Who We Are

Vikram Sarabhai Centre for Development Interaction (VIKSAT) was established in 1977 as an institution of the Nehru Foundation for Development (NFD). NFD was founded in 1966 by Dr. Vikram A. Sarabhai and is registered as a Public Charitable Trust under the Bombay Public Trust Act, 1950. Its registered office is located at Thaltej Tekra, Ahmedabad.

VIKSAT's primary objective has been to strengthen the implementation of activities that contribute to environmental improvement. Since its inception, the organization has worked towards promoting interactions between individuals and organizations for environmental protection and sustainable development.

The organization strives to build and strengthen People's Institutions (PIs) for the sustainable development and management of natural resources.

Over the last four decades, VIKSAT has evolved from being a platform for intellectual discourse into an organization advocating for people's rights over forests, forest produce, and natural resource conservation.

The organization has implemented numerous community-driven initiatives, including water harvesting, joint forest management, biodiversity conservation, sustainable agriculture, climate-proofing interventions, installation of solar pumps, drip irrigation systems, mulching practices, soil and water conservation measures, and various demonstrations to strengthen climate resilience among communities.

These interventions have also been supported through forward and backward market linkages, including Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs).

VIKSAT currently focuses on five major thematic areas:

• Land and Water Management
• WaSH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene)
• Sustainable Livelihoods
• Institution and Capacity Building
• Environment and Climate Change

Through its various initiatives, VIKSAT has positively impacted the lives of thousands of people both directly and indirectly.

Presently, the organization works in 10 districts of Gujarat and 27 Aspirational Districts across 8 states of India as a knowledge partner with ITC and NITI Aayog.

VIKSAT has directly influenced the lives of more than 70,000 households through the formation and facilitation of village-level People's Institutions.

In addition, through extensive capacity-building programs and stakeholder engagement activities, the organization has indirectly reached and benefited more than 25 lakh households across the country.