About Us

Rural Communes

Who We Are

Rural Communes

Founded in 1974, Rural Communes was established with the sole purpose of creating sustainable livelihoods for marginalized rural individuals and empowering communities through comprehensive development.

By actively involving people in their own development through action-oriented tasks, we initiate a movement of tangible progress. Rural Communes leads this progression with practical methods that foster learning and cultivate self-reliance.

These core values inspired the creation of the Graduate Volunteer Scheme (GVS) in 1974. This innovative program was designed to provide meaningful, relevant education where graduates from all faculties live and work in rural Maharashtra for 12 months.

This experiential learning approach brought students out of traditional classrooms and into real-world contexts. They learned about global realities, understood the challenges faced by marginalized communities, and developed problem-solving skills. The program built self-confidence and demonstrated the power of collective action in addressing community challenges.

Rural Communes community development
Rural Communes sustainable development

Creating Leadership Through Education

Youth leadership development
Community leadership training

The Graduate Volunteer Scheme participants evolved into skilled organizers and effective leaders, catalyzing the formation of local community organizations. In recognition of this outstanding youth engagement in community development, GVS received the prestigious "Commonwealth Youth Award" for 1976, based on strong recommendation from the Government of India.

Following their year-long learning experience with GVS, many students chose to remain in the villages, continuing their work with local communities. The communities demonstrated their appreciation by offering in-kind support to these dedicated volunteers. Observing this meaningful engagement, GVS staff also provided personal support on an ad hoc basis.

As GVS operated under the University of Bombay's framework, institutional support for students beyond one year was not feasible. This limitation prompted GVS staff and students to establish an independent organization. Consequently, Rural Communes (RC) was formally registered in 1976 under both the Societies Registration Act - 1860 (No. Bom. 137/1976 G.B.B.S.D.) and the Bombay Public Trusts Act, 1950 (No. F - 3978).

Our Team

RC's Coordination Staff Play a Vital Role By:

Formulating need-based programmes and activities

Active staff training and development

Providing information on relevant issues and topics

Participating in critical assessments of personnel and programmes

Developing appropriate monitoring systems

Translating progress reports and project proposals

Managing crisis situations effectively

Providing material on current topics and issues

Providing assistance in administrative management and coordination

Promoting networking among agencies on different topics

Organising workshops and seminars on development concepts

Formulating innovative project proposals

Networking on watershed development and environment regeneration

Liaising with educational institutions for programme involvement

Networking on issues like minimum wage and women's empowerment

Team Composition

Trustees

Staff

Our Journey Through Time

Celebrating decades of sustainable development and community empowerment

1976
Rural Communes Foundation 1976

Foundation of Rural Communes

GVS Promoters, Staff & Students registered an independent organization – Rural Communes. Graduate Volunteer Scheme (GVS), University of Bombay – supported by Ministry of Education – Govt. of India.

6 batches successfully completed
25 students per batch
Commonwealth Youth Award winner
1982
Village Level Workers Training 1982

Expansion & Grassroots Development

Initiated Village Level Workers Training Programme to continue GVS type training and supported 10 grassroots level groups for 3-5 years, making them independent local organizations.

Supported Organizations:

Progressive Friends Circle, Mukhed, District Nanded
SURYA, Palghar, District Thane
Shramajeevi Janata Sahayyak Mandal, Rammalla, Koyna Nagar, District Satara
Debons Agro Consultancy Services, Jaisingpur, District Kolhapur
Academy of Development Sciences, Karjat, District Raigad
Rural Development Research and Action (RUDRA), Vavarle, District Raigad
Jagrut Bhaubandhi Sanghatana, Margachiwadi, District Raigad
Madhuban Tribal South Dharampur – South Gujarat
Dharohar – Bastar, Kondagaon - Chattisgarh
Paramparik Bastar Shilpee Parivaar (PBSP), Kondagaon, Bastar, Chattisgarh
1994-1999
Academic Partnerships 1994-1999

Academic Partnerships & Watershed Development

Successfully secured affiliation from S.N.D.T. Women's University for a one-year Village Level Workers Training certificate program, designed for NGO staff and community members under Continuing Education.

S.N.D.T. Women's University Affiliation
NABARD Watershed Development
1780 ha. across 5 revenue villages
Women Development Programs
1999-2007
Conservation Awards 1999-2007

Conservation Leadership & National Recognition

Comprehensive sustainable development programs across multiple regions with significant conservation achievements and national recognition.

13Agro-climatic & Forest Zones
4780 ha.Amba Valley Development
170+Tribal Villages Served
UNDPEquator Initiative Award 2002
In-situ Conservation with SFD
Community Mobilisation
UNDP-MoEF Community Knowledge Registers
Home Herbal Gardens
PBRs for Chavani & Khandas villages
Mother NGO for Watershed
NABARD Bhatsa Dam Catchment Area
Biodiversity Assessment of Amba Valley
Certificate Courses with SNDT University
2009-2011
Tribal Empowerment 2009-2011

Tribal Empowerment & Watershed Planning

Focused initiatives for tribal community empowerment and large-scale watershed planning programs.

Tribal Empowerment in Jawahar-Mokhada
Medicinal Plants Conservation
Mega Watershed Planning
80,000 ha. Watershed Planning
2011-2017
Training Programs 2011-2017

Capacity Building & Sustainable Partnerships

Expanded training programs and established sustainable partnerships with corporate and government entities.

Training Impact:

3Training Regions Covered
500+Experts Trained
10+Corporate Partnerships
15+Villages in Livelihood Programs
YASHADA, Govt. of Maharashtra
VASUNDHARA, Govt. of Maharashtra
Hard Facts Consultancy LLP
JSW Energy Ltd.
Tata Power Pvt. Ltd
2016-2019
Child Nutrition 2016-2019

Child Nutrition & Education Initiative

Implemented school nutrition garden programs to improve child nutrition and education outcomes in partnership with JSW Steel Ltd.

Nutrition Garden Setup
5 Anganwadi Centers
6 Schools
Child Nutrition Improvement
2018-2023
Recent Initiatives 2018-2023

Modern Initiatives & Market Development

Recent programs focusing on agricultural extension, market studies, and community development partnerships.

Diploma in Agriculture Extension Services for Input Dealers funded by ATMA
Market Study on Hirda (Terminalia Chebula) for NABARD Mumbai
Jalashaya Development Programme in Ambernath with Valvoline Cummins Pvt Ltd

Current Focus Areas:

Agriculture Extension
Market Value Chain
Water Resource Development
Corporate Partnerships

Our Valued Partners

Collaborating for sustainable rural development and community empowerment

Network Partners

FRLHT

Foundation for Revitalisation of Local Health Traditions

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Documentation Centre

Knowledge and resource sharing partner

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WOTR

Watershed Organisation Trust

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AFARM

Association for Farming Systems Research

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Chaitanya India

Promoting women's community based micro finance institutions

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Social Center

Ahemadnagar-based development partner

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Gokul Prakalp Pratishan

Ratnagiri-based development organization

Agricultural Innovation Partners

Parivartan

Inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development

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Sakav

Social development organization

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Jivhala

Health and education sector for poor children and the needy

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SJSM Satara

Promoting self-reliant community development

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MPCC Trust Pune

Medicinal plant conservation centre trust

Gomukh Environmental Trust

Watershed conservation and development

Matrumandir

Community development and spiritual center

Training & Capacity Building Partners

TISS

Tata Institute of Social Sciences

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EmpowHER India

Women empowerment initiatives

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Tuljai Bahuddesiya Foundation

Uplift marginalized and underprivileged sections of society

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Utkarsha Kalavishkar Foundation

Innovation and skill development initiatives

Yuva Jagruti Bahuddesiya Foundation

Youth awareness and development programs

40+ More Partners

View all training and capacity building organizations

50th Anniversary