Saath envisions inclusive and empowered communities and individuals
To make human settlements equitable living environments where all residents and vulnerable people have access to health, education, essential infrastructure services and livelihood options, irrespective of their economic and social status.
From the bustling streets of urban India to the underserved pockets of rural communities, Saath Charitable Trust has built a strong presence across multiple states, with a deep-rooted foundation in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
Over the past three decades, Saath’s work has expanded from a single slum in Ahmedabad to a broad network of interventions across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar—impacting lives in both metropolitan cities and remote villages.
Through a decentralized and participatory approach, we ensure that each region’s unique social, cultural, and economic context is respected and integrated into program design. Whether we work in urban settlements or tribal belts, our focus remains the same: empowering people, building dignity, and creating pathways to self-reliance.
Saath Charitable Trust was founded in 1989 in Ahmedabad, when a group of passionate individuals came together to address the stark inequalities in urban slums and neglected communities. Their shared belief was simple yet powerful — that development must include everyone, especially those most often left behind. Inspired by the idea that real change starts at the grassroots, Saath was created as a platform to work with communities, not just for them.
The early 1990s marked a period of rapid urbanization and economic growth in India. But while cities expanded and markets flourished, thousands of families were left without access to basic services — healthcare, education, clean housing, and livelihoods. Saath recognized this gap and stepped in to bridge it, adopting a model that integrates multiple services for holistic community development.
With time, Saath evolved into a dynamic and deeply rooted social institution. What began as a small initiative grew into a movement — reaching slum dwellers, street vendors, migrant families, youth, women, children, and marginalized workers across Gujarat and other parts of India. Our work has always focused on dignity, inclusion, and opportunity.
The journey hasn’t been easy. We have often chosen the unconventional path — designing people-first programs, co-creating solutions with communities, applying professional management principles to development, and pioneering the concept of civic-driven change. But each challenge has only strengthened our resolve.
Today, Saath stands as a testimony to the power of partnership — between people, purpose, and progress.
Expert – Entrepreneur Education, Research and Training
Labour Economics, Human Capital Theory, Public Health, Gender and Discrimination
Senior Director, Companion Animals & Engagement
Founder and Managing Trustee of Saath