Bala Vikasa Executive Staff
Bala Vikasa Governing Body Contents
Organization’s Profile 1
Editorial 2
Milestones 3
Bala Vikasa - The Genesis 4
Reach 5 - 6
Vision, Misson and Values 7
10 Development rules 8
Awards 9
Messages 10 - 24
Jubilee Report 25 - 32
Bala Vikasa Programs 33 - 74
Our Future 75
In Gratitude 76
This publication is partly financed by Organisation’s Profile
Founded in : 1991 Registration No : 569/1991 Income Tax 12 A provision : HQRS-11512A & 80G/41/92-93 Income Tax 80 G provision : DIT(E)/HYD/80G/81(09)/10-12 FCRA Number : 010360036 PAN Card Number : AAATB 7316G Address : 1-1-867, Siddarthanagar, Kazipet, Warangal, Telangana 506 004 Tel: + 870-2459-287 Cell: +98491-65890 E-mail: [email protected] | www.balavikasa.org Objectives : 1. Promote sustainable community development by adopting effective methodologies and grass-root development strategies. 2. Organize capacity building training programs for staff, partner organizations, NGOs, GOs, CBOs, CBGs and beneficiaries. 3. Promote Business Social responsibility and Social Entrepreneurship through capacity building programs, consultation and incubation. Administrative structure : General Body, Governing Body, Executive Staff
Principal Sectors : Drinking Water and Sanitation Empowerment of Rural Poor Women, Widows and Youth Education for Orphans, Semi Orphans and Rural Poor Environment, Watershed Management and Organic Farming Building Model Communities Capacity Building Training Programs to NGOs, GOs, CBOs, CBGs and beneficiaries Promoting Micro and Medium Social Entrepreneurship and Business Responsibility
Foreign Donors : Sopar Bala Vikasa - Canada and USA Government of Canada - Canada CLO - Canada ICCO - Netherlands Manos Unidas - Spain KZE - Germany Kadoori Charitable Foundation (KCF) - Hong Kong Frank Water Projects - England Novara Center Onlus and School for Children - Italy One Prosper - Canada
Corporate Donors : Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Company Limited Franklin Templeton Investments Aurobindo Pharma Ltd. Symed Labs Limited MSN Laboratories Pvt. Ltd Virchow Laboratories Limited Local communities and Individuals
Founders : Mrs. Bala Theresa Singareddy Gingras and Mr. André Gingras President of the Board : Mr. Basani Marreddy Executive Director : Mr. S. Shoury Reddy Personnel : Executive Staff: 60 Field Staff: 250 Partners in development : 50 local NGOs
1 EDITORIAL
This souvenir is a small effort to capture the 25 Over the years, the steadfast efforts of Bala Vikasa historical years of Bala Vikasa. It’s a story in a have helped in creating scores of model villages nutshell, on how the people and communities over in Telugu states. This was amply evident from the the years, have been able to believe in themselves recognition of Gangadevipally village as the model and continue to sustain their development efforts. village at the national level. It’s a matter of pride to see many of the Bala Vikasa’s development Impacting lives of millions in southern parts of programs like women empowerement, tank de- India, Bala Vikasa has been ‘a shining silver line’ siltation, community drinking water projects, among the marginalized, in the underdeveloped building model communities have been adopted by cloudy horizons of rural sector, predominantly in the state governments. the Telugu states of south India. In the last two and half decades, Bala Vikasa has succeeded in Scripting its basic development lessons learned empowering the rural communities of women, from its vigorous involvement with the grass children, youth and farmers; to effectively address root communities, Bala Vikasa has attracted the development issues in the economic, social, the attention of global community in the political and environmental spheres. development sector. Today Bala Vikasa is able to draw development professionals from across 57 Abiding by the key development rule; ‘Development countries of Asia, Africa, Europe and American is People’ envisioned by the founders and continents to learn community development adhering to its fundamental strategy of ‘Helping strategies. In the true spirit of a visionary, Bala Communities Help Themselves’, Bala Vikasa Vikasa is adding to its existing programs, a new has empowered the rural communities with the initiative by promoting Social Entrepreneurship and required skills and mindset to steer their own Business Responsibility through its Bala Vikasa destiny. The well designed and executed activities International Center (BVIC). of Bala Vikasa and its participatory approaches over the years have helped people to progress and The following pages of the Souvenir have captured sustain their pace of development. the views of a wide range of stakeholders from beneficiaries to political leaders. The pages speak This souvenir is another genuine expression of about the development vision and strategies of how Bala Vikasa, with the visionary founders and a Bala Vikasa that have withstood the test of time. group of committed staff could make tremendous Bala Vikasa’s notable achievements, the challenges impact in over 6000 villages of Telangana and it faces and the vision ahead, find expression in this Andhra Pradesh states, impacting millions of silver booklet. lives. It’s a story of how the professional efforts of Bala Vikasa have touched every sphere of This Souvenir is dedicated to the people, especially rural life ranging from agriculture to environment, the millions who continue to strive towards their leadership to good governance, health to water development. We express our gratitude to our & sanitation and from livelihoods to economic donors and partners, who have supported our work development. It’s also a story how the relentless and helped us to succeed in building sustainable work of Bala Vikasa has touched all sections of communities. people including women, farmers and youth in transforming their lives and sustaining the change. - Editorial Team
Bala Vikasa thanks the editorial team (Suresh Singareddy, Kamini Menon, Sunitha Reddy and Sivaram Mylavarapu) as well as the Executive Director and all the Program officers for their valuable effort in writing, compilation, editing and designing work.
2 Milestones
Mrs. Bala Theresa Singareddy Gingras, along with her husband, André Gingras and friends, starts 1977 “SOPAR” (Society de Partage) in Gatineau, P.Q, Canada, with an aim of helping the poor in India.
SOPAR registers itself as a Secular, Non profit NGO and launches development programs- Education, 1979 Water, Shelter to help the poor in India through a few patner societies. 1990 SOPAR opens its office in India with the name “Bala Vikasa”. Bala Vikasa registers itself as a Secular, Non-Profit NGO, “Bala Vikasa Social Service Society” and 1991 begins implementation of SOPAR development programs in India. 1992 Bala Vikasa opens an Administrative Office and obtains FCRA number. Bala Vikasa initiates Women Development Program. Besides being the donor, begins to implement 1994 development programs. 1997 Bala Vikasa creates “Raithu Vikasa Sangam” , a society to serve the farming communities in earstwhile Andhra Pradesh. 2000 Bala Vikasa initiates Watershed (Tank De-siltation) program. Bala Vikasa inaugurates its “Peoples Development Training Center” (PDTC), and launches training 2002 programs in ‘Capacity Building’ to Agents of Change in India.
Bala Vikasa initiates Water Purification Program. Launches Diploma and degree courses in 2004 Community Based Development (CBD) through Kakatiya University.
Bala Vikasa creates “Bala Vikasa Trust” to give special attention to its Education program for 2005 Orphans and Semi Orphans. PDTC begins its training programs to National and International NGOs.
Bala Vikasa initiates Youth Program and Vidya Vikasa Program. Supports qualified personnel to 2006 pursue MSW through distance education mode. Initiates empowerement of widows under the program titled “Social Justice to Widows”.
2008 Bala Vikasa initiates “Education for Social Development Program”. 2009 The number of partner institutions of Bala Vikasa reaches forty-five. Bala Vikasa reaches to 6,000 villages in earstwhile Andhra Pradesh through 50 partner institutions. 2010 Bala Vikasa launches its Organic Farming program.
Bala Vikasa PDTC conducts first overseas training program in Bangladesh. Initiates the first Water 2011 Purification Plant in Maharashtra. 2012 SOPAR Bala Vikasa - USA is registered as a public charity organisation under 501(C) (3) in USA. Bala Vikasa lays Foundation stone in a 20 acre campus near Gatkesar ORR, Hyderabad for setting up 2014 Bala Vikasa International Center (BVIC). Opens BVIC office and launches its services in Hyderabad. Initiates Social Entrepreneurship incubation activities. Corporate Companies begin to partner with 2015 Bala Vikasa for implementing Community Development programs. Reaches out to urban poor and installs Community Water Purification Plants in the slums of Hyderabad. Bala Vikasa initiates the Tank Desiltation program in Karnataka and Water Purification Project in 2016 Chhattisgarh. Launches “Sujal- ATW” project to provide purified water to the commuters in cities.
3 Bala Vikasa – The Genesis
Almost 40 years ago, the combined dreams of a visionary couple led to the formation of SOPAR, a non-profit society in Canada envisioned to alleviate poverty in India, mainly in Telugu states.
Mrs. Bala Theresa Singareddy Gingras, after completing her studies in India, USA and Philippines, got married to a French Canadian Mr.Andre Gingras; an expert in International Development and a Diplomat who worked nearly 30 years in many developing countries with the Canadian International Development Agency. She then moved to Canada in 1970, but her heart continued to feel for the poor of the motherland.
Mrs. Bala Theresa and her husband Andre Gingras as Philanthropists, resolved to dedicate their lives for the empowerment of the poor in India. 13 years after setting up SOPAR, she and Mr. Gingras, established Bala Vikasa, named after her at the request of people, in Warangal to facilitate the community development programs and increase their impact. Today her dreams stand realized and are inspiring thousands of people.
The two societies have started operating as sister organizations under the cohesive guidance of the founders, supported by the generous contributions of several agencies and individuals in North America, Europe and Asia. The Gingras’ couple are not just founders of Bala Vikasa but also its builders. Their unflinching commitment, competence and high ethics provide inspiration not just to Bala Vikasa’s team of staff and community volunteers, but also to thousands of development professionals globally.
The founders’ continue to be the guiding force behind all the development programs of Bala Vikasa in keeping them relevant to every situation and people. The day-to-day success and the decades’ of experience of Bala Vikasa have made this a unique and strong organization at its core. Now, 25 years on, Bala Vikasa continues to inspire and is full of promise for the future. Mrs. Bala Theresa Singareddy Gingras, Mr. Andre Gingras SOPAR - Bala Vikasa Founders
4 Bala Vikasa’s Community Driven Development Programs Reach 6000 Villages in Four States of India Benefitting 4 Million People.
Program Activity Reach and Outcome
Capacity Building Programs 2,15,000 Women are empowered socially, intellectually and economically Adult Literacy 41,800 Women have learnt literacy skills and living with self-respect Women Micro Credit Trainings 15,000 Women start micro enterprises and become self reliant yearly Integrated Pre and Post Natal Care 11,150 Pregnant Women and Mothers adapt safety health measures Development Mentoring and Counseling 15,000 Widows are motivated in changing their life situation Widows’ Remarriages 40 Young Widows have remarried and are socially secure Special Trainings and Support 500 Young Widows are acting as ‘Change Agents’
Community Water Purification Plants (WPPs) 710 WPPs installed, providing safe water to 16,50,000 people Water and Bore Wells with Hand Pump 6,350 Bore wells drilled, providing potable water to 12,70,000 people Sanitation Over Head Tanks (OHTs) 440 OHTs constructed, providing water at doorsteps to 5,00,000 people Ground Level Tanks (GLTs) 11 GLTs constructed, providing potable water to 8,000 tribal people Family Toilets 21,553 Toilets constructed, providing sanitation facilities to 10,70,000 people
De-siltation of Irrigation Tanks 714 Tanks De-silted benefiting 55,000 families, with silt application in 1,04,975 acres of farm land Organic farming 513 Farmers practicing organic farming Environment and 267 Farmers using water efficient drip irrigation Food Security Drip irrigation Agricultural Bore wells 1,000 Farmers have improved Irrigation facilities Tree Plantation 5,00,000 Saplings planted and nurtured Solar Street Lights 24 villages provided with solar street lights
Education, Care and Support 1,600 Orphan Children supported education providing confidence and hope Education Infrastructural Support 393 Government Schools have improved infrastructural facilities providing access to quality education to 1,11,434 poor children
Skill Trainings Model 1,300 Youth learned skills in various trades Communities Building Model Communities 3856 Leaders through 600 committees initiating development activities using local resources in 100 villages
People Community Driven 10,107 Development Professionals from 57 countries globally and 26 Development Development (CDD) Trainings states of India participated and improved knowledge and skills Training Center Overseas Training Program 4 Countries local NGOs improved knowledge in Community Driven (PDTC) Development Approaches
Housing 5,00 Poor families are provided with secured housing Cataract Surgeries Vision restored for 2014 poor and the aged Humanitarian Food Provisions and Clothes 1,100 Aged and Destitute supported fulfilling daily needs Living Aids and Gadgets 3,800 Disabled and Handicapped children are provided gadgets to support their day to day activities
Disaster Relief & Housing 801 Houses constructed for Tsunami victims Rehabilitation Livelihood Tools 550 Nets and 321 boats provided to fisherman supporting their lilivelihoods
5 Geographical Reach of Bala Vikasa’s Community Driven Development Programs across all the districts of Telangana , Andhra Pradesh and three neighbouring states in India
Reach of Bala Vikasa People Development Training Center over 10,107 Development Professionals from 57 Countries globally and from 25 States of India
Asia Africa Europe America
Afghanistan Jordan Palestine Taiwan Cameroon Liberia Sierra Leone Uganda Austria Norway Canada
Bangladesh Lebanon Philippines Thailand Dr.Congo Malawi South Africa Zimbabwe France Romania Guatemala
Cambodia Maldives Qatar Vietnam Egypt Mali South Sudan Germany Slovak Republic Haiti
China Myanmar Sri Lanka Yemen Eritrea Mauritius Sudan Italy Sweden USA
India Nepal Syria Ethiopia Nigeria Tanzania Latvia UK
Japan Pakistan Tajikistan Ghana Senegal Togo Netherlands 6 Vision, Mission and Values
VISION We long for a just and peaceful society in which each individual and each community is empowered and self-reliant; where human dignity, equal rights and equal opportunities are enjoyed by all.
MISSION Striving for an equitable and just society, we support and strengthen sustainable Community Driven Development among the most fragile sectors of the population through:
Capacitating communities with special emphasis on women empowerment and youth mobilization, to help themselves through sustainable, community development initiatives and programs.
Sharing knowledge and building capabilities, offering technical support and training to Civil Society Organization/institutions (CSO), in sustainable community driven development.
Providing comprehensive technical support and training to the business community towards social responsibility. Promoting and incubating social enterprises towards sustainable community development.
VALUES In pursuing our goals, we are guided by focus on impact, integrity, innovation, sustainability, collaboration, stakeholder engagement and exceptional quality.
7 Bala Vikasa 10 Rules for Sustainable Development
Bala Vikasa has formulated the following 10 rules for Sustainable Development from its two decades of field experience. These rules form the core of its development policies and have become the guiding principles of its development approach. The ten rules are pointers to an Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) approach. They are embedded in Bala Vikasa’s motto “Helping Communities Help Themselves”.
Rule 1 Bala Vikasa is people centric and its philosophy is that people are the corner stones Development is people and the main assets for development. Bala Vikasa believes that development should be for the people, of the people and by the people.
Rule 2 Women are the heart of development. Bala Vikasa believes that if development has Development is women to be tangible, women must be given their rightful place in the community and in the society in which they play significant roles and are major assets.
Rule 3 Development starts in the mind. Self-esteem and self-confidence in people’s own Development is change abilities are pre-requisites for self development. If people want to change their lives, of attitude they have to first reject their “mendicant mentality” and build on their own assets.
Rule 4 Development is solidarity Unity is strength! In the search for well being, people should support one another in within the groups and the group. They must evolve and bloom in their group and the community. the communities
The road to development is long and arduous. People’s development must progress Rule 5 step by step. At each step, the question to be asked is: “ Are we in pursuance of the Development is iterative goal?” Listening to the voices of the people and taking corrective actions is BV’s unique iterative development approach.
Rule 6 People must participate at all stages of their development: they have to identify Development is their assets and their needs. They themselves have to find the solutions to their participatory problems. They must take ownership of each phase of the development process starting from the conceptual stage, as Bala Vikasa’s strategies are ‘bottom-up’.
Rule 7 Agents of change and organizations must be fully cognizant of the culture and sub- Development is cultures of the people they work with. People’s culture has to be understood as an intra-cultural important dimension and integrated into all facets of a community’s development.
Rule 8 Change of attitude towards self help takes time. The real impact of development Development is long can be gauged only after years of community activities. Bala Vikasa aims at long- term term results.
Rule 9 People have to feel that the project is their own and be motivated to contribute Development is not free in kind and in money to their own development. People’s contribution warrants ownership, an essential condition for sustainable development.
Rule10 Agents of change involved in community development must produce tangible results Development builds on for trust to be built and be accepted by the people. Credibility of an NGO, is based results and credibility on consistency between the rules and mission, professionalism and performance, and transparency and commitment at all levels.
8 AWARDS
‘ORDRE de GATNEAU’, 2012 Award In a touching ceremony held on 31st May 2012, at the Gatineau Municipal Corporation premises, Mayor Marc Bureau presented the prestigious ORDRE de GATINEAU 2012 award to Mrs. Bala Theresa Gingras in recognition of her unique and invaluable services to India’s poor, spanning three and half decades. Speaking on the occasion Mr. Bureau said, “Gatineau is indeed proud of Mrs. Bala Theresa who lived 43 years in Canada and has made a tremendous difference with her continous dedication for the empowerment of poor particularly women in India.“
Velan Foundation Award, 2015 ”The Premier Club of Quebec”, presented Velan Foundation Award to Mrs. Bala Theresa for her distinctive and outstanding work in changing the lives of poor in India.
Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA)-Delhi, 2015 Award Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India has awarded Bala Vikasa for the distinct nature and the unique contribution of its Community Water Purification project and Tank De-siltation program benefitting millions of poor in India. The award was presented at a special program held on 29th May, 2015 at New Delhi. IICA acclaimed that these projects stand as best models for the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives in the country. The information on these model projects was also displayed on the website of IICA to inspire the corporate sector in adopting such projects for effective utilization of CSR funds.
Outstanding Woman, 2015 Award The newly formed state of Telangana government declared ‘An Outstanding Woman’ award to Mrs. Bala Theresa in the “Social work” category. The award was bestowed in a special ceremony organized on International Women’s day on 8 th March, 2016 in Hyderabad. The Deputy Speaker Mrs. Padma Devender Reddy, Home Minister Mr. Naini Narsimha Reddy, Finance Minister Mr. E. Rajender and other government representatives handed over the award and felicitated Mrs. Bala Theresa.
Sakshi Excellence Award 2015 The popular Telugu Media Group presented ‘Sakshi Excellence Award’ to Mrs. Bala Theresa as a best Telugu NRI for contributing yeoman services to her mother land. The award was presented in a ceremony held on 24th April, 2016 at Hyderabad.
“Personality of the Week”, 2016 National Journal “leDroit” and Radio-Canada honored Mr. Andre and Bala Theresa Gingras as “Personality of the Week” for the 40 years of dedicated services in improving the quality of life of four million people in 6000 villages in India. This recognition was declared by their Radio on 28th March, 2016.
9 Founders Message
Not long ago, during a meeting-gathering with our women coordinators, model village agents of change, and thousands of men, women and students mobilized by Bala Vikasa, we had a long dialogue on Bala Vikasa, of its mission and the results obtained. At one point, we asked them the question: “ Who is Bala Vikasa? “.
To our surprise and great satisfaction, the answer came spontaneously, loud and clear from the participants: “We are Bala Vikasa”.
After 25 years, millions of people from all over the world, particularly from Telangana and Andhra Fr. S. Bala Showry, lent by the diocese of Warangal, Pradesh have taken Bala Vikasa as their model to worked for 1 year at SOPAR in Canada and 5 years better themselves and their communities. in India as Director of Bala Vikasa. Thank you Fr. Bala Showry for your dynamic and committed As founders, we are proud of these results; however, service. our concern after 25 years is not to boast about ourselves in self-congratulations. Our special gratitude also to Andre Bourassa, the former President and Director of SOPAR - the Sister For us this small pause after 25 years, is to sincerely organization of Bala Vikasa. André has always thank and express our gratitude to all those who been a tireless supporter of Bala Vikasa. We have been with us and supported us during this remember, the difficult organizational period that period of time. Bala Vikasa has to go through during few years in the past. Without the very active leadership of Our thanks for the hundreds, thousands and André, the organization would not have overcome millions of people from the most fragile sectors this situation. of our society who have believed in us and have trusted us by empowering themselves as to Finally, a special vote of thanks to Shoury become agents of change in their communities. Singareddy- the Executive Director of Bala Vikasa Thank you, to all of you who have guided us and since last 7 years. Shoury joined Bala Vikasa the be of service to the poor within the organization: very first day/year of Bala Vikasa and grown with our board members and our staff. Thank you Bala Vikasa working passionately throughout 25 to all those who have been there to facilitate our years. Presently, under his capable leadership, work by contributing financially and otherwise to faithful to the mission of the organization, Bala our programs and activities: Members of the Civil Vikasa is reaching other levels of achievements. Society, Corporation world, Governments. You are all important and essential for Bala Vikasa. Bala Vikasa Zindabad!
In this context, we wish to especially acknowledge & the tremendous contribution of three individuals who have been pillars of the Bala Vikasa during Bala T. Singareddy-Gingras and André Gingras these last 25 years. Bala Vikasa Founders
10 Minister of international Development Ministre du Développement international And Minister for La Francophone et ministre de la Francophonie
Ottawa, Canada, K1A 0G2
Message Jan 27 2016
Mr. Shoury Reddy Executive director Sopar Bala Vikasa Telangana INDIA
Dear Mr. Reddy:
It is with great pleasure that I extend my warmest greetings to all Bala Vikasa supporters as they gather to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the organization.
For 35 years, the Government of Canada has been proud to partner with Bala Vikasa and its sister organization, SOPAR. Bala Vikasa is achieving extraordinary results by empowering rural communities in India. So far, its Community-Driven Development Approach has helped better the lives of more than 4 million people from 7,000 rural villages in India.
I Congratulate the Bala Vikasa staff and volunteers for their steadfast commitment and send out special congratulations to the founders, Angel (Bala Theresa) and Andre Gingras, for their devotion to the cause.
Please accept my best wishes for an enjoyable and memorable celebration as well as success in the years to come.
Sincerely,
The Honorable Marie-Claude Bibeau, P.C., M.P.
11 Message
Dear Mr. Shoury Reddy,
It is with extreme pride that SOPAR and fellow Canadians join you to celebrate Bala Vikasa’s 25th Jubilee. Our sister organization has grown to be a pioneer in its ability to serve the poorest of India using its Community-Driven Development Approach. The team in India works countless hours towards fulfilling our common mission - to that we are extremely grateful.
Our benefactors deserve much of the credit. You have taken ownership of your lives, worked with your neighbours and lead the effort to make a sustainable difference in your lives, that of your children and communities. You are the women, men, youths, orphans, students, elderly that didn’t want to accept the status quo. Congratulations to all of you that have dared to dream.
25 years would have not been possible without the foundation and continued inspiration from our founders, Bala Theresa and André Gingras. They are role models for all of us, and the younger generation that will be called upon to continue this mission.
Please accept our best wishes on this glorious day from your sister organization in Canada - SOPAR.
There was a dream. There was desire. There was the belief. There was hard work.
It spread. It grew. It infected others in all corners of the world. Love can conquer all.
More than 4 million helped - in over 6000 rural villages.
Sincerely,
Marc Gingras Chairman of the Board, SOPAR - Bala Vikasa, Canada
1, Chemin des Érables, Gatineau, Québec, J8V 1C1, Canada Phone: (819) 243-3616; Toll Free #: 1-866-443-3616; Email: [email protected]; Website: www.sopar.ca Registration#119156578RR0001
12 K. Chandrashekar Rao Hyderabad
Chief Minister Telangana
Message
I am honored to be the chief guest at the silver Jubilee celebrations of Bala Vikasa and witness its success in empowering thousands of rural communities in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka. In the successful journey of 25 years, Bala Vikasa proved to be innovative and effective in initiating community development projects especially the tank de- siltation, community water purification, model villages like Gangadevipally, widows empowerment, incubating social entrepreneurs etc. The innovative initiatives, best practices, sustainable approaches are not only inspiring the local governments but internationally in community development sector thus making Bala Vikasa a unique organization.
The government of Telangana is proud of Bala Vikasa and the founders Mrs. Bala Theresa Gingras and Mr. Andre Gingras. Being an NRI, the dedication of Mrs. Bala Theresa Gingras to the development of mother land, especially Telangana is greatly appreciated. The committed efforts of Bala Vikasa in impacting lives of millions of rural poor in 6,000 villages is a true inspiration to the society.
The government of Telangana recognize all the good work that you have been doing for the past 25 years and appreciate in a very special way the Executive Director Mr. Shoury Reddy, board members, staff and all the community leaders of Bala Vikasa at grassroots. The government of Telangana will be happy to support the organization in any possible way to take forward its mission of “ Helping Communities Help Themselves” and also wish all the best in all its endeavors.
(K.Chandrashekar Rao)
13 nara chandrababu naidu Hyderabad
chief minister
Message
I’m extremely happy to know that the Bala Vikasa Social Service society is celebrating its silver jubilee on successful completion of 25 years in Andhra Pradesh.
I sincerely appreciate the founder Mrs. Singareddy Bala Theresa being a Canadian NRI, and dedicating her life to the development of her motherland especially Telugu states.
Bala Vikasa has reached about 6000 villages and impacted more than 4 million rural poor through its different community development programs in the Telugu states; I am very pleased to know your capacity building programs which are inspiring the development professionals from across the globe.
While I was the Chief Minister of the united Andhra Pradesh, I inaugurated the water plant at Munugodu village and seen the effectiveness of Bala Vikasa in implementing the community development programs. I have personally visited the tank De-siltation activity taken up by Bala Vikasa at Inavole village, Warangal district. The Bala Vikasa community development models are definitely innovative, relevant and inspiring.
I congratulate each member of the Bala Vikasa team for their dedicated efforts in empowering the rural poor. The government of Andhra Pradesh would be pleased to extend its support to Bala Vikasa in whatever possible way and wishes them great success in the future.
(NARA CHANDRA BABU NAIDU)
14 KADIYAM SRIHARI, Room No.115, Ground Floor, D-Block, Telangana Secretariat M.Sc., Phones: 040-23459921(O) DEPUTY CHIEF MINISTER 040-23459922 Minister for Education
Message
I convey my hearty congratulations to Bala Vikasa team on the occasion of celebrating its Silver Jubilee. I am very much delighted to be part of these celebrations on 9th February, 2016 at LB. stadium, Hyderabad. The spectacular event with a gathering of 15000 people from four states clearly indicates the level of impact Bala Vikasa is able to create among the rural communities. I have been participating and observing Bala Vikasa activities since more than two decades and truly appreciate the vision, values and approaches of the organization. Bala Vikasa has won the hearts of millions of rural poor through its high impacting initiatives in a sustainable manner.
I am pleased to note the contribution of Bala Vikasa in developing the rural public schools through its “Vidhya Vikasa” Programme which is helping hundreds of schools in the rural areas to improve the facilities and provide quality education to the poor children.
The commitment and contribution of the Founders Mrs. Bala Theresa and Mr. Andre Gingras and the whole team of Bala Vikasa is highly commendable. I sincerely wish Bala Vikasa much more success in the years to come and continue to play an important role in the development of the region.
(KADIYAM SRIHARI)
15 Speaker Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly
Message
Congratulations to the founders and all the members of Bala Vikasa family on successful completion of 25 years in the service of the people of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana states. I have been attending the activities of Bala Vikasa from its beginning years and very pleased to see its achievements in various rural development segments spread across four states.
The level of impact created by Bala Vikasa in India through its community development programs and internationally through its capacity building programs is definitely a big achievement which makes Bala Vikasa a unique organization. The efforts of Bala Vikasa in building model communities which is paving the ways towards sustainable development is truely commendable. The innovative development models of Bala Vikasa are not only relevant to our times but also are scalable by other NGOs and Governments.
The commitment and sacrifice of the founder Mrs. Bala Theresa Gingras in uplifting the downtrodden communities in India for the past 25 years is an inspiration to many in India and abroad. The people of two Telugu states would ever remain grateful to Bala Vikasa for its yeoman services. The people and Government of Andhra Pradesh wishes Bala Vikasa much success in all its initiatives.
DR. KODELA SIVA PRASAD RAO
Assembly Buildings, Public Gardens, Hyderbad- 500 004. Phone: 23234076, 23298262, Fax: 040- 23232377 E-mail: [email protected] 16 K. JANA REDDY, Plot No. 564/A-38, Road No.92, Leader of Opposition & Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad. Congress Legislature Party Off: 040-2323 1991 Res: 040-2355 1331/32 Mobile: +91 -96661 00014
Message
Dear Shoury Reddy garu,
I am glad to know that Bala Vikasa Social Service Society is celebrating its Silver Jubilee in serving the rural poor, improving their living standards by providing basic amenities like Housing, Drinking Water, Education and extending helping hand in renovating tanks. I am pleased to know that Bala Vikasa is also training professionals in rural development. I also appreciate its new initiative to establish Bala Vikasa International Center to advise corporate sector in executing Corporate Social Responsibility in developing rural areas.
I wish many more institutions draw inspiration from Bala Vikasa in extending support to rural poor for better access to Health, Education, Housing and Employment etc. I am unable to attend the silver jubilee celebrations due to some other pre-occupied and unavoidable programs. I wish the programme a grand success.
I extend my best regards to all the members of society and wish great success in all their endeavors.
With Best Wishes
K. JANA REDDY Leader of Opposition To Sri S. Shoury Reddy, Executive Director, Bala Vikasa Social Service Society, 1-1-867, Siddartha Nagar, NIT Post, Warangal -506 004.
17 Y.S. JAGAN MOHAN REDDY, Plot No.3, Huda heights, President, YSR Congress Party, Lotus Pond Residency Banjarahills, Road No.12: Hyderabad – 34, Leader of opposition, Ph.: 040- 23606787, A.P. Legislative Assembly, Fax: 040-23111999 Govt.of Andhra Pradesh.
Message
It gives me immense pleasure to know that Bala Vikasa is celebrating the Silver Jubilee. I am delighted to note that millions of poor are getting benefited because of the dedication of Bala Vikasa team over the past 25 years. I congratulate the founders Mrs. Singareddy Bala Theresa Gingras in a very special way and all the team members for the commendable service they are rendering to the needy communities.
Bala Vikasa development initiatives such as community Water Purification, Tank de- silation, Model Communities etc. have set a new trend in rural development. The initiative of Bala Vikasa International Center to promote CSR and Social Entrepreneurship across the country is greately appreciated. Bala Vikasa’s highly professional work without discrimination of caste, religion and politics is winning the confidence of the society.
I appreciate Mr. S. Shoury Reddy, the Executive Director and all the team members for their commitment in actively executing and expanding Bala Vikasa programs across four states.
Hyderabad, Dt: 02.03.2016.
(Y. S. JAGAN MOHAN REDDY)
18 T. HARISH RAO ROOM NO. 151, Ground Floor Minister for Irrigation, Marketing, D-Block, Telangana Secretariat Mines & geology and Office: 040-23453220 Legislative Affairs/ Fax: 040-23450872 Bungalow No. 7. Road No.12, Ministers Quarters, Banjara Hills, Res: 040-23324504 Email: [email protected]
Message
Congratulations to Bala Vikasa Founders Smt. Bala Akka garu and all the team members for successfully completing 25 years of dedicated services towards uplifting the downtrodden communities in the state of Telangana. It is great to see that Bala Vikasa is making commendable change among the rural communities through transformative and sustainable approaches. I have personally witnessed the impact of your interventions. Bala Vikasa is undoubtedly a “Change Maker” Organization among the rural communities.
Bala Vikasa initiated the tank de-siltation program in late 90s and community water purification in early 2000 before the intervention of government. This indicates your innovation, relevance and vision for sustainable development of the rural communities. Telangana government is happy to take up the tank de-siltation program on massive scale through “Mission Kakatiya” which is similar to the activity initiated by Bala Vikasa 15 years ago.
During my interactions with Bala Vikasa on various occasions, I have observed high levels of values and commitment among the team members working on the field. Bala Vikasa has gained high credibility among the rural masses with its relevant and result oreinted program interventions. The government of Telangana will be happy to extend its support to Bala Vikasa in whatever possible way in order to expand your services to the unreached. My sincere congratulations to each and every member at Bala Vikasa and wish you the success in achieving the mission “Helping communities Help themselves”.
(T. Harish Rao)
19 K. Taraka Rama Rao ROOM NO. 345, D-Block, 2nd Floor- Minister for Panchayat Raj, IT and Telangana Secretariat Municipal Administration and Hyderabad - 500 022 Urban Development Phone : +91-040-23453233 Government of Telangana +91-040-23450455
Message
I am happy to know that the Bala Vikasa celebrating its 25 years of success is definitely a memorable milestone in the journey of the organization.
I am pleased to see that Bala Vikasa is able to create significant impact through its sustainable development models in rural development and stand as an inspiring agent. Bala Vikasa is also setting up an incubation center to promote the social entrepreneurs in the country and also provide consultancy and capacity building to industry sector for effective implementation of CSR through its new initiative “Bala Vikasa International Center” at Hyderabad. Iam sure Bala Vikasa would be in a better position to achieve success in this new initiative with its commitment and competence.
I appreciate every member of Bala Vikasa and wish all the success in their future endeavors.
(K. Taraka Rama Rao)
20 I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Bala Vikasa on their 25th anniversary
Over the years, Bala Vikasa has helped break the cycle of poverty for millions of people in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. It has done this with dedication, professionalism and innovation. I have had multiple opportunities to see Bala Vikasa’s work first– hand and can say that they serve as an exemplary model for other NGO’s not only in India but around the world through their community driven development approach.
I am proud to partner with Bala Vikasa in order to help women develop their entrepreneurial skills and to give back dignity to widows. I believe that the power of Indian widows and women is enough to change the life conditions of the rural poor in India.
I send out warm greetings to Bala Vikasa’s Executive Director- Showry Reddy, the staff and coordinators. I send out my special appreciation to the Founders- André and Angele Gingras and wish a happy 75th birthday to Angele.
Happy celebrations to all Bala Vikasa supporters and best of luck to the organization for its future endeavours.
Mr. Eugène Tassé Canada
The FRANK Water team would like to offer their heartfelt congratulations to the Bala Vikasa family on the event of their Silver Jubilee - so many lives affected and such great impact made - what an incredible achievement!
We’re delighted to have been part of your success story, thank you for giving us the privilege.
Katie Alcott || CEO & Founder United Kingdom (UK)
Hearty congratulations to Bala Vikasa for its 25 years of achievements!
It has been our honour to be a partner of Bala Vikasa over the past decade. We applaud your commitment and dedication in improving livelihoods through the use of effective and appropriate technologies in a manner that empowers marginalized people to become proactive in furthering their wellbeing. Bala Vikasa has been a trusted partner and we are proud of the positive impacts you have delivered to communities of Telangana over the years.
We are confident that Bala Vikasa will continue to grow with the communities they work with and offer greater opportunities in life to the disadvantaged. Thank you and congratulations once again to Bala Vikasa!
Mr. Christopher Lavender Hongkong Director
21 School for Children an Italian no profit organization have been collaborating with Bala Vikasa finding donors to build bore wells and water purification plants in several villages. It has been a great pleasure working together, having the possibility to give clean water to many poor villages. We’ll be glad to go on collaborate with them in the future, following their wonderful projects not only for the water but also for the widows.
Thanks again for the important help and valuable service you are offering to the community.
Mr. Filippo Ita ly
A tribute to Bala Vikasa on the occasion of its Silver Anniversary Bala Vikasa turns 25 this year and its actions are speaking so loud. Who would have believed that BV could have achieved so much tangible good in such a short time across the villages of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana? We have been privileged to witness the miracle of people, “helping people to help themselves”. We can see it in their eyes. (The eyes cannot lie.) We see it, we feel it and we believe it. Marie-Catherine and I have been blessed to experience the miracle first-hand. Our hearts and our souls have been profoundly touched by your dedication and determination. On this occasion of your Silver Anniversary, we extend to you our loving wishes and our profound desire that you will continue to make the miracles happen. Mr. Richard Rochefort Canada
I am delighted to hear that Bala Vikasa is celebrating 25 years of service Cholamandalam would like to congratulate the Bala Vikasa team for completing 25 years of service to the people. The team at Bala Vikasa is highly professional and passionate in the work they do and are highly credible. We have had a fruitful relationship with the Bala Vikasa team in our Swaccha Karimnagar Program led very well by Executive Director – Mr. Shoury Reddy and assisted by Program Manager Mrs.Latha. We are Glad we partnered with Bala Vikasa in our Swachha Karimnagar Program. We wish them the best for all their future programs and we are continuing our relationship with the Bala Vikasa Family in other states as well . Mohamed Muavia, Manager Marketing and Corporate Communications Cholamandalam investment and Finance Company Ltd
I am delighted to hear that Bala Vikasa is celebrating 25 years of service
Bala Vikasa exemplifies its motto “Helping Communities Help Themselves” by creating scalable and replicable models of community development, across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
Franklin Templeton is privileged to be part of this exciting journey and partner with Bala Vikasa in the implementation of water purification plants in 20 villages. I convey my good wishes and look forward in partnering with Bala Vikasa in future projects.
Ramakrishna Mallimadugula, President Franklin Templeton International Services (India) Pvt. Ltd.
22 President’s Message After two and a half decades of continuous and consistent work, Bala Vikasa has marked a niche for itself in the development arena in India and around the world. Through its persistent and professional development working in the past 25 years, Bala Vikasa has reached out to about 6,000 villages and is touching every sphere of life. Over the years, Bala Vikasa has become a model organization in taking forward people- centered development and has received the attention of the national and global community. During the last 12 years several development professionals from 25 states of India and 57 countries around the world have been drawn to Bala Vikasa’s People Development Training Center to learn and adopt its development policies and strategies. endeared member of the organization. It goes without saying that, it is the dedicated efforts of all the staff It’s not only development professionals and non- members, especially those have been there for over a profit organizations but also the local, state and decade, that have contributed to the true success of national governing organizations that have recognized, Bala Vikasa programs. appreciated and are learning from Bala Vikasa. We have seen how the development programs of Women 3. The cooperation and involvement of people and Empowerment, Tank De-siltation, Community Water communities. Purification Plants and Model Village projects have been Bala Vikasa works with the motto “Helping Communities adopted by governments irrespective of the political Help Themselves” and belief that ‘development is party they belonged to. people’. It follows the ABCD (Asset Based Community Development) approach in all its activities. If Bala Vikasa I see three key aspects that have made Bala Vikasa one was able to make a substantial difference, it is the of the most successful NGOs which has tremendously receptivity and thirst of the people towards change and impacted the lives of the poor and marginalized. development. As the saying goes; ‘you can take a horse to the water but you can’t make it drink’. Bala Vikasa 1. The vision, commitment and the zeal of the would not have achieved what it has, unless the people Founders. participated and contributed to growth and development The founders Bala Theresa and Andre Gingras have not in a selfless manner. only unveiled the great vision but have scrupulously led this development movement from the front. All along During the journey of 25 years, we can’t but remember they have nurtured a skilled, professional, dedicated and with a deep sense of appreciation and gratitude all our dynamic team to carry forward this wonderful mission. partners, donor organisations and corporates. They Their continuous thoughts and reflections have not have been our source of strength and support. We are only made the development interventions relevant to indeed indebted to our chief partner SOPAR of Canada the times, but also ensured that all programs remained and the prominent donor CIDA, without whose constant people-centered. support, Bala Vikasa would not have brought such an incredible level of transformation in the lives of rural 2.The professional skills, knowledge and poor. commitment of the staff. While the visionary founders ensured that Bala Vikasa As we move on from this milestone of Silver Jubilee, we remained focused, it is the young and dynamic Executive shall renew our commitment to the mission of people- Director, S. Shoury Reddy who has ensured the effective centered development. implementation of each and every program. Being with the organization since its inception, he worked at various levels before he adorned the role of Executive Director seven years ago. His work ethics, missionary zeal and Mr. Basani Marreddy, vast development knowledge has made him the most President, Bala Vikasa
23 Executive Director’s Note
Bala Vikasa has successfully crossed a historical milestone with its 25 years of dedicated services in empowering the rural communities, reaching out to over 4 million poor in 6,000 villages across the states of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka in India. It has also been a source of inspiration to thousands of development professionals from 57 countries across the globe and 25 states of India.
During the two and half decades of its existence, Bala Vikasa has done exceptionally well in empowering the people through various community development programs. Working with the belief that ‘DEVELOPMENT IS PEOPLE’, Bala Vikasa has successfully motivated and effective community development models. With well transformed people to bring about lasting change in their established network at organizational and community situation. It has pioneered in establishing community level and continuous encouragement and collaboration Water Purification Plants, renovating Irrigation Tanks, of our donors and well-wishers, we have a vision of constructing Over-Head Tanks as well as creating expanding all the relevant community development Model Communities. In the later years and now, these programs to the neighboring states. With the effective programs are being replicated by government, NGOs partnership of the Corporates and International and Corporates as they prooved to be very relevant, Development Organizations, we wish to promote CSR innovative and impactful. and Social Entrepreneurship, and inspire development professionals globally. The dedicated, professional and visionary leadership provided by our ever inspiring Founders Mrs. Bala On behalf of Bala Vikasa I take this opportunity to thank Theresa Gingras and Mr. Andre Gingras has been a all its well wishers and supporters, journalists from print key source of strength for everyone at Bala Vikasa, and electronic media, people who have been contributing its network organizations, communities and to the in various ways to bring about the change in the lives development professionals at large. of millions of poor through Bala Vikasa initiatives. We extend our gratitude to the political leaders from all The commitment, cooperation and the spirit of sacrifice parities and government authorities at different levels of board members, hundreds of staff, over 15,000 of administration for supporting and encouraging our voluntary community leaders from hundreds of villages initiatives. Thanks also to all the venders and suppliers as well as the collaboration of our implementing partner for considering the value of our services to humanity and organizations is the force behind our successful journey for providing materials at special rates to Bala Vikasa. of 25 silver years. The voluntary turnout of over15,000 enthusiastic community leaders from the two Telugu Bala Vikasa will always remain indebted to the parent states and Maharashtra by contributing Rs. 300 each for organization SOPAR and Canadian Government for their the silver jubilee celebrations on 9th February, 2016 held continued support from the inception of the organization. at L.B. Stadium,Hyderabad, is a manifestation of impact We also thank all our international funding agencies and of Bala Vikasa’s mission on the grass root communities. corporate donors for their continued support which is enabling Bala Vikasa to achieve its mission of “Helping Standing at this silver milestone, we continue to reflect Communities Help Themselves”. on our strengths and weaknesses and ameliorate our approaches, methodologies and strategies for both organizational and community development. With our reputation, from the lessons learnt in the past 25 years and experience gained, Bala Vikasa wishes to play S. Shoury Reddy even more impactful role in the future by innovating Executive Director Bala Vikasa
24 Commemorating 25 Years of Successful Community Driven Development GRAND CELEBRATION OF BALA VIKASA SILVER JUBILEE: An Overveiw
9th February, 2016 is a historical day in the journey of Bala Vikasa as it celebrated the great event of silver jubilee at L.B. Stadium, in the heart of Hyderabad city. The gathering of 15,000 leaders from Bala Vikasa women, youth, farmers, water purification, model communities and organic farming projects made the event truly memorable. The event was splendid not just because of the number of people gathered on the occasion but due to the very spirit of the people who participated. The kind of discipline, response and the feeling of “our Bala Vikasa” demonstrated by the participants who came from Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra states, is truly praise worthy. The presence of VVIP’s and VIP’s from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana governments, political leaders, Bala Vikasa partner organization representatives, corporate partners, media and well-wishers from India and abroad made the event very special and brought good visibility to the Bala Vikasa family.
25 Silver Jubilee: A People’s Celebration The Silver Jubilee Event (Prajala Panduga) With pleasant and cool weather in the morning of 9thFebruary It was an event much awaited by people from 2016, the LB stadium appeared glorious with the touch of thousands of villages in three states from the time warm sunshine and continuous arrival of people at the venue it was announced in December, 2015. This is an right from 6 am. The entire stadium was filled with 15,000 appropriate occassion to celebrate the success participants from across three states by 9.00 am which is 30 of the organization which has won the hearts of minutes before the schedule. Some people travelled more millions of rural poor over the past 25 years. When than 10 hours to arrive at the venue. This discipline of Bala Bala Vikasa announced to make the Silver Jubilee Vikasa members surprised the media, politicians, authorities a people’s celebration, thousands of people came and all the guests. The program began with universal prayer forward voluntarily to contribute money to share the song, welcoming the VIP guests which followed by welcome cost of the celebration. However, field teams had to address by the Executive Director Mr. Shoury Reddy. He restrict the number due to the limitation of facilities also presented a report on the history of Bala Vikasa and and management constraints at the venue. 15000 all its achievement which made every one present at the people paid Rs. 300 each towards the celebrations, jubilee to realize how impactful Bala Vikasa is in sustainable and their timely and enthusiastic participation is community development sector. another indicator to prove what Bala Vikasa means to people in the villages.
The Preparations for the Jubilee
Bala Vikasa Executive Body members and office staff have together formed different committees such as Stage Committee, Food Committee, Transport Committee, Invitation and Reception Committee, Parking Committee, Publicity Committee, Cultural Committee etc and shared the responsibilities. Bala Vikasa partner organizations and the field staff took the responsibility of announcing the event in the villages and mobilizing the people. It is very heartening to note that model village committees, water plant committees and women Self Help Associations, organic farmers committees etc have played an active role in pooling the participants and vehicles. Bala Vikasa teams once again proved their commitment and efficiency in organizing such a massive event in a successful manner. Qudos... to every member of Bala Vikasa family.
26 “Mrs. Bala Theresa is a pride daughter of Telangana” Mr. Chandra Shekar Rao, Hon. Cheif Minister, Telangana
Telangana Government and people of Telangana are really very proud of Bala Vikasa’s achievements. Congratulations to the Founders, staff, board members, committee leaders, volunteers and all the members of Bala Vikasa for the completion of 25 impactful years. The vision and the commitment of Mrs. Bala Theresa Gingras and her husband Mr. Andre Gingras is highly commendable. History proved that great people are born in difficult times and Mrs. Bala Theresa is one such great person for India. Telugu People are fortunate to have Bala Vikasa. Mrs. Bala Theresa is a pride daughter of Telangana. Tank de- siltation, water projects, women empowerment and all other initiatives of Bala Vikasa are definitely very effective, highly beneficial to the people and inspiring.
Money alone can’t develop the poor. Unity and will power are big assets for the prosperity of the poor. Unfortunately we do not have such capacities to promote this unity, confidence and will power among people within the government. But Bala Vikasa is able to do this and bring change in a big way in our country. Bala Vikasa is putting efforts in resolving many social issues very effectively. I request Bala Vikasa to continue their good work and be like “brahmastram” ( Divine or ultimate Weapon) for the depressed and supressed to overcome poverty. I pray to God to bless the founders and every one at Bala Vikasa and make the organization even more impactful in the future. The demands placed by Mr. Shoury Reddy on behalf of the widows, water plants and organic farmers are very justifiable. I assure that government of Telangana will give importance to these demands and would discuss the same in the cabinet meeting. Government of Telangana would be happy to support Bala Vikasa in taking forward the mission of the organization.
27 Words of Appreciation and Thanks from Founders
Mr. Andre Gingras started his speech with joy, appreciating the rural communities for their involvement, participation and ownership of the projects. When he posed a question to all the participants ‘Who is Bala Vikasa?’, and to everyone’s surprise, the people answered loudly as one voice ‘We are Bala Vikasa!’. The Founders expressed happiness to see this ownership and encouraged to continue as change agents for greater impact.
He said: “In these 25 years Bala Vikasa stands as a role model for many of the organizations and governments. As Founders of the organization we are proud of the achievements of Bala Vikasa. We take this opportunity to thank the millions of people who have believed in us and trusted us by empowering themselves and becoming change agents in their communities”. In their speech they gave recognition to 3 prominent people in the growth of Bala Vikasa Fr. S. Bala Showry from Warangal Diocese, Mr. André Bourassa from SOPAR-Canada and Mr. Shoury Reddy, the current Executive Director of Bala Vikasa. He said that Mr. Shoury Reddy who has been with Bala Vikasa from day one throughout the 25 years of its existence, is able to take the organization to higher levels with his dedicated and dynamic leadership. Founder Couple also thanked all national and international donor organizations and especially Bala Vikasa’s parent organization SOPAR in Canada and Canadian Government for helping continuously. Special Appreciation was expressed to all the staff members and implementing partners of Bala Vikasa.
28 Mr. Kadiam Srihari, Deputy Chief Minister, Government of Telangana: “Bala Vikasa truly deserve to celebrate the success that it has achieved through its dedicated and professional services. The reach of Bala Vikasa is not only in Warangal but in 6000 villages across four states in India. I feel proud to see that a Warangal based NGO founded by Telugu NRI is Globally recognized for its impactful initiatives. The Incubation center that Bala Vikasa is going to launch for social entrepreneurs in Hyderabad will be a big gift to not just people of Telangana but to the country. I along with my cabinet colleagues present here would try to get the three demands of Bala Vikasa approved in the cabinet meeting.”
Mr. Naini Narsimha Reddy, Minister for Home, Telangana: “I am very pleased to be part of this silver Jubilee celebration and even more pleased to know that Bala Vikasa is not just a local organization but internationally recognized organization. NGOs like Bala Vikasa are the ones who are really working to bring justice to the poor in the country. People recognize and respect those who do good to society and today Bala Vikasa gained high respect in the region because of its good work. It is great to see the daughter of Telangana Mrs. Singareddy Bala dedicated to empower people in our country. “
Mr. Kodela Shiva Prasad, Speaker, Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly: “I congratulate Mrs. Balamma and all the members of the organization for successfully completing 25 years of service. It is really great that Mrs. Bala Theresa being an NRI is serving the mother land without forgetting her roots. I have been observing Bala Vikasa programs from the time I was Panchayat Raj minister in 1990s. The role of Bala Vikasa in empowering the rural communities is exceptional. The government alone will not be able to solve all the social issues. There is a need for NGOs to become more active like Bala Vikasa, in developing the region.”
Mrs. K. Mrunalini, Minister for Rural Development and Housing, Andhra Pradesh: “I am sent to this celebration by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Mr. Nara Chandra Babu Naidu on behalf of the government of Andhra Pradesh as he was unable to attend due to unexpected meetings in Delhi. I am pleased to extend Mr. Naidu’s greetings to all present at this historical event of Bala Vikasa. It is very inspiring to note how Bala Vikasa is transforming the lives of rural poor especially women. We assure Bala Vikasa to offer support from Andhra Pradesh government and request Bala Vikasa to increase its development efforts in Andhra Pradesh.”
29 Mr. Chandulal, Minister for Tribal welfare and Tourism development, Telangana: “Bala Vikasa proved to be there for “Pedhala Vikasa” (development of the poor). It has gained very high reputation among the rural masses with its high impactful initiatives. I have seen many villages received support for multiple projects. I congratulate Bala Vikasa and wish to see celebrating golden Jubilee with greater success.”
Mr. Errabelli Dayakar Rao, MLA, TDP Floor Leader-Telangana: “My association with Bala Vikasa is more than 20 years. I took lot of inspiration from Bala Vikasa in dealing with people and implementing sustainable community development projects. Bala Vikasa definitely has a credit of implementing community transformative activities. The empowered women in thousands of villages is clear indication of Bala Vikasa’s impact. Bala Vikasa inspired the governments to take up relevant programs for the village development. Wish to see Bala Vikasa play greater role in both the Telugu States.”
Sri. Sudahkar Reddy, MLC: “Bala Vikasa is special in many ways. It can be called as ‘Bharath Vikasa’ because this organistion sincerely work contributing to the development of the nation. Bala Vikasa working for the empowerment of all kinds of people without any restrictions of caste, creed, race, politics, religion is a model for many other NGOs. We can say Bala Vikasa is Mother of all other NGO’s. I am sure it remains forever in the hearts of the people because it is ‘people’s organization’.”
Most. Rev. Udumala Bala, Bishop of Warangal: “Service to humanity is service to God. 25 years of dedicated services by Bala Vikasa to the most deprived people in India without discrimination of religion, caste, region and politics itself is a big message to every one in the society. As Mother Theresa said “helping hands are better than praying lips”, Bala Theresa is another Mother Theresa for Telugu states. The dedication of Mrs. Bala Theresa and Mr. Andre Gingras is very inspiring and I have no words to thank and appreciate them for what they have done to Warangal and other parts of the country.”
Mrs.Amala Akkineni, Cine Actress and Bala Vkasa Ambassador: “It gives me immense pleasure to be associated with Bala Vikasa since few years. The efforts of Bala Akka and the whole team at Bala Vikasa in empowering the widows is really a unique and very relevant initiative. I am glad that I could participate in some activities and encourage Bala Vikasa team in empowering the widows. My husband Mr. Nagarjuna Akkineni and the family extend congratulations to all the members of Bala Vikasa family.”
30 Executive Director Mr. Shoury Reddy felicitated for his 25 years of service
The Founders and the Board members felicitated Mr. Singareddy Shoury Reddy, The Executive Director of Bala Vikasa in a very special way for his 25 years of dedicated services to society. He is the first person to join Bala Vikasa when it was founded in 1991 and has taken up different roles in the organization, before he took up full responsibility as Executive Director in 2009. His commitment and competent skills have immensely contributed to the development of the communities and the organization. He was presented a special memento to express a deep sense of appreciation for his dynamic leadership and 25 years of relentless service to the organisation.
All the Program Managers Mrs. D. Latha, Mrs. S. Sunitha, Mr. Vijay Bhaskar and the program officers Mr. Pathap, Mrs. Manjula, Mr. Thirupathi, Mrs. Kavitha, Mr. Shivaram and few others who have contributed more than 10 years in the organization were also felicitated on this occasion.
Bala Vikasa submits three public demands to government of Telangana
The Executive Director Mr. Shoury Reddy on behalf of the public gathered and the people of Telangana presented three demands to Mr. K. Chandra Shekar Rao, Hon. Chief Minister of Telangana who was present as the chief guest at the event. CM, promptly acknowledged the demands and assured the public that he will present them in the cabinet meeting and get them approved as they are very relevant and useful to the general public. The following were the demands: 1. Provide free power to all the community water purification projects which help in effective functioning of the project. 2. establish Widows Corporation with special budget which will help thousands of poor widows to develop economically and overcome social discrimination. 3. encourage organic farmers by providing special incentives such as subsidized local cows, tools/machines to produce organic inputs and provide marketing facilities.
31 High Lights of Silver Jubilee Celebrations
15000 leaders and members of various Bala Vikasa programs from the states of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra arrived at the venue by 9.30 a.m, half an hour before the schedule.
All the 15,000 participants contributed Rs.300 each in advance towards the cost of the Jubilee and made it peoples celebration (Prajala Panduga).
Maharashtra people with specially made hats for jubilee holding their Marati language banners stood as special attraction in the crowd.
As a tribute to Bala Vikasa no political guests spoke any politics or of government programs including CM, Speaker and Ministers. Most of them said ‘Jai Bala Vikasa’. Thanks to their respectful gesture.
197 busses and more than 400 jeeps and cars drove the participants safely to the event and back home.
Bala Vikasa arranged 100,000 square foot tent, 16,000 chairs and 4 big screens for the convenience of the people.
All the Bala Vikasa staff and board members were found so active and dedicated to make the event successful. Staff using walky-talkies at the event was very impressive.
Hundreds of policemen provided tight security in and around the stadium.
The police officials expressed that they never have witnessed such a disciplined crowd and a well organized event.
15,000 participants enjoyed the Hyderabad’s special biryani made from 3,000 kilos of chicken and 3,000 kilos of rice by 97 expert chefs.
The stadium surroundings echoed with ‘Jai Bala Vikasa, Jayaho Bala Vikasa, Zindabad Bala Vikasa’ slogans by all the participants.
13 TV news channels and 10 new papers covered the event in a big way.
32 BREAKING THE SHACKLES EMPOWERMENT OF RURAL WOMEN
• 2,15,000 women empowered socially, politically, intellectually and economically
• 41,800 women have been given intensive adult literacy classes
• 1,300 women and youth have undergone training in skill development
• 15,000 women (on average), gain economic strength and self reliance from micro-enterprises every year
• 450 women’s group members contested and were elected and play political leadership roles
• 5,00,000 saplings were planted and nurtured by women groups
• 11,150 women have undergone training in pre and post natal care
• 1,093 villages provided Jaladhanam (water donation) to the commuters during hot summer
• 39,320 poor were given health services through health camps held in 305 villages
33 From Being Victims of Gender Discrimination, Women Rise up to Assume Leadership Roles
Ignited by the expereince and knowledge that Micro Organizational Units, actively supporting women in India continue to be the victims and monitoring thousands of Self Help Groups. of discrimination and injustice, Bala Vikasa’s Each SHG holds a monthly meeting. During these Women Integrated Development (WID) Program meetings they are exposed to learning about was launched in 1994. The objective of WID is social issues and schemes; facilitate their savings to empower women in multiple ways at multiple schemes; cultivate confidence in forming opinions; levels – intellectually, socially, economically and share their experiences and plan out village politically. The program that started with just 3,000 development activities. These meetings that give women in 80 villages, has today spread to nearly women a chance to be themselves, have a record 1500 villages, reaching 2,15,000 women. The vision of average 80% attendance. behind the program is to instill dignity, self-reliance and self-confidence in the minds and hearts of Over the last 16 years, Bala Vikasa has fine-tuned these women and hep them become effective its processes of monitoring, data collection, ‘agents of change’ in the society. evaluation and impact analysis. This has shown that an increasing number of women are joining Through a well-networked system of grassroots the SHGs each year. All of Bala Vikasa’s community Self Help Groups (SHGs), women began to development programs are focused on enhancing participate in capacity building programs as well the access and participation of women, by actively as multiple community development activities. involving and collaborating with them. Once they 495 volunteer Women Cooperative Leaders and have reached maturity, the Women’s Groups are 1150 Bala Vikasa Field Coordinators now act as handed over to partner NGOs, making SHGs self sustainable.
34 What Has Changed?
• Most significantly, the women became self-confident and are able to understand and address issues of gender and women’s rights. Initially, they had been terrified to speak at the meetings, and their husbands would accompany them and watch suspiciously. They never sang or danced, like they do now.
• They take on leadership roles and initiate development activities using local resources and networking with local stakeholders and government agencies. They have gained respect and recognition of their families and communities through these activities.
• Women understand the importance of education, and their children are sent to schools, reducing the incidence of child labor. Girl children are treated equally as their male counterparts.
• Knowledge on health and hygiene, sanitation, environmental sustainability is improved through the Women’s Groups meetings.
• A profound sense of empathy is created among women, leading to the care of orphans, widows, old and destitute in the community.
• Literacy classes, skill-development trainings, and the disbursement of microcredit loans empower women economically, making them less dependent on their husbands, and providing a better future for their children.
• Women are now exposed to banking and other financial transactions, and have become capable of managing their money themselves.
35 Group meetings changed me from within: Aruna
“I joined a Bala Vikasa’s Women’s Group 16 years ago. In the beginning, I wasn’t aware of what the groups were about, or their importance. I would attend the meetings with a toothbrush stick stuck in my mouth and wasn’t used to sitting and socializing. My husband was not very cooperative and would discourage me from attending these meetings.
Now i feel i have become indispensable person in some ways. Attending SHG meetings is like going to school or college. I learn a lot hearing about the family situation of other women. Iam able to understand, provide support and solidarity to them. We get to play, laugh, sing and talk – things which we are otherwise not free to do. I was elected as a group leader, and now I speak confidently in large gatherings. My husband, after seeing the positive change in me, now insists that I attend the meetings without fail. My children are both in school. I actively participate in the village development activities.”
Economic Empowerment: The way out of poverty
Vijaya, represents one of those SHGs women of the Micro Credit program whose life has been touched by Bala Vikasa. She joined Women’s Group a few years after the program had started. She was poor and had a lot of family problems. With great difficulty she could contribute her monthly deposit to the savings scheme of her Women’s Group. She then obtained a loan, started her business, and slowly increased her business with thirteen more small loans. Now she owns a cell phone shop, an electrical store, four sewing machines and even a Tata Sumo vehicle. Her sons and husband have helped her with the business, and they now live in a large new house. Vijaya says…“I learnt how to be a leader through the Bala Vikasa trainings and became a Self Help Association leader. These days, many local politicians visit me for advice on motivating community members to initiate development activities. My business skills were also developed through various capacity building sessions and exposure visits, and from sharing experiences of other successful women entrepreneurs.” In the last Gram Panchayat elections, Vijaya was elected as a ward member. “I could not have acheived this without self-confidence, group support, inspiration and the courage given by Bala Vikasa,” says Vijaya.
36 GENEROSITY AND HUMAN VALUES BLOOM POOR WOMEN ADOPT 1,600 ORPHANS AND 1,100 AGED DESTITUTES
• RS. 3,75,84,825 donated by the poor women to support the education of orphan children
• 1,600 orphan children live with confidence and hope
• 1,100 aged destitutes are supported by Bala Vikasa women groups
37 A Touching Gesture: Poor Women Reach out to the Poorest in their Communities
Rather than following a typical charity model, A strong bridge of bond is built between the women Bala Vikasa adopts an Asset Based Community and orphans as they come together on various Development approach, inculcating empathy occasions during the year. Now the children have in the women, inspiring them to take up social come to know the women as ‘mothers’, and the responsibility towards the neediest and most women consider the orphans their ‘children’. Every vulnerable in their communities. The awareness year a solidarity day called “Care and Share with and encouragement provided by Bala Vikasa teams Vikasa children” is organized in all the program at the grassroots level has motivated the Women areas. Area Coordinators bring all the children and Group members to adopt and support 1600 poor women together on one platform. A lot of hope, orphan children and 1100 aged destitutes from confidence and support is exchanged. Women within their villages. willingly pay for their own travel, sacrifice their daily wages, and bring cooked meals for the children. A These poor women are touched by the plight of common birthday for all the children is celebrated children and the aged destitutes. They empathize on this occasion. On other occasions, the mothers and are able to respond generously by contributing visit Vikasa children in their boarding schools and some of their wages towards children’s education. take them shopping for their annual pedagogical They have donated over 3,75,84,825 rupees over the supplies. years towards the support of their education. Apart from providing financial and material support to Additionally, 1,100 destitute aged are being cared children, they also assume the role of mothers and for by the Women’s Groups in their areas, and give them love and psychological support. Further, provided with medical care, rations and clothing. they also stand as witness to the effectiveness of Also, 3,400 semi orphan, poor and physically the community driven development model. challenged children are supported by Bala Vikasa.
“I feel so happy to be part of Bala Vikasa family as I am cared and loved by hundreds of mothers. The love, care and financial support provided by Bala Vikasa mothers gives me lot of hope and confidence to continue my studies and create a better future for me. I will be ever thankful to Bala Vikasa women group members and Bala Vikasa organization for giving meaning to my life”. - Amulya, Jammikunta.
“It became part of our culture to gather every year on solidarity day and we celebrate this as a community festival. On this day, we donate whatever is possible for us towards the education of orphans. It gives us immense satisfaction when we see the joy and hope in the eyes of the children who lost their parents.” - P. Nagamma, Malakpalli.
38 EMPOWERING WIDOWS From social Marginalization and sub human existence to the center stage
• 15,000 widows were restored with hope and dignity
• 500 young widows are acting as ‘change agents’
• 4,700 widows now use flowers, bangles and bindhi
• 40 widows remarried
• More than 100 widows are now invited and attend different auspicious occassions breaking the superstitions
39 Social Emancipation: Widows’ Social Movement Ensures them Dignity, Security and Opportunity
Bala Vikasa started its campaign to alleviate and oppressive nature of these traditions. 15,000 the suffering of widows in 2006. Widows are widows are getting empowered through unique considered as inauspicious element in a majority initiatives of Bala Vikasa. of communities in rural India and are ostracized from community life. Their children remain Bala Vikasa also is organizing awareness and segregated and uneducated. A survey done by motivation sessions to general public in its network Bala Vikasa amongst 5,000 widows indicates, 29% villages involving gram panchyaths, schools and of widows had considered or attempted suicide other important stake holders. 37 NGOs who are because of social seclusion, poverty, depression partnering in implementing women empowerment or sexual exploitation. Bala Vikasa’s Widows program of Bala Vikasa are also actively taking program aims to eradicate the superstitious beliefs part in strengthening the widows emancipation of communities towards widows. Bala Vikasa movement. These joint efforts are helping the enlightens the minds of these unfortunate women widows in restoring their dignity and making through counseling sessions, Neuro Lingusitic them self-reliant. The program also encourages Programming (NLP) techniques, yoga and group and supports education of their children. 500 meetings, to believe that they are not subhuman. young widows are given regular monthly training Bala Vikasa simultaneously holds awareness sessions, where they are educated on various sessions for the widows children as well as other subjects, encouraged to take part in community life women in the groups about the superstitions and are motivated to remarry.
40 Institutional network formed to strengthen the widows movement
Understanding the need for collaborative efforts, Bala Vikasa organized seminars and workshops to provide a platform to discuss this issue, and initiate a network of like-minded NGOs, social activists, policy makers, development practitioners and grassroots government institutions who could potentially work together for greater societal change. Activities planned include mass awareness campaigns, advocacy at the policy level, influencing the manifestoes of political entities and outlining demands to give widows special privileges in order to better their situation. Every year, International Widows day is commemorated on a large scale to bring attention to the issue.
What Has Changed?
• Thousands of widows now express confidence, think independently and are determined to overcome the superstitions and dogmas that are oppressive.
• In the villages where Bala Vikasa works, widows are being invited to participate in religious ceremonies and family celebrations.
• A third of the younger widows are now putting bangles and bindi, something that was uncommon before Bala Vikasa intervention.
• Another amazing change is the occurance of 40 remarriages.
• The women in the target communities are now accepting widows and are facilitating their participation in community gatherings.
• Semi-orphans are able to continue their education. They are supporting their mothers by convincing other family members to accept them.
• More than 2000 youth have come forward to openely support the issue in their respective villages.
41 “I was locked in closed doors for being a widow during my sister-in-law’s marriage. Upon the celebration, my in-laws let me out from the room to clean the premises and attend to the guests need. They demanded me to contribute money for the wedding expense as a family member even though did not respect me in other matters. I experienced lot of agony and accepted my situation as a fate. But I learnt life is much more than this. I build my courage, knowledge and motivation through Bala Vikasa trainings. I thought, if my money does not bring harm to the couple, how would my blessings bring ill fate. Understanding the basic human rights of women, I now bravely fight for the justice of widows in my village. I wish to see widows participating in all the celebrations on par with other women.” - Kavitha - Shivunipalli (Young Widow).
“My mother often was asked to stay away from family gatherings and community celebrations. I witnessed a situation where my mother was prevented from dining in a community festival for being a widow. This discrimination and disrespect towards the widows in the society disheartened me. Being a Bala Vikasa beneficiary and having attended several trainings, I intend to change this situation with the support of my friends. I promise to break the superstitions in the society and want to see all widows living in favourable conditions and being treated equally.” - Varuna Sri D/o Mani from Vuyyuru.
“I belong to a typical traditional family who believe widow is a symbol of fate. But after joining Bala Vikasa, I realized the plight of widows. I now not only respect them, but also motivate my family members and other people in the village in accepting widows. I invited all the widows in my village to bless my daughter-in-law for her safe delivery when celebrating ‘Sreemantham’(baby shower).” - K. Somakka - SHA member
42 RAISING THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS
• 1,11,434 poor students in rural areas have benefitted from the improved facilities in 393 government schools
• 1,400 teachers and 2,000 parents are actively participating in school development initiatives
• 393 School eco-clubs are actively involved in implementation, monitoring and maintaining the new facilities
• 1,00,270 saplings have been planted and are nurtured by children in their school compounds and homes
• 605 classrooms have been provided with dual desk furniture
• 110 libraries were improved with 34,364 knowledge books
• 325 schools prepared compost pits and were provided with variety of garbage bins to maintain cleanliness and hygiene in the school campuses
43 Learning Environment Improved in 393 Government Schools
Quality education is still a distant reality for rural in 393 schools helping 1,11,434 poor children to government schools in India. While public schools receive quality education. These target schools remain the majority provider of education in villages have been provided with classroom furniture, and the only hope for poor children, inadequate library infrastructure, water and sanitation infrastructure, lack of teachers and unsanitary facilities, dustbins, compost pits, and shade-tree conditions are keeping children especially girls & fruit-tree saplings as per their need. Parents’ away from schools. Bala Vikasa closely studied the Committees and Student-Teacher Eco-clubs are situation and concluded that one way to combat formed. Awareness and motivation meetings are this trend is to provide better infrastructure and conducted in the villages ensuring the participation improve the quality of education in government of the District Education Department and Gram run schools. Bala Vikasa launched Vidya Vikasa Panchayat members. Regular trainings are (Education Development) program in 2007-08, to provided to keep the committees motivated and improve the facilities in government schools in capacitated in maintainining the new facilities. remote rural areas. Students are sensitized through regular trainings on environmental sustainability, health, hygiene, Till date, learning environment has been improved sanitation and tree plantation, thereby transforming them into responsible citizens.
“Bala Vikasa has played a pivotal role in improving the learning environment in scores of government schools in rural areas through its Vidhya Vikasa Program. Some of the things the Government finds hard to do, Bala Vikasa is able to do them effectively. Its efforts in motivating and involving the children, parents and Gram panchayaths and coordinating with concerned government authorities is highly commendable. The reopened government school at Ontimamidipalli is indeed a true manifestation of Bala Vikasa’s unique achievements in the betterment of the society”. - Mr. Kadiyam Srihari, Education Minister, on the occassion of reopening Govenment School at Ontimamidipalli on15th June, 2015.
44 “I feel proud and love going to my school. Iam happy in involving in the activities like watering plants, maintaining cleaniliness in the school premises which keeps our school clean and green. We now spend more time in the school reading books in the library. We are happy to participate in Bala Vikasa meetings as they teach us lot of good things.” - Ms. Pravalika, Student.
“The school is different now. With improved facilities in the school the children have gained self confidence to go on to greater things. Iam happy in sending my child to the local government school.” - Mr.Ramana, Parent.
“Vidya Vikasa program of Bala Vikasa provided healthy learning environment in government schools. We are amazed to see the change of attitude among the teachers, parents and students. The increase in the enrollment number by 30% with regular attendance in the school is an indicator of improved quality of education.” - Education Committee President
“Children take more pride and responsibility in keeping their school premises clean. The various awareness meetings organised by Bala Vikasa make them socially responsible and initiate volunteer activities as responsible citizens.” - Eco-Club President
“Annual competitions organised at Bala Vikasa encourage the inner potential and talents and contribute for growth of the children. Children show lot of happinees to go to Bala Vikasa.” - School Head Master
Annual competitions organised at Bala Vikasa encourage the inner potential and talents and contribute for growth of the children. - Head master
44 What Has Changed?
• The targeted government schools not only display cleaner, greener and better equipped campuses but also have drastically lowered rate of absenteeism, from 30% to 13%. • Children have access to a more encouraging and comfortable learning environment, leading to better academic performance. • Better sanitation has improved the attendance of girl children and greatly reduced health risks. • Parents’ committees, teachers and students feel collectively responsible for their schools. While there is marked leadership development amongst children through the eco-club activities, teachers are more committed in building better citizens. • The children in many schools have become more active with the encouragement they received from Bala Vikasa and School management. • Many children have voluntarily organized awareness rallies in their respective villages on the issues of health, hygiene, water conservation, plantation and prevention of child labour. • Children conduct adult literacy classes in their villages while some of the parents mobilize local resources to repair toilets, furniture etc. 45 REVOLUTIONIZING ACCESS TO SAFE, CLEAN AND SUFFiCIENT WATER
• 16, 50,000 people have access to purified drinking water @ Rs. 3 per 20 Lts through 710 Water purification plants in three states of India
• Providing employment to over 700 people
• Availability of pure water 24/7 through ATW system
46 Battling Fluorosis with the Provision of Purified Water at Minimal Cost
Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are two states in India benefiting 1.65 million people who can now buy that are most affected with fluorosis, which is caused potable water at Rs.2 or Rs.3 for 20 liters which by excessive fluoride content in drinking water sources. is 80-90% less compared to market price. The Over 11.7 million people in India are at risk of fluorosis WPP program functions as a social enterprise that can seriously damage health causing dental and model, whereby the profits from the sales of skeletal decay. water are ploughed back into the maintenance of the machines, operators’ salaries and even In addressing this issue, Bala Vikasa initiated in some cases, sponsorship of WPPs in other Community Water Purification Plant (WPP) program in needy villages. In a few successful villages, the 2004-05. It has since brought purified water at minimum, excess revenue generated is used to initiate affordable cost to the poorest of the poor in 710 villages. other development projects, like tree plantation Using global technology of ‘Reverse Osmosis’ adapted and the construction of roads and wastewater to the local context, 710 WPPs have been installed canals.
Community Owned, Managed and Maintained Water Purification Plants
It is very much a community owned project, requiring the target villages to mobilize resources such as a source of water, a suitable room for the machine installation, a pipeline and electricity supply. Additionally, it is required that minimum 90% of the families in the village take part in the project initially by paying a membership fee – which amounts to 20% of the machine cost. An elected water committee is involved in planning, implementation and management of the project. This approach creates a feeling of pride and ownership of the project and strengthens the commitment to keep the plant functioning. Bala Vikasa conducts regular capacity building and training programs to the elected committees and the community leaders.
“Bala Vikasa is a pioneer for many of the community development projects in Telugu states. Telangana people are so fortunate to receive support from Bala Vikasa for various community development initiatives. Bala Vikasa lays the path for development, because of its approach of involving people in the development processes, giving them ownership and making the programs sustainable. The programs bring lot of social awareness and unity among the people. The approach of Bala Vikasa is unique and can be replicated. The government scheme of ‘Mission Kakatiya’ is also inspired by Bala Vikasa’s project.” - Mr. Harish Rao, Irrigation Minister on the occasion of BVIC laying foundation stone ceremony on 4th February, 2016.
47 ATW (Any Time Water) Automatic Water Dispensing System
Any Time Water (ATW) dispensing system introduced by Bala Vikasa in 2012, is based on the technology that uses smart card which enables the consumer to recharge money and to collect purified water 24/7. This system helps in making water available round the clock and makes it easy in record keeping in transparent manner. This water dispensing system works with the RFID and GPRS technology which makes it easy to monitor the frequency and usage of water by the people in the communities, online. This ATW system further reduces the project maintenance cost.
Thus the community water purification projects with user friendly technology have become so successful that they have attracted the corporate sector in implementing their CSR projects in this sphere.
“I was not able to buy water from commercial companies due to high price even though my family members were suffering from water born diseases. Thanks to Bala Vikasa, for installing water plant in my village. Now every family is able to access to safe drinking water 24/7 at an affordable price of Rs. 3 per 20 liters and now we rarely get sick and enjoy better health.“ - Mrs. Parvathamma, Benificiary.
“There is 30% reduction in my annual income due to lesser number of people getting sick because of the consumption of purified water in the village. Though I am loosing my revenue, I am happy to see my villagers enjoying better health.” - Mr. Anil, RMP ( Registered Medical Practitioner).
“The training and guidance received from Bala Vikasa is helping us to manage the project efficiently and win the confidence of the community. Sincethe project is owned by the community members, we feel oblidged to maintain water quality standards which is also monitored by Bala Vikasa testing lab monthly.” - Mrs. Vanisri, Committee Member, Papiahpally Village.
“Our project committee is efficiently maintaining the project from the beginning and as a result we are able to make some profits. After retaining the required amount for project maintenance the villagers have decided to use the excess funds to implement community development works.” - Mr. R. L. WPP President, Erukode Village.
48 Federation Ensures Sustainability of Water Purification Plants (WPP)
Bala Vikasa formed a WPP Federation in order to ensure sustainability of all the WPPs. The Federation consists of the Presidents of all the 710 Water Purification Plants supported by Bala Vikasa. This Federation is responsible for efficeint functioning of all the WPP committees. The Federation will soon set upa cooperative store to supply required spare parts at fair price and it plans to engage a team of technicians to take care of the machines maintenance. The WPP Federation is also able to pool the resources from the existing member committees to sponsor WPPs in other needy villages. So far, four such plants have been established with the support of the Federation.
What Has Changed?
• Providing access to safe drinking water at Rs.2-3 per 20 liters allows even the poorest in the 710 targeted villages to drink purified water. • Reduced medical expenses and increased productive work days as a result of reduction in water borne diseases. • Water purification unit construed as a social enterprise uniting community leadership among diverse community members. • Over 700 rural youth are employed within their communities as water unit operators. • There is a subtle shift in gender roles, with more men taking up the duties of collecting water because of the simplified process and access to technology. • Revenue generated through the project is meeting its operational costs ensuring its sustainability. • Bala Vikasa’s model is inspiring many communities, NGOs, government and corporate sectors to implement similar projects for greater benefit of communities.
49 Bala Vikasa Sujal ATWs Another trend setting initiative
• Warangal is the first city in the country to have purified water supply kiosks across the city
50 Providing 1 Lt Purified and Chilled Water @ Rs. 1 for Commuters in the Towns and Cities
The ordinary commuters in the city are facing lot Re. 1 coin or by swiping the ATW smart card. The of problems to have access to safe drinking water. initial response from common people indicates The high priced Rs. 15 to 20 per liter branded water that this project will become another trend setter bottles are not within the reach of common people. in safe water supply in different municipalities Therefore, the common man depends on cheap across the country. Bala Vikasa plans to expand water sachets or loose bottles. The water quality this project to other cities in collaboration with from the local venders is not reliable. The plastic corporate companies and government. sachets and plastic bottles are also causing health and environmental hazards. The city drains are The Bala Vikasa ATW kiosks are installed at 11 getting chocked with millions of plastic sachets main junctions in Warangal and Karimnagar cities every year. In order to solve all these issues and and plans are in progress to double the number in make the safe drinking water accessible in a near future. The Greater Warangal Municipality hygienic way, Bala Vikasa has launched Sujal (pure has colloborated with Bala Vikasa and has given water) ATWs for the first time in December, 2015 required spaces for installation of kiosks. These on a pilot basis. The commuters in these cities are kiosk system purify, chill and vend the water 24/7 able to get 1 ltr purified chilled water by dropping which is monitored centrally through RFID and GPRD technology.
“The people of Warangal are so lucky to have Bala Vikasa Sujal ATWs across the city. As kiosks are set up on the city main roads, pure and chilled water is very easily accessible to thousands of auto drivers like me and many more common people. The water quality is good and the kiosk looks very modern and hygienic. I am planning to give free purified water to the passengers in my auto as it costs only Rs. 1 per liter”. Mr. L. Venkanna, Auto driver.
I am very pleased to see this innovative project of Bala Vikasa which is very useful to the city commuters. This project is the first of its kind in India and is going to revolutionize the water supply systems in other municipalities across the country. We are happy in contributing the required spaces to Bala Vikasa for installation of kiosks as it serves the need of the hour. - Mrs.Vakati Karuna, IAS, District Collector, Warangal on the inaguration of Sujal ATW in Warangal on 22nd April, 2016.
51 PROVIDING WATER AT DOOR STEPS OVERHEAD TANKS [OHTs]
52 Half a Million People Enjoy Water Supply at their Door Steps
This project was initiated in 1982, and over the formulate their rules and regulations under years 440 tanks were constructed in the states the guidance of Bala Vikasa for effective water of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh benefitting the distribution to the families and ensure the people of 440 villages. In rural villages, due to the sustainability pf the project. shortage and irregularity of power supply people find it difficult to pump sufficient water even though Bala Vikasa has stopped building overhead tanks they have bore wells and electric motors. Hence a from 2012 as the government has taken up the high raised storage tower is required to distribute construction of overhead tanks on a large scale. the water with gravity even when there is no power supply. Water is pumped into the tank for storage and delivered to the houses through pipe lines as and when needed. The water tanks vary in size with capacities ranging from 40,000 to 1,00,000 liters depending on the size of the population. The participation of the people in this program is ensured by motivating them to contribute 15% of the construction cost of the OHTs in the form of membership fee.
The elected village water committee plays an active role in planning, mobilizing local resources, and project implementation. These committees
New initiative ensuring potable water to Tribal villages
8,000 tribal’s have access to sufficient potable water from Ground level water tanks, bore wells and pipelines in 30 remote habitations.
Bala Vikasa started construciton of Ground Level Tanks (GLTs) in 2015 in small habitations, especially for the tribal communities who do not have easy access to water. 12 tribal communities in Warangal, Khammam and Adilabad are enjoying sufficient water supply from their GLTs located in their streets.
53 PROVIDING ACCESS TO WATER THROUGH MANUALLY OPERATED BORE WELLS
54 6,350 Bore Wells provide potable water to 1.27 Million Poor in over 3,500 Villages
Providing adequate water supply through bore 6,350 bore wells with manually operated hand wells has been one of the major programs of pumps have been installed, enabling regular water Bala Vikasa since its inception. This program has access for 1.27 million people in 3,500 villages in addressed the problem of water scarcity in the 21 districts. Tube wells are drilled to an average remote and neglected habitations. Women and of 200 ft and casing pipes to an average of 40 ft. children in the villages often have to walk long Durable and easy-to-handle hand pumps are fixed distances to fetch water for domestic purposes. to enable manual pumping of water. 4-ft diameter As a result hey miss out on work and school. In concrete platforms are built around the bore well drought prone areas in parts of Andhra Pradesh to channel waste water and keep the surroundings and Telangana, the water scarcity is acute. Even if clean. Sustainability of the wells is ensured through some villages have a water source they are not ablt the formation of a Project Committee, which to draw water due to irregular power supply. A bore coordinates the pooling of resources towards the well with hand pump can provide sufficient water maintenance of the bore wells. for 30–50 families. Ensuring the participatory criteria the communities contribute 20% of the project cost. Bala Vikasa works with several partner NGOs in the implementation of this project.
What Has Changed?
• Improved access to potable water in targeted communities. • Women and children are able to spend more time on other productive activities. • There is a marked improvement in personal hygiene and sanitation in the villages with bore wells. • Community members are encouraged to cultivate kitchen gardens and raise cattle. • Notably, availability of water engenders a peaceful atmosphere with less water- related disputes at common sources.
55 ORGANIC FARMING THE WAY FORWARD for another green revolution
• 513 farmers practising Organic Farming • 267 farmers provided with drip irrigation kits
56 Farmers Movement Towards Another Green Revolution
The modern agricultural scenario, using high-yield and hybrid varieties of crops and high doses of chemical fertilizers, is leading to massive problems in health, environment and economic sectors. Every year hundreds of farmers are committing suicide as a result of increased debt and this number is only going upwards. This is a serious situation which requires urgent response. Bala Vikasa strongly believes that promotion of organic farming is one best solution. Initially when the program was launched in 2009, only 75 farmers participated. Today, there are hundreds of farmers from 23 villages who adopted chemical free cultivation. By using locally available organic material like cow dung, urine and other alternatives to chemical inputs, it has been proved that farmers can considerably reduce their crop investment costs and increase their profits apart from providing healthy food products to the consumers..
Training and Exposure Visits of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh approached Bala Vikasa provides capacity building programs and Bala Vikasa to share its organic practices. Hence motivates farmers through regular group meetings, three special training programs were conducted field visits, awareness camps and training programs on organic farming practices to the participating in demo farms. Farmers are encouraged to take up farmers. organic certification and are facilitated with forward and backward linkages in sustaining and expanding There have also been a series of inspiring organic farming. They are cultivating a variety of exchanges and networking events of like-minded crops such as paddy, maize, cotton, turmeric, chilli, institutions on organic farming program at the nuts and vegetables. Each farmer initiates cultivating state as well as national level. Organic Farmers with one acre of land and upon realizing the benefits have also received training in bio-control expands to more acres. 15 progressive farmers are practices from the National Institute for Plant cultivating in more than 5 acres with 100% organic Health Management (NIPHM) and were taught inputs in a way inspiring the neighboring farmers. the production of azolla (a highly effective bio- fertilizer) by the Department of Botany at Kakatiya Bala Vikasa organic farmer’s success stories are University. They also went on an exposure visit to captured and broadcasted by various Television Jattu Trust to learn more about the Annapoorna channels and also published in print media inspiring Model, a system of crop cultivation specially other farmers in the region. BV farmer’s case studies designed for small land holdings to minimize are selected from those who are genuinely cultivating costs of inputs and maximize yield primarily 100% organic way and of those who demonstrated to ensure food security of marginal and tenant success on varied crops. Responding to the telecast farmers and address the issues of hunger and media stories, several farmers from the districts malnutrition.
57 A proud organic farmer : Yellaiah Less Investement - More Profit - Better Health
Yellaiah is a small and marginal farmer with four and a on inputs, using indigenous substances, and used the half acres of land. Rather than remaining disillusioned formation of alleys as one technique. with the costs of chemical cultivation, and disappointing In the third year, Yellaiah increased the area to two and yields, he looked for remedy. He considered organic half acres for the cultivation of paddy, cotton and all farming as an alternative but did not have enough types of vegetables. Compared to his neighbors his confidence to make the switch over completely. So investment on chemical inputs is Zero but he was able initially, he experimented on half an acre land with to produce as much paddy as his neighbor, and got organic practices. 10% more yeild of cotton and vegetables. He also got 15% extra income from the sale of organic products. He raised tomato crop using completely organic manures including ghana, dhravajeevamurtham, Yellaiah is now thrilled with the way his experimentation and bio-pesticides like leaf extracts of neem, ipomea, has turned profitable. He says the input cost of organic vitex, custard apple, pongemia, as well as a growth methods amounts to only 10% of chemical inputs promoter called panchagavya. All these inputs cost costs. Year after year, the yield of crops only increased. him only Rs.1200, as opposed to Rs.8000 that he Premium priced organic produce also added to the would have spent on chemical inputs. In the second profits. He is now proud to be an organic farmer, year he increased organic cultivation to one more acre, and says that there is much demand for his organic where he grew paddy. Again he spent a bare minimum products in the market.
58 What Has Changed? Economic • As the organic farming does not use inputs such as chemical fertilizers and pesticides, the investment costs of the farmer are reduced by 80-90% • Organic fertilizers and pesticides used by farmers are produced by themselves using locally available resources. • Farmers are able to increase their net profits through decrease in investment, increased production and premium price for organic products in the market.
Health & Environment • Soil fertility has increased, evident through the improved yields. There is no collateral pollution as a result of these methods. • The population of friendly insects has increased on organic farms, which naturally controls crop pest numbers. • Soil microbial population has increased, which helps to carry the soil nutrients to the plant roots. • The natural earthworms have made an appearance to increase soil fertility. • Natural farming equates to healthy food, less illness and more productive human resources. 59 TANK DE-SILTATION CONSERVATION AND REGENERATION OF GROUND WATER: MULTIPLE, INSTANT AND ASSURED BENEFITS
• 714 Irrigation Tanks de-silted benefitting 55,000 farmers’ families
• Increased soil fertility in 1,14,975 acres of land through silt application
60 Renovating Tanks with a Community Driven Development Approach
Traditional tanks in the rural areas still continue to 714 water tanks have been de-silted in 13 districts play a major role in providing irrigation, maintaining benefitting 1289 villages with the revolutionary ground water and ecological balance. Thousands approach in water conservation. Silt has been of tanks built centuries ago are unfortunately applied to 1,14,975 acres of farm land belonging becoming less effective due to silt deposit at their to 55,000 farmers. Communities are motivated to base and bad management. The tradition of silt participate in the de-siltation activity and contribute application in farms by farmers is almost extinct 70% of the total project cost, while Bala Vikasa due to mechanization of agriculture and availability shoulders the remaining 30%.This is a a very rare of chemical fertilizers. Bala Vikasa initiated a proportion of beneficiary and donor contribution community driven tank de-siltation activity in the in community development initiatives. Village level year 2000 using modern machinery to connect Silt Committees are formed and trained in program farmers with the traditional practices of improving execution. the soil fertility. Bala Vikasa initiative later became a model for state governments to take up similar projects on large scale.
61 Ontimamidipally farmers inspire the neighbors
Ontimamidipally village has about 550 small and finally they have excavated 31,558 tractor loads of marginal farmers. Their major irrigation sources silt from the tank base and improved the soil fertility are the irrigation tank and bore wells. Due to in more than 876 acres belonging to 492 farmers. continuous drought and depletion of the ground water they decided to renovate the irrigation tank The whole process took about three months spread in about 50 acres. The tank was filled with during summer season. Fortunatley, good rains in 8ft deep silt in about 15 acres. This has reduced the the next season increased the water levels of the water storing capacity of the tank and also slowed tank which has further effect on increased levels down the percolation process. of water in the open wells and bore wells in the village. There was an average of 60% reduction With the motivation received from Bala Vikasa, in chemical fertilizer application in the village and the farmers got united and elected a committee to 15 to 20% increase in the crop production. The monitor the silt excavation process. Initially Bala fisherman had better opportunity to cultivate fish. Vikasa approved budget to excavate 10,000 tractor The water quality changed in the village drinking loads which they completed in less than a month water wells. The farmers were very happy to see time. There were still many farmers who wanted to instant, multiple and lasting benefits in economic, take more silt and Bala Vikasa approved another environment and health aspects. The farmers 10,000 loads. There was a healthy competition have joined the organic farming group and began among the farmers to take up more loads. Based succeeding in similar way. on their interest, Bala Vikasa approved further and
62 What Has Changed?
Water • Approximately 4.5 million cubic meters of silt was excavated from 710 tanks increasing the water storing capacity. • Silt excavation fastened the process of water percolation and recharged the ground water table. • Water levels in the open wells and bore wells within the radius of 2km from the tanks increased by 15-20%.
Soil Fertility • Application of silt to field improved the soil fertility and increased the crop growth by 10-20% percent. • Application of silt reduced the application of chemical fertilizers by 50-70%, lessening the overall investment costs.
Health • Natural silt fertilizer results in organic, synthetic-free produce, which in turn leads to healthier food consumption and less illness amongst the population.
Socio-Economic • Decreased spending on chemical fertilizers, and increased income to the farmers. • People have got united for a common purpose and have become aware that together they can build their own communities. • Committee members are trained to be community leaders and take initiative in other development projects. • There is an increased awareness about the health benefits of silt usage as opposed to chemical fertilizers, and the impact of tank de-siltation in the regeneration of ground water.
63 BUILDING SELF-SUSTAINING MoDEL Communiities ACHIEVING DEVELOPMENT, SUFFiCIENCY AND SUSTAINABILITY
• 100 villages in progress • 600 development committees formed • 3,856 members voluntarily initiating development activities
64 The Overarching Philosophy of 360° Degree Community Driven Development
The mission of this program is to facilitate the Empowerment of people at grassroots holds comprehensive and sustainable development of the key to sustainable development. Villagers communities as well as villages through the use are motivated to contribute in cash and kind in of existing natural, physical and human resources. support of development activities. Majority of the Over the last 25 years, Bala Vikasa has been villages have taken up Swach-Bharath mission, constantly engaged in the endeavor of creating water conservation, sanitation, plantation, school model communities which are empowered and education, tank de-siltation, water purification, self-reliant, and where human dignity and equal installation of solar lights, awareness creation on rights are enjoyed by all. In this process, Bala social issues, prohibition of alcohol, conducting Vikasa promotes the Asset Based Community health camps, caring the widows and orphans, Development (ABCD) approach which creates reducing superstitions, cultivation of organic confidence and inspires people to build on their farming, women empowerment and good local resources rather than waiting for external aid. governance activities. Many villages take up If sustainable development is to occur at village different initiatives based on the needs of the level, it must be a grassroots movement that community with the resources available locally. empowers communities to empower themselves. Regular monitoring is done in order to help the Until this happens, the poverty that has become committees reach their targets effectively. a defining characteristic of rural India will remain unchanged.
Bala Vikasa played a key role in promoting Gangadevipally as a model village at national level. Taking this experience forward, Bala Vikasa has further initiated similar efforts in another 100 villages in Warangal, Karimnagar, and Medak districts. In the process Bala Vikasa has motivated youth, trained them as Development Agents ( DAs) to spearhead this integrated process of creating model communities. As part of the process, community members meet and workout a common vision while setting up democratically elected committees consisting of seven villagers each. The committees take up various aspects of community development like food security, water, health, education, care and share, environment, anti-superstitions etc. Through regular meetings and capacity building programs, youth are capacitated to take-up various activities geared at achieving model community status.
So far, in 100 target villages, over 3,856 committee members including 1,615 female members of 600 committees are constantly being mentored and trained by Bala Vikasa’s project team and Development Agents. Various committees in the last two years have worked on many projects towards the development of their villages. 65 Ananthasagar Village – A Beacon of Inspiration
Ananthasagar village in Medak district with 516 families regularly monitoring the situation. Villagers with their has shown exemplary progress. Bala Vikasa has unity have effectively faced the liquor vendors headon motivated them to tap the locally available resources and contolled the liqour sale. in an innovative and participatory manner. As a first step, villagers organized Grama Sabha (village general Health and Hygiene Committee : Its a common practice body meeting) involving more than 95% households for every family in the village to clean the public roads and elected 7 different committees with competent and drainage once a week. Villagers raised donations men and women from varied backgrounds. Training from residents and installed public garbage bins in sessions and motivation classes are organised at Bala 10 locations of the village. Apart from frequent health Vikasa for the elected committes. Cordial relations awareness sessions in the village they have pooled among the villagers were built and were well motivated medicines worth Rs.30,000 form donors and organized to participate and contribute in all the development health camps with the support of voluntary doctors. initiatives. They are also bound to follow the set rules in General body meeting. The following are some of Water and Sanitation Committee: This committee the achievements of the committees managed by succeded in stopping 100% open defecation and themselves: facilitated the construction of toilets at every house through government funds. 100% families have magic Education Committee: All the drop outs and working soak pits to collect the waste water from house. A children involved in children were enrolled in the local community water purification plant was installed government school. Ananthsagar has now become through Bala Vikasa’s program to provide pur drinking 100% child labor free village. 14 computers were water to the people of the village. procured by the Education Committee and given to school. They have also improved many facilities in the Environment and Food Security Committee: The school through Bala Vikasa’s Vidhya Vikasa (School committee has encouraged the villagers to participate Education) program and other local contributions. in de-silting their tank and improve the soil fertility. All the families have actively participated in the mass Alcohol Control Committee: Rallies were conducted in plantation program in the village with the support the village to create awareness and they succeeded in of Bala Vikasa and state government. As a unique closing the 12 illegal liquor shops in the village while initiative, 300 saplings were planted on the road side
66 with tree guards purchased from local donations. They As a token of appreciation for their achievements, are now moving forward to initiate organic farming Bala Vikasa provided the village with solar street lights and construction of farm ponds. Coordinating with the where villagers also contributed 20% of the cost. government department, the committee is facilitating subsidy schemes in purchasing seeds, equipment, There is a change in the attitudes of the villagers. drip irrigation tools etc. for the farmers. They are more positive, united, confident, contributing towards the common vision for the village development. The widows are respected and welcomed like any other The village is fast progressing with the initiation of women in this village during auspicious ceremonies. various community driven development activities The villagers are making efforts to eradicate utilizing their local resources. Ananathasagar now superstitions. The aged and orphans are looked after stands as a model to other villagers. This village is by the villagers through their generous donations and now recognised and has received appreciation from also exhibiting their care and love. government authorities, politicians and media.
Gangadevipalli Model Village Reaches New Heights
Bala Vikasa first intervened in Gangadevipalli more than twenty years ago with a water project, and subsequently took up many other development activities with the active participation and initiative of local village committees. The successes and milestones achieved by the village since then are receiving national fame and recognition. In October 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi selected Gangadevipalli as one of three model villages to showcase at the launch of his scheme, Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana. This scheme encourages all members of Parliament to adopt a village and facilitate the development of their physical and institutional infrastructure, specifically focusing on social and cultural advancement. The Telangana Chief Minister Mr.Chandra Shekar Rao K. launched Grama Jyothi a state wide government program from Gangadevipalli as this village inspired the government to great extent in initiating this new project. Through Bala Vikasa’s Model Community program, we intend to see the overall devleopment of many villages in the future.
67 PEOPLE DEVELOPMENT TRAiNING CENTER A ‘CENTER OF EXCELLENCE’ IN COMMUNITY Driven DEVELOPMENT
• Inspiring development professionals from 2,292 organisations in India and 57 countries across the globe
• Over 10,000 participants from NGO’s, Universities, Government Departments and Social activists participated
• Conducted Overseas Training programs in 4 countries
68 Investing in People: Sharing Knowledge, Skills and Experiences with Thousands of Change Agents Across the Globe
Mr. Andre Gingras, a visionary who believes that and later picked up momentum and drawn trainees ‘Development is People’, and that the focus of from 57 countries across the globe and 25 states of development projects should first and foremost India. Thus PDTC since 2009, has been igniting the be to nurture the inherent capacities of individuals, minds of thousand of development practitioners, envisioned the creation of People Development public officials, activists and development Training Center (PDTC). He envisages that any students. The increased demand for the programs development has to begin with people, and even have led PDTC to hold four International trianing the poorest possess what it takes to drive progress. programs of four weeks each in a year on the topic of ‘Community Driven Development’. The rise in the Based on his vision of ‘Investing in people’, PDTC number of countries participation in this program was established in the year 2002. Initially PDTC has made PDTC a “ Center of Excellence” in started imparting the training programs aimed at Community Development. building the capacities of the community leaders by imparting new Knowledge at Head level, providing The South Asian NGOs who participated CDD skills at Hand level and changing attitudes at Heart training program at PDTC felt the need of the level. program to be extended to their countries in order to benefit more diverse number of NGOs in learning During the course of years that followed, Bala development practices from a new perspective. At Vikasa’s sustainable community development this request, PDTC in the last five years conducted programs and its approaches have inspired like- CDD training program in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, minded NGOs, Donor agencies and development Nepal and Myanmar in collaboration with local practitioners. Upon their request to share these time partner organizations. In response to increasing tested practices, PDTC converted feild experiences demand, PDTC is looking to extend the training into trianing modules following a principle of programs to more countries. PDTC is also aiming at ‘teaching what is done and showing what is developing a sustainable revenue model by offering taught’. The participants over the years inspired consulting services and conducting custom-made by the trianings began to not only practice these training programs in given areas. methodologies but also share this knowledge with other agencies and development practitioners. Through the years, short term trainings, seminars and workshops are held on relevant The well designed and relevant training programs and contemporary development topics for the of PDTC have drawn numerous NGOs and local NGOs in India. These programs bring a lot development professionals from developing of exchange among participants on the issues countries as well as developed countries. prevailing in the society and initiate discourse on Addressing the need, PDTC designed International policy change and advocacy. Community Driven Development training program and trained scores of international participants The publication unit of PDTC regularly prints since 2006. Initially it began with one program newsletters, reports and research documents on various programs and their impact
69 “CDD program transformed me not only in my career but personality development by bringing change in my mindset, attitude and behavior. It is impressive to see that all the different level of people working at BV are with common vision. Bala Vikasa is a unique organization because they talk what they do and do it in a different way. I have changed my perspective of development from need based to Asset based to bring sustainable results.” - WondimuRegaaGuyassa, Progressio Yemen, Yemen
“Bala Vikasa is a professional organization where everybody is committed, time is being respected, programs are well organized, and relationships are esteemed. The humble atmosphere with good leadership made me re align with new family even though away from home. I can deliver to entire world what BV reflected into my thoughts and knowledge.” - Meike Strehl, Engagement Global, Germany
“It was indeed an honor and a good learning experience to attend the CDD training organized by Bala Vikasain Nepal. It was such a wonderful opportunity to participate and gain knowledge on Community Driven Development. This program made us able to visualize the community with a new dimension. You have been a most effective ambassador of your country.” - Barrister Adnan Saboor, Pakistan
“The Community Driven Development program is very vital for my profession. The varied approaches learned at Bala Vikasa are unique and very much applicable in our country. Through this experience from Bala Vikasa, I am sure more development on sustainable standards will be achieved. I enjoyed a good communication and networking system with many participants. Kindly bring CDD exposure to other nations in order that exchange is facilitated.” - Tenya David Kassiba, Byepa International Foundation, Uganda
“I feel extremely privileged to be here at Bala Vikasa which is applying a completely revolutionary theory of NGO’s working path - from the most popular charity association mentality to the empowerment of local communities. After many years studying theories and books I’m finally approaching my field of interest from a practical perspective. I, as a new generation of development agent, feel advantaged to be already equipped with such a different mindset. Charity is sterile but by giving knowledge and capacities it is possible to build a better world projected towards a sustainable future.” - Angela Giannini, Italy
70 What Has Changed?
• Participants influence their organizations to change their approach from ‘Need based’ to ‘Assets based’.
• Increased number of organizations are using Appreciative Inquiry (AI) and Neuro Lingustic Programming (NLP) tools in mobilizing and motivating communities.
• RBM tools are used by diverse number of organizations in better monitoring and measuring the results and to plan and design result oriented projects.
• Participants now are able to better document their success stories and produce effective reports.
• Increased confidence among the participants to write project proposals.
• Field exposures deepen the understanding and give them the necessary know-how to replicate similar approaches in their communities.
• The positive approaches taught in theory and related feild exposure visits bring a change in participants thinking, attitudes and create a vision for development
• The participants improve their personal and professional skills individually contributing to the overall performance of their organizations
• PDTC trainings to program beneficiaries and committee leaders, are able to develop strong and motivated community leaders who can think critically and are able to design and implement other development projects
71 PARTNERING WITH THE BUSINESS SECTOR FOR ENHANCED IMPACT
72 Bala Vikasa, Business Social Responsibility and Social Entrepreneurship
In the present scenario , Bala Vikasa is well and linkages with venture capital providers and placed to provide the corporate sector with the incubation centers. knowledge, skills and methodologies it needs to contribute effectively to sustainable community Bala Vikasa International Center will provide a driven development. To this end, a second state- platform for mutually enriching partnerships of-the-art international center set up in Hyderabad, between corporates, entrepreneurs, institutions will build the capacities of companies in Business and communities. Its mission will be two-pronged, Social Responsibility through training, research to harness vibrant social entrepreneurial spirit and and by providing advisory services in formulating foster its growth, while promoting responsible strategic policies, execution capabilities, and ethical business, and strategic CSR amongst both monitoring and evaluation of BSR initiatives. The small and medium enterprises and big industry Bala Vikasa International Center (BVIC) will also enabling the development of social enterprise and be a hub for fostering social entrepreneurs, and social investment to help foster a more sustainable, entrepreneurship through trainings, mentorship inclusive and equitable future.
“The achievement of Bala Vikasa in the community development sector is highly appreciated. I express my desire to collaborate with Bala Vikasa for inclusive growth and good governance at the door steps of villages. Telangana government will support Bala Vikasa in the launch of its new venture ‘Bala Vikasa International Center’ in promoting social entrepreneurship.” - Mr. K. T. Rama Rao, IT Minister, on the occasion of P-Cube Workshop held in Hyderabad on 5th March, 2015.
73 We believe in the conjunction of business and community partnership as an answer to the most pressing challenges of our society today.
The Bala Vikasa International Center (BVIC) for Business Responsibility and Social Entrepreneurship was the natural culmination of over three decades of working closely to empower communities in South India. Conceptualized as a unit of Bala Vikasa that would enable businesses to contribute in a positive and effective manner towards community driven development, BVIC was established at a crucial moment in India’s narrative, when businesses are increasingly being obligated to play a role in promoting equality, reducing poverty and alleviating environmental degradation. The passing of the Companies Act 2013 was a milestone for India’s development, opening up opportunities of collaboration with the corporate sector like never before. Traditional philanthropy is no longer enough, instead innovation, sustainability and lasting impact are being recognized as the way forward.
BVIC – Program and Facilities technology incubation etc. The UnLtd – Hyderabad and BVIC have jointly initiated “Socent Fellowship” Set on a 20-acre campus in Ghatkesar off the program to support 20 social enterprisers for year Outer Ring Road and adjacent to the Information 2016-17, and first batch of this incubation started Technology Investment Region (ITIR) in Hyderabad, from January, 2016. . the BVIC is a unique flagship institution and first of its kind in India to comprehensively address social entrepreneurship development, and incubation support services. This initiative is also gearing up to evolve as Center of Excellence (CoE) for social entrepreneurship and business responsibility. Currently, Center has forged partnerships and collaborations with reputed like-minded organizations, in pursuance of its goal. The CSIE –IIT Madras collaborates with BVIC in social entrepreneurship promotion, trainings including
74 WHAT LIES AHEAD OF US
Widows empowerment movement will be strengthened arious community driven development projects V by building strong network with communities, students, planned and executed by Bala Vikasa in the last two NGOs, media and other key players and ensure that and half decades had life-changing impact on the governments at state and central level recognize the lives of millions of poor. Over the years many of these plight of widows and initiate required supporting projects received the attention of NGOs, governments projects and policies. Organic farming will be expanded and corporates, who saw them as ideal models for to neighboring districts. Farmers will be organized into sustainable community development. cooperatives and set up enterprises for their economic development. The women program will continue to Bala Vikasa sees its strength in the values, vision, empower the women in new areas and also support development approaches, and iterative practices.With the existing groups to take up group business activities the experience and expertise of the excellent team of through special incubation process. committed and competent staff as well as its increased network, Bala Vikasa feels the need to play greater People Development Training Center (PDTC): role in the development arena in the days to come. While increasing the number of its capacity building While we continue to ameliorate our current programs activities and reaching its services to more number of and strategies,we have set our eyes on the expansion countries, PDTC will launch consultancy and research of some of its relevant programs to other states, in services to NGOs, International Funding Organizations response to the calling need. and Government. Special hand holding programs will be organized to NGOs, Development Practitioners and The following are some of the major progressive steps MSW students to give them not just knowledge and and new initiatives that Bala Vikasa plans to take forward exposure but skills to improve professionalism. through its CDDP, PDTC and BVIC departments: Bala Vikasa International Center (BVIC): Community Driven Development Program ( CDDP) : We are in the process of building our national and Bala Vikasa revolutionized the purified drinking water international network and affiliations to position sector in the rural areas of India especially in Telugu ourselves as a key player in social enterprise and states. We have now begun to install community water business responsibility sectors. This new initiative of plants in the urban areas as well to provide clean drinking Bala Vikasa has already started to incubate the Social water to the city’s slum dwellers. We have also begun Entrepreneurs in health, education, environment, and working on our plans of setting up Water Vending Kiosks agriculture and livelihoods sectors. We look forward to on city main roads for providing safe drinking water to become one of the leading Social Enterprise Incubator thousands of commuters through innovative “Bala in the country in the coming years. BVIC will also Vikasa Sujal ATWs” project. We intend to extend our organize capacity building training programs, seminars, ‘model community development initiatives to a greater workshops and provide advisory services to Micro number of villages through our Asset Based Community Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and to promote Development approach. business social responsibility. BVIC also aims to be a key resource and capacity building center to the industry In response the rising demand, from all sections, Bala sector in order to improve the efficiency and impact of Vikasa will actively share the best practices in building their CSR initiatives. model villages with, the Government and corporates who are involved in promoting model and smart villages.
75 WE COULD NOT HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT YOU
Behind every success of Bala Vikasa, be it the provision of potable water to a village, or education access to a child, or building model communities or enlightenment of a visiting development agent, or the construction of a state- of-the-art new training center, there are benevolent and gracious individuals and organizations. These entities and individuals have contributed their time and resources to enhance and sustain the vision of Bala Vikasa. For this, we are deeply grateful and would like to extend a warm and heartfelt thank you. We hope that you continue to be part of Bala Vikasa’s mission, and that you get to witness many more successes in our collaborative efforts at establishing justice, equality and dignity amongst India’s poor. Foreign Donors
SOPAR - Bala Vikasa Cardinal Leger Government of Canada ICCO- Netherlands Canada & USA Foundation (CLO)
Kadoorie Charitable Manos Unidas- Spain KZE- Germany Frank Water Projects - Foundation (KCF) England Hong Kong
One Prosper- Canada School for Children-Italy Novara Center Onlus - Italy
CSR Partners
Individuals and Local Communities 76 Bala Vikasa Field Coordinators
Bala Vikasa Development Agents (DAs) This publication is partly financed by