PAIGAM is an action-research and media advocacy network of scholars, activists, and practitioners with a mission of redistributing social good through a participatory approach. As an aggregator of social efforts, we attempt to act as a bridge between academia, media, policy and activism at local and national levels.
Our work, philosophy and aim is very much focused on the foundations of our society - Shramik (labour), Kisan (Farmer), Mahila (women) and Paryavaran (envrioment) who are pushed to the margins and whom each of our work aims to mainstreamise.
Our vision therefore is to address social, economic, political, knowledge, technological, ecological and other forms of inequities and injustices operating at various levels.
Our young and dynamic multi-disciplinary team of scholars, activists, journalists, lawyers and grassroots community leaders allow us to produce ground-breaking and evidence-based research and stories directly from the field.
Our collaborative spirit is also reflected in the support we offer to our partnering organisations working at grassroots levels in advocacy and to reach more people using a variety of digital technologies and participatory research methods.
PAIGAM was registered as a not-for-profit company (under section-8 of the Company’s Act 2013) on 21st October 2019.
Our Work
Our Expertise
Surveys by trained researchers gather socio-economic data. Analyze data, assess impacts, review policies, and create reports for community sharing.
Creating engaging documentaries, videos, and podcasts with insightful interviews in the "Jan-PAIGAM" series. Launching online awareness campaigns via our Socio-Labs initiative.
Creating written and A/V content in Hindi and English, designing logos and posters, and providing transcription and translation support. Managing websites and social media, and executing events on social issues.
Training grassroots actors and students through tailored modules on advocacy and activism. Conducting workshops on action-research and using digital media to enhance their work.
Providing training in media advocacy and digital activism through a flagship fellowship program. Organizing events and offering logistical support, along with research and report writing.
Our Network
Our ongoing endeavors have allowed us to structure an extensive web of change agents, individuals from diverse social strata sharing our mission of societal fairness. This web includes labor unions, academicians, political activists, welfare workers, and innumerable others who've played a key role in realizing our goals. We're strategically situated in the country's core, New Delhi, acting as an initiator in rallying people, augmenting voices, and aiding studies that pave the way for structural renovation. Our web has exemplified that even in the face of substantial hurdles, in times of dire need, those bearing the most risks continue to unite for communal welfare.
The motivation behind this study was to establish a solid foundation of reference data, recognizing that without reliable information, app-based workers across India could face significant challenges as local authorities move toward policy regulation. This research aims to address the gap in policy formation by providing essential data that reflects the realities of these workers' lives.
Our study seeks to return to the drivers and riders something they already possess—the knowledge of their day-to-day operations—by systematically gathering and analyzing their experiences. With over 10,000 surveys collected from 8 cities across India, this research stands as one of the most comprehensive studies in the sector to date. We are optimistic that we have succeeded in establishing a baseline standard for industry data, and we hope that future research will build upon and exceed the benchmark we have set.
PAIGAM SocioLabs
SocioLabs is a platform that focuses on understanding societal issues in seven core areas: Agriculture, Legal, Education, Labor, Green, Gender, and Health. Through specialized "Labs," it presents discussions, trending news, and data to highlight challenges and opportunities in each sector. The platform encourages informed conversations and shapes future solutions to societal problems.
Our Partners
Our Team
Dr. Akriti Bhatia
Founder and
Executive Director
Nandini Chauhan
Content Head
Sukriti Bhatia
Content Manager
Kafeel Ahmad
Farooqi
Production Head
Vivek
Field Coordinator
Aishwarya Raut
HR Manager
Paulomey
Field Researcher and
Translator
Aniket
Video Editor
Sidhant Bhutani
Graphics and Web
Designer
Dr. Abhinav Tyagi
Policy Expert
Pushp Raj
Field Coordinator
Akbar Ali
Community Leader
Rita Kumari
Community Leader
Shivam
Technology Manager
Ann Florence
PAIGAM Fellow
Virtu
PAIGAM Fellow