VIKSAT

VIKSAT (Vikram Sarabhai Centre for Development Interaction) was launched in 1977 as an activity of NFD, inspired by the vision of Dr Vikram Sarabhai that development must be rooted in people’s participation, local institutions, and sustainable use of natural resources. Over the past five decades, VIKSAT has evolved into a leading development organisation working to strengthen rural and peri-urban communities across India.

VIKSAT is managed as an institution under NFD, with its own Council of Management appointed by the NFD Board of Trustees. It combines field-based action, institution building, and policy engagement to support long-term, sustainable development.

Vision and Development Approach

VIKSAT works towards creating equitable, climate-resilient communities that are capable of shaping their own development pathways. Its approach is grounded in participatory planning, inclusion of marginalised groups, and strong attention to gender equity.

The organisation believes that sustainable development requires strong people’s institutions, sound management of land and water resources, and local capacities to respond to climate and livelihood risks. VIKSAT therefore focuses on enabling communities to plan, implement, and manage development processes themselves, rather than being passive recipients of external interventions.

Core Areas of Work

VIKSAT’s work spans several interconnected domains of rural and environmental development. Its programmes focus on sustainable land and water management, climate-smart agriculture, rural livelihoods, water, sanitation and hygiene, renewable energy solutions, and climate change adaptation.

Across these areas, VIKSAT emphasises demonstration of practical solutions, capacity building of local institutions, and integration of traditional knowledge with appropriate technologies. Its work is implemented in partnership with communities, government agencies, civil society organisations, academic institutions, and development partners.

Strengthening Institutions and Capacities

A defining feature of VIKSAT’s work is its long-term engagement with community institutions such as village organisations, watershed committees, women’s collectives, and producer groups. Through sustained capacity building and mentoring, VIKSAT helps these institutions become effective, accountable, and resilient.

In addition to grassroots work, VIKSAT has extensive experience in training and capacity building of government functionaries, development professionals, and civil society practitioners, contributing to wider sectoral learning and impact.

Knowledge, Learning and Policy Engagement

VIKSAT integrates field experience with documentation, research, and learning. It has contributed to policy dialogue and programme design in areas such as watershed development, climate adaptation, sustainable agriculture, and livelihoods, drawing on lessons from decades of implementation experience.

Its work has been supported by a wide range of national and international donors, CSR foundations, and government programmes, reflecting confidence in its institutional credibility and development expertise.