CORD INDIA

From 6th –13th January 2026, the CORD Resource Center team spent time on the ground in Pindrikala Panchayat, Madhya Pradesh, supporting the early stages of work at the new field site.
The visit helped review outreach efforts across eight wards, reaching maximum coverage and led to the formation of three new Mahila Mandals.

On 12th January, a Panchayat-level Chinmaya Mahila Mandal Samvad (Dialogue) was organized on the occasion of Swami Vivekananda Jayanti to commemorate the spirit of national revival. The event brought together nearly 400 participants, demonstrating enhanced confidence among women, increased community participation, and strengthened engagement with local leadership and governance institutions.

What stood out most was the sense of momentum — communities beginning to organise, step forward, and shape their own path with steady support. CORD is presently intensifying its comprehensive integrated rural development models across– Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, West Bengal and Tripura.

Leadership grows through learning, persistence, and the courage to stand up for others. With capacity-building support from CORD and other agencies, Gouri Oram from Lathikata, Odisha has strengthened her confidence and now trains Community-Based Organizations while supporting Mahila Mandals and Self Help Groups in her area.

She also addresses critical social issues like child marriage, alcoholism, domestic conflicts, and village disputes, while helping vulnerable families access essential entitlements and emergency support.

Her journey shows how empowered individuals can become a strong support system for their entire community.