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ANNUAL REPORT 2023-24 TRANSFORM RURAL INDIA
TRI’s Societal Engagement towards catalysing Public Support and
TRI Adjacencies Compassion for Transformation of ‘Stranded India’
Village Square Development Intelligence Unit,
(www.villagesquare.in) (www.developmentintelligenceunit.in/)
Joint initiative of TRI and Sambodhi
Village Square blossomed into a vibrant hub,
enhancing its digital footprint with captivating Over the past year, the Development Intelligence
stories from rural India while hosting diverse Unit (DIU) has made meaningful progress in
events. Committed to uplifting rural narratives, supporting data-driven insights and policy
the organization has broadened its impact formulation for rural India. DIU’s primary initiative,
through collaborations with civil society groups, the Mission Antyodaya Survey Round 5,
fostering a more inclusive narrative of rural life. highlighted its capacity to handle extensive data
collection and analysis. DIU worked diligently to
The inaugural Village Square Fellowship program design, field-test, and finalize the survey
was a resounding success, producing the "Many questionnaire. In collaboration with the National
Corners of Village Square" coffee table book and Informatics Centre (NIC), DIU developed a reliable
continuing with a second cohort of fellows data capturing application and validation
dedicated to rural storytelling. Village Square protocols. Comprehensive training sessions were
also expanded its event offerings, including a conducted for state Nodal officers and master
notable session at New Delhi’s Dili Haat with trainers across all states and Union Territories.
filmmaker Muzaffar Ali on rural depictions in Through careful data validation and detailed
Indian media and concerts by regional music analytics, DIU provided valuable insights for the
groups, drawing large crowds. Ministry of Rural Development.
The annual Village Vibe Photo Competition was The Rural Quality of Life Index 2.0 project
rescheduled to February to utilize the pleasant provided a comprehensive measure of rural
spring weather, culminating in an exhibition at well-being, covering 69 district-level parameters
Delhi’s Sunder Nursery park and a concert by across 715 rural districts. This index, available
Meghalayan folk band Mookhuri, marking their through DIU’s dynamic dashboard, enabled
debut in Delhi. objective benchmarking and policy analysis,
helping inform decision-making processes.
Furthermore, the organization conducted a
communications training with 25 participants, DIU’s work centered on public data analytics,
including NGO representatives, led by experts thematic rural insights, and enhancing state
like Pia Desia and Suman Shrivastava. The school capabilities. DIU supported Central Ministries by
immersion program was enhanced, deepening improving their statistical capabilities and
community ties with organizations like D.A and embedding data fellows within state and district
Jagori to further bridge the urban-rural divide. administrations.
Recently, Village Square successfully incubated Thematic surveys and frequent data collection
and transitioned into a registered private limited efforts were crucial in addressing current rural
company, a significant milestone in its journey to challenges.
connect urbanites with the rich narratives of rural
“Many Corners of Village Square" coffee table India, fostering understanding and connections.
book and continuing with a second cohort of
fellows dedicated to rural storytelling.
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