Bharati Integrated Rural Development Society

Bharathi Integrated Rural Development Society (BIRDS) was established in 1991 by its Executive Director, who had been working with the underprivileged Read more since 1985. BIRDS started its journey with limited resources, relying on personal savings and small donations until 1994. Over time, it evolved from operating on small donations to securing support from multiple donors. Presently, BIRDS is funded by approximately 10 donors, including 7 international organizations and 3 government bodies, with a total annual budget of USD 1.2 million (66.3 million Indian Rupees). The Executive Director of BIRDS has received awards for the organization's exceptional work, including the Dalit Sahitya Academy Award in 1995. BIRDS has also received commendation awards from the District Collector in 1995, 1997, 1998, 2000, and 2002 for its outstanding contributions to rural development. BIRDS has earned recognition on the global stage as well. In the field of micro-finance, it is among the top 50 agencies worldwide, as acknowledged at the Micro-credit Summit in the USA. The organization has established international linkages with organizations such as the International Federation of Organic Movement (IOFAM), Micro-credit Summit, United Nations Council for Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and International Council of Environmental Movement (ICEM). BIRDS actively participates in these networks to promote organic agriculture, micro-credit initiatives, and environmental issues. BIRDS is engaged in various projects, including the APWELL Project, which provides community bore well irrigation to small and marginal farmers, reducing migration and benefiting both landowners and landless individuals. Another significant initiative is the Andhra Pradesh Farmer Managed Groundwater Systems (APFAMGS) Project, a Dutch-funded project implemented through the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. APFAMGS is recognized for its innovative approach to groundwater management and has been nominated for the Japan World Water Prize. The organization is staffed by professionals from diverse academic backgrounds, including hydrology, geology, engineering, sociology, and social work. These experts collaborate with a Technical Support Team (TST) comprising renowned scientists and social workers at the state level. BIRDS has also contributed its expertise to various assignments, such as assisting the Government of Orissa in designing an integrated water resource management project. Additionally, the organization conducted a study on land degradation and poverty for FAO and provided training on "Demand Side Management of Groundwater" to international participants from 14 countries and groundwater department officers from three state governments. BIRDS operates with a clear mission: to create a platform for people from all walks of life to act for ecological stability, human rights, poverty eradication, improved living standards, and social justice. It is guided by principles of accountability, transparency, equality, courage, and a bias towards serving the poor and marginalized, all aimed at achieving its overarching vision: "transformation of life through participation." The organization's objectives encompass a comprehensive approach to rural development. They aim to provide non-formal education to uplift the rural poor, serve as a bridge between the government and impoverished communities to facilitate access to governmental assistance programs, foster the growth of village artisans, initiate land-based projects benefiting small and marginal farmers, establish homes to support the elderly, child laborers, widows, and the disabled, and organize programs to empower women through self-help groups for economic self-sufficiency. Additionally, the organization focuses on improving the health and living conditions of rural communities, implementing low-cost housing initiatives, preserving the local environment, and promoting sustainable agriculture and organic farming systems. Their target constituencies include Dalits/Adivasis, women, children, small and marginal farmers, and other vulnerable communities, with the overarching goal of driving positive change in these underserved areas. BIRDS is actively engaged in a variety of core programs and projects. These include initiatives such as the Groundwater Governance through Panchayat Raj Institutions in Andhra Pradesh (GwGPRI-AP) Project, Strengthening Prevention Prosecution and Protection services for children at Risk, PLAN FICCI School Sanitation Project in Chittoor District, Integrating watershed management and participatory groundwater management, Sanitary Napkin Project, the CHETHANA Network Programme focused on traditional seed saving and establishing seed banks, Farmer Producer Organization (FPO), EFFORT-WASH Project, Well-being out of Waste (WoW), Girls Advocacy Alliance Programme, Swachh Bharat at BIRDS, and the Yuva Shakthi: Social Accountability for Every Adolescent Project. These initiatives reflect BIRDS' commitment to addressing various critical issues and making a positive impact on society.