With a deep sense of purpose and responsibility, I laid the foundation of FIRST. It was conceived with a simple yet powerful belief: meaningful social transformation is possible only when rigorous academic inquiry is effectively connected with real-world policy action. Registered in Delhi as a pioneering not-for-profit company, the Foundation stands committed to strengthening this vital bridge between knowledge and governance.

India, today is navigating complex socio-political, economic, cultural, and developmental transitions. Addressing these challenges demands an interdisciplinary approach—one that transcends conventional academic boundaries and engages directly with policy formation, policy analysis, policy efficiency, and implementation outcomes. FIRST embodies this comprehensive vision.

Guided by our motto, “Exploring Perspectives and Shaping the Future,” we aspire to serve as a dynamic platform for learners, scholars, policymakers, and youth leaders who are invested in building an inclusive, democratic, and resilient nation.

At The core of FIRST lies in a commitment to interdisciplinary research and evidence-based policy analysis. As a policy research institution and think-tank, we undertake rigorous fieldbased studies, surveys, and empirical research on public policy design, governance mechanisms, programme implementation, and their social impact.

Our core aim is to closely observe and understand the transformations in the lives of the downtrodden— particularly tribal communities, Dalits, women, and people living in Scheduled geographically remote, rural, hilly, and marginalised regions.

Over the decades, successive governments have introduced numerous policies and welfare programmes with the stated objectives of reducing poverty and hunger, promoting inclusion, and bridging socio-economic gaps across different sections of society. However, despite these efforts, the outcomes on the ground have often remained limited, uneven, and far from satisfactory.

With a deep sense of purpose and responsibility, I laid the foundation of FIRST. It was conceived with a simple yet powerful belief: meaningful social transformation is possible only when rigorous academic inquiry is effectively connected with real-world policy action. Registered in Delhi as a pioneering not-for-profit company, the Foundation stands committed to strengthening this vital bridge between knowledge and governance.

The gap between policy intent and policy impact continues to challenge the promise of social justice and equitable development. Recognising this disconnect, the Foundation for Interdisciplinary Study and Social Transformation (FIRST) is committed to critically analysing both policy frameworks and lived realities. Our approach emphasises field-based research and evidence-driven assessments across urban, rural, Scheduled, hilly, and remote areas to understand why policies succeed or fail, how implementation gaps emerge, and what corrective measures can ensure meaningful outcomes.