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The Youth Policy Lab is YOGI's research and knowledge initiative that enables young people to investigate pressing social, environmental, and governance challenges through field-based inquiry and policy engagement. Rooted in the belief that communities understand their realities best, the Lab supports youth researchers in documenting local issues, amplifying under-represented voices, and generating evidence that can inform public dialogue and decision-making. Through mentorship, fieldwork, writing, and interdisciplinary learning, the Youth Policy Lab seeks to bridge the gap between grassroots experiences and policy processes.
The Youth Policy Lab is YOGI's research and knowledge initiative that enables young people to investigate pressing social, environmental, and governance challenges through field-based inquiry and policy engagement. Rooted in the belief that communities understand their realities best, the Lab supports youth researchers in documenting local issues, amplifying under-represented voices, and generating evidence that can inform public dialogue and decision-making. Through mentorship, fieldwork, writing, and interdisciplinary learning, the Youth Policy Lab seeks to bridge the gap between grassroots experiences and policy processes.
The Lab focuses particularly on themes such as water governance, ecological restoration, climate resilience, livelihoods, youth development, and sustainable urban futures. By encouraging young researchers to study the places they come from and care about, the initiative contributes to a growing body of locally grounded knowledge while nurturing the next generation of civic leaders, researchers, and changemakers.
The Lab focuses particularly on themes such as water governance, ecological restoration, climate resilience, livelihoods, youth development, and sustainable urban futures. By encouraging young researchers to study the places they come from and care about, the initiative contributes to a growing body of locally grounded knowledge while nurturing the next generation of civic leaders, researchers, and changemakers.
Anjaneya: The Daughters and Sons of Anjani
Anjaneya: The Daughters and Sons of Anjani
Author: Shreesai Kharat
Anjaneya: The Daughters and Sons of Anjani is a narrative documentation of the invisible relationships between the Anjani River and the communities whose lives depend upon it. Developed under YOGI's Youth Policy Lab, the book moves beyond conventional environmental reporting to explore the lived realities of potters, fishers, stone artisans, and farming communities whose livelihoods, identities, and cultural traditions are deeply connected to the river. Through immersive fieldwork and storytelling, the publication brings forward voices that are often absent from mainstream discussions on development, conservation, and water governance.
At its core, the book is an exploration of how ecological change affects people in profound and often overlooked ways. It documents the impacts of changing river systems, declining traditional occupations, invasive species, infrastructure interventions, market transformations, and climate-related challenges on river-dependent communities. By weaving together personal stories, local knowledge, and reflections on development, Anjaneya invites readers to see rivers not merely as sources of water but as living systems that shape economies, cultures, and ways of life. The publication serves as both a documentation of local realities and a reminder that meaningful conservation must begin with listening to the people and ecosystems most closely connected to the landscape.
Saving Mehrun Lake: Balancing Heritage and Development
Saving Mehrun Lake: Balancing Heritage and Development
Authors: Aryan K. Sasidharan, Manasi Auti, Bajrang Maghade
Editors: Yash Sharma, Girish Patil
Saving Mehrun Lake: Balancing Heritage and Development is a comprehensive study of one of Jalgaon's most significant urban water bodies and the challenges it faces in an era of rapid urbanisation. Combining ecological, historical, social, and policy perspectives, the report traces the evolution of Mehrun Lake from a culturally significant landscape to an ecosystem under increasing pressure. Through field research, stakeholder interactions, and environmental analysis, the study examines issues such as water pollution, biodiversity loss, invasive species, changing land-use patterns, and the growing disconnect between urban development and ecological conservation.
The report highlights the far-reaching consequences of ecological degradation on local communities, livelihoods, and cultural heritage while documenting both successful and unsuccessful conservation efforts. By situating Mehrun Lake within broader national and global discussions on urban lake management, the study offers valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, environmental practitioners, and citizens. More than a documentation of decline, the report serves as a call for collaborative action and presents pathways for balancing development with the protection of natural ecosystems that sustain urban life.
Jalgaon City Garden Audit
Jalgaon City Garden Audit
Editor: Rushikesh Mule
Jalgaon City Garden Audit: User's Perspective is a citizen-centred assessment of public gardens across Jalgaon city, examining how these spaces function from the perspective of the people who use them every day. Conducted under the Jagrik Fellowship and YOGI's Youth Policy Lab, the audit evaluates multiple public gardens on parameters such as basic infrastructure, maintenance, environmental health, safety, accessibility, and inclusion. Through field observations and systematic assessment, the report seeks to understand whether these public spaces are meeting the needs of children, senior citizens, women, persons with disabilities, and the wider community.
The report identifies both successful examples and areas requiring urgent attention, highlighting issues such as inadequate amenities, poor accessibility, lack of maintenance, safety concerns, and gaps in inclusive design. At the same time, it demonstrates the importance of well-maintained gardens as essential urban commons that contribute to public health, recreation, social interaction, and environmental well-being. By presenting practical observations and recommendations, the audit aims to support municipal authorities, citizens, and community stakeholders in creating greener, safer, and more welcoming public spaces for everyone in Jalgaon.
Read the full report.
Jalgaon City Vision Document
Jalgaon City Vision Document
Author: Girish G. Patil
This City Vision Document was developed by Girish G. Patil as part of the Nāgrika Fellowship, a programme designed to help young people engage deeply with the social, cultural, environmental, and governance realities of their cities by Nagrika Policy Research Foundation. Drawing on conversations with residents from diverse backgrounds, the document captures how people experience Jalgaon in their everyday lives, the places they cherish, the challenges they face, and their hopes for the city's future. Rather than presenting a technical urban plan, it offers a citizen-led narrative that places lived experiences, local knowledge, and community aspirations at the centre of urban development.
The report explores key themes including identity, belonging, public spaces, mobility, environment, governance, youth aspirations, and quality of life. Through stories, observations, and reflections, it highlights both the strengths and challenges of a rapidly changing city while encouraging dialogue about the future Jalgaon deserves. This document demonstrates the importance of youth-led research and civic engagement in shaping more inclusive, sustainable, and people-centred cities.
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