Gram Chetna Kendra, which translates to Village Awareness Center, was formed in 1986 by a group of socially conscious individuals under the leadership of Mr. Om Prakash Sharma. Recognizing the immense needs of Rajasthan’s rural poor, this group decided to combine their unique knowledge, talents, skills and experience to address the pressing issues facing individuals. Therefore, in 1989, the organization was registered as a voluntary, non-governmental organization under the Societies Registration Act and began formal operations from their campus, which is located in the heart of the project area in the village of Khedi Milak.

This area is located 55km from the state capital, Jaipur, in Sambhar Block of Jaipur District. Before, GCK began working in the area; it had remained virtually untouched by mainstream development efforts, from both national and international sources. As a result, the population faced considerable economic challenges stemming from the lack of education, health care and government services, as well as the persistence of traditional beliefs and unequalpower structures.