About Jeevika Trust

Jeevika Trust has been delivering grassroots, sustainable solutions to alleviate rural poverty and uplift marginalized communities in India for over 50 years.

Jeevika – meaning “livelihood” in Hindi – embodies our commitment to transforming the lives of India’s poorest rural communities, with a special focus on empowering women to achieve dignity and self-reliance.

Our Story & History

The Founding Vision

Jeevika Trust’s roots extend deep into a legacy of pioneering thought and grassroots action. One of our founding luminaries was the groundbreaking economist E.F. (Fritz) Schumacher—whose seminal work, Small is Beautiful, forever changed the way we view economic development. Schumacher championed two transformative ideas that continue to shape our philosophy:

Appropriate Technologies: Solutions that use local resources to create humanscale, low-cost, environmentally friendly, and people-centric responses to village challenges.
Tri-sector Partnerships: A unique collaboration between the State, the Private Sector, and Civil Society—a model encapsulated by Schumacher’s ABC approach to development.

Alongside Schumacher, other visionary leaders such as Surur Hoda, Professor Mansur Hoda, George McRobie, and Jay Prakash Narayan set the foundation for sustainable change. They rejected the imposition of capital-intensive technologies in developing contexts, opting instead for intermediate methods that met the local needs. Through the establishment of the Appropriate Technology Development Association and the Schumacher Institute for Appropriate Technology in Lucknow, they trained village youths to unlock their own potential and spur local productivity.

A 50+ Year Journey

Timeline of Transformation

1970s

The Early Years

Inception & Innovating Solutions: Founded in the early 1970s as India Development Group (IDG UK), our initial focus was on delivering sustainable, context-appropriate technologies to impoverished villages. Early projects ranged from bee-keeping and goat rearing to cultivating mint crops—practical initiatives designed to boost local productivity and curb rural migration.

Training for Self-Reliance: The Schumacher Institute in Lucknow became a hub where village youths acquired essential skills. Here, foundational training in repair work, tailoring, and craft production sowed the seeds of self-sustenance.

2000s

Expanding Horizons and Renewed Focus

A New Identity: As the organization evolved, so did its name. In the 2000s, IDG transitioned to Jeevika Trust—a name derived from the Hindi word for “livelihood.” This change reflected our sharpened focus on uplifting the poorest communities, especially by empowering women.

Scaling Through Partnerships: With the establishment of the Schumacher Centre for Development in New Delhi, Jeevika broadened its reach across India. Projects during this period included women’s training in income generation (e.g., beekeeping, goat-rearing, and craft enterprises), water resource management, low-cost housing, and rapid response efforts—such as our life-saving interventions during the Boxing Day tsunami of 2004.

Impact in Numbers: Between 2000 and 2020, Jeevika Trust, working through carefully selected NGO partners in states like Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Orissa, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and beyond, directly touched the lives of tens of thousands—providing vital support and sustainable training at an incredibly cost-effective scale.

2020s

Embracing Smart Solutions

Innovating for the Future: In the 2020s, Jeevika Trust has stepped into the realm of “smart villages” with initiatives like the Smart Farm India Project. Delivered in partnership with Jeevan Rekha Parishad and other key collaborators, this project integrates traditional knowledge with modern technology to improve agricultural productivity, bolster climate resilience, and secure better livelihoods for smallholder farmers and tribal communities.

A Model of Collaborative Impact: Today, our work spans a wide portfolio—from water and sanitation projects and health & nutrition programs to pioneering efforts in women’s empowerment. Our evolving model champions local ownership, ensuring communities not only receive support but also harness their own capabilities for long-term sustainability.

The Present

and the Beyond

Today, Jeevika Trust stands as a beacon of grassroots innovation and effective partnership. Our 50+ year journey has built a robust network of community-based projects supported by dedicated partners, visionary leaders, and passionate field teams. As we look toward the future, we continue to invest in scalable, self-sustaining solutions that address the enduring challenges of rural poverty. By empowering communities—especially women—we create lasting change that transforms lives, strengthens villages, and paves the way for a more equitable and prosperous India.

Mission, Vision & Values

Our Mission

To empower rural communities in India by creating sustainable livelihood opportunities, improving access to essential services like clean water, healthcare, and sanitation, and fostering an environment where every individual, especially women, can thrive.

OUR VISION

A future where every rural village in India is self-sustaining, resilient in the face of change, and vibrant with empowered individuals shaping their own destinies.

OUR VALUES

Sustainability: Committing to long-term solutions that respect the environment and nurture community growth.
Empowerment: Enabling every individual to access the resources, skills, and opportunities they need to flourish.
Innovation: Blending traditional knowledge with modern technology to craft effective, scalable solutions.
Collaboration: Building strong partnerships with communities, NGOs, corporate partners, and government bodies to maximize collective impact.

Our Team & Leadership

Our success is built on the passion, expertise, and dedication of our diverse team. From seasoned field officers to innovative project managers, every member of Jeevika Trust contributes to our shared mission.

Meet our leadership team—visionaries who drive change and inspire action every day.

Mark Roberts

Director

Dick Gupwell

Chairman

Raj Sitlani

Vice Chairman

Libby Cooper

Trustee

David Bottomley

Trustee

Gourang Agrawal

Trustee

Arun Rasuri

Trustee

Reema Desai

Trustee

Lorna Gower

Programme Development Coordinator

Mahesh Mishra

Project Delivery Coordinator

Vipan Bij

Agri-tech Advisor

Gopal Rao

Strategy Advisor

Partners

Collaboration lies at the heart of our work. We are proud to partner with local NGOs, international donors, corporate CSR programs, and community organizations that share our vision for sustainable rural development. These partnerships not only amplify our impact but also foster long-lasting relationships that help shape a better future for the communities we serve.