These fundamental questions lie at the heart of every democratic society. Global narratives usually focus on the role of governments and markets, but the role of the citizenry in shaping their own futures also requires spotlighting.
Active Citizenship is a layered and nuanced concept. It is difficult to codify and equally challenging to quantify. It requires frameworks and critical analyses. This report draws out a representative framework to navigate the complex space of active citizenship and what active citizenship means to all stakeholders.
Societal harmony and progress are achieved when there is a delicate balance of samaaj, sarkaar, bazaar. Active citizenship maintains this balance.
The report is structured into six chapters:
- The first chapter explores what it means to be an active citizen and how citizenship builds resilient societies.
- Chapter 2 maps the landscape of samaaj – people, civil society organisations, and social enterprises that are fostering active citizenship in India.
- The third chapter reviews the role and potential of sarkaar (government) in driving active citizenship.
- Chapter 4 looks at bazaar (markets and companies) as active citizens and the evolution of good corporate citizenship.
- The fifth chapter studies the catalysts for the active citizenship ecosystem in terms of philanthropy, technology, research, and media.
- Chapter 6 highlights many reflective questions on the state of active citizenship in India.
This report is a result of collaboration between the Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies and Areté Advisors LLP (as of January 2022, Arete Advisors has merged with Bain & Co.).
