The technical session on “Scope of Civil Society Organizations” was held on the first day following the inaugural programme. It was chaired by Dr. Indu Prakash Singh, an author, motivational speaker, and consultant to several leading voluntary organizations.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Singh highlighted the expanding role of civil society organizations (CSOs) in addressing social issues, bridging governance gaps, and empowering marginalized communities. He emphasized the importance of innovation in the NGO sector, noting that creative approaches can enhance field-level impact and efficiency. Concluding his address, he remarked: “Men are behind women in development, and once man evolves fully, he also becomes woman.” His insightful chairpersonship set the tone for a stimulating and engaging discussion.
The session featured thought-provoking presentations by eminent speakers:
Professor Arvinder Ansari, Department of Sociology, Jamia Millia Islamia, underscored the critical role of grassroots organizations in connecting government initiatives with community needs. She reflected on the pervasive nature of patriarchy that women face at every level of society and how NGOs are tackling these challenges. She encouraged participants to view such platforms as powerful tools to amplify collective voices.
Ms. Farah Sheroz, Founder and CEO of Nurture Life, Uttar Pradesh, shared her experiences as a social entrepreneur. She addressed key challenges faced by NGOs, including funding gaps, bureaucratic hurdles, and limited participation in decision-making spaces. She advocated for collaborative networks as a means to overcome these barriers. For financial sustainability, she suggested strategies such as adopting membership models, pursuing social entrepreneurship, and building alliances. She emphasized that civil society must actively engage with policymakers and provide alternative solutions, concluding that: “Civil society organizations are not only important but indispensable—they exist to bring solutions.”
The session concluded with an engaging open discussion, where participants shared their insights, perspectives, and experiences on the evolving role of CSOs