May 2025 Issue #70
Chaupal 2025 is all about New Journeys & Deeper Journeys..
Let’s gather where hearts connect, minds engage, and hopes take flight.
Dignity in Every Response
When we think of a disaster, it’s often something sudden and visible—a flood, a cyclone, an earthquake. But many disasters don’t come with headlines or alerts. They unfold slowly, quietly, and often go unnoticed. A heatwave that stretches on for weeks, a harsh winter night without warm clothing—these, too, are disasters affecting millions especially communities with limited resources, grappling with extreme temperatures and existing infrastructural gaps.
For over two decades, Goonj has been on the frontlines of disaster response and recovery, while steadily working to strengthen community resilience. In partnership with diverse stakeholders across urban and rural areas, we are trying to reach out not just during visible disasters, but also through the quieter, often-missed ones.
Rethinking Disasters: Goonj’s Cross-Sectoral Convening at Oxford
This year, on the sidelines of the Skoll World Forum at Oxford, Goonj hosted two events — a powerful dialogue on “Cross-Sectoral Convening: Rethinking Societal Response Around Climate Emergencies” with stellar panel of global leaders and doers- Jeroo Bilimoria, Sophia Otoo, Gaby Arenas de Meneses, Tom Wein, Sanjay Purohit and David Bonbright. Alongside, a unique photo exhibition highlighting the contrast between the myths and realities of disasters.
The convening was about offering a new, proactive way of shifting the lens from charity to collaboration, from short-term relief to long-term societal resilience and committed resources through SARRD- Societal Alliance for Resilience and Response to Disasters, formerly known as GARRD (Goonj’s Alliance for Rapid Response and Development). It is a growing alliance of people, organisations, and institutions that believe response to climate emergencies must begin long before they unfold — through awareness, preparedness, and shared responsibility. Through resource mobilisation, urban civic participation, forging local partnerships, involving local communities and creating co learning spaces will prepare communities for future challenges by fostering long-term development and resilience.
To know more about SARRD and how to become an active member in the journey of climate
Alongside the convening, we hosted a unique photo exhibition —”Disasters: Myths and Realities“— a powerful visual journey capturing the spirit, strength, and self-driven action of disaster-affected communities in India. Curated from over three decades of on-ground work by Anshu Gupta (Founder – Goonj and Gram Swabhimaan), the exhibition evoked strong emotional responses and meaningful conversations among visitors from across sectors — reminding us that behind every disaster headline is a human story of hope and agency.
A special visitor to the exhibition was Bill Drayton, the founder and CEO of Ashoka, who was also awarded the prestigious Global Treasure Award at this year’s Skoll World Forum.
Stories from the ground
Read how communities are leading change from the ground up through Goonj’s grassroots mobilisation—where dignity, effort, and local wisdom drive real development.
Unity and Resilience: How Chimla Village Solved Its Water Crisis
Amid growing climate challenges, the people of Chimla—a village 40 km from Ashoknagar in Madhya Pradesh—shaped their path with dignity and collective spirit. By reviving the jhiria, a small traditional water body, they turned a simple act of rebuilding into a powerful local climate solution.
Building Strength Together: A Community House for Flood Resilience
In the flood-prone Charanchuk Papung region of Assam, where the rise of Brahmaputra river is an annual reality, the people of this region showed how their local wisdom could show the way for many sustainable solutions. When Goonj mobilised and motivated people to be their own decision-makers—they built a raised community house: inspired by the stilted homes of the Mishing tribe from this region.
Seeding Change: How Women in Sullangudi Village Are Restoring Nature, One Seed Ball at a Time
In this story from Sullangudi region of Tamil Nadu, the arrival of the monsoon brought with it not just rain, but a shared sense of purpose for the women here. When Goonj started to mobilise the local community here, seventy-five local women came together to clean a vital water channel of the village and crafted 4,000 seed balls filled with native seeds to revive the local nature.
Back in April
Chaupal Dehradun 2025 was a heartfelt gathering of old friends, volunteers, and new joinees. Education, water, health, menstruation — each issue was explored not as a problem, but as a shared responsibility. The launch of Sochta Hoon – Volume 2, in the presence of elders was an emotional moment. A moving Kabir bhajan by artist Sorav echoed through the room, revealing a deeper truth: that change begins with ordinary people who choose compassion and courage.
Upcoming event
Join us for Menstrual Dialogue 2025
Block your calendar for 31st May, 2025 for Menstrual Dialogue 2025– An annual dialogue that brings together philanthropists, academics, grassroots practitioners and other stakeholders to explore new pathways for menstrual wellbeing in a fast changing world.
Together, we’ll explore wins and gaps between research, policy, and on-the-ground solutions, to surface inclusive and resilient frameworks for lasting change on –
“Menstrual Wellbeing in a Fast-Changing World: Innovations, Gaps, and New Possibilities”
Safarnama
Volunteer Run Newsletter
We’re excited to share that Goonj volunteers from cities across India are co-creating a newsletter, bringing together stories and updates from the Do-Gooders community spread across the country.
More in the next edition of Dignity Diaries.