About

Science with people at the centre

A non profit research and development institute in Dehradun. At work since 1988.

Trainees gather round a surveying instrument outdoors — Field training. Photo supplied by PSI.

How PSI began

An experiment that grew.

In 1988, inspired by nation building, a group of young IITians chose a different path. They backed participatory development. They put citizens rights at the centre.

What began as an experiment grew into the Peoples Science Institute. For over 35 years, PSI has worked to lift communities through sustainable development and public interest research.

At PSI, empowerment is not a buzzword. It is a daily commitment. People stay at the heart of development.

Vision and mission

Progress that respects nature.

PSI works for a society where progress comes from sustainability. It helps communities become self reliant. It supports the democratic, equitable and productive use of resources.

The first goal was to fight poverty through joint work. The goal is wider now. The zeal is the same.

A blue water tank in a dry valley with pine covered hills behind — Water stored close to villages. Photo supplied by PSI.

Women sit together on the ground for a village mapping session while one marks a chart — Communities plan together. Photo supplied by PSI.

Values

Sustainability. Equity. Participation.

Lasting progress needs all three.

Communities decide

Communities take part in decisions. That strengthens grassroots democracy.

Two kinds of knowledge

Local knowledge sits beside scientific knowledge.

Womens work counts

Womens unpaid work counts. Plans reflect womens needs and contributions.

PSI aims to improve livelihoods, protect the environment, and help communities decide their own futures.

Approach

Research first. Local needs first.

PSI joins deep research and technical skill with lived experience. Local needs form the base. Strong local institutions follow. Solutions stay practical and can travel to new places.

Community ownership brings self reliance and fair use of resources. Three decades of work show that this approach lasts.

Collaboration puts research into practice. PSI works with government bodies and local voluntary groups. It builds skill through technical support, consultancy and knowledge sharing.

What makes PSI different

Research to action, at scale.

PSI links research and technical skill with community led action. Programmes such as Sukha Mukti Abhiyan and Gram Swaraj Abhiyan show the method. Communities gain the capacity to run and sustain work themselves.

Innovation covers technology, social processes and programme rules. PSI makes technical knowledge simple and useful.

Past work includes earthquake safe rural housing, water management technology, environmental quality monitoring, traditional water systems, and studies of womens work in the central western Himalayas. In 1996, CAPART selected PSI to give training and development support across northern India.

Campus and legal status

A home base in Dehradun.

PSI has its own eco friendly campus in Dehradun.

Labs: Geographical Information Systems and Environmental Quality Monitoring.
Library: A small library of over 3,000 books.
Registration: Registered as a society (S/19082, 27 June 1988) under the Societies Act, 1860.
Tax status: Donations qualify for tax exemption under Section 80G, as stated in the draft.

Recognition note: Dr Ravi Chopra has served on central and state government committees, as stated in the draft.