Badlao Foundation works at the intersection of community empowerment and tribal governance, focusing on vulnerable groups such as the Paharia and Santhali tribes. Their approach is deeply rooted in respecting and leveraging local cultural values, traditions, and sustainable livelihood practices. By engaging closely with tribal communities, government agencies, and NGOs, Badlao Foundation ensures that development programs reflect real community needs and promote grassroots participation.

The foundation’s core work involves program implementation, coordination, and extensive community mobilization. Through skill-building workshops, awareness campaigns on health, education, and welfare, and continuous capacity building for local volunteers and staff, Badlao Foundation empowers communities to advocate for themselves. Monitoring and evaluation are integral, enabling the organisation to track progress, understand challenges, and adapt strategies effectively.
Meet the team
Badlao Foundation, on LinkedIn
Board of Trustees
Rajeev Sinha, Director - Program & Resources
Badlao Foundation places special emphasis on governance at the Gram Sabha level, strengthening democratic participation of tribal populations in local decision-making. Staff and coordinators are experienced in navigating both government structures and tribal contexts, helping build efficient resource management systems and transparent reporting mechanisms.
Inclusivity is central to Badlao’s philosophy, encouraging applications from women and underrepresented groups for its various roles. Language and cultural knowledge, especially of tribal dialects like Pahariya and Santhali, are highly valued and supported.
Looking forward, Badlao Foundation aims to deepen its impact by continuing to bridge traditional knowledge with modern governance tools, expanding community-based development, and nurturing local leadership to sustain progress long after project completion.