This presentation at Janaagraha, Bangalore, emphasizes the critical role of civil society in fostering good governance and enhancing democratic processes in India. It discusses the need for active participation from citizens in governance to ensure transparency, accountability, and effective service delivery. The presentation highlights successful examples of civil society initiatives that have led to significant improvements in local governance and public service management. The importance of empowering local bodies and encouraging civic engagement to address issues like corruption and inefficiency in the administration is stressed. The document calls for a collaborative approach between the government, civil society, and private sector to achieve sustainable development and social equity.