It was a bright and warm morning as we (Suveera and Anaggha set out for Jangpura), navigating the lively streets of Delhi with the help of Haleema – one of the organization’s staff members.
The narrow lanes led us to a vibrant office, which also serves as a bustling program center. As we stepped inside, the warmth of the space was almost immediate. The team, community members and leaders themselves, welcomed us with wide smiles and plates of snacks. It was the kind of greeting that felt like being invited into someone’s home, not just a work setting, which was also the energy that we absorbed of the safe space – that the staff and the community members treated this office as a place that binds them together.
Observing a “Mahila Panchayat” and meeting the team
The office had a quiet charm, filled with hand-drawn posters and infographics about women’s rights, community awareness against domestic violence. These weren’t just for display—they were educational tools used during the local Mahila Panchayat; a women-led village council meeting focused on women’s issues – one of which we witnessed during our visit.
But before that, we were welcomed by the whole team as they introduced themselves. A 100% women-led team, primarily from the marginalized communities of the New Seemapuri neighborhood. These team members were a mix of new and legacy members, including those working on the Domestic Workers project. Some of the legacy members were with the organization for over three decades and took us back through the journey of their organization, the struggles they combatted, and the lives Action India hoped to transform. Mridula, who had been working with the organization for around three decades shared, “Aise samaj ki hum kalpana kar paa rahe hai, jaha betiyan bhi naam roshan kar sakti hai.” ( We are able to imagine such a society, where daughters can also make their name proud.)
After an inspiring round of introductions that brought forth lived experiences and institutional history, we had the opportunity to observe a casework in action at the community Mahila Panchayat. This gathering is a central element of Action India’s work. Here, individuals facing challenges such as domestic violence, divorce, and sexual violence can access not only legal aid but also a supportive environment where trained community intermediaries guide them towards resolution and healing.
The council room functioned as more than just a site for resolving disputes—it was a safe space where both genders could voice their concerns, guided by trained community mediators. The case we witnessed was raw and real, unfolding in a way that prioritized fairness, accountability, and long-term resolution. It was not just about legal access; it was about healing, empowerment, and creating a pathway for follow-through, where individuals could receive continued support and be held accountable for commitments made. Seeing those who had once struggled now standing as intermediaries for others reinforced the power of community-led justice.
Deepening our understanding of each other
Our visit continued with a deeper dive into understanding Action India’s programs. Firdaus and Ram Pyari, community leaders who started their journey as women survivors seeking support from the organization, proudly shared how they now support the running of programs that once changed their own lives. The stories of transformation were palpable, their work spans across several key areas: the Mahila Panchayat, gender rights programs for youth, and livelihoods-based initiatives like vocational training tailoring services, functioning of their PACE (Progressive Action for Community Empowerment) Centre for educating dropout and never-enrolled girls and their community library.
After the observing the Mahila Panchayat, we sat down with the leadership team members, and it quickly became a two-way exchange as we began discussing the journey ahead for Action India and them exploring Rebuild.
As an organization with close to 47-years of history, their focus currently lies on bridging the leadership gaps (post the unfortunate demise of the organization founder and leader) and creating a digital presence with aim to leverage their decades of experience on ground to play a larger role in the grassroots ecosystem.
Even as they grappled with rebuilding their leadership, there was a sense of resilience and shared ownership. Ms. Shalini Arvindan, the newly appointed Consulting Director who is leading strategy and fundraising operations, spoke of her hopes to bridge this gap and steer the organization back into a stronger, more visible presence.
Learning over lunch
We took a break from work conversations over a humble, heartfelt and shared lunch. As Kalyani (current organization leader) and Shalini warmly shared rotis and home-cooked sabzi from their dabbas, it was clear how much this team had bonded—not just over their work but over life itself.
Both Kalyani and Shalini have daughters, and we found ourselves talking about how enthralling it is to see young women involved in driving social change. It wasn’t just lunch; it was a shared moment of understanding and connection.
Afterwards, we circled back to discuss how Rebuild could support them moving forward. Action India identified needs in leadership development, fundraising, and strengthening their communication efforts, particularly on digital platforms. As we explored how Rebuild could step in, there was a sense of optimism. The team were also excited about the role they can play in Rebuild and potentially guide newer organizations in the portfolio.
We were happy to learn that they already work with peer organizations in Delhi including Kislay, Shakti Shalini and Zubaan . They recognize they have rich and long history, the foundation of which as they told lies in the community-“Humne karyakram nahi nikale, yeh sanstha samuday ki den hai.”(We did not come up with the programs, this organization is a contribution of the community.) They hope their rich community centric experience can support other growing organizations.
Renewed!
Our day ended with a warm, almost familial goodbye from the entire team. As we left, we carried with us not just a deeper understanding of the gravity of work and impact Action India has been able to create, but also a renewed sense of purpose in helping them navigate the next chapter of their deeply moving journey.
