India has a long tradition in the field of corporate social responsibility and industrial welfare has been put to practice since late 1800s. Historically, the philanthropy of business people in India has resembled western philanthropy in being rooted in religious belief. Business practices in the 1900s that could be termed socially responsible took different forms: philanthropic donations to charity, service to the community, enhancing employee welfare and promoting religious conduct. The concept of CSR has evolved from being regarded as detrimental to a company’s profitability, to being considered as some­how benefiting the company as a whole, at least in the long run.

Vikasa International Center is the newest initiative of SOPAR-Bala Vikasa, a registered, secular and apolitical non-profit organization founded in 1977 by Mr Andre Gingras, a French Canadian diplomat and development expert and Mrs Bala Theresa Gingras, an Indian philanthropist. Bala Vikasa has a sister concern in Canada and a branch in the USA. We have been instrumental in implementing sustainable community driven development programs which have impacted over 4 million people in 6000 villages mainly in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Our development models have been shared with 8,500 individuals from all over the country and 50 countries globally through our People Development Training Center in Warangal.

We believe in the conjunction of business and community partnership as an answer to the most pressing challenges of society today.

Vikasa International Center will provide a platform for mutually enriching partnerships between corporates, entrepreneurs, institutions and communities. Its mission will be two-pronged, to harness vibrant entrepreneurial spirit and foster its growth, while promoting ethical business and strategic CSR amongst both small and medium enterprises and big industry. We enable the development of social enterprise and social investment to help foster a more sustainable, inclusive and prosperous future for us all.

Our 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.

Our Mission

We provide comprehensive support in the form of knowledge and tools to corporates and entrepreneurs with the aim of equipping them to actively participate in the sustainable developmental process towards a better society through:
– Building the capacities of CSR teams by organizing training programs in Community Driven Development
– Offering consultancy in planning, implementing, monitoring, evaluating and reporting on CSR initiatives
– Fostering entrepreneurship through capacity building, networking and mentoring

Our Team

Shoury Reddy

Executive Director

Shoury joined Bala Vikasa when it was founded in India in 1991. His vast experience of over 25 years working with grassroots communities, networking with multi-level stakeholders, carrying out effective PR and capacity building, enables him to manage the organization successfully. His personal and professional dedication determinedly drives the vision and mission of all departments of Bala Vikasa forward. He holds a Master’s degree in Social Work and a Diploma in Social Development from Coady International Institute, St. F. X. University, Canada.

Dr. Vijay Bhaskar

General Manager

Vijay is a senior social development and sustainability professional recognized for driving Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs; developing strategic CSR policies; enabling companies to optimize their community investments, SROI, social risk and mitigation, perception management, institutional and stakeholder engagement. He has 19 years of experience with corporate and international NGOs, and has designed and executed key interventions in sustainable models and public-private partnerships. He is responsible for the overall management of Vikasa International Center.

For More Details Visit Us : http://vikasacenter.org

201,

Zamarud Residency

Somajiguda,

 Hyderabad

 500 082

+91 7675855890

Email : vijay@balavikasa.org