The present article discusses the economic and social challenges faced by the tribal communities of Gujarat, especially those living in areas like Dang, Surat, Tapi, Navsari, Narmada, Bharuch, Chhota-Udepur, Valsad, Dahod, Panchmahal, Mahisagar, Arvalli, Sabarkantha and Banaskantha. Limited resources, poor education and very limited employment options have made it difficult for these communities to improve their livelihoods. Non-governmental organizations play a vital role in such times. The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) has been working in the areas of livelihood development, education, women empowerment and natural resource conservation to bring sustainable development to the lives of tribal communities. For livelihood development, AKDN helps in modern technology in agriculture, micro-enterprises and market linkages. Along with this, it also develops school infrastructure, trains teachers and creates awareness for girl child education. The framework for economic independence has been created through self-help groups and vocational training programmes for women. Projects like water conservation and forest expansion have been implemented under natural resource conservation. These programs have been instrumental in bringing about significant changes in the lives of tribal communities, and they provide an ideal model for sustainable development.