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Introduction
Voluntary Organisation for Social Action and Rural Development (VOSARD) was founded in 1998 with the objective of transforming the lives of the poor, marginalised and the under-privileged people in the most backward and remote hilly areas of Idukki district of the Western Ghats region in Kerala. It is a registered Charitable Organisation under Travancore Kochi Cultural, Scientific, Charitable Societies Registration Act of 1955 and functioning under the aegis of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (CMI) Congregation of the Catholic Church. Since the beginning, VOSARD has been working with the poor and weaker sections in the society through self help initiatives and capacitating them to achieve sustainable development, irrespective of caste, creed, and religion. The agency strives to promote a society where the marginalised and underprivileged sections in the society are empowered to bring about positive changes in their lives. The vision of the organisation is to work for a value-based society where the poor, children, women, persons with disabilities and other underprivileged sections in the society are empowered to bring about positive changes in their lives. The mission is to enable 'the targeted people' to be responsible for their own holistic and sustainable development. VOSARD started its work in 10 remote and rural panchayats of Idukki district by taking into consideration the substandard living conditions of ordinary people in the area. Gradually, the activities were extended to nearby panchayats and presently VOSARD is operational in the entire Idukki district of the state of Kerala.
Structure of the Organisation
VOSARD has a 13 member General Body and a democratically elected nine member Executive Committee that meets quarterly or as and when required to monitor proper functioning of the organisation. The organogram is given below (Figures 1 and 2).
Objectives of the Organisation
The programmes and activities of the organisation are centered on the following objectives:
* Organise and empower the poor and weaker sections in the society.
* Promote and sustain Self Help Groups (SHGs).
* Promotion of microcredit supported rural enterprises with women as the primary partners.
* Serve as an effective link agency between the poor and the government.
* Promote development programmes for women, children and youth.
* Undertake special projects and programmes for socially as well as physically challenged, old...