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.












