An Oasis of Learning, Service, and Transformation
70+ Years of Service, Education, and Transformation
Gandhi Vidya Mandir (GVM) is a nonprofit institution located at Sardarshahr in the heart of Rajasthan's Thar Desert — an oasis of learning, service, and transformation.
Established in 1950 on 1,200 acres of arid, drought-prone land, GVM arose in one of India's most challenging terrains, long marked by scarcity, epidemics, and extreme climate. Since its inception, it has worked to overcome backwardness through holistic initiatives in education, healthcare, environmental sustainability, rural development, women's empowerment, employment generation, and animal welfare.
The institution was founded by Shri Kanhaiyalal Dugar, who later renounced worldly life as Swami Shri Ramsharanji, a spiritual visionary and symbol of universal humanism. Through the devotion of countless social workers and philanthropists, GVM evolved into a living embodiment of service-driven excellence — dedicated entirely to education and the upliftment of the marginalized.
True to its ethos, GVM welcomes all without distinction of caste, creed, class, or ideology. Its academic, social, and community initiatives draw inspiration from India's cultural heritage and Gandhian values of nonviolence (Ahimsa), universal upliftment (Sarvodaya), and brotherhood.
Historical Photo of GVM
"कुछ ना चाहो, काम आ जाओ — कोई और नहीं, कोई ग़ैर नहीं"
"Seek nothing, but be of service — No one is another, no one is stranger"
Gandhi Vidya Mandir represents an educational sanctum devoted to nurturing the seed of humanism within every individual. It promotes a way of life that is purposeful, compassionate, and harmonious — one that binds humanity through the enduring bond of love despite differences in thought, environment, and aptitude.
GVM strives to prevent the decline of moral and social values by providing equitable and high-quality education across diverse disciplines. It emphasizes rural empowerment, character building, self-purification, and the creation of a healthy, addiction-free society.
Peaceful approach to all endeavors and conflict resolution
Welfare of all, without distinction of caste, creed, or class
Dedicated to education and upliftment of the marginalized
Quality education and healthcare for all
Extending a helping hand to those in need
Moral integrity and self-discipline
Founded on 1,200 acres in Sardarshahr, Rajasthan
Animal welfare and rural economy support
First President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, visits GVM
Higher education institution established
Bhagwan Mahaveer Foundation Award received
Vocational training center established
Swami Shri Ramsharanji
Original Name: Shri Kanhaiyalal Dugar
Swami Shri Ramsharanji was a spiritual visionary and symbol of universal humanism. He founded Gandhi Vidya Mandir in 1950 with a vision to transform the arid, drought-prone land of Rajasthan into an oasis of learning and service.
After establishing GVM, he renounced worldly life and dedicated himself entirely to the service of humanity. His philosophy of "Seek nothing, but be of service" continues to guide GVM's mission today.
Under his leadership and the devotion of countless social workers and philanthropists, GVM evolved into a living embodiment of service-driven excellence, dedicated entirely to education and the upliftment of the marginalized.
2013
16th Bhagwan Mahaveer Foundation Award received from Hon'ble Vice-President of India, Shri M. Hamid Ansari
1955
Foundation stone of GVM's University building laid by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, First President of India