About Us
For over four decades, Yugantar has worked at the intersection of equity, development, and democracy. Since 1980, it has engaged in research, advocacy, and community-based work to address systemic inequalities and strengthen access to rights and opportunities.
Our Roots
Yugantar began as India’s first feminist film collective, founded in 1980 by Deepa Dhanraj, Abha Bhaiya, Navroze Contractor, and Meera Rao. Over the decades, it has evolved into a multidisciplinary organisation working across research, policy, and grassroots engagement.
Our Vision in Action
We envision an India that honors individual freedoms and diverse traditions. We don’t just identify problems; we engage with the entire policy life cycle to create systemic change through three strategic pillars:
- Evidence-Based Research: Generating new perspectives to influence and shift policy agendas.
- Technological Innovation: Deploying cutting-edge tools and appropriate technologies to solve development challenges.
- Community Mobilization: Partnering with local organizations to articulate counter-narratives and demand accountability in the planning process.
Our Focus Areas
Yugantar works through implementation, research, and advocacy to strengthen systems and expand access. Its work focuses on:
- Local Governance & Economic Development
- Democratic Citizenship
- Social Justice
Across all areas, Yugantar integrates gender, development communication, and technology as cross-cutting themes.
Through partnerships at local, national, and international levels, Yugantar develops knowledge, implements programmes, and creates spaces for dialogue—ensuring that lived experiences shape more inclusive and responsive systems.
