NICE Education is proud to announce the publication of People-Led Development Process: A Contemporary Approach to Community Development in the 21st Century, authored by Dr. Aneesh Jose. This insightful and practice-oriented book presents a fresh and people-centered perspective on community development. Drawing on extensive engagement with PLDP-implementing organizations across India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines, and consultations with MISEREOR, a renowned German funding agency, the author brings deep practical understanding to the subject. His firsthand experience—gained through visits to 260 villages and interactions with thousands of volunteers and community members—adds strong empirical depth and credibility to the PLDP approach.

Written primarily for students, scholars, colleges, and universities, the book introduces the People-Led Development Process as a contemporary and relevant model for sustainable community development. It critically examines the limitations of long-term aid dependency and advocates for self-reliance, human rights, inclusivity, participation, and collective action. By shifting the focus from external aid to community-driven initiatives, the PLDP framework empowers communities to lead their own development, build resilience, and achieve lasting sustainability. Designed for practitioners, social workers, policymakers, educators, and change-makers, the book serves both as an academic resource and a practical guide for building strong, self-sustaining communities.