India, Nov. 1 -- The importance of putting rural communities at the heart of India's development story was the focus of the fifth Rohini Nayyar Prize for Outstanding Contribution to Rural Development, held at the India International Centre, New Delhi, on Saturday evening. The evening brought together policymakers, economists and development practitioners to celebrate the legacy of late economist and former Planning Commission member Dr Rohini Nayyar, while recognising young changemakers working across rural India.

Speaking at the ceremony, chief guest Amitabh Kant remembered Rohini Nayyar. He said, "Dr Rohini Nayyar's career reminds us that rural transformation requires both policy and proximity. Policy creates entitlements, budgets, pro...