People First is a trust promoted by Development Alternatives, a prominent NGO of India, instituted in 1983, working in the field of appropriate technology, environmental system and institutional development.

The prime objective of People First is researching the reasons for failure of governance in India, designing and advocating institutional reforms required, and evolving a legitimate, non-violent process for realising them. Ashok Khosla and SK Sharma are its Managing Trustees

Dr Ashok Khosla, President, Development Alternatives, is an environmental scientist. He did his PhD from Harvard University in Physics. In the 1970s, he worked as Senior Scientist in the newly established Centre for Environment in the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India. He then joined the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and after working for seven years left it to set up Development Alternatives. He firmly believes that local democratic empowerment is vital for sustainability.
 
Shri SK Sharma joined the Indian Administrative Service in 1956. He holds masters degree in Mathematics and Masters in Public Administration from Syracuse University, USA. He was Secretary, Housing & Environment, Madhya Pradesh,and CMD, Housing and Urban Development Corporation, Government of India. He is also Senior Advisor, Development Alternatives, and is advising various state government on policy.