Gravis

Gramin Vikas Vigyan Samiti (GRAVIS) or Center of People's Science for Rural Development is a voluntary organization that 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 850 villages in Rajasthan reaching a population of over 1 million, and has established over 1,100 community Based Organizations (CBOs). Through its outstanding field work, as well as its research and publications, GRAVIS has come to occupy a leading position amongst the voluntary organizations in Rajasthan with national and international level recognitions.

GRAVIS was founded in 1983 by Late Laxmi Chand Tyagi and Shashi Tyagi. Inspired by their experience with the Sarvodaya Movement and by the yearning to do their bit for the poor and the underprivileged, they began their efforts in Gagadi, a village located 60 kilometers away from Jodhpur in Rajasthan. The Tyagis' formal qualifications in agriculture and education, experience in social activism, and extensive direct exposure to life in the Thar Desert provided them the confidence to set foot on a challenging journey of social work in the region. Hard work, spirit of service and commitment earned them the trust of the rural community that was necessary to implement their ideas.

Due to tremendous hard work and dedication, the activities of the organization began expanding fast. This necessitated opening of several more field centers, as well as expanding the miniscule liaison office in Jodhpur into an administrative head quarters. Though the content and size of field programs have increased tremendously over time, the philosophy, commitment and approach have remained the same.