Embedding Measurement in Collectivisation
_edited.png)
Sindhanai Evaluators
Research and evaluation in the development sector often present an overly optimistic picture of progress—one that may not fully resonate with the lived realities of those at the margins. Social change is rarely linear; it can be slow, messy, and at times regressive. So why do many evaluations fail to capture this complexity? Much of it comes down to positionality and power—who gets to ask the questions, interpret the data, and define what counts as ‘progress’.
At Sindhanai, we believe this can shift. Through a contemplative pedagogy rooted in reflection and lived experience, we are working to diversify who evaluates and how. Our community of grassroots evaluators—emerging from across movements and marginalised locations—offers a critical, peer-informed voice that challenges dominant narratives.
This space highlights their journey, perspectives, and contributions to reshaping evaluation as a more inclusive, grounded, and transformative practice.
Meet the Evaluators!
Our dedicated team of Sindhanai evaluators with lived experiences bring a wealth of expertise to our projects. Contact them for collaboration opportunities.
Manujtha C
“I want to dismantle discrimination”
Tamil Nadu
Manjhuta C is a committed community researcher and evaluator based in Andipatti, Theni District, Tamil Nadu. Working closely with diverse communities, she believes that research is not just for experts, but also for everyday people who are deeply connected to their surroundings. Her approach emphasizes listening with care, offering guidance rooted in real-life experiences, and ensuring that community voices are heard and respected. For Manjhuta, ethical fieldwork means being kind, honest, and protective of people’s privacy—always aiming to do work that genuinely benefits the community.
Highest Qualification: Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
Experience: 8 years
Thematic Knowledge: Sanitation, Livelihood, Education, Women's Federation.
Technical skills:
-
Use of participatory methods and tools such as FGDs, Participatory mapping, Digital storytelling etc.
-
Field Research
-
Data Collection and Analysis
-
Report Writing
-
Facilitating Group Discussions
-
Transcription
-
Adept with Kobo Toolbox and MS Excel
Language skills: Proficient in Tamil
Research Experience:
Manjhuta C has practical experience working with sanitation workers and the Arunthathiyar community, focusing on issues of social justice and inclusion. Her field engagement is strengthened by her participation in three specialized community research training programs, which have equipped her with skills in ethical, participatory research. Her work reflects a deep commitment to highlighting the voices of marginalised groups and supporting them through respectful, community-driven approaches.
Bala Vidhya Devi
“As a community member myself, my experience in the field has taught me that true research isn't about extracting data, but about listening to stories and amplifying voices.”
Tamil Nadu
Bala Vidhya Devi E. is a community researcher and evaluator with 7 years of experience working with children, adolescents, workers, and local communities. Her work centres on community-driven research that prioritises ethical engagement, informed consent, and meaningful participation. Committed to amplifying community voices, she focuses on identifying needs and co-creating solutions that genuinely benefit the people she works with.
Highest Qualification: Bachelor of Science in Mathematics
Experience: 7 years in community research
Thematic Knowledge: Adolescent Education, Health, Data collection, Research, Community engagement, Fieldwork, Stakeholders engagement, Mental health, Gender, Workers Rights & Schemes
Technical skills:
-
Data collection
-
Use of participatory methods and tools such as FGDs, Participatory mapping, Digital Storytelling
-
Facilitating group discussions, FGDs, Participatory mapping, Digital storytelling
-
Transcription
-
Report Writing
-
Adept with Kobo Toolbox and MS Excel
Language skills: Proficient in Tamil and English
Research Experience:
Bala Vidhya Devi E. has extensively engaged with marginalised groups, including Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), children, adolescents, workers, and broader community members. Her work spans data collection, evaluation studies, field research, and training, reflecting a strong commitment to grassroots-level engagement. She has been certified in community research and training in Delhi and Bangalore.
Anil Balmiki
“Community research is a tool to bring about change in society, where the outcomes of the research can contribute to empowerment, equality, and social justice.”
Bihar
Anil Balmiki is an experienced Sindhanai researcher. He recently coordinated and was a part of the lead research team of a study on health of sanitation workers in 10 states across India. The study report titled Occupational Safety and Health of Sanitation Workers: Access to Protective Equipment and Services, is available here. Anil is the National Coordinator of South Asian Sanitation Worker and Labour Network (SASLN). He has worked extensively in the rehabilitation of manual scavengers.
Experience: 20 years in community mobilisation and research
Thematic Knowledge: Sanitation, Health, Education, Livelihood, Gender, Caste
Technical skills:
-
Data collection
-
Use of participatory methods and tool
-
Facilitating group discussions
-
Data analysis
-
Report Writing
-
Adept with Kobo Toolbox
Language skills: Proficient in Hindi
Research Experience:
Anil Kumar Balmiki has worked extensively with sanitation workers from all communities, including SC, ST, OBC. He has attended a training of trainers workshop on accessing Social Protection Schemes for the Sanitation and Manual scavenging workers held from 26 - 28 September, 2013 in Patna organised by ILO.
Akash Chhari
Madhya Pradesh
Akash is a dedicated Sindhanai researcher and evaluator based in Morena, Madhya Pradesh. Driven by the realities he sees around him, Akash is motivated to guide communities toward positive change, working alongside them to understand and improve their conditions. He believes that community research is about working in solidarity — understanding people’s situations by being with them, and supporting transformation from the ground up.
Experience: 2 years in field research and community engagement
Thematic Knowledge: Education, Community Change, Participatory Development
Technical skills:
-
Report writing
-
Participatory methods, including group discussions, community mapping, and digital storytelling
-
Use of Kobo Toolbox
Language skills: Proficient in Hindi
Research Experience:
Akash has worked closely with the Bediya community in Madhya Pradesh. Through field visits and participatory research, he aims to raise awareness and promote change from within. He has undergone both evaluator and HEAL training to support his work in field-based community assessments.
.
Baskar Mohan
Tamil Nadu
Highest Qualification: 10th Standard, with a Diploma in Tailoring
Experience: 20 years in community research
Thematic Knowledge: Health, Education, Gender, Livelihoods
Technical skills:
-
Data collection
-
Use of participatory methods and tool such as FGDs, Participatory mapping, Digital storytelling etc.
-
Data Analysis,
-
Community Mobilizing
-
Organising and Managing Events
-
Office Administration
-
Facilitating Group Discussions
-
Transcription
-
Adept with Kobo Toolbox and MS Excel
Language skills: Proficient in Tamil, English, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Hindi
Research Experience:
Baskar Mohan is a certified Community Evaluator and Researcher who has dedicated his work to empowering marginalised communities, including Scheduled Tribes (ST), LGBTQIA+ groups, and homeless populations. With hands-on experience in field research, community assessments, and grassroots engagement, he has contributed significantly to initiatives such as self-help group (SHG) formation, career guidance, and training programs. His insights are shaped by his participation in numerous international workshops and conferences, including the ICAAP Conferences in Bangkok and Bangladesh focused on HIV/AIDS, a CREA workshop in Nepal on gender equality, and a PRA workshop by PRAXIS. His commitment to inclusive development and social equity is reflected in every aspect of his fieldwork and advocacy.
Anju Kumari
Madhya Pradesh
Anju is a community researcher and evaluator based in Patna, Bihar. She became a community researcher to ensure equal rights for all and to help improve society through informed participation. She sees her role as a way to awaken communities to their rights and support collective development. Anju believes that community research is a proactive step to promote participation and raise awareness, and it’s essential to listen and lead people toward positive change.
Highest Qualification: Matriculation
Experience: 8 years of experience in community mobilisation and field engagement, 6 years of experience working with Save the Children
Thematic Knowledge: Sanitation worker issues, Gender, Health, Caste
Technical skills:
-
Data collection
-
Use of participatory methods and tool
-
Facilitating group discussions
-
Video Editing
-
Data analysis
-
Report Writing
-
Adept with Excel and Kobo Toolbox
Language skills: Proficient in Hindi and Maghi
Research Experience:
Anju has experience working with Scheduled Caste (SC) communities in Bihar. Her work has been largely focused on mobilization and awareness through participatory field methods. She has collaborated with organizations like Save the Children.
M Anandh
Tamil Nadu
M. Anandh is a dedicated community researcher and evaluator based in Chikkapoovathi, Krishnagiri. His work is rooted in a strong belief that research should serve the people it represents. Through community-based research, Anandh strives to build trust, centre local voices, and ensure that the knowledge generated leads to meaningful change. He sees lived experience as equally valuable as academic insight and is committed to collaborative, respectful engagement that prioritises the well-being and development of his community.
Highest Qualification: 12th Standard, with a diploma in Mechanical Engineering
Experience: 5 years
Thematic Knowledge: Education, Health, Livelihood
Technical skills:
-
Use of participatory methods and tools such as FGDs, Participatory mapping, Digital storytelling etc.
-
Data collection
-
Transcription
-
Report Writing
-
Audio/Video editing
-
Facilitating Group Discussions
-
Transcription
-
Adept with Kobo Toolbox and MS Excel
Language skills: Proficient in Tamil and Hindi
Research Experience:
M. Anandh has hands-on experience working with Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities, where he has been actively involved in evaluation work that supports inclusive development. He brings a grounded understanding of community needs, backed by certifications in Health, Livelihood, and Forest Rights Act (FRA) training. His work reflects a commitment to using research and evaluation as tools to uplift marginalized groups and promote sustainable, rights-based progress.
Jogendra Singh Parihar
Uttar Pradesh
Jogendra is a community researcher and evaluator based in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Jogendra chose to become a community researcher because he personally witnesses the pain and injustice in his community. This perspective drives his mission to create visibility and solutions for their problems through research. He views community research as a tool to deeply analyze and bring out issues from within the community, aiming for practical solutions and positive transformation. He is one of the Directors of South Asian Sanitation Worker and Labour Network (SASLN).
Highest Qualification: Masters in Social Work
Experience: 20 years of experience in community mobilisation, grassroots engagement and field research
Thematic Knowledge: Sanitation worker issues, Gender, Health, Education, Livelihood, Caste
Technical skills:
-
Data collection
-
Use of participatory methods and tool
-
Facilitating group discussions
-
Data analysis
-
Report Writing
-
Adept with Kobo Toolbox
Language skills: Proficient in Hindi
Research Experience:
Jogendra has a deep-rooted understanding of the challenges faced by the scavenger community, being a member himself. His work centers around observing and highlighting the harsh realities of this community’s daily life and striving to bring change. Through participatory methods and direct field engagement, he brings sensitivity and lived experience into his research.
Rohini Chhari
Madhya Pradesh
Rohini Chhari is a community researcher based in Morena, Madhya Pradesh. She uses research to understand local issues, connect with people, and support positive social change. To her, community research means listening to voices from the ground, building partnerships, and creating solutions that reflect real needs. She follows strong ethical practices, ensuring informed consent, confidentiality, and respect in all her fieldwork.
Highest Qualification: Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
Experience: 15 years
Thematic Knowledge: Sanitation, Health, Education, Livelihoods, Gender
Technical skills:
-
Use of participatory methods and tools such as Participatory mapping and Digital storytelling.
-
Data Collection and Analysis
-
Field Research
-
Audi/Video Editing
-
Adept with Kobo Toolbox, Canva and MS Excel
-
Transcription
Language skills: Proficient in Hindi and English
Research Experience:
Rohini Chhari has extensive experience working with the Bediya community in Madhya Pradesh, focusing on field research, community evaluations, and training facilitation. Her work is grounded in a strong commitment to social equity and community empowerment. She has completed a range of specialized certifications and courses, including HEAL Training, Evaluator Training with Praxis, WRRC with ActionAid, NRHM and NACO trainings, as well as MPSACS and One Stop Center Counselling courses conducted by DALSA and CEHAT. This diverse training background equips her with the tools to engage sensitively and effectively with marginalized communities.
Priyaswara Bharti
Bihar
Highest Qualification: Bachelor's in Mass Communication
Experience: 3 years in youth engagement, community-based research, and media production.
Thematic Knowledge: Child rights, Youth participation, Mental health, Gender
Technical skills:
-
Data collection
-
Report writing
-
Participatory methods such as group discussions and community mapping
-
Digital Storytelling
-
Social Media communication
-
Adept at using Excel, Adobe Premier Pro, Canva
Research Experience:
Priyaswara works extensively with youth and children, facilitating ground-level sessions, conducting training workshops, and producing content and films centered around community issues. She is involved in research, monitoring and evaluation, and believes in creative, participatory approaches to fieldwork. She has worked with several organisations including Pratham Council for Vulnerable Children (PCVC), Unicef Bihar and Yuvaa.
Vasantha M
Tamil Nadu
Highest Qualification: 9th Standard
Experience: 10 months engaging with communities
Thematic Knowledge: Sanitation Workers, Women, Health, Livelihood
Technical skills:
-
Use of participatory methods and tools such as FGDs, Participatory mapping, Digital storytelling etc.
-
Field Research
-
Data Collection and Analysis
-
Adept with Kobo Toolbox
-
Facilitation
Language skills: Proficient in Tamil
Research Experience:
Vasantha M has valuable experience working with women and sanitation workers, focusing on issues that directly impact their daily lives and well-being. She has actively facilitated community discussions and conducted Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), creating spaces where people can openly share their experiences and insights. Her facilitation work reflects a deep understanding of grassroots challenges and a commitment to ensuring that community voices inform meaningful solutions.
Dolly Singh
Madhya Pradesh
Dolly is a dedicated Sindhanai researcher and evaluator based in Morena, Madhya Pradesh. She aims to help end line-based (hereditary) occupations and guide her community toward new opportunities through awareness and support. To her, community research is about showing the right path to the community and making space for collective change with consent and collaboration.
Thematic Knowledge: Sanitation, Community Health
Technical skills:
-
Data collection
-
Use of participatory methods and tool
-
Facilitating group discussions
-
Report writing
-
Group discussion facilitation
Language: Hindi
Research Experience:
Dolly works with the Bediya community in Morena, Madhya Pradesh. With training from HEAL, she is focusing on gathering community insights and spreading awareness around the importance of sanitation for living a dignified life.
Sadiq
Tamil Nadu
Sadiq is a community researcher based in Veppanapalli, Krishnagiri District, Tamil Nadu. He leverages participatory research to identify local needs, build trust with Scheduled Tribe communities, and catalyze sustainable social change. To him, community-based research means co‑creating solutions with people on the ground, honoring their knowledge, and ensuring findings directly inform action. He upholds honesty and integrity in all field engagements, ensuring respect and transparency.
Highest Qualification: Higher Secondary Certificate (12th)
Experience: 20 years
Thematic Knowledge: Health training and awareness, Education, Livelihoods training and access to schemes, Sanitation
Technical Skills:
-
Data collection & Analysis
-
Qualitative analysis & report writing
-
Audio/video editing
-
Field research & training facilitation
-
Focus Group Discussions (FGDs)
-
Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) & mapping
-
Digital storytelling
-
Kobo Tool
-
NVivo
-
Excel
-
Canva
Language skills: Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, Kannada; working knowledge of English
Research Experience:
With over 20 years in Krishnagiri District, Sadiq began as a volunteer with Valar Kalvi Iyakkam—leading cultural outreach and evening literacy classes across 50+ villages. He then supervised UNICEF’s IVDP project, conducting PRA need assessments, baseline surveys on 24 indicators, forming Village Level Management Committees in 50 villages, and enrolling 60+ drop‑out students through home visits and counselling. As Block Coordinator for CFVP–UNICEF (2008–2017), he arranged livelihood loans for household toilets, trained panchayat leaders on convergence planning, monitored the expansion of 116+ Anganwadi centers, and delivered Iron & Nutrition and water‑sanitation training to schoolchildren and SHG members. More recently, he facilitated Forest Rights Act implementation—securing land titles for 71 Irular families, providing power tillers to 20 farmers, establishing village committees, and organizing skill‑development workshops—and has overseen evening education and child‑protection programmes in 20 Irular villages, improving school enrolment and raising awareness on child marriage and labour.
Jeevachandiran
Tamil Nadu
Highest Qualification: Higher Secondary Certificate (12th)
Experience: 15 years
Thematic Knowledge: Health, Education, Sanitation, Livelihood
Technical Skills:
-
Data collection and Analysis
-
Report writing
-
Focus Group Discussions (FGDs)
-
Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) & mapping
-
Digital storytelling
-
Kobo Toolbox
Language skills: Tamil, English
Research Experience:
Jeeva began as a volunteer with Valar Kalvi Iyakkam, educating villagers across 50+ villages and leading cultural outreach to promote education. As a supervisor on a UNICEF‑supported IVDP project, she conducted PRA exercises, baseline surveys on 24 indicators, and formed Village Level Management Committees to address school drop‑outs, sanitation gaps, and welfare entitlements. She facilitated loans for individual toilet construction, organized water quality tests, and provided Iron & Nutrition training for schoolchildren and SHG members. As a block co‑trainer under CFVP (UNICEF), she trained panchayat leaders on convergence planning, monitored Anganwadi expansion (116+ centers), and supported village development planning. From 2022 to 2024, she coordinated the HEAL programme to improve ST access to health, education, livelihoods, and government schemes at village, panchayat, and district levels.
Kamaljeet Kaur
Punjab
Highest Qualification: Bachelor of Arts
Experience: 4 years
Thematic Knowledge: Sanitation Workers, Women, Health, Livelihood
Technical skills:
-
Use of participatory methods and tools such as Participatory mapping and Digital storytelling.
-
Field Research
-
Audi/Video Editing
-
Adept with Kobo Toolbox and MS Excel
Language skills: Proficient in Hindi and Punjabi
Research Experience:
Kamal Jeet Kaur has been actively involved in community research and social work, with a strong focus on understanding and addressing grassroots issues. She has participated in several capacity-building workshops, including sessions with Praxis and Durham University on research, evaluation, facilitation, research methods, digital storytelling, and report writing.
Seema Sapriban
Assam
Highest Qualification: Higher Secondary Certificate
Experience: 10 years of experience in community mobilisation and research
Thematic Knowledge: Sanitation worker issues, Gender, Health, Caste
Technical skills:
-
Data collection
-
Use of participatory methods and tool
-
Adept with Kobo Toolbox
Language skills: Proficient in Hindi
Research Experience:
Seema has worked as a field researcher which involved grassroots engagement to understand local problems and document them through participatory methods. Her work focuses on community-centric approaches to health and well-being.
Jayagopal
Uttar Pradesh
Highest Qualification: M.Com
Experience: 20 years of experience in community mobilisation and work
Thematic Knowledge: Sanitation worker issues, Health, Caste
Technical skills:
-
Data collection
-
Use of participatory methods and tool
-
Facilitating group discussions
-
Data analysis
-
Report Wrtiting
-
Adept with Kobo Toolbox
Language skills: Proficient in Hindi
Research Experience:
Jayagopal has worked extensively with all castes and communities engaged in sanitation work. His research focuses on understanding the lived realities of sanitation workers — covering economic, mental, social, and geographical aspects. His fieldwork involves direct engagement and participatory discussions. He has also received training from SASLN on health, and on assessing sanitation workers’ socio-economic and mental health conditions.
Shweta Chhari
Madhya Pradesh
Shweta is a dedicated Sindhanai researcher and evaluator based in Morena, Madhya Pradesh. Motivated by the conditions of her community, Shweta sees herself as a facilitator of change, supporting and guiding people toward a better future with empathy and care. To her, community research means being a part of the community's journey, understanding their challenges, and co-creating pathways to education and empowerment.
Highest Qualification: Matriculation
Experience: 3 years in youth engagement, community-based research, and media production
Thematic Knowledge: Health, Sanitation, Education, Community Development
Technical skills:
-
Data collection
-
Report writing
-
Participatory methods such as group discussions and community mapping
-
Use of street theatre (nukkad natak) for awareness
-
Kobo Toolbox proficiency
Language skills: Proficient in Hindi
Research Experience:
Shweta has been actively working at the grassroots level, conducting field visits and community assessments. Her work focuses on bringing change by raising awareness about health, hygiene, and education, and she has completed HEAL training to strengthen her participatory research approach.
Anil Kumar
Madhya Pradesh
Highest Qualification: Matriculation
Experience: 4 years in community-based research and education outreach
Thematic Knowledge: Education, Community Mobilization, Socioeconomic Challenges of Marginalized Groups
Technical skills:
-
Use of participatory methods and tool
-
Facilitating group discussions
-
Video Editing
-
Report Writing
-
Street theatre (nukkad natak) as an engagement tool
-
Adept with Kobo Toolbox
Language skills: Proficient in Hindi
Research Experience:
Anil has worked with the Bedia community, focusing on raising awareness about education. His approach combines participatory field methods and creative tools like street plays to communicate key messages. He has conducted both field and government-related research visits and participated in HEAL training for enhancing research and engagement capacity.
Vijayakumar R
Tamil Nadu
Highest Qualification: Bachelors in Tamil
Experience: 20 years
Thematic Knowledge: Health, Education , Livelihoods
Technical Skills:
-
Data collection and Analysis
-
Report writing
-
Audio/Video editing
-
Participatory Methods & Tools
-
Focus Group Discussions (FGDs)
-
Kobo Toolbox
-
MS Excel
Language Skills: Tamil (native); working knowledge of English
Formal Training & Certification: Health training programmes
Research Experience:
Over two decades, Vijayakumar has worked with Valar Kalvi Iyakkam—leading cultural outreach and evening literacy classes in 50+ villages—supervised UNICEF’s IVDP programme performing PRA assessments, baseline surveys, and enrolling drop‑out students; as Block Coordinator for CFVP–UNICEF, he trained panchayat leaders on convergence planning, oversaw the expansion of 116+ Anganwadi centers, and delivered health and sanitation trainings; he has also conducted needs assessments, evaluated sanitation and livelihood initiatives, and supported Village Development Plans throughout Krishnagiri District.
