< Back Nikita Gangoda Social Mobilizer

< Back PAGBHAR Empowering Livelihoods, Strengthening Communities Pagbhar is designed to empower communities through a bottom-up approach, fostering self-reliance and sustainable development. In Gujarati, "pagbhar" means standing on two feet, signifying self-dependence. This program focuses on helping marginalized and poor communities achieve economic self-sufficiency, thus bringing dignity to people who have long been excluded from economic systems. Through Pagbhar, these communities are not just participants but active contributors to their own transformation, gradually integrating into the mainstream economy. By leveraging community knowledge, technology, and resources, Pagbhar facilitates a transformative process where individuals and communities become agents of change. The program integrates multiple components, including skill development, livelihood creation, and entrepreneurship, with a significant focus on social equity and environmental sustainability. Additionally, through Pagbhar, the green assets and wastelands that VIKAS has helped develop or accumulate over the years will now serve as means of production, empowering marginalized communities to generate sustainable livelihoods. One of the key element of Pagbhar is the Mangrove Plus project, an environmental and livelihood initiative aimed at restoring mangroves along Gujarat’s coast (Great Green Wall of Gujarat). The integration of the Mangrove Plus project into PAGBHAR enhances the sustenance of mangrove ecosystems, as it provides continuous income opportunities for those who have actively participated in planting and caring for the mangroves. By ensuring that communities benefit financially post-plantation, the initiative guarantees long-term commitment to mangrove conservation, creating a sustainable livelihood model that directly ties environmental stewardship to economic growth. In addition, Pagbhar also incorporates wasteland development, a significant aspect of VIKAS’s advocacy efforts. After extensive advocacy and rallies, VIKAS successfully helped marginalized communities gain access to wastelands in 1996. With Pagbhar, these lands will become a means of empowering communities to transform barren land into productive spaces. Through Pagbhar, communities will collaborate to develop these lands into valuable resources for agriculture, agroforestry, and other livelihood activities. This not only improves local livelihoods but also contributes to the restoration of degraded lands, benefiting both the environment and the people. Key Components Pagbhar operates through components designed to create a strong foundation of community empowerment and sustainable livelihood. Key Components of Pagbhar in synergy with Mangrove Plus LEAP - Livelihood & Enterprise Advancement Programme : The LEAP component focuses on expanding livelihoods and enterprise opportunities through targeted interventions in various sectors. This includes Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, Agriculture (including biochar, solar drip irrigation, and agroforestry), Honeybee Keeping, and Eco-Tourism. These sectors are tailored to local community needs and the surrounding ecosystem, ensuring sustainable practices and economic viability. For instance, initiatives like solar drip irrigation and agroforestry promote sustainable agriculture, while honeybee keeping and eco-tourism create additional income streams, diversifying livelihoods and fostering long-term sustainability. LIFE - Local Initiative Fund for Enterprise : This component focuses on creating self-sustaining economic structures within communities. Through the formation of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), individuals can pool resources and build credit. The credit generated by SHGs under Life directly funds initiatives within LEAP, creating a cycle of interdependence that strengthens communities. This system not only empowers individuals financially but also fosters greater collaboration and unity within the community, building economic resilience and a sustainable future. Methodology Community mobilization is the foundation of our approach at Pagbhar. We engage with communities through creation or leveraging existing various platforms such as SHGs, Kishan Shalas (farmer training centers), and Fisheries Shalas (fisherfolk learning hubs). These platforms empower community members to come together, voice their needs, and identify solutions collaboratively. When specific needs are identified, Pagbhar adapts to provide the required support. If there is a demand for Entrepreneurship Development Program (EDP) training, we connect the community with trainers and resources. If skill development is needed, we align programs to match local industry demands. For those with ideas but lacking direction, we offer guidance and strategies to help them implement their goals. The LEAP component supports these efforts by linking communities to sustainable livelihoods. The initial credit and financial support provided by SHGs through LIFE enables growth in sectors like agriculture, fisheries, and eco-tourism. These sectors align with local environmental conditions, fostering self-sufficiency and economic growth. Closing the feedback loop is vital in this process. Mechanisms tailored to each sector for gathering and integrating community feedback ensure that our approach evolves to meet their changing needs. This iterative process allows for continuous improvement and ensures that we remain responsive to the challenges of the community. Pagbhar, through its bottom-up approach, empowers communities to stand on their own feet, integrate into economic systems, and build a future that is self-reliant, sustainable, and dignified. The inclusion of credit groups, wasteland development and the establishment of systems for post-plantation activities around the Great Green Wall of Gujarat (Mangrove Plus) further strengthens this model, transforming previously unused land into valuable assets for the communities involved. Project Gallery Partners Through the generous support and funding from a diverse range of partners, Pagbhar has been able to ensure its impactful and sustainable outcomes for the communities involved. To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. Impact of the Initiative So far, Pagbhar has directly impacted over 5,000 individuals through a variety of training programs. These initiatives have equipped community members with essential knowledge and skills, fostering a sense of empowerment and enabling them to improve their livelihoods and access vital services. The initiative has helped form over 50 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) across multiple communities. These groups have become vital platforms for collective action, bringing people together to tackle shared challenges and work towards common goals. By pooling resources and knowledge, these groups have enabled individuals to find sustainable solutions to pressing issues such as economic instability and limited access to healthcare and social welfare. Exposure visits have also been a key feature of Pagbhar’s approach, with over 50 visits organized to date. These visits have provided community members with invaluable learning opportunities, allowing them to observe successful models of development and bring back new ideas to their own communities. These exchanges have sparked innovation and inspired individuals to apply best practices, improving local development efforts and fostering greater unity and collaboration among diverse community members. Sunita, a woman from a rural community, became an inspiring entrepreneur through Pagbhar’s training program focused on sustainable livelihoods. Armed with skills in financial management, marketing, and product development, she identified the untapped potential of local herbs and medicinal plants in her area. Sunita started a small business producing natural herbal products, which she sold to local markets and online. By partnering with local farmers, she created a fair trade model that supported both her business and the community. Her success not only provided her with a sustainable income but also empowered other women in her region to pursue their own entrepreneurial ventures, with Sunita now mentoring others and expanding her business with the help of Pagbhar’s community-building initiatives. Looking ahead, Pagbhar remains committed to extending its impact by aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through a continued focus on education, advocacy, and resource-sharing, the program aims to reach even more communities, fostering inclusive growth and sustainable development. Pagbhar strives to create a future where every individual has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to the collective well-being, while promoting long-term social and environmental sustainability. 1/1

< Back REAP Renewable Energy Advancement Programme The growing demand for energy, driven by population growth, economic development, and the pursuit of a better quality of life, presents a complex challenge. As energy needs expand, so does the reliance on non-renewable energy sources like coal and fossil fuels, which emit greenhouse gases (GHGs) and contribute to global climate change. This growing environmental crisis disproportionately affects marginalized communities, often trapped in cycles of poverty, where access to reliable and affordable energy is limited, and vulnerability to climate impacts is high. We recognize that addressing both poverty and climate change requires integrated solutions. While nature-based solutions like carbon sinks are essential, the shift to renewable energy (RE) plays a critical role in mitigating climate change and improving the lives of vulnerable communities. Our Renewable Energy Advancement Programme (REAP) is designed to promote the adoption of renewable energy technologies, reduce carbon footprints, and support poverty alleviation through sustainable energy access. By integrating renewable energy into daily life, we aim to empower communities, improve economic opportunities, and build resilience against the effects of climate change. Evolution We have been committed to integrating renewable energy solutions into the lives of marginalized communities, particularly along the coast of Gujarat. Through various initiatives, we aim to reduce dependence on non-renewable energy sources, combat climate change, and uplift vulnerable populations. Here are some key milestones of our work: 2001-2002 – Solar Lantern Distribution (Post-Earthquake Relief) In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Gujarat, VIKAS distributed 500 solar lanterns to rural and remote families as part of the relief effort. This initiative helped provide sustainable, off-grid lighting solutions, ensuring that households had access to light even without a reliable electricity supply. 2008-2022 – Solar Pumps for Salt Production in Little Rann of Kutch In partnership with SAVE PVT. Ltd., VIKAS introduced 462 solar pumps in the salt production areas of Little Rann of Kutch. These solar-powered pumps replaced diesel-operated pumps, significantly reducing fuel consumption and emissions, while also providing a more affordable and sustainable solution for the salt farmers in the region. 2023-2024 – Solar Street Lights for Rural Safety Recognizing the importance of safety for women in rural areas, VIKAS installed 233 solar street lights in the Dahej region and 100 solar street lights in Mansa Taluka. These installations not only provide reliable nighttime lighting but also contribute to the safety and empowerment of women in these communities. 2014-2015 – Solar Drip Irrigation Pilot in Jamnagar In collaboration with SAVE and AVS, USA, VIKAS tested the Drip Linked Solar Irrigation System with 10 farmers in the vegetable-growing regions of Jamnagar district. This system allowed farmers to irrigate their fields efficiently while reducing water usage and energy costs, promoting sustainable agriculture practices. 2023-Present – Expanding Solar Drip Irrigation in Banaskantha Building on the success of the earlier pilot, VIKAS, in partnership with AJS & Samvedna Trust, introduced the solar drip irrigation system to 13 farmers in the villages of Banaskantha district. This initiative continues to demonstrate how renewable energy can enhance agricultural productivity while mitigating climate change impacts. Methodology VIKAS implements solar energy solutions through a structured and community-centered approach. The process begins with needs assessment and stakeholder consultations to identify the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities. Pilot projects are introduced to test renewable energy technologies, such as solar pumps for salt production and solar drip irrigation for farmers, ensuring their feasibility and impact. Successful pilots are scaled up through partnerships with technical experts and funding agencies, focusing on accessible, sustainable solutions. VIKAS ensures capacity building by training beneficiaries in the operation and maintenance of solar systems, fostering long-term self-reliance. Financial support mechanisms, including subsidies and institutional credit, enable community ownership and economic empowerment. Regular monitoring and evaluation ensure effective implementation, with feedback loops refining approaches and addressing challenges. This methodology integrates social, economic, and environmental factors, empowering communities to adopt renewable energy for sustainable development and resilience against climate change. We are committed to advancing renewable energy solutions that not only reduce carbon emissions but also improve the socio-economic conditions of marginalized communities. Through REAP, we continue to empower local farmers, businesses, and households by providing clean, reliable, and cost-effective energy solutions that contribute to a sustainable and equitable future for all. By embracing renewable energy, we can build a world that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to thrive. Project Gallery Partners REAP became successful because of its collaboration with technical experts, funding agencies, and grassroots organizations to design and implement impactful solar energy solutions. To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. Impact of the Initiative The adoption of solar energy solutions has profoundly transformed the lives of marginalized communities across Gujarat, particularly salt producers and small-scale farmers. By replacing diesel-operated systems with solar-powered technologies, these initiatives have not only mitigated environmental damage but also broken cycles of poverty, fostering dignity and self-reliance among vulnerable populations. In the Little Rann of Kutch, the installation of 462 solar pumps has significantly reduced operational costs for salt producers, saving each around ₹95,000 to ₹1,00,000 per season on diesel expenses. Over a decade, these savings amount to ₹8 lakh per pump, enabling producers to reinvest in health, education, and other essential needs. Freed from the dependence on moneylenders and traders, they now have the financial independence to negotiate better prices for their salt, earning an additional ₹20 to ₹30 per metric ton. This economic empowerment has given these producers control over their livelihoods and allowed them to break free from exploitative systems, restoring their dignity and ensuring sustainable growth. Solar drip irrigation has further revolutionized farming practices, conserving up to 75% of groundwater and enabling farmers to extend their agricultural cycles from one crop per year to three. By cultivating diverse crops, farmers have not only mitigated risks but also increased cash flow, earning an additional ₹39,000 per acre per season. The system requires minimal physical effort, reducing drudgery and allowing farmers to pursue other social and economic activities. Moreover, the solar systems have been instrumental in reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers, promoting sustainable agriculture, and enhancing soil health. Beyond agriculture, the installation of 333 solar streetlights in rural areas has illuminated villages, providing safer spaces for women and children and extending productive hours for communities. Women, in particular, have benefitted from reduced safety concerns and greater opportunities for education and economic participation, furthering gender equity. The environmental impact of these initiatives is equally significant. Transitioning from diesel to solar pumps has drastically reduced greenhouse gas emissions and noise pollution, critical in ecologically sensitive areas like the Little Rann of Kutch. The absence of diesel fumes has also improved health outcomes for workers previously exposed to harmful emissions. The renewable energy solutions championed by VIKAS have created a holistic transformation, addressing pressing environmental challenges while uplifting marginalized communities. These initiatives have not only improved incomes and living standards but also empowered people with the means to lead lives of dignity and self-sufficiency, paving the way for sustainable and equitable development. 1/1

< Back Baldev Dabhi Technical Associate

< Back Altaf Reliya Technical Associate

< Back Chatrasang Makwana Community Worker

< Back Indira Rathava Social Mobilizer

< Back Rajesh Shah Managing Trustee

< Back Kushagra Merchant Management

< Back Bhavisha Goswami Social Mobilizer

< Back C.F.Joseph Executive Secretary-Administration

< Back Babu Rathod Technical Associate