| Name of the beneficiary | Prithibhusan Deka |
| Project/Programme Name | PGDMN 2001-2002 |
| Name of the enterprise floated | Founder of Gramya Vikash Mancha (A registered non-profit organization) Pragjyotish Sanchay Aru Rindan Somabai Sommittee Limited (A registered thrift and credit cooperative society)Shoishav Vidyapeeth (School) Barhampur Krishi satra (An agricultural farm) |
| Initial Investment | 1500/- only |
| Employment Generated | Currently working 227 staff |
| Present Turnover | Approximately 30 Cr |
| Funds Raised, if any | Approximately 100 Cr during last 25 years |
| Awards Rec’d | Special Jury Award for Emerging Entrepreneur, 2024Received award for distinguish Social work (North East) from Marowary Yuva Mancha, North EastDistinguish Social Worker Award by Rotary Club, South GuwahatiDinBandhobi Suchibrata Raichoushury Samaj Sewa Award Ambikagiri Smarak Nyash Guwahati Assam |
Mr. Prithibhusan Deka
Founder
Gramya Vikash Mancha
PGDM, 2002
EDII President’s Alumnus Award 2024 – Special Jury Award for Emerging Entrepreneur
Prithibhushan Deka has dedicated his life to the upliftment and development of society and remains unwavering in his mission to create a meaningful and lasting impact. He is the President of Gramya Vikash Mancha (GVM), which spearheads transformative social initiatives across Assam. GVM is a non-profit organization working with the underprivileged community and women to create a culture where everyone can live with dignity. This is being achieved by creating opportunities for self-employment, enhancing social justice, promoting peace and fostering progress.
GVM was founded in 1999 during a period of militancy in Assam. Initially the organization was established as a youth club to support flood victims and at that time as Prithi says, “it operated without any knowledge of business practices”. However, after joining EDII in 2001-02, Prithibhusan Deka gained skills and essential knowledge for managing a non-profit organization. This, he says, was a turning point for him and accelerated GVM’s growth.
Under his leadership, GVM has so far rescued more than 300 children from traffickers and vulnerable situations while significantly reducing school dropout rates in various districts of Assam. His efforts have also empowered thousands of women farmers, mitigated the trafficking of girls along the Indo-Bhutan border. GVM has also significantly facilitated establishment of critical infrastructure such as flood shelters and elevated platforms in flood-prone areas. Prithibhusan’s efforts are also visible in improved livelihood opportunities for marginalized communities, support to flood-affected families and revived traditional crafts like handloom weaving among tribal women.
Today, GVM is a well-known and respected social organization in the Northeast region of India. Started with an initial investment of just Rs. 1500 and today employs 227 members. Across years, the organisation has successfully raised nearly Rs. 100 crore in funds to drive its various social and community development initiatives. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, has acknowledged GVM for its significant contribution to the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan. “I aspire to expand my activities to all states in the Northeast within the next decade, ensuring deeper impact and meaningful change,” says the resolute Prithibhusan. Speaking about the importance of EDII, he said, “EDII has nurtured countless social leaders and I feel proud to say that I am one of them. The Institute offers focussed training to ignite the mind and the soul, and imparts the right kind of knowledge and values required to run a voluntary organization.