The National Centre for Rural Development is a Non-Govt. Voluntary Organisation registered under Society Registration Act 1860 and also under Bombay Public Trust Act 1950 with its headquarters at Nagpur.
Padmavibhushan Sushri Dr Nirmala Deshpande, follower of Gandhi- Vinoba's values of peace and non-violence and undertaking constructive works through imaginative programmes throughout the country was its Founder President.

Nirmala fondly called as Didi, was inspired by the thoughts and mission of Acharya Vinoba Bhave, joined the Bramhavidya Mandir Ashram founded by Vinoba ji at Paunar, Wardha District, to empower women in those days immediatly after the country got independence.

Although she was from affluent family, and daughter of Rajya Sabha Member Shri P.Y.Deshpande, and State Legislature - Mrs. Vimalabai Deshpande, she mended ways in Ashram way of life with Vinoba and his ashramites.

Later, she became spiritual daughter of Vinobaji, adapting all the techniques developed by him in rural upliftment and social thinking. She walked over 40,000 km in padayatra undertaken by Vinobaji over a period of 12 years running through several Indian States which resulted in historical Bhoodan Movement, where the landless donated over 50 lakhs acres of land to their landless brothers in the country which even today is amusing. She wrote daily diary of Padayatra and Presided over hundreds of meetings - gramsabhas throughout the country enriching herself with vast experience which made her peace missionary in entire South Asia.

National Centre for Rural Development was one of the Ashram institutions established by her in remote District of Maharashtra, Gadchiroli. It was established on 30th November 1982 with following objectives.