I am  Nandini Sahu, have been working with Khoj Avam Jan Jagruti Samiti (KHOJ) for nearly 13 years. During this time, I have had the opportunity to work closely with communities and contribute to efforts related to their rights, livelihoods, and social development. Working with KHOJ has been a very positive and inspiring experience. The organization feels like a family, where everyone works together with dedication and cooperation. Through my association with KHOJ, I have gained a deeper understanding of the importance of forests and natural resources in the lives of local communities, and I feel proud to be part of this journey.

I have been associated with Khoj Avam Jan Jagruti Samiti since 2010–11. Over the years, I have contributed to strengthening the organization’s financial systems and supporting the smooth implementation of various projects.

Starting my journey as an Accountant and MIS Officer, I gradually took on broader responsibilities and have been managing the centralized accounts and financial operations of multiple projects since 2013–14. My work focuses on ensuring transparency, compliance, and efficient financial management within the organization.

Working with Khoj has also allowed me to build skills in MIS management, GPS mapping, program reporting, and HR coordination. Being part of an organization committed to community development continues to motivate me to maintain strong financial systems that support impactful grassroots work.

I have been working with Khoj Avam Jan Jagruti Samiti for the past 10 years. This journey has given me the opportunity to work closely with communities on issues related to forest rights, livelihoods, and local governance.

Through Khoj’s work on Community Forest Resource (CFR) rights, I have seen how empowering Gram Sabhas enables communities to protect and manage their forests more responsibly. It is inspiring to see villagers come together to conserve forests, protect biodiversity, and strengthen their livelihoods.

Working with Khoj has also helped me understand the deep connection between communities and forests, including their traditional knowledge and sustainable practices. Being part of this work continues to motivate me to support community-led forest governance and conservation.

KHOJ helped us understand that forests can support sustainable livelihoods if they are protected and managed properly. Through their programs, women in our village became involved in forest-based livelihoods and community activities. Today we are earning small incomes while also taking responsibility for forest protection.

Through KHOJ’s support, women in our village became involved not only in forest protection but also in livelihood activities. We learned about sustainable collection of forest produce and opportunities like kosa-based work. These initiatives helped women earn income while also protecting the forest we depend on.

KHOJ helped us understand that the forest is our collective resource and its protection is our shared responsibility. Today people in our village actively participate in protecting and conserving the forest.

KHOJ has stood with our village for many years, helping us understand our rights and responsibilities over our forests and natural resources. Through their continuous support, our community has become more organized and confident in managing our forest collectively. They did not just guide us once; they walked with us through every step, from strengthening our Gram Sabha to building local leadership. Today, our village feels stronger because we know how to protect and manage our forest for future generations.

Khoj has proved that a grassroot organisation has immense potential to influence policy and narrative by partnering with community collectives. Beni, Saraswati and every member of Khoj live the dream of making Gram Sabha as custodian of forest commons. They challenge themselves and innovate processes for making the gram sabha members active, alert, organise and accountable for the protection and conservation of their landscape. Idea of Gram Sabha resource centre, presence of women members in Gram Sabha, and federation of villages are few of such thoughtful practices. In this journey, they have gained the trust of both community and government and become a strong voice of civil societies in implementation of forest right act, right to food and livelihood security. My sincere gratitude for Khoj Team! Zindabad!

“Our collaboration with KHOJ in Chhattisgarh has focused on strengthening community management of forest resources and addressing related policy issues. KHOJ has a strong presence in the field and brings substantial experience in community institutional development, which is critical for enabling effective community governance of forests and natural resources. Their sustained engagement with forest-dependent communities and their ability to support and strengthen local institutions make them a credible and impactful organization in advancing community-led forest governance.”

“KHOJ Avam Jan Jagriti Samiti has been doing important grassroots work with forest-dependent communities. During my engagement with the organisation in the field, I found the team to be deeply grounded and closely connected with the communities they work with. Their approach reflects a strong commitment to strengthening community rights, supporting local governance of forests, and building long-term ecological resilience. Such field-driven efforts are critical for advancing environmental justice and democratic natural resource management.”