The BIRDS (Brothers Integrated Rural Development Society) was started by the Sacred Heart Brothers in 1997 in Bangalore, Karnataka, India. It’s a well-known organization in Bangalore. BIRDS passionately works for Community Development. The main areas of intervention are marginalized children and women-focused, such as education, health, income generation, civic amenities, and empowerment of the community. It is registered under the Karnataka Society Registration Act 1960, No. 3/77–78. BIRDS was working among the 2000 poor and dismissed towns of rustic Bangalore, especially with the progress in the nature of the existence of women, youths, and children from the underestimated and mistreated networks of the general public. Finishing one-decade of die-hard loyalty, BIRDS quietly affects the existence of poor people, directed with the soul and appeal of the establishing siblings.
Denoting the chronicled accomplishment, this introduction of “Assets and Training Centre” represents the completion of improvement drives as well as recognizes the dedicated administration of the organizers. Way back in 1997, Rev. Br. A. Victordass SHJ, the Secretary of BIRDS, made an informal study and analysis of the socio-economic condition of the rural areas in the North Bangalore District. The findings of the study were revealing: the people of the locality were living in abject poverty conditions; human rights abuse in the form of child labour and bonded labour was common; welfare measures and social schemes were not reaching this population; NGOs had not approached this area. The pathetic situation of these marginalized people prompted Rev. A. Br. Victordass SHJ to initiate some awareness programs to raise the critical consciousness of the people and slowly involve them in the development of their community or village. The program gradually gained significance and momentum, thus demanding the brothers think of a separate department for community development work, and hence BIRDS was formally started in 1998.
Mission: To promote a sustainable process of social change in favor of the poor and marginalized communities through building community-based people’s organizations, strengthening their capacities, and affirming their rights based on the values of equality and social justice.
Vision: A society where brotherhood and equality are realized.