Grassroot is a registered Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) that is committed to work with communities from an Indigenous Rights and Gender perspective. It was formed on July 27, 2007 with the purpose of addressing injustices that impedes human rights and to protect, defend and promote indigenous peoples’ rights. Grassroot works to empower indigenous people through capacity building, skills development activities, sustainable livelihood programmes, women & youth empowerment and advocacy. We exist to ensure equal accessibility, responsibility and opportunities that are sustainable for everyone. The Objectives we work on involve various sectors, ranging from Culture & Tradition, Youth, Livelihood and Advocacy.
OUR TEAM
Mayfereen Ryntathiang
Mayfereen is one of the of the founding members of the Grassroot. She has completed the Human Rights and Leadership study from Colombia University. She has received scholarships from Million Kisses Foundation, USA and FAO, Italy for documentation of the Khasi folklore and Herbal medicine practices respectively.
She is passionate about the work that she does and is especially passionate towards working on Indigenous issues with Indigenous people.
Manosha Diengdoh
I graduated from St. Mary’s College with a degree in Geography. I believe in kindness and perseverance and embrace continuous growth, challenges, and small victories. Joining Grassroot has given me a sense of contributing to something bigger. In my past roles, I supported day-to-day operations, including administrative tasks, data management, and project coordination, while fostering a dynamic learning environment and promoting critical thinking.
Kenny
Graduated from Martin Luther Christian University, Specialize in Nutrition and Health Education.I am very new to the social sector but I've always had a passion to work with people and to improve lives. Joining Grassroot had encourages me to succeed and grow professionally where I can utilize my skills and knowledge appropriately.
Skills: Ability to work independently or as a team, creativity and passion for work, willingness to learn and assist any work provided.
Motto: Be Kind to all Kinds.
Megan Delarisa Syiem
A compassionate social work professional with a degree in Medical and Psychiatric Social Work, she has hands-on experience addressing complex community and health challenges.
As a counselor at the Voluntary Health Association of Meghalaya (VHAM), she empowers female injecting drug users through psychosocial support. Guided by empathy and resilience, she is deeply committed to advancing health, equity, and dignity for all.
Jeney Lyngkhoi
A compassionate and dedicated Social Work graduate from Martin Luther Christian University, specializing in Family and Child Welfare. Committed to supporting vulnerable children and empowering families through empathy and early intervention. Becoming part of the grassroot has helped me stay closely connected with the community and contribute to uplifting its people.
R K Paul Chawang
A dedicated social worker and environmental advocate from Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur, he leads AMYAA, an NGO promoting education, livelihood, and environmental protection. As an Acumen India Fellow, he has spearheaded initiatives like the Himalayan Cleanup Drive, working with communities and agencies to uphold indigenous rights and sustainable development.
Saphibanrisa Thangkhiew
I hold a Master’s degree in Social Work from St. Edmund’s College, Shillong. I believe in the power of empathy, kindness, and understanding in creating meaningful change. I am passionate about working with people and supporting them to find strength within themselves. For me, social work is not just a profession—it’s a way to build connections, inspire hope, and make a difference in people’s lives.
OUR Fellows
Arelcy Lyngdoh
Hailing from Laitkseh, I serve as the Secretary of the women’s group in my village. My mission is to promote community development by working with the youth to protect women’s rights and create employment opportunities for young people.
Palayan Marwein
Hailing from Mawkohngei village, I serve as the Secretary of the women’s group in my community. I also hold the positions of Secretary of my Self-Help Group (SHG) and President of the Joint Action Committee (JAC), working actively for community development and empowerment.
Wandaka Ksoo
Hailing from Mudumai village in West Jaintia Hills District, I am a member of the SHG and have participated in several village projects after training with Action Aid. My primary goal is to develop my village by implementing a project to improve the water supply and address water scarcity.
Idea T. Chyrmang
Hailing from Myntdu village in West Jaintia Hills, she is an active NRLM member and Action Aid fellow dedicated to community development. Her focus is on empowering women and the elderly to access their rightful benefits, raising awareness of citizens’ rights, and advocating for better roads to improve connectivity in her village.
Laitlin Lyngdoh
I am working as the president of a women’s group in my community as well as in Mawthadraishan Block. My goal is to strengthen the community’s understanding of Indigenous people’s rights, promote agricultural farming, and address related issues to find effective solutions.
Riteilang Khongrangjem
An Indigenous documentary photographer and storyteller from the misty hills of Meghalaya, deeply rooted in the Khasi tribe’s matrilineal heritage. Dedicated to preserving traditions and advocating for Indigenous rights, the work focuses on research and visual storytelling that highlights the connection between people, culture, and nature.
Britstar Marsing
A dedicated Fellow from Mawtari Thaiang, Ri Bhoi District. Also the Chairmain of the Mawtari Thaiang V.E.C
Akumtong Imchen
A young fellow Anthropologist hailing from the Land of Pioneers called Mokokchung under Nagaland State. Working as a Research Assistant at The Highland Institute, Kohima. He is also a member of Tribal Design Forum organisation, working as a Youth Ambassador.
Dapi Miwu
I’m Miss Dapi Miwu from Dibang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh. I am currently working on reviving and promoting Idu Mishmi traditional textiles, with a strong focus on empowering women artisans and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities in the region. My work aims to preserve the cultural heritage of the Idu Mishmi community while adapting traditional weaving practices to meet modern demands.
Jasmine Deb Jamatia
My name is Jasmine Deb Jamatia, and I am a development professional from Tripura working in the field of community-driven and inclusive development. My focus lies in strengthening grassroots participation, supporting community initiatives, and contributing to sustainable and equitable development processes.
Alongside my development work, I am deeply engaged in promoting the culture and language of Tripura. I run a YouTube channel where I teach Kokborok, with the aim of making the language more accessible to learners and preserving its cultural significance for future generations.
I am also the founder of the Kokborok Learning Institute, through which we undertake translation projects for both private and government organizations. Through this initiative, I work to bridge language gaps while contributing to the wider recognition and use of Kokborok in formal and institutional spaces.
My work is guided by a strong belief in inclusive growth, cultural preservation, and the power of communities to lead their own development journeys.
K NCITUBE WHITING
A Master’s in Social Work student from Senapati district of Manipur, and deeply rooted in the cultural richness of the community. With a passion for creating positive change, also driven to address social issues and empower marginalized groups and eagerness to apply the knowledge and skills to make a meaningful impact in the community and beyond
Dennis Lallienzuol
Dennis Lallienzuol is a indigenous development expert, youth peace builder and conflict survivor from the Hmar tribe of Northeast India. He founded The Bridge School Project, offering education and peacebuilding to conflict-affected children, and The White Dot Solidarity Network, a youth-led initiative fostering inclusive leadership across Asia.
His work centers on community transformation grounded in Indigenous knowledge and wisdom, with a particular focus on environmental conservation, food sovereignty and security, and cultural preservation. Dennis is a Youth Leader Fund Fellow (2023–24) with the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) and a Youth Engagement and Empowerment Programme Fellow (2022) with the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) for South and Southeast Asia. He also contributes to several youth-led United Nations processes and mechanisms. Holding a Master’s degree in Sociology from the Delhi School of Economics, Dennis’s work bridges social development, policy, and research.
Sarah Phangchopi
I am Sarah Phangchopi, an Indigenous woman from the Karbi tribe of Karbi Anglong district in Assam, Northeast India. I have been working in the social sector for over 10 years and have extensive experience engaging with diverse indigenous communities in the region. My key areas of expertise include project management and coordination, capacity building, human resource development, organizational management, women empowerment, promoting youth leadership, and community mobilization. I also work as a trainer and facilitator on human rights education, peacebuilding and conflict transformation, and the rights of Indigenous Peoples and women.
My deep commitment to peacebuilding is rooted in my own experience of the 2005 Karbi–Dimasa conflict. Since then, I have dedicated myself to promoting peace through peace education and community engagement. Through my work with peace projects at Jirsong Asong Social Service Society, I have collaborated with schools, colleges, and village peace committees, with a strong focus on the participation of students, women, men, and youth. By organizing discussions, trainings, and peace programs, I strive to empower women, nurture youth leadership, mobilize communities, heal the scars of violence, and foster cooperation, trust, and solidarity. My passion for peace remains unwavering, and I continue to work towards creating lasting, positive change.
I can be reached via email at sphangchopi12@gmail.com and through telephone at +91 8473875706/8638125664
We are a passionate team of young and vibrant minds who explores potentiality and ideas to cater to the welfare and rights of the indigenous people of the state. We believe in accessibility, responsibility, and equal opportunities for everyone. Our mission is to sustain and tap the community’s resources and to empower them individually and socially.
Our Address
Nongkseh Kynton (Above Bapaka Departmental Store) Shillong – 793005, Meghalaya, India