The Institute for Sustainable Development and Governance (ISDG) organized an inspiring and thought-provoking dialogue titled “Voice from the Ground” with Shri P.V. Rajagopal, eminent Gandhian, peacebuilder, and founder of Ekta Parishad, on June 4, 2025, at its office in Thiruvananthapuram.
This special event served as a platform to delve into crucial themes such as grassroots peacebuilding, participatory democracy, and the rights of marginalized communities, while reaffirming the transformative power of non-violent struggles.
The program began with a warm welcome by Sunilji, Communication Associate at ISDG, who acknowledged the presence of notable guests, civil society representatives, and youth leaders. In his opening remarks, he reflected on the significance of P.V. Rajagopal’s enduring legacy in land rights movements and non-violent advocacy, and reiterated ISDG’s commitment to amplifying the voices of those at the margins of policy and power.
John Samuel, President of ISDG, delivered the formal introduction of Shri Rajagopal, tracing his journey from the Chambal Valley to the corridors of policymaking. He emphasized Rajagopal’s unique role in mobilizing the landless and advocating for peace through people’s movements. John Samuel also highlighted ISDG’s role in shaping participatory policy dialogues and supporting grassroots democratic initiatives.
In his deeply engaging keynote, P.V. Rajagopal shared insights from decades of ground-level activism. He spoke about the importance of participatory advocacy, people-led mobilization, and non-violent resistance as tools for securing justice and dignity for the most excluded. Rajagopal argued that true democracy can only emerge when governance is rooted in listening to and engaging with people’s everyday struggles.
He reflected on landmark campaigns such as the Janadesh and Jan Satyagraha, and emphasized the need for youth and civil society to continue the unfinished work of peace and justice through non-violent means. He urged the audience to reimagine democracy not just as an electoral process, but as a continuous and inclusive public engagement.
The keynote was followed by a vibrant interactive session, where participants discussed themes such as peace and non-violence, the role of civil society, grassroots governance, and state responsibility. Delegates shared their field experiences, asked critical questions, and collectively explored strategies for sustaining peace in times of democratic backsliding and socio-economic inequality.
The event concluded with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks delivered by Sanjo Sabu, who expressed gratitude to P.V. Rajagopal for his inspiring words and to all attendees for their valuable participation. The event was a powerful reminder of the role of dialogue and solidarity in building a more inclusive and equitable society.
