Gramin Vikas Vigyan Samiti

Mission

GRAVIS works toward the rehabilitation of the rural community, enabling village ownership and control over its environment, institutions, and relations. GRAVIS believes that self reliance is a necessity to survival, thus it not merely aid, but engages the rural population in various development projects like water security, health, people’s organization among others to promote independence. Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of “Sarvodaya” or all rising remains the foundation of GRAVIS’ existence.

Programs

GRAVIS takes a Gandhian approach to rural development by working with the poor of the desert to enable them to help themselves. Since its inception in 1983, GRAVIS has worked with over 50,000 desert families across 500 villages in the Thar Desert region of India. Although GRAVIS is involved in diverse activities to bring about an integrated development in the rural Thar, its main focus is providing water security in the area as water scarcity is the primary problem of the place.

Funded Projects on GlobalGiving

Water Security on the Parched Lands of the Thar

Personnel Overview

Samantha Chattaraj - Program Coordinator
Samantha Chattaraj has been working with GRAVIS as a Program coordinator. She is working in the development field for the past 4 years as she believes in restoring dignity of life through social service. Her areas of specialization are development communication and project management.

Rajendra Kumar - Program Coordinator
Rajendra Kumar is one of the most senior associates and a key member of the GRAVIS team. He plays an integral role in project planning, coordination, decision-making, and program implementation.

Personnel Statistics

Laxmi Chand Tyagi,
Director
Founded in 1983
Employees: 148
Volunteers: 352

Financial Statistics

Budget (2006): $ 1,500,000
Maximum Budget: $ 1,590,000
Overhead: 9 %
Other funding sources: European Commission UNDP Wells for India Karol Kubel Stifftung Help Age International Inter Cooperation (Switzerland) Global Green GrantsCatholic Relief Services IDEX Worthington Foundation
Religious Affiliation: