Project DEFY

2.2 square meters.
That is the shrinking reality of open space per person in Bengaluru.

As neighborhoods urbanize, shared practices fade and people stop engaging with their surroundings.

If you know how to make jasmine sambar, you might be helping preserve the commons of Bengaluru.

This post introduces CounterAlt, a new digital space by Project DEFY for research, stories, and ideas that question how we learn and live today.

In our first feature, we explore how community knowledge sustains ecosystems and redefines education. We look at the Sathanur Nook, where local women use jasmine leaves for heart health—transforming “outdated” tradition into a vital tool for survival.

What’s a local practice you’re keeping alive?
Comment below 👇

🔗 Link in below for the full story on CounterAlt
https://open.substack.com/pub/thecounteralt/p/the-story-of-the-oleander?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web

For the past two years, DISPECS has been growing steadily on the ground in Eratari, Assam, shaped patiently alongside the community by Dheeraj Tiwari and Kareena Bordoloi. What began as careful, relational work is now expanding, as new people join and the program deepens its roots across the region.

The DISPECS team today reflects this growth. Raju Das and Bipul Das, our new DISPECS Fellows, are now part of the team on the ground, bringing fresh energy and commitment. Dursmita, our new Community Facilitator and a young Gandhi Fellow, is stewarding DeCENTR with care and clarity.

Recently, the team visited Tamul Plates in Tihu, Assam, where fallen areca nut palm leaves are transformed into biodegradable, compostable tableware. Beyond the environmental impact, the visit offered a compelling example of rural entrepreneurship : decentralised, women-led production units, strong market linkages, and ownership that remains rooted within the community.

Conversations like these reaffirm what DISPECS stands for: a holistic approach to community disaster preparedness, one that goes beyond response and infrastructure, and actively strengthens livelihoods, agency, and local ecosystems.

Grateful to Arindam Dasgupta, Co-founder and CEO of Tamul Plates, for hosting us and opening up space for learning and collaboration.

When India chose its Constitution in 1950, it chose to trust its people. At Project DEFY, we see that trust in everyday moments, communities making shared decisions, valuing local knowledge, and people building the lives they want to live. Wishing you a proud 77th Republic Day. 🇮🇳❤️

We have an exciting opportunity open at Project DEFY!

We’re looking for a Community Fellow who’s passionate about co-leading innovative, grassroots learning spaces. This role is about supporting self-designed learners, creating meaningful and hands-on learning experiences, and being part of a global movement reimagining education.

If you’re excited to experiment, solve real-world challenges, and grow alongside learners, we’d love to hear from you.

Job description: https://bit.ly/3ZrEND9
Apply here: https://bit.ly/3YUUX7X

Last week the JP Nagar Nook in Bengaluru hosted the team from The Social Venture Partners (SVP) India.

There were a lot of conversations, listening circles and discussions about the Nook space, philosophy and the way learners experience it.

Our guests at the space were “Sweetly Surpised” when the Nook Fellows held a DIY baking session along with the Learners and Community members. Everyone present baked a little, and learnt a little. Sweet treats and a lot of Fun!

Wishing you and your loved ones a very Happy New Year 🥁✨
With best wishes as the new year begins.

Sending warm Christmas wishes to you and your loved ones, from all of us at Project DEFY. 🎄✨

We’re cheering loudly for our very own Gilbert Rupere as he delivers his first Kanthari Talk as part of the Impact Leadership Program!

From serving as the Innovation Fellow at the Matibi Nook in Zimbabwe to becoming a Kanthari participant, Gilbert continues to show what fearless, community-rooted leadership looks like.

Through Ecowise, he’s bringing together youth, sports, and environmental action to tackle interconnected ecological, social, and economic challenges, turning obstacles into opportunities for community resilience.

Join us in celebrating his journey at Kanthari TALKS, an event that honours changemakers turning vision into impact.

🎤 Free entry. Limited seats.
Register now: kantharitalks.org

Are you someone with a keen eye for visual design and a unique sense of storytelling?

We’re looking for our next creative champion to join Project DEFY’s communications team!

As part of our core team, you’ll help bring stories to life by shaping narratives around Project DEFY’s work and the Nook movement that’s redefining learning across Asia and Africa.

Apply here: https://bit.ly/46TjCgH
JD: https://bit.ly/4nF9OOI