Cracking the Data Code for the Social Sector: ISDM launches the DataSights portal powered by Capgemini

(from left) Kumar Anurag Pratap (Capgemini), Roma Nawani Sachdev (Capgemini), Trisha Verma (ISDM), Aarti Srivastava (Capgemini), Saurabh Srivastava (Capgemini), Sharad Agarwal (ISDM), Dr Anand Rao (Carnegie Mellon University), Satender Rana (ISDM)

The Indian School of Development Management (ISDM) has launched ISDM DataSights, powered by Capgemini, an innovative, open-access platform designed to address the critical data challenges faced by the social sector. The platform consolidates diverse datasets, analysis tools, and visualisations, making reliable, actionable data easily accessible to Social Purpose Organisations (SPOs).

Launched at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, ISDM DataSights was introduced to leaders in the development and technology sectors, marking a major step toward data-driven solutions for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“There is a need for a reliable data platform that brings together data from different sources and triangulates them to enhance their credibility. We need to move from headline-driven decision-making to data-driven decision making. ISDM DataSights is an example of the good that can come out of collective wisdom and collaboration to solve problems,” said Ravi Sreedharan, President and Co-founder, ISDM, in his opening plenary.

High-quality data empowers Social Purpose Organisations (SPOs) to make informed decisions, track progress, measure success, and allocate resources effectively for maximum impact. However, access to such data in the social sector has been limited. Datasets are often fragmented, they lack granularity and interoperability, and sometimes have disparities. This disproportionately affects grassroots organisations that do meaningful work but have fewer resources. ISDM DataSights changes this by democratising access to data.

ISDM DataSights addresses the challenges faced by the social sector by offering a unified, open-access platform that brings fragmented data together. The platform also empowers organisations to visualise and analyse data with ease. Users can track trends, uncover patterns, and generate insights to inform their interventions. This simplifies reporting processes and strengthens evidence-based decision-making, enabling Social Purpose Organisations (SPOs) to optimise their programmes and maximise impact.

At the launch, Aarti Srivastava, Chief Human Resources Officer – India, Capgemini, spoke on Capgemini’s vision for ISDM DataSights. “At Capgemini, we are dedicated to leveraging technology to drive meaningful, positive change, aligning our innovations with the goal of societal impact. DataSights reflects Capgemini’s mission to turn technological expertise into tools for social transformation. ISDM DataSights is committed to ensuring data justice within the social sector, accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals. Together with ISDM, we are bridging the gap between data and action, ensuring it reaches those who need it most.”

The event featured a demonstration of the platform’s capabilities and testimonials from beta users who have already leveraged the platform to enhance their work. This was followed by a talk by Roma Nawani Sachdev, EVP and Chief Marketing & Communications Officer – India, Capgemini, who spoke about the importance of democratising data for the social sector.

The event concluded with a panel discussion on ‘The Relevance of Technology and Data for the Social Sector’, moderated by Dr Anand Rao, a Distinguished Service Professor of Applied Data Science and AI at Carnegie Mellon University. The panellists were Anupam Jain, Head of Engineering at Give, Saurabh Srivastava, Director, Insights & Data, Capgemini, Shahana Chattaraj, Director of Research, WRI Center for Governance and Equity at the World Resources Institute (WRI), and Sourav Das, Training Manager, J-PAL South Asia. The panellists emphasised the importance of collaboration and data donation to enrich the platform and ensure impact at scale.

About ISDM

The Indian School of Development Management (ISDM) is a first-of-its-kind, internationally renowned and autonomous institution collectively set up in 2016 to establish the domain of Development Management as distinctly different from business management or public administration and enable social purpose organisations to have an impact at population scale. ISDM is envisioned as an institution that would catalyse the building of theory and practice of Development Management and transform the way in which social purpose organisations are led and managed.