Gramin Vikas Vigyan Samiti (GRAVIS)

Located in India - Founded in 1983 - IDEX partner since 1999

A woman carrying water. Women and girls can walk several hours each day to ensure their families have sufficient water.

GRAVIS, founded by Gandhian activists, promotes self-reliance to improve the social, economic and political opportunities of Thar Desert peoples in Rajasthan, India. GRAVIS’ approach focuses on social transformation-rather than economic assistance. Their goal is the creation of self-reliant village communities.

GRAVIS’ programs include education, health, women’s empowerment and income generation, microcredit, water resource development, agriculture, forestry, land management, and labor rights of mineworkers. Over the last 25 years, GRAVIS’s programs have grown to serve 500 remote, tribal communities throughout Rajasthan.

GRAVIS focuses on social transformation—rather than economic assistance. Their goal is the creation of self-reliant village communities.

Current activities supported by IDEX include the implementation of a drought preparedness program in 20 villages, and the construction of taankas (underground water storage) to improve water security for hundreds of people. Water security also lessens the burden on women and girls whose job it is to carry water from long distances.

Activities also include the launch and support of Self Help Groups for women providing training in education, capacity building, and vocational skills. Finally, IDEX support is used for the creation of seed banks and horticulture projects that increase food security.