Draft:Gramin Vikas Vigyan Samiti

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Abbreviation: GRAVIS

Founded: 1983[1]

Type: Non-governmental Organization

Purpose: To work for the empowerment of rural communities

Headquarters: Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India


History

GRAVIS (Gramin Vikas Vigyan Samiti), a non-governmental organization, was co-founded in 1983 by Laxmi Chand Tyagi, Shashi Tyagi and a group of development activists. It is registered under the Rajasthan Societies Act, 1958. The founders, who had previously been involved in social movements in the 1960s and 1970s, relocated to Rajasthan from Uttar Pradesh in the late 1970s with the intention to work in regions which lacked basic resources.[2] In 1980, the founders moved to the Thar desert in Rajasthan as they observed challenges including chronic drought, water scarcity, and associated issues such as malnutrition and health problems in the region. This environment, characterized by limited resources, influenced their decision to establish an organization focused on these underserved areas.

An integrated approach to sustainable development is employed for the empowerment of rural communities in the Thar Desert. Efforts encompass water security, alongside programmes in education, healthcare, agriculture, and advocacy for vulnerable populations.[3] Participatory methodologies are utilized, emphasizing community involvement in programme development and execution. Operations have expanded over time and extended to the northern State of Uttarakhand and Bundelkhand region of the State of Uttar Pradesh in recent years.

Objectives and Approach[4]

Efforts are directed towards rural populations residing in arid climatic zones and underserved areas, encompassing marginal farmers, women, older people[5], and children. These groups are organized into Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) to facilitate active participation in community development.[6] Guided by principles of collective welfare (Sarvodaya) and village self-governance (Gram Swaraj), the aim is to empower rural communities by fostering ownership of their local environments, institutions, and relationships.

Partnerships

Partnerships are established with diverse groups, including subject experts, independent researchers, local communities, volunteers, other non-governmental organizations, and national as well as international development partners.[7] These alliances provide technical expertise and financial resources, aiding in the implementation of programmes and expansion of reach.[8] Furthermore, these collaborations facilitate engagement in evidence-based practices and the incorporation of current findings into interventions.

International Affiliations

Affiliations include consultative status at the UN ECOSOC[9] and representation with the global networks of WHO Civil Society Commission[10], HelpAge International[11], The Global Alliance For The Rights Of Older People[12], Agroecology Fund[13] and FAO Family Farming Knowledge Platform (FFKP)[14].

Key Programmatic Areas

Water Security

In regions affected by drought and insufficient rainfall, interventions are implemented to address water availability and quality.[15] These efforts focus on rainwater conservation and efficient water resource management.[16] This includes promoting traditional and modern rainwater harvesting technologies and filtration techniques.[17] Structures constructed include taankas (underground water tanks), beris (percolation wells), naadis (ponds), and bio-sand water filters (BSWF).[18]

Agriculture and Animal Husbandry

In dryland regions, where agricultural practices are dependent on rainfall, communities receive assistance aimed at improving food security and livestock health.[19] Support for farmers includes aid with seed storage via community seed banks and initiatives to boost yields from rain-fed agriculture through the construction of farming dykes known as khadeens.[20] Arid Horticulture Units are also established, enabling families to grow seasonal and local fruit and vegetable crops to fulfill nutritional needs.[21] For animal husbandry, provisions such as veterinary assistance, pasture land development, and fodder depots are made available to maintain livestock health.[22]

Health

Health concerns such as malnutrition[23], waterborne diseases, and respiratory[24] illnesses prevalent in mining communities, are addressed within operational areas. Village Health Workers (VHWs) are appointed to manage the health requirements of residents including women, children, and older individuals in remote and low-income regions.[25] Medical services are delivered via a hospital, satellite clinics, and mobile medical units. Additionally, educational sessions focused on healthcare and nutrition are conducted.[26]

Education

Access to education in rural areas, especially for girls[27], is supported through various initiatives. These include establishment of schools, recruitment and training of educators, and  provision of essential learning resources such as study materials, uniforms, and transportation in the form of bicycles.[28] Efforts to improve household water access are also undertaken, aiming to reduce the time and burden on women and girls who are involved in water collection. This, in turn, is intended to enable increased engagement in educational pursuits and economic activities.[29][30]

Community Mobilization

Community-based organizations (CBOs)[31] are established, integrating various community demographics such as older adults, women[32], and farmers. These organizations function as forums for community members to articulate their perspectives and engage in the processes of project planning, training initiatives, practical execution, and ongoing monitoring and evaluation.[33] Such involvement aims to enhance general well-being, educational attainment, livelihood security, and socio-economic standing within the community.[34]

Research and Advocacy

Research findings and intervention methodologies are documented in reports and publications, serving as open-source resources for knowledge sharing and potential implementation in other arid regions.[35] Additionally, advocacy efforts are undertaken to bring attention to the challenges faced by vulnerable populations, including women, the elderly, and mineworkers, and to promote their involvement in addressing societal inequalities.[36][37]

References

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  1. ^ "History of GRAVIS". 2023-03-22. Retrieved 2025-08-11.
  2. ^ "GRAVIS: Oasis in the Thar Desert". Moneylife NEWS & VIEWS. Retrieved 2025-08-11.
  3. ^ "GRAVIS ANNUAL REPORT 2023-24" (PDF). GRAVIS.
  4. ^ "Mission and Vision | GRAVIS". 2023-05-22. Retrieved 2025-08-11.
  5. ^ "United Nations General Assembly Open-ended Working Group on Ageing Fourteenth session" (PDF).
  6. ^ "Mainstreaming Gender and Empowering Women in Agriculture in the Thar Region of India".
  7. ^ "Partners | GRAVIS". 2023-05-24. Retrieved 2025-08-11.
  8. ^ erin-AEF (2024-11-15). "Food Security and Drought Mitigation in India's Thar Desert". Agroecology Fund. Retrieved 2025-08-11.
  9. ^ "United Nations Civil Society Participation – Apply for Consultative Status". esango.un.org. Retrieved 2025-08-11.
  10. ^ "WHO Civil Society Commission Members – June 2025" (PDF).
  11. ^ "South Asia". HelpAge International. Retrieved 2025-08-11.
  12. ^ GAROP. "List of Members". The Global Alliance. Retrieved 2025-08-11.
  13. ^ "Global Partners". Agroecology Fund. Retrieved 2025-08-11.
  14. ^ "Gramin Vikas Vigyan Samiti Family Farming Knowledge Platform Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations". www.fao.org. Retrieved 2025-08-11.
  15. ^ "Climate Change and Its Impact on Thar Desert Ecosystem" (PDF).
  16. ^ "Making Arid Rajasthan Water Sufficient, Using Age-old Methods". Forbes India. Retrieved 2025-08-11.
  17. ^ "Creating an Oasis". CEEW. 2022-10-28. Retrieved 2025-08-11.
  18. ^ Sharma, Pawan Kumar; Srivastava, Sonal; Chandauriya, Mahima (2022), Rai, Suresh Chand; Mishra, Prabuddh Kumar (eds.), "Indigenous Knowledge and Traditional Practices for Water Resource Management in Rajasthan, India", Traditional Ecological Knowledge of Resource Management in Asia, Cham: Springer International Publishing, pp. 137–157, doi:10.1007/978-3-031-16840-6_9, ISBN 978-3-031-16840-6, retrieved 2025-08-11
  19. ^ "Checking Climate Impacts". CEEW. 2022-09-09. Retrieved 2025-08-11.
  20. ^ Vena, Pierantonio La; Ram, Bhatta (2024-11-21). "Traditional Water Management in the Thar Desert: The Khadeen of Rajasthan, India". Blue Papers. 3 (2): 140–51. doi:10.58981/bluepapers.2024.2.11. ISSN 2950-1423.
  21. ^ "Indian Journals". www.indianjournals.com. Retrieved 2025-08-11.
  22. ^ "Feeding and Milking Management Practices Adopted by Indigenous Cattle Farmers in Thar Desert of Rajasthan" (PDF).
  23. ^ Singh, Madhu B.; Fotedar, Ranjana; Lakshminarayana, J. (2009). "Micronutrient deficiency status among women of desert areas of western Rajasthan, India". Public Health Nutrition. 12 (5): 624–629. doi:10.1017/S1368980008002395. ISSN 1475-2727. PMID 18503719.
  24. ^ "TB prevention and management post-COVID-19 - how to protect the vulnerable". World Economic Forum. Archived from the original on 2025-07-25. Retrieved 2025-08-11.
  25. ^ Morgan, Rosemary; Kalbarczyk, Anna; Mohan, Diwakar; Jacobs, Choolwe; Mishra, Manasee; Tyagi, Prakash; Cox-Roman, Cindy; Williamson, Camilla (2024-06-18). "Counting older women: Measuring the health and wellbeing of older women in LMICs". Cell Reports Medicine. 5 (6) 101607. doi:10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101607. ISSN 2666-3791. PMC 11228774. PMID 38897170.
  26. ^ "Universal health coverage: a global problem with local solutions".
  27. ^ "Status of Women Empowerment in Barmer (Rajasthan)" (PDF).
  28. ^ "Project Parivartan". OneProsper International. Retrieved 2025-08-11.
  29. ^ Upadhyay, Rajshree; Solanki, Dhriti (2023), Varghese, Nisha; Burark, Sukhdeo Singh; Varghese, K.A. (eds.), "Women Empowerment in Thar Desert Region", Natural Resource Management in the Thar Desert Region of Rajasthan, Cham: Springer International Publishing, pp. 235–252, doi:10.1007/978-3-031-34556-2_10, ISBN 978-3-031-34556-2, retrieved 2025-08-11
  30. ^ "EARTHKEEPERS: LAURENCE ELLIS | Beyond Noise". www.thebeyondnoise.com. Retrieved 2025-08-11.
  31. ^ Rukmini (2024-03-13). "Journey of becoming Agripreneurs - Challenges and way forward for women farmers". LEISA India. Retrieved 2025-08-11.
  32. ^ Ahmad, Omair (2015-11-26). "Rajasthani women farmers combat climate change in the desert". Dialogue Earth. Retrieved 2025-08-11.
  33. ^ "Women lead the way out of poverty in an Indian desert". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2025-08-11.
  34. ^ "Socio-Economics Impact Of Women's Self-Help Groups In Rural Rajasthan: A Comprehensive Study" (PDF).
  35. ^ "Research Studies and Publications | GRAVIS". 2023-05-28. Retrieved 2025-08-11.
  36. ^ "Leveraging traditional knowledge and wisdom to promote water, food and nutrition security in the Thar". evidence4agroecology.org. Retrieved 2025-08-11.
  37. ^ Hour, -PBS News Hour PBS News (2016-04-07). "Dusty mining conditions trap Indian workers with deadly lung disease". PBS News. Retrieved 2025-08-11.