Saba will identify and document Vimukt Adivasi (Pasamanda) communities in Madhya Pradesh to enable their transition into mainstream society. And Raj plans to study the impact of the land acquisition and construction done for the Purvanchal Expressway on small and marginal farmers.

Saba Khan

Saba is from Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh and has been working in the field of social justice for the last 14 years in different parts of Madhya Pradesh. She has been trying to create space for the voices of marginalized and deprived communities, be it the voices of tribal children or the stories of exploitation of tribal women. She has been working to bring them out and connect them with avenues of access to justice. Presently, she is working with Pasmanda and Dalit tribal communities. Through the Inlaks Shivdasani Fellowship for Social Engagement, she will continue this work. She will identify Vimukt Adivasi (Pasamanda) communities in 4 districts of Madhya Pradesh, document them and their social conditions to enable their transition into mainstream society. She will also create community awareness and advocacy on the issues affecting them and will work closely with the government to improve access to entitlements and access to justice.

Raj Shekhar

Raj Shekhar is a researcher from Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, engaged in the understanding challenges small and marginal farmers face He has worked with the people-led Right to Food Campaign as National Coordinator and volunteered in various other social movements. His commitment to these movements has equipped him with organizational and mobilizing capabilities at the grassroots level.

To take forward these learnings and experience, he plans to study the impact of the land acquisition and construction done for the Purvanchal Expressway on small and marginal farmers. Through this study, he wants to contribute towards bringing the critical concerns and demands of farmers to the center stage. Prioritizing inclusive efforts without diminishing the opportunities of the future, and thereby building a model of development that includes every section of society, is the need of the hour. Raj Shekhar believes this is important and attainable with the efforts and advocacy of young people like himself.