https://tiss.edu/view/11/projects/integrated-rural-health-and-development-project/

Pragati - IRHDP प्रगती प्रकल्प, Aaghai, Shahapur (2026)

08/04/2026

🏆 A Proud Moment for Pragati – IRHDP! 🏆

We’re so happy to share that Garelpada School has achieved 🥇 1st Rank at the Taluka Level and 🥉 3rd Rank in Thane District in the School Kitchen Garden Competition!

This achievement truly shows what can happen when everyone comes together. The hard work of students, teachers, parents, and the Pragati – IRHDP team has made this possible.

✨ Our contribution at Pragati – IRHDP included: Spreading awareness about the scheme among parents and teachers, conducting training sessions to build skills and knowledge, providing seeds (4 times) for continuous gardening, supporting irrigation systems like drip and sprinkler, helping with fencing to protect the garden, giving continuous guidance and support throughout.

Through the PM POSHAN Scheme, this initiative is not just about gardening—it’s about better nutrition, learning by doing, and building a sustainable future for children.

The results are out, and we are now looking forward to the award ceremony!

👏 Heartfelt congratulations to everyone who contributed to this success. This is just the beginning—we will keep growing, learning, and making a difference together.

21/03/2026

Beads, Bonds & Inclusive Skills
At Koshimbde.

women came together—caregivers and mental health users—not just to learn, but to share laughter, creativity, and quiet moments of healing.

Through traditional jewellery-making—Nath, Rings, Earrings, Bugadi, Invisible Necklace, U-Pin, and Mangalsutra Pendants—guided by Mrs. Janhvi Mali.

every bead became a thread of connection, confidence, and joy. Because inclusive spaces don’t just build skills—they nurture belonging, well-being, and growth.

This is a collaborative initiative of Pragati and The Banyan

20/03/2026

✨ Empowering Frontline Health Workers for Better Maternal & Child Health 👶🤱

The Pragati Project (TISS) successfully organized a series of two intensive training workshops on Effective Breastfeeding Practices for ASHA workers of Aghai PHC, aiming to strengthen grassroots healthcare delivery and promote healthy early childhood development.

📍 Batch 1: Aghai
12 & 13 March 2026
Venue: Aghai
Participants: 20 ASHA workers from 4 sub-centres
📍 Batch 2: Shahapur
17 & 18 March 2026
Venue: Shahapur
Participants: 21 ASHA workers & 4 ASHA supervisors from the remaining 3 sub-centres

These workshops were designed to enhance the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills of frontline health workers in promoting optimal breastfeeding and infant care practices at the community level.

Key Highlights of the Training:
Importance of early initiation of breastfeeding, Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, Correct positioning and latching techniques, Addressing common breastfeeding challenges, Infant care during the critical first 1000 days, Role plays and hands-on practical demonstrations.

The sessions were facilitated by expert trainers from Nourish 1000 Days, including:
Dr. Pooja Singhania
Dr. Simran Bagwan
Dr. Shilpi Malhotra
Ms. Vaishnavi Sunildev

The second batch training was conducted under the valuable guidance and presence of: TMO – Mrs. Bhagyashree Sonpimpale
Medical Officer – Mrs. Rupali Shendge
Health Assistant – Mr. Shivaji Pagar
Taluka Nursing Officer – Mrs. Jyoti Pawar
The workshops were highly interactive, engaging participants through discussions, practical sessions, and experience sharing, ensuring effective learning and real-world application.
With the successful completion of both batches, all 7 sub-centres of Aghai PHC have been covered, marking an important milestone in strengthening community health systems. These trained ASHA workers will play a vital role in improving breastfeeding practices, reducing infant health risks, and promoting the overall well-being of mothers and children.

18/03/2026

On World Social Work Day, in the spirit of Harambee—pulling together—we honour the extraordinary strength of women whose journeys speak of courage, persistence, and transformation.

They may be called “simple,” but their lives reflect powerful change and quiet determination.

Rajeshvari Katkar—an engineer turned grassroots social worker—brings clarity, tireless energy, and a deep sense of dignity to everything she does. She continues to grow while supporting other women to find their own paths.

Ranjana Tai and Janvi Tai, embody journeys of transformation that inspire.

Ranjana Tai completing her 10th standard in her mid-40s is not just a milestone—it is a reminder that learning and growth have no age. Today, she brings women together, strengthening community bonds.

Janvi Tai’s journey reflects the power of sharing skills and building confidence. She works closely with women in padas and young girls, opening up spaces for learning, self-belief, and new possibilities.

These are not just individual stories—they are shifts in what feels possible within communities. They are true warriors—not in noise, but in resilience. Not in recognition, but in the everyday changes they nurture.

This is Harambee in action—women pulling together, supporting one another, and co-creating hope and harmony where it is needed the most.

CommunityTransformation

17/03/2026

🌱 Farmers’ Mela at TISS | Promoting Sustainable Agriculture & Local Seeds 🌾

The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), through its School of Social Work, successfully organized a Farmers’ Mela under the Viksit Bharat 2047 initiative. The event brought together farmers, students, faculty, and partner organizations to celebrate agricultural knowledge, local traditions, and sustainable practices.

The Pragati – Integrated Rural Health and Development Project (IRHDP) has been working closely with rural farming communities for several years, focusing on land development, water resource management, farmer training, and the preservation of traditional seeds and crops.

Over the past six years, the project has supported the plantation of 15,500 saplings, mainly fruit trees—contributing to environmental conservation, improved nutrition, and enhanced livelihoods. Initiatives like kitchen gardens and mogra cultivation have further strengthened crop diversity and income opportunities.

Farmers from the Aghai region showcased millets, pulses, indigenous and endangered plant seeds, along with traditional and modern agricultural tools. The exhibition highlighted the importance of biodiversity, local crops, and sustainable farming practices.

The event was graced by Prof. Bipin Jojo, Prof. Mouleshwari Vyas, and Prof. Ashabanu Soletti, who felicitated the farmers and appreciated their invaluable contributions.

The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Smitha Nair, acknowledging the participation and support of all stakeholders.

✨ This mela served as a vibrant platform for dialogue, learning, and collaboration—reinforcing the need for partnership-driven, sustainable rural development in the face of climate change and evolving agricultural challenges.

🌱

14/03/2026

✨ Empowering Teachers, Transforming Classrooms✨

A successful English Language Teaching Techniques Training Workshop was conducted at Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, on 12 March 2026 by Pragati – Integrated Rural Health and Development Project (IRHDP).

A total of 21 teachers, including a ZP School Cluster Head, ZP School teachers, and Ashram School teachers, actively participated in the workshop. The session used interactive methods such as digital learning tools and virtual picture experiences to demonstrate engaging ways of teaching English in classrooms.

Teachers also shared their school experiences, classroom challenges, and the activities they conduct with students. Many participants reflected on the importance of such training programs in improving their teaching practices and making English learning more engaging for children.

The workshop concluded with certificate distribution and reflections, marking a meaningful step toward improving classroom teaching practices.

Special thanks to Dr. Anusha Ramnathan and Ms. Shreyasi Mitra for their valuable support and guidance.

09/03/2026

✨ International Women’s Day Celebration at Palichapada ✨

Pragati – Integrated Rural Health and Development Project (IRHDP) celebrated International Women’s Day with the community at Palichapada, creating a meaningful space to recognize and celebrate the strength of women.

As part of the program, our real “Super Women” – the Pada Workers shared their personal life stories. Their journeys of courage, struggle, and determination deeply inspired other women from the community. Motivated by their stories, many women confidently came forward to share their own experiences and voices.

The celebration was filled with warmth and joy as community members came together to sing, dance, and celebrate womanhood. The event highlighted the power of collective support, resilience, and the importance of women uplifting one another.

🌸 A heartfelt salute to all the strong women who continue to inspire change in their communities!

🌸💜

05/03/2026

✨ Bal Mela 2026 – A Celebration of Young Talent, Motivation & Togetherness ✨

Pragati – IRHDP, in collaboration with Zilha Parishad Cluster, Aghai, successfully organized Bal Mela 2026, creating a joyful and inspiring platform for young children to express their talents, build confidence, and learn through participation.

Students from 14 schools participated enthusiastically in a variety of activities, including: Drawing Competition, Running Race, Best Out of Waste, Dance Performances, Fancy Dress Competition
The energy, confidence, and creativity displayed by the children were truly heartwarming. Their performances reflected not only their hidden talents and motivation, but also the constant guidance and encouragement of their teachers.

An Educational Materials Making Competition was also organized for teachers, showcasing innovative teaching ideas, creativity, and learner-friendly educational tools that make classroom learning more effective and enjoyable.

The success of Bal Mela 2026 was made possible through the collective efforts of our students, dedicated teachers, supportive parents, and the committed Pragati – IRHDP team, Field work students, whose teamwork created a memorable experience for everyone involved 🤝

The event was further enriched by the gracious presence of special visitors from the UK: Prof. Michael Wilson, Dr. Robert Harland, Dr. Fred Dalmasso, Alma Solarte-Tobon.
Their visit greatly motivated both students and teachers, adding an international perspective and making the occasion even more inspiring 🌍✨

A day filled with smiles, confidence, teamwork, and joyful learning — truly celebrating the spirit of holistic education.

06/02/2026

Training on Nutrition and Hygiene for Anganwadi Helpers

A two-day training programme on “Nutrition and Hygiene for Anganwadi Helpers” was successfully conducted on 4th and 5th February 2026 under the guidance of Ms. Minal Sawant. A total of 31 Anganwadi Helpers participated in the training. The programme aimed to strengthen the knowledge and practical skills of Anganwadi Helpers to improve the health and nutrition of beneficiary children.

The sessions covered important topics such as personal hygiene, cleanliness of hands and kitchen spaces, food safety through case studies, balanced diet, child nutrition, the food pyramid, and various methods of cooking. Special emphasis was given to fuel-saving cooking practices and techniques for retaining nutrients while preparing meals. Participants also gained a clear understanding of the importance of the first 1,000 days of life and the critical role of nutrition during this period.

Interactive group activities were organized to help participants apply the learnings in their daily work. A pre- and post-training assessment was conducted to assess improvements in the knowledge and skills of the participants.

On Day 2, a live kitchen demonstration was conducted, during which participants prepared a nutritious menu including Rice, Bajra Bhakari, Sprout Ussal, Besan Pithal, Flaxseed Chutney, Koshimbir, Nachni Kheer, and Haleem Kheer. The training was well received and proved effective in building practical, health-focused skills among the participants.

👏 A step towards stronger nutrition practices and healthier futures!

-TISS

26/01/2026

🇮🇳 Happy Republic Day 🇮🇳

26/01/2026

Republic Day celebrations at Pragati – IRHDP were marked by a strong sense of pride, reflection, and togetherness, as we celebrated the day along with the school and the community we work closely with. 🇮🇳

The event was honoured by the presence of Dr. Smitha Ma’am, Co-Director of Pragati – IRHDP, who joined us as the Chief Guest at the Zilla Parishad School, Garelpada, Aghai, Shahpur. Her presence and words reinforced the importance of upholding constitutional values through committed grassroots work and meaningful community engagement.

As the tricolour was hoisted, students, teachers, community members, and the Pragati team came together to reflect on the ideals of justice, equality, and fraternity — principles that guide our ongoing work in rural and tribal development. The celebration served as a reminder that democracy is strengthened when development is inclusive, people-centred, and rooted in local partnerships.

The day highlighted how leadership, collective participation, and everyday action — within schools and communities — come together in the process of nation-building. We move forward inspired to continue working alongside our communities towards a more just and equitable society.

Happy Republic Day. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳✨

🇮🇳

Pragati - IRHDP प्रगती प्रकल्प

08/04/2026

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17/03/2026

14/03/2026

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