History of GRAVIS

History

In 1983, Laxmi Chand Tyagi and Shashi Tyagi founded GRAVIS at Gagadi village, 60 km from the city of Jodhpur. The couple came to Rajasthan from Uttar Pradesh in the late 1970s. In the 1960s and 1970s, they had been active in many of the social movements led by prominent activists like Vinoba Bhave and Jai Prakash Narayan. With their first-hand experience in activism and formal qualifications in agriculture and education, they were prepared to build an organization that was scientifically sound as well as sensitive and responsive to the needs of people. They decided to work in regions which lacked basic resources, such as water and where very few development agencies were present. With this in their minds, they moved to the Thar desert in 1980 and that is how GRAVIS was born. Today, it is a leading Non-Government Organisation working in the rural areas of Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and the Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh States of India. The journey that began with 20 villages has now reached more than 2000 villages. With an administrative office in the city of Jodhpur and 19 field centres spanning our areas of operation, we have reached out to more than 1.8 million people and established over 4000 Community-based Organisations (CBOs).

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The Thar desert spreads across the western half of the State of Rajasthan in India. It occupies about 60% of its area and further spreads into the States of Gujarat, Punjab and Haryana continuing into the country of Pakistan. It experiences a harsh climate with an annual rainfall of only about 300 mm. Over the last century the Thar has witnessed more than 70 drought years. In addition to the inherently low and erratic rainfall, the temperatures shoot up to 48 degrees in summer with extremely high rates of evaporation making it almost impossible to grow a considerable amount of agricultural produce. The problematic climatic conditions with soil erosion and lack of potable water have created massive malnutrition and health troubles for the residing population. As the villages are remotely located and thinly spread in the region, the inhabitants also lack access to essential health, education and infrastructure services.

In spite of being one of the most difficult terrains for human habitation with recurring droughts and acute water shortage, the Thar is the most densely populated desert in the world. Not to mention, majority of its population follow agriculture as their primary occupation with animal husbandry as their second most important support. It becomes very obvious that water and food security were, are and will be severely at stake in the region for years to come as the most vulnerable sections of the society being women, children and the elderly continue to suffer.

This is why one of the most barren landscapes on earth, neglected for the longest time became a matter of grave concern. GRAVIS – Centre for People’s Sciences and Rural Development was one of the first grassroots development organizations to enter the Thar region of Rajasthan where survival of humans, animals and vegetation continued to be an undeniable challenge for centuries. Founded with the objective to serve the marginalized population of rural and remote areas of the Thar Desert by securing their livelihood through an integrated development approach and meaningful community participation, the initiative led by Late L. C. Tyagi and Late Shashi Tyagi (along with some social activists) gradually extended to the northern State of Uttarakhand and Bundelkhand region of the State of Uttar Pradesh in recent years.

The hilly to mountain terrain there poses challenges to subsistence farmers living in the area. Being located in the foothills of the Himalaya, Uttarakhand is prone to floods and with shifting climate patterns due to global warming it is most definitely at the risk of dry periods. On the other hand, Bundelkhand in U.P is a drought prone area. Farmers’ development and support therefore is substantial alongside women empowerment and programmes that focus on community health. GRAVIS also responds to relief needs during disasters across India based on resources available and existing capabilities. It also engages in learning and knowledge exchange with many other organizations in India, South East Asia, Africa and other parts of the world.

Although majority of GRAVIS’ work falls under drought mitigation caused by the water crisis in the Thar Desert, we believe in an integrated approach to sustainable development, working to not only enable a secure and safe source of water for drinking and irrigation, but also transforming lives through education, healthcare, microfinance and advocacy for the rights of those more vulnerable in society.

For an in-depth insight on GRAVIS’ genesis, its growth and development over the first 25 years since its origin, we have a special publication ‘The Story of GRAVIS’ authored by Hayden Kantor. This document is the closest original account of GRAVIS’ journey as it highlights our struggles, learning and successes we have achieved over the course of time with the generous support of communities and partners who believed in us and shared our values.

History

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