Growing a Greener Future: Why Every Tree Makes a Difference
A tree may appear to be a simple part of the landscape quietly standing beside a road, growing in a school courtyard, or providing shade in a neighbourhood park. Yet behind that si
- Since 2008
- India
GDF — a leading NGO in India for Mental Health, Child & Elder Care
Every person deserves
a fair start.
Since 2008, GDF has partnered with communities across India on child development, women’s empowerment, elder care, and mental health — turning essential rights into everyday realities, one learner, one family, one neighbourhood at a time.
- A just society where all people can live with dignity, agency and hope.
Who we are
A collective of educationists, doctors and social workers — building sustainable change since 2008.
GDF is a non-partisan, non-profit organisation founded in 2008 by educationists, administrators, doctors, social workers, and managers committed to addressing the long-term needs of global development. We operate with a strong commitment to ethical governance, transparency, and inclusive growth.
We’re driven by the widening gaps between rich and poor, and by persistent digital and socio-cultural inequalities across India. Our mission is to bridge these divides through inclusive, equitable, and sustainable development — working closely with marginalised communities to help them become self-sufficient, healthy, and resilient, particularly in the aftermath of social crises.
Our programs strengthen human capital, material resources, and essential infrastructure—improving economic and social wellbeing for the communities we serve and the country at large. The goal: helping vulnerable populations move from dependency toward dignity, self-sufficiency, and lasting interdependence
Where we show up
Practical support. Lasting possibility.
Our programmes respond to the texture of real life. They are designed with communities, delivered with care, and strengthened through learning.
Events & moments
The work comes alive together.
From learning circles to well-being conversations, every gathering is a chance to listen, learn and build possibility side by side.
Room to be heard
Mental health conversation
Well-being
Growing a greener future
Growing a greener future, one plant at a time 🌱
Environment
Learning together
Community learning circle
Education
A new chapter
Growing older should still mean growing well.
The Rotary Agewell Center is a Well-Being Project, our commitment to older adults — bringing companionship, preventive care, mental well-being and community connection closer to home.
Our promise
We measure progress in more than numbers.
In a safer home. A girl returning to school. A mother who knows where to ask for help. A community that sees its own strength.
01
Gender equity and women’s empowerment
02
Disability empowerment and inclusion
03
Governance, crisis response and survivor support
04
Elderly care and community well-being
Your time matters
Bring your time, listening, and practical skills to work that grows stronger when more people show up.
Keep showing up
Join the conversations, workshops and programme moments that bring people together around possibility.
Latest blogs
The work comes alive together.
Notes, reflections and programme stories from a community-led journey toward a fairer future.
When Waste Becomes a Threat: Protecting Communities from Unsafe Disposal
Waste is an inevitable aspect of contemporary living. Every day, households, businesses, hospitals, industries, and public institutions generate different types of waste. When this
Knee Pain in Elderly: Causes, Exercises, and When to See a Physiotherapist
Knee pain is a common concern among older adults and can significantly affect everyday life. Simple activities such as walking, climbing stairs, standing from a chair, or going out
Healthy Workplaces Begin with Clean Spaces: A Guide to Better Office Sanitation
A workplace is more than a place where people complete their professional responsibilities. Employees spend a significant part of their day in offices, interacting with colleagues,
A Healthier Escape: Finding the Right Retreat for Mind, Body, and Soul
Do you ever feel like you’re running on empty, even after a full night’s sleep? Between work deadlines, family responsibilities, and constant digital noise, burnout has
Plant Today, Breathe Tomorrow: Growing a Greener and Healthier Future
Have you ever noticed how a walk through a park instantly lifts your mood? That’s not a coincidence — nature and mental wellness are deeply connected. As cities grow denser
Lessons from a Long Life: Everyday Habits That Support Healthy Aging
Have you ever wondered why some people seem to grow older with ease, staying sharp, active, and content well into their 80s and beyond? The answer usually isn’t luck or genet
Cleaner Communities, Healthier Lives: Lessons from Aya Nagar’s Sanitation Journey
Tucked along the edges of Delhi, Aya Nagar was once a place where open drains, overflowing waste, and contaminated water were simply part of daily life. Families accepted illness a
Nourishing Longevity: Simple Mediterranean Breakfast Ideas for Healthy Aging
Ever wonder why people in Mediterranean regions seem to age with so much vitality? It isn’t luck — it’s largely what’s on their breakfast plate. If you’re
Travel to Heal: The Growing Journey Toward Wellness and Renewal
Wellness travel encourages people to view journeys as opportunities for restoration, reflection, and personal growth. A change of environment can help individuals reconnect with na
Testimonials & community voices
What possibility can feel like.
These editorially framed perspectives reflect the kind of change GDF works toward. Approved participant testimonials can be added as they become available.
Karen Nambiar
The Global Development Foundation reflects a commendable commitment to social welfare and community development. The team is professional, supportive, and dedicated to making a positive difference. Their initiatives are well-organized and thoughtfully implemented, creating a welcoming and impactful environment. A truly valuable organization.
Renish Ruban Roberts
For me, GDF is a well-intentioned foundation that hosts meaningful events to help everyone feel included and give them a sense of belonging and community. I witnessed their recently hosted event, “Sur Sangam“, where the elderly came together to sing and reminisce about the olden days, as if it were a time capsule made just for them to feel safe.
Harshit Vaid
Global Development Foundation is doing real, on-the-ground work — from education and health support to helping people build stronger, more self-reliant communities. What stands out is how personal it feels; this isn’t abstract charity- it’s people showing up for people. You can genuinely see the impact in the lives they’ve touched.
Vrishika Matka
Global Development Foundation is doing incredible work for the community. Their dedication to mental health support, development, and elder care is truly inspiring. Transparency and passion shine through everything they do.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A clearer way in.
Whether you want to learn, contribute, or find support, here are a few useful places to begin.
What does Global Development Foundation do?
GDF works with communities and partners across education, health, child development, women’s empowerment, disability inclusion, environment, sanitation and community well-being.
Who does GDF work with?
GDF’s work is designed around people and communities, with support from families, educators, practitioners, local partners and others who help make participation possible.
Who founded Global Development Foundation?
GDF was founded in 2008 by Dr. R.K. Suri, a clinical psychologist, along with a collective of educationists, doctors, and social workers committed to inclusive, sustainable development.
Is GDF aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
Yes, GDF's programmes are designed to support the UN Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on inclusive growth, social equity, and long-term community resilience.
How is GDF different from other NGOs in India?
GDF combines direct community services (education, health, child development) with specialised initiatives like elder care and disability inclusion, backed by professionals from psychology, medicine, and social work — rather than focusing on a single cause area.
Join Us in Building a Healthier & Stronger India.
Your support enables us to expand our reach and deepen our impact. Partner with GDF India to empower communities and create a brighter future.