Joseph Madiath has a Degree in English Literature from Madras University. He founded the Young Students Movement for Development and in 1971 led it to establish refugee camps during the Bangladesh war and later relief camps for cyclone-affected people in Orissa. In 1979, he established Gram Vikas. Joseph is a Founding Member of the Voluntary Association Network of India, Orissa Development Action Forum. He is a pioneer in rural development action for social mobilization, renewable energy, habitat development, natural resource management. Joseph is the recipient of awards including: India Best NGO Award, Resource Alliance, UK (2006); Social Life Time Achievement Award, Godfrey Phillips Red and White Bravery Awards (2006).