This account details the history of the Indian foundation popularly known as Sadguru, which promotes sustainable and equitable rural development through community-based natural-resource development and management. First-hand details from the author provide explanations of the new approaches to tribal growth, including the use of water as a catalyst for community development. Success stories include the completion of nearly 500 water-resource projects that are currently managed by empowered village communities and substantial improvements in the socio-economic conditions of thousands of poor Indian households.