Dr. Devendra Kumar, popularly known as Devendra Bhai, A science graduate from Lucknow University and an Oil Technologist from the famous Harcourt Butler Technological Institute, joined the All India Village Industries Association (AIVIA). Devendra Bhai helped his Guru Kumarappaji for six years in research and innovative experiments in various village industries. He also edited and translated Kumarappa's books as well as articles in Hindi language.

In 1952, Devendra Bhai opted to live with the landless poor of a small insulated hilly village, called " Machla &quoot, near Indore, in the State of Madhya Pradesh for eight long years to experience village life in the raw. He made a sea change in the lives of the rural people of Machla, who still rever him as a saint who changed their lives by making them self-sufficient, to lead a life of dignity and honor. He was also a part of the " Bhoodan " movement (where landowners donated land to the landless poor) spearheaded by Acharya Vinoba Bhave, " the barefoot Saint on the march ". Under Acharya Vinoba's guidance, Devendra Bhai acted as the Madhya Pradesh State Level Organizer of Bhoodan and was also active in Sarvodaya movements.