With the dawn of the year 2000 came a new
momentum—an acceleration of purpose and possibility. The seeds planted decades
earlier, nurtured carefully were now flourishing into a movement far greater
than we could have foreseen. What had begun as a heartfelt desire to support
the poor in India had grown into a recognized model of community-led
development.
SOPAR in Canada and Bala Vikasa in India moved
with confidence, guided by values rather than trends, by human dignity rather
than external pressures. Our work was anchored in the belief that development
is not done for people, but with them.
2. Bala Vikasa Comes of
Age
During this decade, Bala Vikasa expanded
dramatically. Entire regions have felt the influence of its work. Programs
matured, methodologies were refined, and communities became strong partners in
their own progress.
Key pillars of Bala Vikasa blossomed:
- Women’s Self-Help Groups grew into powerful solidarity networks.
- Micro credit program helping women own small businesses
- Water projects multiplied, bringing clean water to hundreds of villages.
- Education projects extended.
- Youth getting jobs.
- Tank “desiltation” and watershed projects revitalized lands and livelihoods.
- Initiatives to restore dignity to marginalized families.
- Capacity-building programs empowered villagers to lead their own transformation.
- Youth and community leadership training created a new generation of responsible citizens.
Every program was rooted in respect, in dialogue, and in partnership. Villagers understood that the goal was not charity—it was empowerment. The dignity of people remained sacred.
3. Bala Vikasa FORWARD (Forum of Religious Women’s Association for Rural Development)
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| Bala Vikasa FORWARD training session |
Bala Vikasa started the Women Integrated
Development programs in 1994.
In this program, along with lay Women staff, numerous religious sister from 47 Religious Congregations joined and worked for number of years. The program grew to reach more than 2000 villages lifting the lives of several hundred thousand rural women, irrespective of caste or religion.
Time came to decentralize. Therefore, part of
program was handed over to the religious associations to manage by themselves.
The Forum is established to have the linkage with them to help more women by
sharing and supporting.
Women program is now continuing with Bala
Vikasa as well as with the Religious Associations reaching more women.
Many religious sisters, priests, bishops
visited us in Canada visited us in Canada and stayed with us. These
visits are in connection to our mission, helped us and them to serve others
with love and dedication.
4. International Recognition and
Collaboration
As the impact grew, so is recognition.
Development organizations, universities,
donors, and governments are studying Bala Vikasa’s approach. Delegations visit
our NGO from Canada, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Guided by a clear vision and a profound
understanding of community development dynamics we came to be widely recognized
as pioneers of Community-Driven-Development. Our ability to express complex
ideas in simple language inspired many along the way.
5. Returning to India—Renewed
Purpose
Our travel between Canada and India continued,
becoming even more frequent as Bala Vikasa expanded. Each trip brought
spiritual renewal, emotional grounding, and a reaffirmation of why our work
mattered.
In India:
- We dialogued with Bala Vikasa managers
- We met with community leaders,
- We visited water structures,
- We dialogued with Farmers’ Cooperatives,
- We celebrated the success of women’s groups,
- We saw the youth advancing in colleges and universities
- We listened to people’s hopes and struggles.
6. The Rise of the People
Development Training Center (PDTC)
One of the greatest milestones of this decade
was the creation of the People Development Training Center (PDTC)—it is the
product of André’s thinking and planning. A space dedicated to training
community leaders, NGO professionals, and youth from across India and
internationally.
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| Bala Vikasa People Development Training Center |
PDTC became a living classroom:
- where theory and practice met,
- where experiences shaped strategies,
- where values, ethics, and compassion were as important as technical skills.
Thousands passed through PDTC’s programs,
carrying forward the ripple of development into their own villages and
organizations.
I felt deeply at home with community development programs, by the warmth of Bala Vikasa teams, the villagers and the leaders, surrounded by the landscapes of my childhood, by the warmth of village life, and by the enduring love of my family in Reddipalem.
7.
Challenges Met with Strength
The decade was also marked by
challenges—organizational pressures, financial uncertainties, administrative
complexities, and the constant need to adapt to changing realities.
Through every difficulty, André remained a
pillar of steadfast clarity.
I provided the emotional grounding, intuition,
and sensitivity that complemented his strategic vision.
Together, we faced obstacles as we always
had: Hand in hand, with trust, resilience, and unwavering hope.
8.
A Legacy Taking Shape
By the end of the decade, the legacy of SOPAR
and Bala Vikasa was undeniable.
- Thousands of families had access to water.
- Women stood in leadership with confidence.
- Villages that once struggled found stability.
- Youth emerged with purpose.
- Communities gained strength and unity.
- Partnerships grew across continents.
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| Women coordinators and youth convention at Bala Vikasa CSRB amphitheater |
We realized, with humility, that what began in
love had now grown into a movement of transformation.
This was no longer just our mission.
It belonged to the people—to the women, men, and youth who carried it forward with pride.
