The Gramin Kisan Majdoor Samiti operates in a remote region near the India-Nepal border, characterized by steep valleys and rain-fed terrace farms. Before ERA’s interventions, formal schooling followed by water scarcity for household and irrigation purposes was a significant challenge in the area. Understanding the issues, ERA initiated a school at village Madlak

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Govind, a graduate from the village of Sagar near Madlak in the Lohaghat block of the erstwhile Pithoragarh district, faced the challenges of unemployment while assisting his family in traditional agriculture. With aspirations for a better life, he contemplated migrating in search of work. However, his father pursued him to explore job opportunities locally. In 1997, Govind approached ERA and secured a position as a teacher at a nearby school in Madlak.

In 1998, inspired by his experiences and motivated by a desire to uplift his community, Govind, along with other youth volunteers, organized under the banner of the ‘Gramin Kisaan Majdoor Samiti’ (GKMS). This initiative aimed to empower local residents, provide guidance, and foster leadership within the community. Recognizing the need for a locally directed organization, GKMS was established to cover 34 villages in the Madlak area, leveraging the lessons learned from ERA to address local challenges. The organization emphasized local ownership of the development process, leading to several GKMS members being elected as Panchayat Pradhans.

GKMS managed three education centers across different villages, integrating health camps, meetings, and workshops to inform residents about health issues. The organization collaborated with local teachers to enhance educational performance and facilities. Additionally, GKMS has been instrumental in establishing and supporting community-based organizations, including youth groups, farmers' groups, women's groups, and children's groups. These initiatives have empowered the community to demand basic services from the government and engage in income-generating activities.

Following the creation of Uttarakhand state, Govind and his team actively participated in Panchayat elections and Govind was elected as a Kshetra Panchayat member. In this role, he raised the concerns of his constituents and prioritized their needs in block-level meetings.

Today, Govind leads a fulfilling life, happily married with two daughters and a son. He recently celebrated his elder daughter's marriage. The younger daughter has joined ITBP. Govind continues to be a respected figure in his community. His journey from an unemployed youth to a community leader exemplifies the transformative power of local empowerment and education, demonstrating how individuals can effect meaningful change in their communities. Through his efforts and those of GKMS, Govind has not only improved his own life but has also contributed significantly to the socio-economic upliftment of his community.