Civil Society at Crossroads with Ingrid Srinath
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Episodes Summary
In this episode of Unmute, hosts Gagan Sethi and Minar Pimple are joined by Ingrid Srinath, one of India’s most respected voices on civil society, philanthropy, and civic freedoms. The conversation reflects on the changing role of civil society amid shrinking civic space, increasing regulation, and deepening inequality.
Drawing on Ingrid’s experience across national and global platforms, the conversation underscores the need for ethical leadership, institutional courage, and public trust, inviting listeners to reimagine civil society not merely as a space for service provision but as a vital arena for accountability, solidarity, and democratic imagination in uncertain times.
Key Highlights
Shrinking Civic Space – how legal, financial, and political pressures are redefining the limits of civil society action.
Civil Society Beyond NGOs – why movements, informal collectives, and citizen action matter as much as institutions.
Philanthropy & Power – how funding shapes priorities, accountability, and inequality.
Compliance vs Conscience – navigating regulation without losing values or voice.
Trust & Legitimacy – why civil society must rebuild moral and public credibility.
State, Market & Citizens – understanding power beyond simplistic binaries.
Global Lessons, Local Contexts – what India’s civic experience shares with global trends.
Leadership in Uncertain Times – the need for ethical courage, not just managerial skill.
Reimagining Solidarity – moving from transactional engagement to collective responsibility.
Key Resources & References
CIVICUS – Global Alliance of Civil Society Organisations - https://www.civicus.org
CIVICUS Monitor - https://monitor.civicus.org
Centre for Social Impact and Philanthropy (CSIP) - https://csip.ashoka.edu.in
Role of Philanthropy - https://ssir.org (Stanford Social Innovation Review)
Giving, Accountability & Inequality -https://www.alliancemagazine.org
How India Gives - https://histphil.org/2024/02/21/how-india-gives-a-first-of-its-kind-longitudinal-study-on-household-giving-in-india/
A Million Missions – The Non Profit Contribution to India’s Development - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJx7CN9h4IY&t=2839s
FCRA - https://fcraonline.nic.in/home/PDF_Doc/FC-RegulationAct-2010-C.pdf
CSR Laws - https://www.csr.gov.in/content/csr/global/master/home/aboutcsr/about-csr.html
NFI - https://nfi.org.in/
Social Stock Exchange - https://www.nseindia.com/static/sse
Constitution of India - https://www.constitutionofindia.net/read/
Universal Declaration of Human Rights - https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights
Freedom of Association & Expression (UN OHCHR) - https://www.ohchr.org/en/special-procedures/sr-freedom-of-opinion-and-expression
U.N.Special Rapporteur Statement - https://news.un.org/en/story/2016/06/532302-un-rights-experts-urge-india-repeal-law-restricting-civil-society-access
World Inequality Database - https://wid.world
Loretta Ross “Calling In” - https://lorettajross.com/callingin-online
Guest
Ingrid Srinath is a prominent civil society leader, policy thinker, and institution builder. She is the former Secretary General of CIVICUS, where she worked extensively on civic freedoms, democratic participation, and global civil society solidarity. She is also the Founding Director of the Centre for Social Impact and Philanthropy at Ashoka University.
With decades of experience across India and internationally, Ingrid has written and spoken widely on philanthropy, governance, accountability, and the future of civic action. She is known for her clarity, ethical depth, and commitment to strengthening civil society as a cornerstone of democracy.
Hosts
Gagan Sethi: Development practitioner with 40+ years of experience in organisational development, policy advocacy, and minority rights.
Minar Pimple: Founder of YUVA (Youth for Unity and Voluntary Action), and former senior Director at Amnesty International, Regional Director- Asia Pacific (UN Millennium Campaign) and Founding Chair, Oxfam India.
