Kumarappa Institute of Gram Swaraj was established on 4th of
January 1967 (75th birth anniversary of Shri J.C. Kumarappa)
with the sole aim of social transformation based on Gandhian
principles of decentralized, unexploitative, cooperative,
self-reliant and peaceful living. Economics of peace and
permanence, as envisaged by Kumarappa, has been the guiding
principle of this Institute.
We aim to make sustainable development a
reality, particularly for the poorest of the poor, by
transforming decision making into action. We are not so much
a think tank, as a think-and-do-tank: for us positive
action, leading to real long-term solutions, follows from
our grassroots experiences.
Our
Vision : KIGS visualises a just and
equitable society in which sustainable development can
thrive. KIGS also envisages a society where the poor, the
marginalised and under privileged have an equal opportunity
for involvement in a development process which is value
based and sustainable - and also have an appropriate
environment to develop their potential to its fullest.
Our Mission :The mission of this Institute is to act through
realistic, innovative and sustainable interventions for
building a capacity for Self Governance at grassroots level
as propounded by Mahatma Gandhi in Gram Swaraj. Hence our
primary objective is to empower the people through Gram
Sabha (Rural Self-Governance System) and Institution
building. Priority is given to women, children and socially
and economically weaker sections viz., Scheduled Castes,
Scheduled Tribes, small and marginal farmers. Working for
the holistic and sustainable development of these people we
can contribute to a more secure, equitable and prosperous
society.
Our Objectives :KIGS objective is to develop the tools to eventually
enable people to meet their own needs. To do this, we
concentrate our efforts on five priority areas :
To facilitate empowerment of Gram Sabha (rural
self-governance system) to promote democracy and better
governance and to strengthen both civil society and the
security of the individual.
To support the full participation of women as equal
partners in the sustainable development of their
societies.
To study, research and evaluate rural problems and also
the impact of the development programmes.
To help sustainable natural resource management which
would reduce poverty and inequality and improve
livelihoods. It includes working on sustainable
agriculture, organic farming, animal husbandry, land
use, rural technology and soil and water management.
To strengthen grassroots capacities by building
confidence, problem solving capacities, resilience and
skills among local people.