Anil Choudhary
Managing Trustee / Popular Education and Action Centre (PEACE)
Anil Kumar Chaudhary brings over four decades of rich and diverse experience in education, evaluation, advocacy, and organisational development, with a primary focus on marginalised communities. He currently serves as the Chief Functionary and Managing Trustee of the Popular Education and Action Centre (PEACE) in New Delhi. He is also an Advisor to the Indian Social Action Forum (INSAF) and a founding member of the National Coordination Committee of the Coalition for Nuclear Disarmament and Peace (CNDP). Anil has been actively engaged in several national platforms advocating for social justice, press freedom, participatory democracy, and nuclear disarmament.
Anil began his career at the Centre for Women’s Development Studies in 1981, where he contributed to gender-focused research and advocacy. He later joined the Society for Participatory Research in Asia (PRIA), where he worked extensively on participatory governance, social accountability, and grassroots empowerment. His work emphasised building capacities among marginalised groups to claim their rights and entitlements. Over the years, he has collaborated with international and national organisations, including DANIDA, ActionAid, Oxfam, the Swiss Red Cross, and SWISS AID, evaluating projects related to rural development, disaster rehabilitation, gender equity, land rights, and primary healthcare. His evaluations and impact assessments focused on improving program effectiveness, sustainability, and inclusivity.
Anil has conducted in-depth studies on critical issues such as displacement, adult education, and Panchayati Raj governance. His research has provided insights into the challenges faced by vulnerable communities and contributed to shaping inclusive policies and practices. He has also led assessments of large-scale government programs, offering recommendations to strengthen implementation frameworks. As a trainer and facilitator, he has mentored grassroots organisations, government officials, and activists, equipping them with tools for participatory planning, human rights advocacy, and livelihood promotion.
His contributions extend to developing educational materials, audiovisual resources, and advocacy toolkits that have supported national campaigns on social justice, land reforms, and sustainable development. He has worked across South Asia, conducting training programs and evaluations in Sri Lanka, Nepal, Pakistan, and Indonesia, showcasing his ability to operate in diverse cultural and socio-political contexts. His international engagements have included representing India in global forums on participatory research, sustainable development, and peace-building initiatives.
Anil’s work reflects a deep commitment to advancing equity, justice, and grassroots democracy. Through his expertise in participatory evaluation, advocacy, and capacity building, he continues to strengthen people’s movements and contribute to policy dialogues. His legacy is marked by his efforts to create inclusive spaces where marginalised voices are heard, rights are protected, and sustainable solutions are developed for enduring social transformation.