Dr. Rajesh Tandon, founder of Participatory Research in Asia (PRIA), reflects on the ideas and experiences that shaped an organisation dedicated to democracy, civil society, and citizen participation. From his early academic journey—from IIT Kanpur and IIM Calcutta to a PhD at Case Western Reserve University—to a pivotal return to India during the Emergency, Dr. Tandon shares how witnessing the gap between institutional thinking and people’s lived realities transformed his approach to development. In conversation with Nikita Rakhyani, who leads New Initiatives at PRIA, this episode explores why meaningful participation, shared power, and letting communities lead remain essential to creating lasting change. Recorded at the PRIA office in New Delhi.

Grassroots Nation is a podcast from Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies. For more information go to www.rohininilekaniphilanthropies.org or join the conversation on social media @RNP_foundation.