From Civil Engineer to Social Engineer: How Ramesh Kasondra Built Gram Vikas Trust in Gujarat

“The Birth of Gram Vikas Trust” is a short biographical narrative of Mr. Ramesh Kasondra, the founder of Gram Vikas Trust. It traces his life journey from a childhood marked by severe economic hardship to a life dedicated to service and social transformation. From an early age, Ramesh faced profound challenges that tested his resilience and determination, yet these struggles became the foundation of his strength and purpose.

The biography also pays tribute to the compassion and selfless support of individuals who stood by him during his most difficult years. Their kindness not only enabled him to pursue education and stability for his family but also deeply influenced his values. Inspired by the generosity he received, Ramesh resolved to give back to society by reaching out to the most vulnerable and underserved.

This journey of perseverance, gratitude, and commitment ultimately led to the establishment of Gram Vikas Trust—an organization rooted in empathy and driven by the belief that sustainable development begins with empowering those at the margins.

“I am blessed. I am blessed because, when I had absolutely nothing, I was given the basic necessities of life and the opportunity to be educated. That education enabled me to make use of those basics and become who I am today. I will never forget the Samaritans who not only supported me with life’s essentials but also taught me that being human means helping others. After all, humanity is what sustains this world.”
— Mr. Ramesh Kasondra, Founder, Gram Vikas Trust

“The Early Struggle”

Ramesh was born on 7 December 1963 into a farming family in the small village of Motibanugar in Gujarat, a drought-prone region. Although his father owned agricultural land, poor irrigation facilities meant that the produce was often insufficient to meet the family’s needs. Whatever limited resources were available, Ramesh had to share them with his four siblings. This early experience of sharing instilled in him a deep sense of togetherness, empathy, and the value of giving.

To meet the family’s needs that could not be fulfilled through agricultural income, Ramesh’s father was forced to regularly borrow money from village moneylenders. As land was the family’s primary asset, the moneylenders always demanded a portion of it as collateral.

When Ramesh was four years old, his father passed away. This tragedy pushed the family into severe economic hardship, as his father had been the sole earning member. Unable to repay the village moneylender, the family lost their land, which was confiscated by the lender.

“There were times when my siblings and I ate only once a day. We survived on a single chapatti (Indian bread) with water.”

Ramesh’s mother had no choice but to work as a daily wage laborer to feed the family and ensure that her children’s basic education did not come to a halt. To support their mother during these difficult times, Ramesh’s elder brothers were also compelled to work as daily laborers. While this helped meet the family’s basic food requirements, the struggle to continue education, access learning resources, and afford proper clothing persisted.

Determined to overcome hardship, Ramesh immersed himself in his studies and excelled in all subjects. He continued his education up to the 7th standard using borrowed books. Recognizing his dedication, the school supported him by providing new study materials when he advanced to the 8th standard.

However, the pressure to support his family, care for his ageing mother, and arrange funds for his sisters’ marriages forced Ramesh to discontinue his education. At this critical juncture, he received support from a respected village elder, Mr. Monabhai—affectionately addressed as “Mama” by Ramesh—who was a leading social worker in the village. Mr. Monabhai not only motivated Ramesh to resume his studies to improve his family’s circumstances but also persuaded his family to allow him to continue his education.

Mr. Monabhai used his personal savings to pay for Ramesh’s 8th-standard school fees. In addition, he also covered the cost of Ramesh’s study materials and school uniform. With this timely support, Ramesh was able to continue his secondary education.

“I will never forget the selfless support Mama extended to me. He was the one who awakened in me the desire to become someone in life.”

Realizing that continued financial support from the school depended entirely on academic performance, Ramesh devoted himself wholeheartedly to his studies. He stood first in his class in the 8th, 9th, and 10th standards. This consistent excellence enabled him to receive monetary assistance from the village and the school council to continue his studies in subsequent years.

Ramesh passed his 10th-standard examination in 1980 with 78%.

The second phase of struggle

After completing the mandatory years of school education, Ramesh set out to realize his dream of earning an engineering diploma. However, the journey proved to be challenging once again. The pressure to take up a small job to support his family was immense.

Recognizing Ramesh’s potential, the principal of the village school, Mr. Bhagvanji G. Kanani, along with Mr. Monabhai, approached Mr. Mavajibhai, a respected and influential community leader. Moved by Ramesh’s determination and promise, Mr. Mavajibhai generously pledged financial support to cover the tuition fees for the first year of engineering studies. With this crucial support in place, Mr. Kanani guided Ramesh through the admission process, helping him secure a seat in the Diploma in Civil Engineering program at Tolani Polytechnic College, Adipur, Gujarat.

Admission to the polytechnic college marked a turning point in Ramesh’s life. It also meant leaving his village and finding a place to stay near the campus. Despite the support he received, the cost of a hostel room was beyond his reach. In those early days of college, with no roof to call his own, Ramesh spent many nights sleeping on pedestrian walkways—clinging to his dream of education, even as he faced the harsh realities of poverty.

Surviving each night on a pedestrian walkway was painfully difficult. There were moments when Ramesh felt completely broken. Yet, whenever despair threatened to overpower him, he thought of the people who had stood by him like silent guardians—his mother, Mama, Mr. Mavajibhai, and Mr. Kanani. Their belief in him became his strength. Remembering them renewed his courage and gave him the will to keep moving forward.

At the insistence of Mr. Kanani, Ramesh agreed to move to Anjar, a small rural village nearly 10 kilometers away from his college. For six months, he stayed with a relative of the college principal. The daily commute was exhausting, but Ramesh remained focused and committed to his studies. His determination bore fruit when he passed his first semester examinations with distinction.

During a college function, Ramesh gathered the courage to approach the principal, Mr. J. K. Baga. With humility, he requested permission to stay in the college hostel without any additional cost. Understanding Ramesh’s difficult circumstances and recognizing the burden of the long daily commute, Mr. Baga responded with compassion. He made special arrangements for Ramesh to move into the hostel, where he shared a room with four other students.

This act of kindness proved life-changing. It not only eased Ramesh’s daily struggle but also allowed him to focus fully on his education—setting him on a path that would later inspire his lifelong commitment to supporting education for underprivileged children.

Despite excelling in his studies, Ramesh was acutely aware that his education came at a cost his family could barely afford. Determined not to let poverty dictate his future—or burden those who supported him—he took responsibility for his own education. While still a student, he began tutoring junior classmates, often late into the evenings, balancing academic excellence with relentless effort.

What began as a small act of self-reliance soon enabled him to fully fund his college tuition. With this, Ramesh minimized his dependence on external support, seeking assistance from Mr. Mavajibhai only for the most basic needs such as food and essential living expenses. His journey through college was not just an academic pursuit, but a daily exercise in resilience, discipline, and dignity.

In 1984, Ramesh graduated with a Diploma in Civil Engineering, securing distinction—a milestone that symbolized far more than a qualification. Holding the diploma in his hands, he immediately went to his mama, Mr. Mavajibhai, and to Mr. Kanani, overwhelmed with gratitude.
“Without your belief in me,” he said, “I would not have become literate.”

This moment would later shape Ramesh’s life mission. Having experienced firsthand how timely support can transform a life, he committed himself to ensuring that financial hardship would never again stand between a deserving child and education. This belief would ultimately lay the foundation for Gram Vikas Trust, an organization built on the power of opportunity, self-reliance, and human dignity.

The Motivation to Give Back to Society

After completing his graduation, Ramesh began seeking full-time employment with established firms, eager to build his career as a civil engineer. During this phase, a painful realization struck him—many of his childhood friends, who were equally talented and capable, were forced to work for very low wages simply to earn their livelihood. Unlike Ramesh, they neither had access to guidance nor the confidence to seek support from social leaders or institutions.

This realization deeply disturbed him. Gradually, Ramesh started discussing these concerns with social leaders such as Mr. Monabhai. Through these interactions, he became actively involved in conversations around critical social issues including poor hygiene conditions, the suppression of women, lack of access to education for children, and the absence of basic social support systems.

Reflecting on this turning point in his life, Ramesh shares:

“Though I was eager to begin my career as a civil engineer, my association with social leaders and the realization of how fortunate I was to receive support from society changed me deeply. My resolve to give something back to the needy grew stronger with each passing day. I came to understand that voluntary service—giving back without expectation—means becoming bigger than oneself.”

This awakening marked the beginning of Ramesh’s lifelong commitment to social service and inclusive development.

While awaiting interview calls and job offers, Ramesh began working closely with his community. He volunteered as a primary-level teacher and conducted awareness sessions for women, focusing on hygiene, dignity, and their rights within society. These grassroots engagements helped him understand the interconnected challenges of education, health, and livelihoods faced by rural families.

Motivated by these insights, Ramesh designed his first pilot project to improve agricultural practices in his village and neighboring areas. The success of this initiative built his confidence and capacity, leading to the successful implementation of his first large-scale NGO project—a lift irrigation system—in 1987. This project not only enhanced agricultural productivity but also reinforced his belief in community-led, sustainable development.

Improving the Family’s Economic Situation

In 1985, Ramesh received a job offer from the well-known international NGO, the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP), Veraval, Gujarat. He was appointed as a Site Supervisor—a significant milestone in his life. The monthly salary of INR 500 was an amount his family had not seen for a long time and brought a rare sense of hope and relief to their struggling household.

While the news of Ramesh’s appointment was a moment of great joy, it was soon overshadowed by a harsh reality. Ramesh could not report to the work site without receiving his first month’s salary in advance. His family tried their best to support him, but due to the lack of any substantial financial means, they were helpless. Against their wishes and with heavy hearts, the family had to step back from this opportunity.

During this difficult period, Ramesh took up odd jobs at repair workshops and construction sites, doing whatever work he could find to earn money and support his family. These experiences further strengthened his resilience and determination to rise above poverty through hard work and perseverance.

At one of the most difficult moments of his life, help came from an unexpected place. Mr. Kanjibhai, a small shopkeeper from the village, gave Ramesh ₹250—just enough for food and a shared room near his work site. That modest act of compassion restored Ramesh’s strength and dignity, allowing him to continue his journey.

With renewed determination, Ramesh immersed himself in his work. His ability to apply civil engineering knowledge with sincerity and skill soon earned the respect of his managers and colleagues alike. Moved by the struggles he had overcome, his colleagues too extended their support.

For Ramesh, the greatest reward was being able to send money home for the first time. For six years, he chose to live without free accommodation at the work site, saving every possible rupee so his family could live with greater security and hope.

Often, I limited myself to just one meal a day so that I could save extra money for my family. Physically, this was extremely demanding, but it gave me the strength and discipline to support my loved ones and move closer to my next goal—helping those in need.

Ramesh went on to successfully complete several rural development projects, gaining deep insight into the complexities of implementing large-scale programs in rural areas. One of his most notable achievements at the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme was the successful completion of a cooperative irrigation scheme for farmers—finished in just six months instead of the planned two years.

“My dedication and hard work helped me overcome project challenges efficiently. The management at the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme recognized my efforts and promoted me to the position of Programme Organizer. Along with the promotion came a generous salary increase. For the first time, I was able to fully support my family and begin saving seriously to fulfill a long-cherished dream—to support the education of at least a few children from my village.”

Ramesh served with the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme for fourteen years, gaining extensive exposure to the socio-economic challenges faced by tribal and rural communities in India. These experiences, often more difficult than his own early hardships, significantly shaped his perspective and reinforced his commitment to expanding educational support for disadvantaged children.

Giving Back to Society

As Ramesh steadily progressed in his career with the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP), he remained deeply connected to his roots and the hardships he had witnessed growing up. From his modest monthly salary, he began setting aside whatever little he could to support the education of poor children. By 1989, his commitment had grown strong enough that he was able to save an amount equal to one full month’s salary exclusively for the education of needy children.

With a few like-minded friends and colleagues, Ramesh initiated an annual donation drive at the village school. This event became a platform for community members to contribute towards the education and future of village children. Over the years, Ramesh personally sponsored the education of 45 children, ensuring they had access to schooling that poverty might otherwise have denied them.

In 1998, after 14 years of dedicated service at AKRSP, Ramesh joined the Aditya Birla Group at Dahej, Gujarat, as Manager – Public Relations and Liaison. In his corporate role, he frequently interacted with workers employed in salt production factories. During these interactions, he came face-to-face with the harsh realities of the lives of factory laborers and, more painfully, the struggles of their children—many of whom were deprived of basic education.

Deeply moved by their plight, Ramesh embarked on a mission to create awareness among laborers about the importance of educating their children. Working closely with village school teachers and the village council, he undertook various initiatives to motivate parents to send their children to school and keep them enrolled.

Taking a step further, Ramesh attempted to initiate a scholarship program to support the education of children from the poorest families. Leading by example, he personally sponsored the education of three children, planting the seeds for a larger, more organized effort that would later shape his lifelong journey in social development.

By the year 2000, Ramesh had mobilized support from colleagues, village council members, local rural bank staff, and teachers, who contributed as donors and volunteer educators to strengthen access to education for children.

“By the year 2000, my dream of supporting the needy had become a reality. Seeing a poor child hold a book and begin to read gave me a sense of fulfillment beyond words. It reminded me that service to others is the highest virtue.”

The Birth of Gram Vikas Trust

By early 2001, Ramesh and a few like-minded friends were supporting the education of 58 underprivileged children. What started as a small act of compassion soon opened his eyes to a much deeper and widespread challenge—the silent struggle of thousands of children in rural and tribal Gujarat who were denied the right to education due to poverty.

Believing that change must be organized to be sustainable, Ramesh took a decisive step. Drawing upon his corporate experience and strong sense of social responsibility, he established Gram Vikas Trust (GVT) as a formal platform to reach the most marginalized communities.

In its humble beginnings, Ramesh’s own home became the Trust’s first office. Teachers from nearby villages, village council members, and friends volunteered their time and skills, united by a shared vision of social transformation. Ramesh invested his personal savings to cover administrative expenses, reflecting his deep personal commitment to the cause.

Through continuous fundraising efforts and the support of his corporate associates, Gram Vikas Trust raised INR 1,00,000 within six months of its inception—funds dedicated solely to educating poor children.

Over time, as GVT gained recognition from local government bodies and growing community support, it evolved into a strong grassroots organization. Today, Gram Vikas Trust implements multiple large-scale programs across education, women’s empowerment, health and hygiene, agriculture, and livelihood development, touching thousands of lives and continuing its journey of inclusive and participatory development.

“I grew up in poverty, and today my life is devoted to the poor. I want them to live with dignity.”