by social sector veterans not only provides insight into their inspirations, work, and achievements but also offers valuable lessons on how they remained relevant and impactful over the years.
What are some aspects of their lives that have shaped their journey? Is it the solace of music, the strength of love, the grounding force of spirituality or religion, the shared joy of food, or perhaps the steadfast belief in their mission?
Exploring these dimensions reveals what drives leaders forward, highlighting the personal foundations behind their professional impact.
Grassroots Nation is a podcast series from Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies in which we deep dive into the life, work, and guiding philosophies of some of the country’s most great leaders of social change.
Here are 5 reasons to add Grassroots Nation to your podcast playlist this November:
5. You learn about their (sometimes relatable) music preferences…
4. You wonder how the West influenced their thoughts…
3. You recognize and appreciate different manifestations of spirituality…
2. You hear about their heartwarming (and sometimes scandalous) love stories…
1. You hear about their struggles balancing work and religious beliefs…
And lastly, you understand what motivates these leaders to continue fighting the good fight — even today.
In the words of Rohini Nilekani (Chairperson, RNP):
“Each of these leaders bring to their work diverse belief systems, and it is that diversity of inspiration, that has made for such a vibrant civil society in India. Their lives are a study of selfless dedication to societal goals, their narratives are powerful and I have seen firsthand how such stories can shift our perceptions (sic).”
Social change is hard, and working in the development sector comes with its own set of challenges. The nature of these challenges may have evolved over time, but learning from those who have successfully navigated its complexities can be incredibly helpful in shaping our own paths.
Tune into Grassroots Nation to reflect on memorable anecdotes, experiences and lessons of history that can guide us in creating a more equitable and sustainable future.
