Grassroots innovation has emerged as an important alternative framework within contemporary development discourse, particularly in societies marked by structural inequality and uneven technological access. Unlike formal innovation systems dominated by corporations, state institutions, and market-driven research, grassroots innovations emerge from everyday experiences, local knowledge systems, and community-based problem-solving practices. The objective of this paper is to critically examine sociological significance and challenges of grassroots innovations in India. It also argues that grassroots innovations represent not merely technical interventions but alternative modes of knowledge production and social transformation. The study further examines how grassroots innovations challenge dominant epistemologies, empower local communities, and contribute toward sustainable and inclusive development. In addition, cinematic representations of grassroots innovation are discussed to understand how popular culture constructs narratives around local creativity, self-reliance, and community agency. The paper concludes that mainstreaming grassroots innovation requires structural transformation in policy, institutional recognition, financial accessibility, and epistemic justice. Sustainable development cannot be achieved through top-down technological models alone, rather, it requires the integration of localized, participatory, and community-driven systems of innovation. Keywords: Grassroots Innovation, Traditional Knowledge, Community Development, Inclusive Innovation, Sustainable Development, Informal Sector