The TARAgram Yatra 2024, held from 13–15 December in Bundelkhand, marked a successful 11th edition of this flagship event. With the theme "Investing in the Local and Green,"the Yatra brought together 39 Yatris, 15 partners, 4 government officials, 2 CSR heads, 28 media representatives, and 66 community leaders making it to a total of over 300 attendees. Participants explored transformative investments in Livelihood Security, Inclusive Entrepreneurship, Climate Resilience, Ecosystem Restoration, Resource Efficiency, and the Circular Economy through immersive experiences and engaging discussions.

This edition was structured a little differently as along with the three Yatras, was added the three Charchas (dialogues), which added depth and diversity to the learning journey. The Yatris visited 8 venues including 3 villages across Orchha and Jhansi in Bundelkhand to witness first-hand how investments by corporates,

industries, and institutions are transforming rural communities. These field visits showcased impactful social change experiments, including innovative livelihood programs, green construction projects, and ecosystem restoration efforts.

The Charchas served as vibrant platforms for dialogue, enabling participants to share diverse perspectives, debate challenges, and co-create actionable solutions for sustainable development. These discussions were enriched by the lived experiences of rural women entrepreneurs, farmers, green construction specialists, and community leaders who shared their stories of resilience and transformation.

Beyond the knowledge-sharing sessions, Yatris experienced the vibrant Bundeli culture, including its music, cuisine, architecture, and hospitality, adding a unique flavor to the journey. This rural immersion provided practical insights into the challenges faced by communities and the creative strategies they adopt to build resilience against socio-economic and environmental odds.

The 3-day yatra started with an eventful first day which started with the inaugural plenary, Aarohan at TARAgram Orchha Campus followed by TARAgram Mela which showcased the products of our enterprises and clusters from across the country along with models of our work. The Yatris went for the Sound and Light Show at Orchha Fort along with darshan at the Shri Ram Raja Mandir.

The second day started with Naari Manchan, a platform for the voices of the leaders among the women entrepreneurs leading and creating non-traditional livelihood opportunities. The venue for the same was the lawns of the beautiful Hotel Anantara by Richa, inspired by the royal Bundela architecture. Then the Yatris went into their respective yatras, met with the communities, understood successful systemic prototypes and visited our work on the ground. Followed by a quiet networking dinner bringing the day to an end.

The third day, a breezy but sunny winter Sunday morning, started with Nadi Kinare Chaupal, a panel discussion engaging CSR leaders bringing in their respective perspectives having a rich discussion around the changing climate financing. The venue for this was the beautiful Kanchana Ghat of the pleasant mighty River Betwa with the Royal Cenotaphs as the backdrop of the stage set for the Chaupal. Post which the Yatris went for sightseeing around Orchha coming back to the conclusive plenary, Saar Sangam. The venue for the same was the beautiful Hotel Raj Niwas, Orchha.

The Yatra also highlighted the policy and systemic changes needed to amplify the impact of grassroots innovations. It fostered multi-stakeholder collaboration, encouraging participants to invest in social change as a collective effort rather than a solo endeavor.

As a microcosm of Development Alternatives’ work across India and the globe, the TARAgram Yatra 2024 inspired participants to contribute toward a green and inclusive future while deepening their understanding of the power of collaboration in achieving sustainable development.