History, Genesis & Growth
History & Genesis A Legacy Rooted in Community Empowerment
Laying the Foundation: Block-Level Planning and the Birth of a Vision (1979–1980)
The roots of Mahiti Trust trace back to 1979, when the Government of Gujarat launched the Block Level Planning (BLP) initiative—a progressive micro-planning model designed to address grassroots development challenges. Four inspired individuals—Padma Chowgle, Penelope Czara, Indu Mishra, and Nafisa Bensaheb—then affiliated with the Ahmedabad Study Action Group (ASAG), conducted an in-depth participatory assessment of the Bhal region, which faced severe marginalization due to water scarcity, ecological fragility, and social inequity. Their findings led to a comprehensive development blueprint submitted to the state government in 1980.
The Birth of Utthan and the Mahiti Kendra (1981)
Motivated by their experience and commitment, the team founded Utthan in 1981 with a focused mission to uplift vulnerable communities, particularly women, in the Bhal region. One of their earliest innovations was the creation of an Information Exchange Center—a community space dedicated to sharing critical information, accessing government schemes, and fostering dialogue and learning among underprivileged families. This grassroots work attracted local champions, including Devuben Pandya, a spirited woman from Bhangadh village who joined the movement in 1984. Her advocacy for women’s health and rights marked the beginning of a lifelong commitment to empowering rural women.
Women-Led Transformation and Collective Action (1981-1985)
Recognizing those systemic inequalities—especially caste and gender-based discrimination—were barriers to change, Utthan and emerging local leaders like Devuben Pandya catalysed women's organizing around key issues: access to drinking water, economic independence, and reproductive health. These early efforts laid the groundwork for deeper community participation and stronger village-level governance.
Mahila Mandals and Economic Empowerment (1985–1994)
By 1985, the emergence of Mahila Mandals—self-organized women’s collectives—marked a turning point. Under Devuben’s leadership, these groups launched village-level savings and credit programs, especially in villages like Bhangadh and Mingalpur, enabling women to take charge of their finances and futures. Water security—seen as both a burden and a catalyst for change—became central to their advocacy and development strategy.
Community-Led Innovation: Rainwater Harvesting for Water Security
Between 1985 and 1994, the team introduced Rainwater Harvesting Plastic Lined Ponds - an innovative, community-driven solution to rainwater harvesting. Supported by the Gujarat Water Supply and Sewerage Board (GWSSB) and led by women’s collectives, this initiative provided safe drinking water to over 45,500 families across the Bhal region. It was a testament to the power of local innovation, women’s leadership, and evidence-based public policy influence.
The Birth of Mahiti Trust (1994)
As the scale of work expanded, the need for a local institution rooted in community leadership became evident. On August 9, 1994, Mahiti Trust was officially established under the Bombay Public Charitable Trust Act, with Devuben Pandya as its founding trustee. When Utthan moved to other parts of Gujarat state and Mahiti Trust carried forward the vision of participatory, women-led, and sustainable development in the Bhal region.
A Legacy of Grassroots Leadership and Resilience
From its genesis in a planning framework to its current role as a trusted grassroots CBO, Mahiti Trust has stayed committed to dignity, justice, and sustainability. Its work—shaped by lived realities, collective wisdom, and visionary leadership—continues to empower communities to take ownership of their futures, proving that local action can drive systemic change.