The Institute of Rural Development and Education (IRDE) drives sustainable growth across communities by utilizing local resources, agricultural innovation, and non-formal distance education.
The Institute of Rural Development and Education (IRDE) is a non-governmental organization founded in 1980 by the visionary economist Dr. V. V. Ghanekar (M.Com., Ph.D.) under the guidance of late visionaries Dr. Dhananjayrao Gadgil, Dr. M. R. Dhekane, and Dr. P. V. Sukhatme.
Officially registered on July 6, 1982, under the Bombay Public Trust Act 1950 (Reg No. F2141 Pune), IRDE has been driving sustainable growth in rural India for over four decades.
We maintain a deep, 15-year partnership with the Extra Mural Studies (Bahishal Shikshan Mandal) of Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), bringing practical, non-formal distance education directly to rural students, farmers, senior citizens, and women.
"To improve the life of rural masses of India and the globe by ensuring facilities for health, education, economic, and social conditions."
— Foundations of the IRDE MandateWe organize annual three-day educational lecture series in honor of Yeshwantrao Chavan, Dr. Babasaheb Jaykar, and Sant Gadgebaba, ensuring vital knowledge spreads directly in rural areas.
Active one-day workshops designed for school/college youths and senior citizens, training over 50+ participants per cohort in practical life skills, laws, and health.
We work across multiple sectors to build capacity, improve agricultural livelihoods, and provide distance learning opportunities.
Improving soybean yield, testing soil health, promoting water conservation, and establishing farmer producer models to stabilize rural farming livelihoods.
Soya Enhancer PPTDelivering distance learning, operating study libraries, and hosting regional university workshops through SPPU Bahishal Shikshan Mandal.
View ProgramsCreating Self-Help Groups (SHGs), securing bank credit linkages, and conducting life-skills training to combat unemployment and rural migration.
Read StoryAddressing the physical, mental, and legal security of elders through health camps and workshops covering will-writing and pension rights.
See ActivitiesKey institutional milestones that define our commitment to rural communities.
Founded by Dr. V. V. Ghanekar under the intellectual guidance of late Dr. Dhananjayrao Gadgil, Dr. M. R. Dhekane, and Dr. P. V. Sukhatme, launching initial community surveys in Maharashtra.
Officially registered vide No. F2141 (Pune) on July 6, 1982 under the Bombay Public Trust Act 1950, securing structural legitimacy as a dedicated NGO.
Forged a structural affiliation with Savitribai Phule Pune University's Extra Mural Studies (Bahishal Shikshan Mandal), establishing rural distance learning channels.
Strengthened the executive committee by appointing senior educational leaders, retired IAS officers, and general managers from the banking sector to drive governance.
Actively operating the Soya Productivity Enhancer Farmers' Program, managing regional lecture camps, and distributing legal and health toolkits to senior citizens.
Under the guidelines of SPPU Extra Mural Studies, we conduct structured lectures and workshops to spread knowledge and teach life skills to communities. Every program maintains a minimum of 50 active participants.
A 3-day series focused on community administration, cooperative growth, and local governance.
Focused on school and college students, delivering guidance on youth rights, career skills, and health.
Designed for senior citizens, addressing legal issues (will writing), moral upliftment, and elder healthcare.
Access our official brochures, annual financial reviews, and specialized farming presentations.
Read about our foundational pillars, primary field interventions, and structural frameworks.
An in-depth review of financial disclosures, program updates, and research milestones.
Presentation on soybean yield research, modern cultivation trials, and soil enrichment models.
A compiled field activities review documenting recent workshops, water projects, and village sessions.
Our board comprises veteran policymakers, academic leaders, retired senior IAS officers, and banking executives.
M.Sc, D.Sc, FAAM
Former Vice Chancellor, Kamdhenu University, Gujarat
B.Sc (Agri.), M.Sc, Ph.D (USA)
Retired IAS Officer
B.Sc
Former GM, Central Bank of India (Kolkata Zone)
M.Sc (Agri.), LLB
Former General Manager (HR), Central Bank of India
M.Com
Former GM, Central Bank of India (Mumbai Zone)
M.Com
Former GM, Central Bank of India (Mumbai Zone)
B.Com, LLB
Former Asst. Registrar, College of Agriculture, MPKV
B.Com
Erection Consultant, Saudi Aramco Refinery, Riyadh
View the board members, operational staff, and agricultural scientists together in the field.
Real moments captured during our field camps, student workshops, and farmer coordination meets.
Download the compiled field report detailing our complete history of lectures and workshops.
We partner with premier educational bodies and government divisions to deploy effective rural solutions.
Affiliated with the Extra Mural Studies division (Bahishal Shikshan Mandal) for over 15 years, implementing non-formal education frameworks directly inside rural constituencies.
Conducting detailed socioeconomic surveys, program planning, and developmental assessments for State and Central Government departments, corporate agencies, and banks.
Operated as a legally audited trust vide Registration No. F2141 (Pune) under the Bombay Public Trust Act 1950. All welfare programs are oriented strictly for general public benefit.
Your generous contribution directly funds agricultural research, distance learning programs, and community welfare initiatives.
Select your preferred payment method below to make a secure contribution.
For bank transfers, RTGS, or NEFT, please use the official institutional account details below:
| Account Name | Institute of Rural Development and Education |
|---|---|
| Trust Reg No. | F2141 Pune (Est. 1980) |
| UPI VPA ID | 1220182996@jsb |
| Tax Benefits | 80G Eligible Donations are eligible for tax exemption under section 80G. |
Scan this QR code using any UPI app on your mobile device to donate securely.
Tap to Pay on MobileHave questions about our lecture series, agricultural trials, or community Shibirs? Feel free to contact our executive team in Pune.
C/o. Prof. Madangopal Chandra Varshneya,
C-3, Westend Village S.No.101/15, Right Bhusari Colony,
Kothrud, Pune - 411038
irdepune2016@gmail.com
+91 8980009803 • +91 9552451937
