About Academy of Grassroots Studies and Research of India in # Plot No.11, Sri Venkata Sai Nilayam, Thummalagunta, Upper Tirupati

Academy of Grassroots Studies and Research of India (AGRASRI), Tirupati, was founded by social activist couple Dr. D. Sundar Ram and Mrs. D. Bharathi Sundar. It came in to existence on 2 October, 2011, which was registered under the Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860, Vide Regd. No.293 of 2001, as autonomous, independent, non-political, non-profit and Professional Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), being headquartered at Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. The motto of AGRASRI is Sarve Bhavanthu Sukhinaa [Prosperous Life and Inclusive Growth by all].
The Academy was formally inaugurated by the champion of decentralisation movement Shri Mani Shankar Aiyar, the then Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) and CWC Member, on 20 August, 2002 at Tirupati. It is founded to provide an environment suitable for the study and promotion of academic research, training, policy advocacy and networking in grassroots democratic institutions for self-sufficient Village Republics.
The primary object of the academy is to develop a sound and efficient grassroots democratic system in India for achieving the Gandhian dream of Gram Swaraj. This is a unique Academy in the field of Grassroots Studies and Governance in India. It provides a bridge between the elected representatives of PRI’s, Nagar Palikas, academicians, researchers, administrators and youth working in the field, under the nurture of Dr. D. Sundar Ram and Mrs. D. Bharathi Sundar, Founder and Co-founder of the Academy.
The Academy of Grassroots Studies and Research of India is a good fortunate to have a distinguished policy makers and scholars, as source of inspiration and support, for implementing its aims and objects for fulfilling the Gandhian dream Gram Swaraj through Grassroots Democracy.
Dr. C. Rangarajan, Former Chairman, Economic Advisory Council to Prime Minister of India, New Delhi, is the Hon. Visitor of the Academy. Shri Mani Shankar Aiyar, Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and Former Union Minister for Panchayati Raj, Govt. of India, New Delhi, is the Hon. Chief Patron.
Dr. Subhash C. Kashyap, eminent Constitutional expert and Former Secretary-General of Lok Sabha, New Delhi, is the Hon. Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Academy, while Dr (Mrs) V. Mohini Giri, eminent social activist and Former Chairperson of the National Commission for Women, New Delhi, is the Chairperson of the Hon. Board of Advisers. Several distinguished policy makers, administrators and scholars have been associated with the Academy, as Members of its Board of Governors, Board of Advisers, Executive Council, and as distinguished fellows, visiting senior fellows, visiting fellows and guest faculty.
The main aim of the Founders of the Academy was that the organisation should not only stimulate a proper study of panchayati raj administration but also train directly a number of elected representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions, Self-Help Group (SHG) Members, Youth Leaders and Social activists in the discipline, art and practice of administration for good governance at the grassroots in contemporary India.
In pursuance of the aims and objectives of the AGRASRI towards strengthening grassroots democratic Institutions as self-sufficient Village Republics in India, a number of academic and research activities have been organised since its inception, include Bharat Ratna Rajiv Gandhi Memorial Lecture and Bharat Ratna Rajiv Gandhi Outstanding Leadership, Mahila Shakti, Yuva Shakti, Best District, Best Taluk, Best Gram Panchayat National Awards, besides Chittoor District Centenary Visishta Ratna and Shiromani Awards (in 7 Categories) conferment programmes. The Academy has an outstanding record of training, research and consultancy in the field of panchayati raj, rural development, women empowerment, capacity building and training; good governance, environment and sustainable development, micro-planning, rural applied technology, and allied areas, since its inception.