The Northeast Center of Equity Action on Integrated Development (NEAID) is a grassroots, not-for-profit, and apolitical organization led by individuals from Northeastern India. It focuses on catalyzing development in tribal and rural communities by improving two vital pillars—Quality Education and Health. Operating in some of the most underserved regions of the Northeast, NEAID believes that sustainable transformation can be achieved when families are empowered through good health and strong education. These two areas are seen as essential tools in breaking the cycle of poverty and fostering socioeconomic development. NEAID adopts a community-centered approach, promoting inclusivity and empowerment from within, especially among tribal populations. Its work is rooted in strengthening human capital—knowledge, skills, and health—which directly enhances national productivity and individual agency. Through its programs and fellowships, NEAID builds local capacity and nurtures leadership to create a ripple effect of positive change, particularly among children and youth in government school ecosystems. By focusing on the most marginalized, NEAID continues to stand as a visionary force for equity-driven and context-sensitive development across Assam and the broader Northeastern region.

The Akikaran Fellowship 2025 is a full-time, immersive initiative by NEAID targeting rural and tribal regions of Assam, specifically across Kamrup Rural, Morigaon, and Darrang districts. The fellowship is a unique opportunity for young changemakers from Assam to work on the frontlines of educational development in marginalized communities. Fellows will be placed in public schools where they will serve as catalysts for learning, supporting both students and educators in delivering quality education. They will implement pre-designed curricula and modules that foster holistic learning, with a special emphasis on experiential education and the inclusion of girls.

Each Fellow will be responsible for visiting 2–3 government schools daily, conducting sessions, supporting teachers, organizing hands-on activities, and assessing student learning outcomes. They will also play a critical role in tracking academic progress through formative assessments and baseline-endline data collection in collaboration with Program Associates. Through this fellowship, NEAID aims to create a strong network of educators and community leaders who are committed to long-term systemic change in education. Fellows also receive leadership training, mentorship, and support for personal and professional growth, making it a well-rounded program for individuals passionate about grassroots impact.

The Contrapuntal is an independent non-profit publication committed to delivering rigorously researched, accessible, and factually accurate journalism from a ground-up perspective. Inspired by Edward Said’s concept of contrapuntal reading, the publication examines the intertwined histories of colonizers and colonized, offering a nuanced approach to complex global issues. With a focus on political economy, migration, ecology, and culture, The Contrapuntal prioritizes people-centric stories, emphasizing voices often silenced and unpacking the structures that perpetuate such silencing. The platform rejects “objective truth” storytelling and false balance, instead aiming to critique oversimplified narratives, particularly those affecting the Global South. By uniting researchers, journalists, activists, artists, and critical thinkers, The Contrapuntal strives to provide diverse perspectives on contemporary global issues.

The Bridging Narratives Grant is an intersectional initiative funded by the International Institute of Social Studies (ISS) at Erasmus University Rotterdam. It aims to foster collaborative projects between independent journalists and social scientists, blending academic research and journalism to produce critical, people-centered narratives. The selected projects will address key global themes such as migration, political economy, ecology, and culture, highlighting their local implications through in-depth reporting. The goal is to create high-quality, participatory content that is disseminated through The Contrapuntal’s digital magazine. In addition to financial support, successful applicants will attend a workshop focused on journalism-research collaborations, culminating in an edited volume reflecting on the challenges and opportunities of merging the two fields.