About the Founder
Nitish Kumar is a rural development leader committed to advancing sustainable livelihoods and enabling pathways out of extreme poverty. With deep grassroots experience and a strong academic foundation in development studies, he works at the intersection of community empowerment, livelihoods promotion, and public system strengthening.
Coming from a farming background, Nitish brings lived understanding and professional expertise to his mission of building resilient rural communities. His work is rooted in dignity, inclusion, and long-term sustainability — focusing especially on ultra-poor households and marginalized groups.
Professional Journey
As a Senior Associate at The/Nudge Institute, Nitish has led large-scale implementation of the Ultra-Poor Graduation Approach across Jharkhand — transitioning families from extreme vulnerability to stable, dignified livelihoods.
His integrated approach combines:
Leadership & Experience
Cross-cutting expertise built across these roles:
- Program development and management
- Community mobilization and participatory planning
- Behavior change communication
- Monitoring, evaluation, and adaptive learning
Founder – Gramin Bharti Sewa Sanstha
Under Nitish’s leadership, GBSS builds locally-driven development ecosystems that empower communities to take charge of their own growth and future.
- Expanding sustainable livelihood opportunities
- Improving access to education
- Strengthening community institutions
- Promoting grassroots leadership and ownership
Core Areas of Expertise
Education
Vision
Nitish envisions a future where rural communities are not just beneficiaries — but active architects of their own development, with access to opportunities, strong institutions, and the agency to lead dignified lives.
True development begins when communities lead their own change — with dignity, resilience, and collective strength.