Caritas India presented its work in the space of Community Development, focussing on the topic of panel discussion i.e. ‘Leaders of Social Change’ during the NGO Expo held in Mumbai.

The Caritas India Resource Mobilisation and West zone team exhibited their thematic work in the realm of Disaster Risk Reduction, Community Health, Climate Adaptive Agriculture, Livelihood,  Child Protection, Tribal Development, community mobilization through it pan india presence.

The event was the largest Global Fund-raising event that connects NGOs and Non-profits to the biggest Granters, Donors, Philanthropists and Corporations and their Foundations for Social Good.

Caritas India National Head for Resource Moblisation and Development Ms. Shruti Sharma, during the panel discussion shared that the leaders of Social Change needs to be Inspirational, Creative/innovative, progressive, effective at all levels and one who can leverage opportunities for better impact.

Citing examples from the intervention of People Led Development, she shared the story of Baranpur village and its Sarpanch Mr. Balasahe who perfectly personified as Leader of Social Change as he could identify the problem of the area leading to scarcity of water and eventually draught like situation. She narrated that Balasahe discussed the issue with Caritas local team, who gave them technical advise on the various solutions for conserving water, Sarpanch Balasahe and his community along with Technical team of Caritas India took up the task.

With a small fund of Rs.5 lakh he changed the face of the landscape of Baranpur. The hard work and sheer grit of the community was rewarded in terms of one of the best crop yield of the year. She said, “For us they are the leader of Social Change”.

Citing another success story of Ms. Pooja Kachu, who is also a face of Leader of Social change as after Caritas India rescued her from confines of domestic help, today she stand tall as Taekwondo Champion.

Caritas India is engaged in almost all pillars of Community development and designed its six strategic goals in line with Global Sustainable Development Goals.

To make them effective, a lot of emphasis is put on collaboration and strategic partnerships to achieve its vision.