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Sustainable Development from Local Perspective - A Community Effort | Mr. Nilesh Desai | TEDxSAIT

This talk highlights how real change begins at the grassroots. It explores how local communities, with their unique knowledge and collective effort, play a powerful role in driving sustainable development. Through real-life examples, the talk shows that building a better, greener future isn’t just a global goal—it’s a local journey. A Gandhian social activist dedicated to uplifting Bhil tribal communities in Madhya Pradesh. Since 1987, his work has impacted over 200,000 families in 2,500 villages through education, water conservation, sustainable agriculture, and women’s empowerment initiatives. Inspired by the Tilonia model of participatory development, he focuses on grassroots-driven change, including watershed development, organic farming, girl child education, and leadership programs for women. A recipient of prestigious awards like the National Youth Award, the Jamnalal Bajaj Award, the National Nanaji Deshmukh Samman, and the Tarun Bharat Paryavaran Sanrakshan Award, he was named one of the "Men of the Year" by The Week magazine in 2018. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

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