ABOUT US
Gram Chetna Kendra was formed in 1986 and registered in 1989 as a voluntary, non government organization for the promotion and fortification of integrated and holistic development of an individual and communities residing in the Shambar lake region of Rajasthan. Before GCK began its work, the area had been virtually untouched by mainstream development and social advancement, where practice of corruption in the government system is the norm, not the exception. Due to muscle and money power a small group of people was enjoying all facilities and pushed the majority of the poor community into disadvantage and vulnerable stage.
A group of like minded young professionals under the leadership of Mr. Om Prakash Sharma felt it important to unite their knowledge, talents, skills and considerable years of experiences in development sector to work towards empowerment of the disadvantage community in the region. They decided to form an organization and commenced different activities by organizing Village Development Committees, Self Help Groups and Mahila Mandals (Women’s Forums) in the villages in order to promote awareness in the community to defend and protect the rights of the poor community. Thus Gram Chetna Kendra (Centre for Rural Awareness) was formed.
GCK aims to initiate a people based development intervention to ensure just and equal opportunities, minimum basic essentials and a dignified quality of life for the rural masses. The initial developmental welfare work of the organization was gradually converted into strengthening the capacity building of the people. Currently the organization is functioning as a service and awareness center. Training, advocacy and research are being developed as tools for gathering and disseminating information, services and awareness.