Celebrating Social Interventions: Dr Rajesh Tandon's Keynote at Azim Premji University's Stories of Change Award Ceremony

In 2018, Azim Premji University initiated the "Stories of Change: Case Study Challenge," inviting detailed case studies from state and civil society organizations on social interventions enhancing human, social, or sustainable development outcomes. The challenge aimed to recognize exemplary works driving social change and to disseminate knowledge from these interventions among practitioners and academia.

From 268 initial registrations and 95 final submissions, winners were chosen through a two-stage process by faculty panels. The selected organizations were the Centre for Social Justice, CEHAT, eWIT, WGWLO, PRADAN, and the Foundation for Education, Ecology and Livelihood. The award ceremony on April 20, 2019, honoured the winners, runners-up, and special mention organizations with citations and prize money.

Dr Rajesh Tandon was the keynote speaker, founder of PRIA and Co-Chair of the UNESCO Chair on Community-Based Research and Social Responsibility in Higher Education. In his address, Dr Tandon emphasised the importance of practice and knowledge creation at sites of social interventions. He highlighted that higher education should serve the public good and that disciplines must not remain isolated from real-world issues. He praised Azim Premji University for working closely with community organizations and capturing ‘Stories of Change,’ recognizing it as a significant step in the right direction.