In 2008, GRAVIS will take up a number of new initiatives and will organize some important events. 

Launch of the L. C. Tyagi Fellowship

In the memory of its founder, L. C. Tyagi, GRAVIS and L. C. Tyagi Memorial Trust are going to launch an initiative to support the education of youths who can not afford it. The focus will be on training dedicated individuals so that they can serve the rural communities and can take forward the vision of Tyagi Ji. Each year, two deserving individuals will be awarded. The priority will be given to women and disabled. The initiative was officially launched on 27th July, 2008, the third death anniversary of Tyagi Ji.

The first two awards will be given for the academic year of 2009.

Launch of POC project

GRAVIS has a strong focus on improving the living conditions of older people. With this objective in view, GRAVIS implemented a comprehensive, 5 years project with the support of Help Age International and the European Union. Entitled as ADOPT, the project benefited over 8,000 people living in 18 villages. To continue the work with older people further, a new 5 years project entitled as Promoting Older People led Community Action (POC) has been launched by GRAVIS in August 2008. Supported by Help Age International and the European Union, the project is being implemented in 12 remote villages of Thar.

Drought mitigation in Baap area

Wells for India (UK) and GRAVIS have been doing substantial work in Baap block for drought mitigation over the last seven years. An important new initiative has been taken in 2008 to begin a Drought Mitigation Programe (DMP) in 10 selected villages of Baap block. The focus of the project will be on water conservation, tree plantation and community based capacity building.

25 years of GRAVIS

In September 2008, GRAVIS will observe the completion of its 25 years journey. A large but simple function will be organized to remember the contributors and felicitate its supporters and friends. More details on this will follow soon. On this occasion, GRAVIS will also release a book highlighting the milestones of its journey of 25 years, called "The story of GRAVIS". It was planned to organize the above event in the first week of October, 2008.  However, the event has been postponed for a later date in solidarity with the families of victims who died in a recent stampede in a Jodhpur temple on 30th September. GRAVIS family is shocked on this tragic event and expresses its sincerest condolences to the affected families.  

Celebrations on International Day for Older Persons and World Sight Day

Ageing and eye care are important areas of GRAVIS work. On October 1, GRAVIS celebrated International Day for Older People with Village Older People's Association. On October 9, World Sight Day will be celebrated by GRAVIS in its work area.  

Workshops on the problems of mineworkers

Mineworkers’ entitlements have also been a major area of GRAVIS work. Towards the end of 2008, GRAVIS will organize two important workshops on the problems of mineworkers.         

Water quality research

The quality of drinking water in the Thar Desert is a major concern. Often times, the water is polluted with biological and chemical forms of contamination leading to poor health and serious diseases. In collaboration with Wells for India, GRAVIS has launched a comprehensive research this year to identify major issues with water quality and to suggest remedial measures for future.

Newly designed WASHED curriculum

Under the Water, Sanitation and Education Project, GRAVIS has designed a new school curriculum with the support of Wells for India, UK. The curriculum focuses on education school children on issues related to water conservation, hygiene and environment. Soon, the curriculum will be introduced in GRAVIS run schools.

New vision centers in Baap

To expand the coverage of its eye care work, GRAVIS will be setting up 4 new vision centers in remote areas of Baap block this year. Sightsavers International and Govt. of India will support this venture.   

Saving Tharparkar in Thar

To save the Tharparker breed of cows and bulls, GRAVIS will soon start a new initiative in Jaisalmer region with the support of NABARD, Govt. of India.  

Flood relief for Bihar     

The recent flood situation has been devastating in Bihar. GRAVIS has sent imediate support to Bihar through its network partners. Currently, a six-members GRAVIS team including medical personnel is in Bihar helping in relief. We appeal all our supporters to contribute to flood relief efforts in Bihar.

GRAVIS medical team has now returned from Bihar after providing health aid to over 1,500 people. We now look forward to contributing to the process of rehabilitation.

Bal Mela in Gagadi

On 12th September, 2008, GRAVIS organized a Bal Mela or a children convention along with World Vision International. Over 150 children from remote parts of Thar gathered at GRAVIS' Gagadi center and enjoyed music, cultural events and a sports competetion.

Vikalp, a new project

With the support of Suzlon Foundation, GRAVIS will launch a comprehensive poverty mitigation project in Jodhpur district called Vikalp.    

A workshop on State Water Policy

In collaboration with IDS, GRAVIS organized the above workshop in its main office on September 26, 2008.  

New partnership with the Government on HIV/AIDS

GRAVIS has started a new partnership with the Government of Rajasthan focusing on HIV/AIDS prevention and control. This initiative will focus on awareness generation and capacity building on HIV/AIDS.

Sultan Singh represents GRAVIS in the Asia-Pacific Regional Conference on Ageing  

Sultan Singh, a 75 years old VOPA leader from the Thar Desert, represented GRAVIS in the above conference organized by Government of Indonesia and Help Age International in Bali in October, 2008.

GRAVIS hospital being expanded

Currently, GRAVIS hospital is going through an expansion with the addition of a new, fully equipped diagnostic lab to detect occupational lung health problems. The work will complete in next few months.