Author: Chandan Gowda

Reviving India’s democracy involves reimagining the dominant vision of development, not just widening constitutional ideals. The current model focuses on shifting rural youth to cities, overlooking the importance of rural livelihoods. Instead of uprooting youth and trying to fit them into urban jobs, a more sustainable approach would be to invest in rural economies and provide quality services locally. Local cooperatives, like the Karnataka Milk Federation, have shown success in supplementing rural incomes without disrupting communities. Consulting with local stakeholders is crucial for developing region-specific models that support diverse livelihoods. Initiatives like craft cooperatives and promoting healthy, local products can…