Chote Kadam

Year: 2018 - Present
Project Type: Professional, Bhumiputra Architecture
Team: Alok Shetty (Principal),
Nikhita Ramdas, Adit Poonia, Amiti Singh, Dhanush C, Pooja Misra, Riya Talaria, Srisai Srinivasan
Location: Various across India


Chote Kadam, an initiative by Ujjivan Small Finance Bank and Parinaam Foundation, introduces small steps with lasting impacts on society. It addresses the poor state of public infrastructure in India, a result of minimal government investment and nearly nonexistent maintenance. Through various interventions across the country, Chote Kadam has positively impacted a significant number of people, executing over 300 projects in the past three years. These projects, spanning different types and serving both cities and rural areas, directly benefit thousands of children and adults daily. With intervention costs ranging from 50,000 to 1,200,000 INR, the focus has been on designing highly economical, low-cost solutions. The foundation collaborates with local organizations across various cities and towns in India, aiming to provide access to essential rights and basic necessities.

The initiative addresses critical community needs in education, healthcare, sanitation, and public infrastructure throughout India. It has seen steady growth over the past few years. In 2019, the Chote Kadam project was a finalist in the Social Impact category of the Forbes India Design Awards.