A world where marginalised groups are empowered to have equal opportunities, justice, peace and love, where the abundant resources are equitably shared and they are able to enjoy their human rights, fully participate in the societal mainstream and lead a quality life.
GASS India works with the aim of empowering communities by providing vital services in the areas of Health, Education, and Livelihoods. Our pursuit of creating sustainable and equitable communities has been on since 1996 having reached more than 40,000 people so far.
Our work is inspired by the idea that every human has right to a dignified life and the same needs to be ensured irrespective of external environment. This belief has led us to work with some of the most marginalised and vulnerable communities in our operational area. Over the years, depending on the needs of the communities we have scaled, expanded, rationalised and re-worked our program strategy and continue to do so with the single guiding light that is the welfare of those we serve.
Mr Gopal Naik started his social development journey in the year 1990 with the Centre for Non-formal and Continuing Education, Ashirvad, Bangalore under the guidance of Fr. Claud Desuza and Lionila Agira. With his background in Rural Development and the zeal nurtured from Ashirvad, he started Gramina Abyuday Seva Samsthe (GASS) in the year 1996 with a clear vision of bringing quality change in the lives of the most deprived and vulnerable sections of society, especially those people with disabilities, children, women and senior citizens.
Today GASS works in 7 districts of Karnataka state with various stakeholders and has a strong network with various Govt Departments. His passion towards the domains of Women Empowerment and Social Inclusion has guided the programs and endeavors of all our teams.
Dr. KV Kishore Kumar is a psychiatrist by profession, trained at the Fazakerley Hospital in Liverpool (UK). In a glittering medical career spanning over 35 years, Dr Kishore Kumar has worked with and served as advisor to many national and international organizations like NIMHANS, WHO and various state governments and Government of India.
Dr Kishore Kumar's research is focused on mental health and has wide implications from primary care to disaster management. Apart from serving as the President of GASS, he is also a member of the State Mental Health Authority in Government of Tamil Nadu and Director of The Banyan Academy of Leadership in Mental Health (BALM).
Ms. Amali Naik is a seasoned social worker whose background in sociology and experience in rural development has been guiding GASS since our inception in 1996. Her passion towards serving the community and empowering every individual is at the forefront of our vision and mission. Over the last 25 years, she has participated in many policymaking bodies of Government and is currently the Chairperson of the POSH committee in Bengaluru Rural.
Ms. Naik has been honored with many prestigious awards by local authorities, Civil Society Organization and Government of Karnataka for her stellar contributions to the empowerment of people of Karnataka.
GASS has the strong support from senior staff who have been with us for decades prioritising the mission of the Organisation. They know the people better as they are from the same community they work for.
Krishna Naik VS
As one of the founding staff of GASS, Krishna carries more than 25 years of experience in rural community development. Advocacy, networking and stakeholder communication are the key result areas of this B.Com graduate.
Ravikumar SK
The MSW graduate with over 15 years of experience working with people with disabilities has coordinated various projects including community mental health program and community based rehabilitation.
Mohan LM
Mohan enjoys training and communicating with the rural youth by inculcating entrepreneurial spirit for self-employment. The MSW graduate has over 8 years of experience in the areas of livelihood, disability and care management.
Sushma GC
During nearly a decade of service with GASS, Sushma has been the Supervisor /Care Taker of women shelters and has managed a Women Cooperative. Her MSW degree has been handy in offering counselling to women in distress.
Mamatha A
Having spent nearly 2 decades with special children, Mamatha prepares children with intellectual disabilities to mainstream. She holds certificates in CBID, IED, NTC, etc and has worked with people with mental health needs also.
Shamala P
The MSW graduate has been working as a Counsellor in various projects aimed at protecting and rehabilitating women affected by domestic and community violence. She was an active women’s Helpline service provider from GASS.
Sujatha Henry, Volunteer Consultant
Sujatha Henry runs Lokya Yoga a non-profit organization in Switzerland. From 2019 to 2024 she worked with GASS as a Documentation and Communication Officer and Fundraising Consultant. As a Yoga therapist, she has also spearheaded a pilot yoga therapy project at GASS, specifically for women with learning disabilities. In 2023, Sujatha conceptualized, secured funding and coordinated the implementation of an innovative pilot project for GASS addressing menstrual health and environmental concerns. Through its Lokya Yoga organization, Sujatha is currently one of the key funders for Partho Home project, providing safe accommodation and rehabilitation of people with intellectual disabilities.
