PAFI Team visit to Deoria
at the launch of
Deoria Development Alliance (DDA)
A delegation from PAFI attended the launch of Deoria Development Alliance, which turned out to be two days full of inspiration and learning. Deoria Development Alliance is one of the most unique initiatives undertaken for holistic economic development of a district in India. At the core of Deoria Development Alliance lies the Project Amrit Prayas which focusses on key growth sectors like agriculture, social and economic infrastructure, and electronics and space industry. Antara Khaitan from Shri. Shashank Mani ji’s team and Piyush Doshi from The Convergence Foundation and Foundation For Economic Development (FED) presented the Amrit Prayas vision. Shri. Shashank Mani, Jagriti Enterprise Centre - Purvanchal and Bargad Amrit Sangathan are at the helm of this initiative.
Day 1
The first day of the event revolved around shaping a vision for Deoria’s economic development while preserving its cultural heritage. MP Shashank Mani opened with a compelling address on the importance of bottom-up approaches that harness human potential within the region. Piyush Doshi from TCF emphasized the need for long-term empowerment over welfare schemes, advocating for sustainable growth to uplift the district.
A panel discussion followed, featuring various stakeholders in development, including Ajay Khanna, co-founder of PAFI, explored foundational improvements in education, healthcare, and connectivity, alongside sector-specific advancements in agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, and space. Key strategies included NGO collaborations for teacher training, vocational education, and sustainability efforts to address plastic waste challenges. The discussion emphasized women’s entrepreneurship, ease of doing business, and institutional sports development.
Entrepreneurs shared their reflections on the proposed initiatives, outlining commitments and support needed from the ecosystem. Suggestions included appointing dedicated ambassadors for Deoria’s development at state and national levels to overcome bureaucratic hurdles. Localizing SDG goals at panchayat levels was recommended to enhance grassroots involvement in governance. Recognizing MSMEs was deemed vital for fostering community acceptance and promoting entrepreneurial lifestyles, ensuring inclusive growth beyond unicorn-focused narratives.
Day 2
Our second day in Deoria was a testament to the power of entrepreneurship and collective progress. Here’s a glimpse into the incredible journeys we witnessed:
- Pellet Fuel Production – A biomass waste-to-energy enterprise by Mohit, overcoming logistical and operational challenges with unwavering dedication and entrepreneurial grit.
- Camphor Manufacturing – Poonam, a remarkable woman built her business from scratch using YouTube tutorials, breaking cultural barriers to deliver quality products. With JECP’s (Jagriti Enterprise Centre - Purvanchal) help, her family has expanded operations online.
- Call Centre – A call center run by Rahul Singh, supporting Amazon’s operations, where local youth—especially women—are developing valuable soft skills for better career opportunities.
- Handicrafts Centre - A terracotta handicraft site Anshima Terrakriti run by Kalyani Kirti Singh, where artisans are crafting and selling unique products, keeping traditional art alive while fostering entrepreneurship.
The day ended with a powerful Mashal March, pledging commitment to Deoria’s growth. The energy, resilience, and aspirations we witnessed were truly inspiring!
