About Us
Our Story
Research. Evidence. Impact.
The Progressive Research Organization for Welfare (PROW) is an autonomous research and development organization committed to generating evidence that drives sustainable and inclusive development. We believe that meaningful change begins with understanding the realities of communities and translating that understanding into informed policies, effective programmes, and lasting solutions.
Established by a team of experienced development professionals, researchers, and social practitioners, PROW was founded with a clear vision—to bridge the gap between grassroots realities and evidence-based decision-making. Since our inception, we have worked alongside governments, development agencies, corporate CSR foundations, academic institutions, and civil society organizations to deliver reliable research, high-quality data, and practical development solutions.
At PROW, research is more than collecting data—it is a tool for creating positive social change. Every study, survey, and evaluation we undertake is designed to help stakeholders understand what works, identify gaps, measure impact, and make informed decisions that improve people's lives.
Over the years, we have built strong expertise in research design, large-scale field surveys, monitoring and evaluation, impact assessments, baseline and endline studies, need assessments, market research, and data analytics. Our experienced multidisciplinary team combines rigorous research methods with extensive field experience to produce credible, actionable insights.
Beyond research, PROW is committed to strengthening community institutions and promoting sustainable livelihoods. With the support of organizations such as NABARD, we have facilitated the formation and strengthening of several Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) across Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, empowering thousands of farmers through collective enterprise, improved market access, and enhanced livelihoods.
Building on this commitment, PROW has also promoted KASHILK Producer Company Limited, an initiative dedicated to preserving the rich heritage of Banarasi handloom weaving while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for traditional weavers through collective entrepreneurship, market linkages, and value-chain development.
Our work covers a broad spectrum of development sectors, including:
- Agriculture and Allied Sectors
- Rural and Urban Development
- Health and Nutrition
- Education and Skill Development
- Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
- Livelihoods and Entrepreneurship
- Financial and Digital Inclusion
- Women and Child Development
- Social Protection
- Climate Resilience and Natural Resource Management
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
- Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL)
Today, PROW works across India, delivering research and development assignments that generate reliable evidence for governments, multilateral agencies, corporate CSR programmes, foundations, and non-profit organizations. Our work supports better planning, improved programme implementation, stronger accountability, and measurable social impact.
We are guided by the values of integrity, inclusion, innovation, collaboration, and excellence. These principles shape every partnership we build and every project we undertake.
As India advances towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), PROW remains committed to generating knowledge, strengthening institutions, and empowering communities through research that informs action and development that creates lasting impact.
Our Vision
To build an equitable and sustainable society where every
development decision is informed by credible evidence and
every community has the opportunity to thrive.
Our Mission
To generate high-quality research, strengthen community
institutions, and deliver innovative development solutions that
improve lives, influence policy, and contribute to sustainable
social and economic development.
Strategic Direction
PROW 2.0: Strengthening Communities, Driving Sustainable Impact
As PROW enters its second phase of growth, our focus is on strengthening institutional capacity, expanding our development impact, and building a resilient organization capable of delivering sustainable change at scale. PROW 2.0 represents our commitment to combining research, innovation, and community-led development to address emerging social and economic challenges.
Our strategic direction is centred on enhancing programme quality, deepening community engagement, strengthening partnerships with government institutions, corporate CSR initiatives, development agencies, and academic institutions, while diversifying funding opportunities to ensure long-term sustainability.
A key priority of PROW 2.0 is the integrated development of both agrarian (rural) and non-agrarian (rural–urban) communities. We aim to promote sustainable agriculture, strengthen non-farm livelihoods, support entrepreneurship, improve digital and financial inclusion, and create greater opportunities for women, girls, youth, and marginalized communities.
Research, data, and evidence will continue to be at the core of our work. PROW will leverage its expertise in research, large-scale surveys, monitoring and evaluation, impact assessment, and data analytics to generate credible evidence that informs policy, improves programme effectiveness, and supports evidence-based decision-making. Alongside this, we will continue investing in the capacity building of our staff, volunteers, and community institutions while adopting innovative technologies and approaches that improve development outcomes.
Smart Digital Community Ecosystem
One of the flagship initiatives under PROW 2.0 is the
development of the Smart Digital Community Ecosystem—an
integrated model designed to create digitally empowered,
inclusive, and resilient communities across both agrarian and
non-agrarian sectors.
The initiative seeks to leverage digital technologies to improve access to knowledge, public services, markets, financial services, healthcare, education, and livelihood opportunities. By connecting rural and rural–urban communities through digital platforms and community institutions, PROW aims to foster inclusive growth, strengthen local economies, and accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Vision 2047
India's vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047
requires strong, resilient, and digitally empowered communities.
PROW is committed to contributing to this national aspiration by
creating sustainable development models that combine
research, innovation, technology, and
community participation.
Through PROW 2.0, we aspire to build smart, digitally enabled, inclusive, and self-reliant communities that generate lasting social, economic, and environmental impact while supporting India's journey towards the Sustainable Development Goals and the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.