Source: Government of India (4)

Grassroots leadership refers to the vision, action and success that emerges from the local levels, often in communities or organizations, rather than from top-tier or centralized authorities. It involves ordinary people stepping up to address issues that directly affect their lives, using their unique insights and experiences to drive a significant change – which impacts not only their immediate surroundings but the people at large. This type of leadership invents new systems from ground zero, because adversities are many and resources are scanty.

Grassroots leadership is crucial for a country because it fosters solutions that are more personalized and customized with reference to the sensitivities of the people, having acknowledged the first-hand experiences of dealing with the problems. The policies and decisions under such leadership are more in sync with the needs and priorities of the target users, rather than being formulated by distant, detached bosses. This kind of leadership promotes self-sufficiency where people are empowered to identify and resolve their own problems, while raising a network group dedicated to the cause. It also improves social equity by giving marginalized or underrepresented groups a voice and a platform. Grassroots leaders build trust and solidarity within their communities, creating a more resilient society. When communities learn to lead change from within, it involves people directly in the shaping of their future.

Grassroots leadership in India has evolved significantly from ancient times to the present day, reflecting the country’s changing social, political, and economic landscape. In ancient India, village councils, or panchayats, played a crucial role in self-governance, with elders and community leaders making collective decisions. These decentralized governance systems were deeply rooted in local traditions and ensured community participation. During the colonial period, grassroots leadership took on a resistance role, as leaders like Mahatma Gandhi mobilized people through movements such as Satyagraha and Swadeshi, emphasizing self-reliance and local empowerment. Post-independence, India institutionalized grassroots leadership through the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments in 1992, which strengthened Panchayati Raj institutions and urban local bodies, giving power to local representatives, including women and marginalized groups. 

Women have been at the forefront of grassroots leadership, often playing pivotal roles in community-building and social change. Their contributions however, frequently go unnoticed and undervalued. Women’s presence as grassroot visionaries are powerfully reflected in the ancient culture and history of India. Both the Ramayana and the Mahabharata introduce female characters playing pivotal roles in shaping events, often through resilience, wisdom, and influence at the community or familial level. In the Ramayana, Sita expresses agrarian expertise and herbal knowledge while she was in exile. Shabari, a tribal woman, demonstrates unwavering faith and service, engaged in gathering fruits and berries. Damayanti and Draupadi, in the Mahabharata, became servants at other’s kingdoms demonstrating their adaptations to economic hardships or adverse conditions. While Hidimbi and Satyabhama were war-trained agro experts, Gargi, Maitreyi and Sulabha took up the roles of teachers and scholars. Kunti, Gandhari and Draupadi guided their men through political and existential dilemmas, questioning injustice and lawlessness, ultimately influencing the course of history. 

Given that we are the descendants of such a strong and able society, it is only obvious that women’s grassroots leadership in India would be powerfully rooted in empathy, inclusivity, and long-term sustainability. Other than the women-led businesses that contribute to the GDP directly, women are often the driving force behind social movements focused on justice, peace, and human rights which cleanse a society and raise better individuals, thus multiplying the number of capable contributors who can make direct contributions to the GDP. Examples are Jumde Yomgam Gamlin fighting against substance abuse in Arunachal Pradesh, Bharatanatyam artist Dr. Narthaki Nataraj spreading the message for gender equality, Moirangthem Muktamani Devi from Manipur initiating a knitted shoe-start up, uplifting knitting from its women’s hobby status and simultaneously making her way out of poverty, and many others. By recognizing and supporting the leadership of women at the grassroots level, who have made their way up battling systemic barriers and unequal access to opportunities, societies can unlock tremendous potential for social and political transformation.

India was always a land of great leaders operating from the grassroots. What had been lacking over a long period of time was their recognition. Right from the beginning of its tenure in 2014, the Modi government had focussed on rerouting towards its roots because the world is standing at the threshold where every moment would usher a gigantic change. The model was clear. In order for the top leadership of the country to face larger storms before taming and integrating new policies and regulations into the Indian business scenario, the support of the grassroot leaders would be very essential in maintaining a healthy social and economic movement for the citizens!

Today, grassroots leadership in India has expanded beyond governance into social activism, environmental movements, and digital advocacy, with local leaders addressing issues like climate change, gender equality, and rural development. The rise of social entrepreneurship and technology-driven initiatives has further amplified grassroots leadership, making it more inclusive and dynamic. This is increasingly vital for sustainability in the present and future, especially as rapid technological advancements and climate change are expected to disrupt the traditional ways of life. With global automation and artificial intelligence revolutionizing industries, many conventional jobs, particularly in agriculture, manufacturing, and services, will increasingly face obsolescence. This shift threatens the livelihoods of millions, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, making localized leadership essential for retraining, skill development, and economic adaptation. Grassroots leaders play a key role in preparing communities for this transformation by challenging stagnation of the masses and promoting new dreams through embracing digital literacy, fostering entrepreneurship, and encouraging sustainable employment opportunities that align with emerging industries.

At this juncture, the world along with India is facing severe climate challenges, including unpredictable monsoons, rising temperatures, and extreme weather events that threaten agriculture, water security, and infrastructure. Grassroots leadership is critical here in mobilizing communities for climate adaptation, implementing sustainable practices, promoting water conservation, and developing disaster-resilient infrastructure. Local leaders, often deeply connected with their environments, can drive impactful change by integrating indigenous knowledge with modern solutions. India being a huge country with diverse culture, it would be difficult for a centralized system to address the exponentially growing concerns of the vast population. Growth of grassroots leaders ensures decentralized, community-driven, innovative and people-centric governance – stabilizing the effects of automation and ecological uncertainties. 

The Modi government has undertaken numerous schemes and development initiatives to empower grassroots leadership across India, fostering local governance, entrepreneurship, and community-driven progress. Recognizing that true development stems from the empowerment of people at the ground level, these initiatives aim to equip individuals with the necessary skills, resources, and platforms to lead change in their communities, both in remote rural areas and urban centers. One of the most significant steps in this direction has been the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), which focuses on mobilizing rural women into self-help groups (SHGs) to enhance their economic participation. By providing financial assistance, skill training, and market linkages, this initiative has empowered millions of women to emerge as local leaders in micro-entrepreneurship. The government has also promoted StartUp India and StandUp India, encouraging young entrepreneurs, including women and marginalized communities, to establish innovative businesses, ensuring a culture of self-reliance and leadership at the grassroots level. In governance, the Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) and the Panchayati Raj System Digitization aim to strengthen local self-governance by integrating digital tools, transparency, and community-driven decision-making. The 73rd Constitutional Amendment has been further reinforced with increased financial grants and capacity-building programs, ensuring that local leaders can effectively plan and implement development projects. Additionally, the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) has been instrumental in enhancing the capabilities of panchayat leaders through leadership training and technological integration, fostering accountable and efficient governance. Recognizing the importance of urban grassroots leadership, initiatives like the Smart Cities Mission and AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation) encourage local urban bodies to take an active role in planning sustainable and technologically advanced cities. These programs prioritize participatory governance, where local communities and leaders contribute to urban planning, infrastructure development, and environmental sustainability. Another major initiative strengthening grassroots leadership is the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, which provides direct income support to farmers, ensuring economic stability and empowering them to adopt innovative agricultural practices. Complementing this is the Fasal Bima Yojana, which secures farmers against climate uncertainties, allowing them to take calculated risks and lead agricultural advancements. Similarly, the Jal Jeevan Mission empowers village-level committees to oversee water supply management, ensuring sustainable water access in remote areas through decentralized governance.

Women’s leadership at the grassroots level has been specifically encouraged through the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme, which not only promotes female education but also fosters leadership among young girls. Likewise, the Mahila E-Haat initiative provides a digital marketplace for women entrepreneurs, strengthening their financial independence and influence within their communities. Programs like Digital India and Skill India have further enabled grassroots leaders to integrate modern technology into local governance, small businesses, and educational initiatives. The PM SVANidhi Yojana, supporting street vendors with easy credit access, has also uplifted informal sector entrepreneurs, making them active contributors to urban economies.

The Modi government achieved 100% electrification of India through initiatives like Saubhagya Yojana, bringing power to even the remotest villages. This milestone has transformed lives by boosting education, healthcare, and businesses, ensuring energy access for all, fostering economic growth, and enhancing India’s global standing in sustainable development and infrastructure advancement. The Digital India initiative by the Modi government has revolutionized governance, economy, and daily life through increased internet penetration, digital payments (UPI), e-governance, and Aadhaar-linked services. It has empowered citizens, boosted startups, enhanced transparency, and made services more accessible, driving India toward a digitally inclusive and self-reliant future. The financial push offered through UPI, Jan Dhan Yojana, and MSME digital lending has empowered small businesses by ensuring easy transactions, financial inclusion, and quick credit access. This has reduced dependency on cash, increased transparency, and boosted economic growth, making India a global leader in fintech innovation.

Through these initiatives and more, the Modi government is creating an environment where grassroots leaders—whether in villages, towns, or metropolitan areas—are equipped with resources and skills to drive change. This holistic approach ensures that leadership is not concentrated at the top but flourishes at every level, securing a resilient and innovative future for India. The call for action at local and individual levels has also been topped with fair recognition systems to celebrate the front-runners and inspire others to follow suit. The transformation of the Padma Awards into a “People’s Award,” where citizens can nominate deserving individuals through a democratic process, plays a significant role in that vision. Traditionally perceived as honors reserved for elites, bureaucrats, or celebrities, the Modi government has repositioned these awards to recognize the contributions of unsung heroes—ordinary individuals making extraordinary impacts in their communities. This shift not only elevates grassroots leaders but also creates a ripple effect, inspiring millions to take initiative in their own spheres.

By celebrating success stories of farmers innovating in agriculture, social workers uplifting marginalized communities, artisans preserving cultural heritage, and environmentalists leading conservation efforts, the Padma Awards highlight real-life examples of leadership that emerges from the urban, rural and remote geographies. These stories showcase how dedication, resilience, and ingenuity can drive meaningful change, regardless of formal authority or social status. When local leaders, who often work in anonymity, receive national recognition, it reinforces the idea that transformative contributions are valued and acknowledged by the nation. Also, making the nomination process open to the public allows citizens to identify and elevate role models from their own communities, fostering a sense of collective responsibility toward nation-building. By honoring individuals from remote villages, tribal communities, and lesser-known professions, the awards challenge traditional notions of success, promoting a broader, more inclusive definition of leadership. In the era of remarkable changes, it is only obvious for the citizens of the country to participate and take ownership of change, instead of staying detached, ensuring the spirit of nation-building is a shared emotion across every corner of the country.

(Koral Dasgupta is an accomplished author and content curator with over 20 years of experience. Her diverse work spans academic non-fiction to relationship dramas, focusing on gender narratives and complex human emotions. Koral founded Tell Me Your Story, a platform that uses literature to inspire social engagement and drive behavioral change for inclusion and diversity. She designs and executes learning programs, conducts writing workshops, and curates content for events focused on gender and mythology. Koral has been an advisory member of the Central Board for Film Certification.

She holds an MBA in Marketing and a BA in Economics. With her qualifications, she continues to explore the journeys of mythological women further through the lenses of spirituality, leadership, and sexuality, and her Sati Series is widely acclaimed across the circles. Her notable achievements include being shortlisted for the Sahitya Academy Awards in 2023, securing a five-book contract with Pan Macmillan, and cataloging her books in prestigious libraries such as Harvard and Columbia University. Her works have earned her recognition as an Innovator25 Asia Pacific in 2019 and a spot in Outlook Business’ Women of Wonder list. Koral continues to weave narratives that empower voices, inspire change, and reshape perspectives on gender and human connection.)