GRAM-UTTHAN is an MFI, working primarily in Kendrapara and
Six other adjoining districts in the state of Orissa. It has been
one of the leading developmental organizations not only in the
district but also in the state. Initially it started developmental
intervention in Pimpuri village of Kendrapara district, today it
has become one of the major developmental agencies recognized and
appraised by local, regional, national and even international
development partners.
It was in the year 1990 that a team of social workers having
previous experience in development sector came together and formed
a society namely ‘GRAM-UTTHAN’ for the development of rural
villages. ‘GRAM-UTTHAN’ literally means ‘Raising of
Village’, that is exactly the sole motto of the organization, as
Mahatma Gandhi, the father of our nation wished to see India after
the independence. Since then, GU has been striving to liberate the
rural poor from chronic poverty through its various developmental
interventions and activities.
About the place
Kendrapara is situated in the north of the Jagatsingpur
district, west of the Cuttack District, southwest of the Jajpur
District and south of the Bhadrak District. Bay of Bengal lies in
the eastern part of the district. The coastline covers 48 km
stretching from Dhamra Muhan to Batighar. Kendrapara district
headquarters is 85 km from the State headquarters.The district has
been witness to many naturalcalamities such as super cyclone of
1999 and recent tornado in April 2009.
