About JST

Rooted in the small town of Melkote in Karnataka, Janapada Seva Trust (JST) has been quietly shaping a different kind of future since 1960. Founded by Sri Surendra Koulagi and Smt. Girija Koulagi, a young couple inspired by the vision of Mahatma Gandhi and J.C. Kumarappa, the Trust has remained committed to building a non-violent social order, one step, one life at a time.

For over six decades, JST has been more than an organisation. It’s a living idea, anchored not in short-term projects but in values that endure. In a world of changing trends and shifting priorities, the Trust has held fast to its original intent: to serve people, live simply, and work with integrity. It has listened, responded, and stayed rooted in the needs of the land and the lives around it.

The work of JST has always emerged from the demands of the moment while guided by the ideal of swaraj. What began as a modest effort by a handful of committed individuals has now evolved into a strong ecosystem of thoughtful action, never rushed, never rigid, always relevant.

At its heart, JST is not about scale or visibility. It is about a quiet impact. It is about staying true.

Some stories are better seen than told. The documentary below offers a quiet window into JST’s way of life and work.

 

 People Who Hold The Vision

 

Janardhan C. S. is the President of JST and the Secretary of Arivu Educational Institution, known for its alternative approach to learning. With over two decades of experience in the IT sector, he now works in the fields of education, language, and social equity. His contributions include translations, published writings, and active involvement in several cultural and community initiatives across Karnataka.


Santosh Koulagi has been associated with Janapada Seva Trust for over four decades, contributing to its vision and activities. With a strong interest in organic farming, he continues to engage deeply with sustainable practices. He currently serves as the Secretary of the Trust.


Santhosh Sheelavanth is a graphic designer based in Mysore and has been associated with Janapada Seva Trust for over three decades. He currently serves as the treasurer of the organisation. A quiet presence behind the scenes, he also enjoys playing chess in his free time.


Enosh Olivera, a graduate of the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, is a cinematographer and visual artist whose work spans feature films and documentaries across India. As a member of Janapada Seva Trust, he brings his visual storytelling to its cultural and social efforts.


Pradeep C. R. is a member of Janapada Seva Trust and a professor at Channabasaveshwara Engineering College in Gubbi. He is deeply committed to ecological restoration and the conservation of biodiversity. His efforts on a 10-acre farm in Gubbi taluk reflect a long-term vision for sustainable living and learning.


Manohar M C, based in Mysuru, is a medical professional with a deep interest in organic farming, theatre, and folk traditions. He is actively involved with Arivu School, a Kannada-medium, activity-based learning space in Mysuru. As a member of Janapada Seva Trust, he contributes to its vision of sustainable and community-rooted living.


Tejasvi Munishankarappa is an engineer based in Bengaluru. He is deeply committed to environmental concerns, social justice, and equitable access to resources. As a member of Janapada Seva Trust, he brings thoughtful engagement and a strong sense of civic responsibility to the collective.


Manu K hails from Mysuru and is an engineer by training, but a naturalist at heart. With over four decades of experience in environmental education, he has worked closely with the community at Kokkare Bellur on the conservation of pelicans. He is also an active member of the Janapada Seva Trust.


Archana Khyadi, from the small town of Chadchan in Bijapur district, holds a master's in Development from Azim Premji University. Her work with Adivasi communities in Odisha focused on strengthening nutritional security at the grassroots. For the past five years, she has been deeply involved with JST, continuing her commitment to meaningful, community-led change.


Sumanas Koulagi coordinates the Janapada Collective and is associated with Janapada Seva Trust. He holds a PhD in International Development from the University of Sussex. With a deep interest in development and wildlife, he brings a thoughtful and grounded perspective to the work.