The Art of Listening

Too often in the past, well-intentioned programs were crafted in boardrooms and conference halls, with limited understanding of the ground realities they sought to transform.

- TDG NETWORK

Over the years, the development sector has undergone a dynamic shift—moving from prescriptive interventions to an inclusive approach grounded in community voices. This evolution has reshaped how stakeholders engage with grassroots populations, ushering in programs that are more responsive and sustainable.

As per the India Philanthropy Report 2025 by Bain and Company, social sector spending in India has witnessed impressive growth, increasing by 13% annually over the last five years to reach approximately INR 25 lakh crore ($280 billion) in FY2023, equivalent to 8.3% of the nation's GDP. While government expenditure constitutes 95% of total social spending, NITI Aayog estimates that achieving the UN's Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 would require increasing social investment to 13% of GDP. This target demands not just more resources but smarter deployment through a participatory approach.