DODM 2025: Sprint Within a Marathon
Reflections from Class of 2026 – Nami
What a week!
After months of anticipation, DODM 2025 finally arrived and exceeded every expectation. From the green bus ride to Dr. Ambedkar International Centre to late-night conversations with changemakers, this week reminded me why I chose this path.
The real question is: do we have the talent to manage that development capital?
1,000+ delegates. 21 states. One mission: shaping India’s development future.
India is moving toward a $25T economy by 2047, generating $2T in development capital if we have the talent to manage it. This is truly a sprint within a marathon.
Learning Waves – Insights That Stuck
Research Methods: Making Assumptions Visible
With Priyanka Chhaparia, we explored how strong research frameworks make thinking logical, confirmable, repeatable, and open to scrutiny.
Key insight: Research isn’t just about finding answers, it’s about asking questions the right way.
Framework: Topic → Literature Review → Research Question → Method → Data → Analysis → Interpretation → Report
Nami Reflection: I realized how powerful it is to test, not just trust, our own assumptions.
Nami Notes : Research Methods Session 1
Data Analysis for Development
80% of studies omit clear sample-size rationale
Focus on data quality, not just quantity
Nami Reflection: I now ask, “What story do these numbers tell?”
Writing in Discipline – Claim, Evidence, Reasoning
Learn APA citations → tightened arguments
Practice: Claim → Evidence → Explain reasoning
Nami Reflection: Every statement must earn its place.
Purpose Mindset – Aligning Values with Action
“Research without reflection is just data collection.”
Conference Highlights – Frameworks to Carry Forward
Core – Stay mission-focused
Capacity – Invest in institutional strength
Collaboration – Partner across Samaaj, Sarkar, Bazaar
Catalytic Change – Bet big on disruptive ideas
Compassion – Keep human dignity at the center
Nami note: Capacity stood out for me; we often chase impact without strengthening our own systems.
Inspiring Stat: 600,000 women now serve as banking correspondents through India's rural livelihood programs (NRLM data referenced in session)!
Retail Fundraising – The Untapped Goldmine
47% of donations in India come from individuals, yet most NGOs overlook this.
INSPIRE Framework:
List – Start with everyone you know
Inspire – Tell compelling stories with clear asks
Engage – Build relationships, not just annual reports
Action step: Start with 3–5 metrics and one great story. Quality beats quantity every time.
"47% of Indian donations come from individuals. Are you asking them?"
Building Resilient Organizations – The 4 Pillars
Strategy & Systems – Prepare, don’t just react
Talent & Capacity – Invest in people and succession
Funding & Resources – Diversify revenue streams
Technology & Data – Use AI strategically, not superficially
Maturity path: Aware → Active → Focused → Preemptive.
Tip: Start with one pillar and build systematically.
Research Spotlight – Human Values in Water Policy
A Jaipur study showed three value types drive water behavior:
Biospheric – environment-focused
Altruistic – community-focused
Egoistic – self-focused
Policy insight: One-size-fits-all doesn’t work—design interventions for different value groups.
Data Maturity – From Collection to Decision-Making
74% of organizations don’t know where their data goes.
Spiral Learning Model: Discover → Define → Develop → Deploy → Reflect.
Foundation first: Build leadership commitment before buying expensive tech.
Action Items for This Week
For Practitioners:
Strengthen one major argument using Claim-Evidence-Reasoning
Start building your donor list (target 100+ contacts)
Assess your org using the 4-pillar framework
Choose 3–5 key metrics to track consistently
For Students/Researchers:
Analyze one policy/program in your area
Explore the human values framework in your community
Start documenting your learning journey
For Leaders:
Review your funding diversification strategy
Schedule “future-proofing” sessions
Invest in capacity-building beyond technical skills
Weekend Highlights – The Human Side of Learning
This week, we:
ISDM DODM 2025 opening plenary - Bhim Hall with 1,000+ delegates - Photo credit: Justin.
Kicked off DODM 2025 with Ravi Sreedharan's opening address, followed by the Viksit Bharat plenary
Formed 13 PLCs and co-created our Class of 2026 Code of Conduct
Over the weekend, we:
Bonded over South Indian meals, a true taste of Madurai.
Enjoyed shopping with friends and cheered on RTL's book launch
Room 404 set our own mini CoC (Alfee, you’re right here with us in spirit, even if you’re missing from the pic!).
The people I spent this week with, your curiosity, creativity, and laughter turned our sessions into real learning journeys and our weekends into lasting memories. I’m deeply grateful for each of you.
Reflection Questions
Which framework from this week resonates most with your challenges?
How can you use the human values approach in your work?
What’s one small step you’ll take this week to build resilience?
Quote of the Week
What we do in the next 20–30 years will shape India for the next 200–300 years.
Next Week’s Manifest
Complete every reading and share honest reflections
Check in on PLC peers with empathy
Live your purpose: spot a problem → craft a solution → amplify what works
"We model the change we wish to see in the sector and the world."
Until next week, keep making waves! 🌊
Nami - (Meenakshisundareswaran R )
Class of 2026, ISDM
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Disclaimer: These reflections are my personal views and do not represent ISDM’s official position.
