Mayank Gandhi, born in 1958 in Mumbai, transitioned from being an urban planner to a social activist focusing on rural transformation. After a stint with the Aam Aadmi Party, he resigned due to ideological differences and founded the Global Vikas Trust (GVT). His work primarily involves elevating farmer incomes in drought-affected areas of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. Key initiatives include Water Management, Crop Diversification and Farmer Education.

Gandhi's efforts have been acknowledged with awards for his contributions to social entrepreneurship and water conservation, aiming to make farming economically viable again.