Apna Adda brings together diverse relevant stakeholders—community members, partners, and experts—to explore real issues affecting urban informal settlements. Through curated discussions, it drives awareness, alignment, and collaborative action.

The Apna Adda will serve as a platform to:

·      Present findings from the SROI Study on the effectiveness of community collectives.

·      Amplify community voices through firsthand accounts by members of Civic Action Groups, Mother Support Groups, Youth Groups, and others.

·  Facilitate dialogue between corporate and nonprofit leaders to identify pathways for co-investing in sustainable community empowerment models.

·      Launch the Community Collectives Toolkit — a ready reckoner for organisations and funders seeking to build or support similar models.

·      Establish long-term collaborations between stakeholders to invest in locally rooted, citizen-led change in urban slums.

The event will place special focus on Health and Wellbeing, highlighting how community collectives bring change in everyday life:

Why It Matters:

• Engages changemakers from multiple sectors
• Fosters solutions through shared dialogue
• Deepens understanding of the urban poor’s lived reality

Our flagship annual event that brings the city’s attention to the stories, struggles, and aspirations of its invisible communities. Through music, theatre, and storytelling, it invites public and private stakeholders to engage with the reality of urban poverty—and act for inclusion.

Why It Matters:

• Brings community voices to citywide platforms
• Uses art to communicate urgent issues
• Influences decision-makers and shifts public narrative

Past Highlights:

Held every December, Apnalaya Week brings the spirit of volunteerism and people‑led change to the forefront. Aligned with global observances like International Volunteer Day and Human Rights Day, it highlights the work happening at the grassroots—led by the community.

Why It Matters:

• Spotlights the strength of local leadership
• Celebrates inclusive volunteerism
• Sparks motivation and learning across communities