Agriculture and Livelihood Development
Landless Labor Support: Income-generating activities for landless laborers and vulnerable families.
Supporting Small Farmers: Providing access to better farming techniques, tools.
Women’s Empowerment
Micro-Enterprise Initiatives: Helping women start small businesses to support their families.
Self-Help Groups (SHGs): Organizing women into SHGs for collective savings, skill development, and leadership roles.
Education and Training
Literacy Initiatives: Focused on adult literacy and continuing education for marginalized communities.
Skill Development Programs: Vocational training for rural youth and adults, enhancing employability.
Health and Well-being
Hygiene and Sanitation Awareness: Promoting clean water, hygiene, and sanitation practices for better health outcomes.
Rural Healthcare Camps: Organizing free health camps in remote villages.
Empowering the Vulnerable
At Bijapur Integrated Rural Development Society (BIRDS), we are committed to uplifting marginalized communities, especially those most vulnerable—landless laborers, the physically challenged, Scheduled Castes and Tribes (SC/STs), small and marginal farmers, and women. Our mission is to foster sustainable socio-economic development that enables these groups to rise above poverty and live with dignity. Through holistic development programs, we address the immediate and long-term needs of these communities, promoting self-reliance and empowerment.
Who We Are
Founded on Gandhi Jayanti in 1989 and officially registered on 1st February 1990, the Bijapur Integrated Rural Development Society (BIRDS) has been at the forefront of rural development in Bagalkot, Karnataka. Our founder, Mr. Mahantesh Agasimundin, envisioned an organization dedicated to empowering.
Our Mission
Our mission is to promote sustainable rural development through inclusive socio-economic growth, ensuring that the most vulnerable families in rural communities are empowered and self-reliant. We believe in creating a future where every individual can access the resources they need to thrive.
Our Vision
To create a world where rural communities, irrespective of their caste, gender, or economic background, live with dignity and access the opportunities required to thrive.
Our vision is a self-reliant rural society with sustainable economic development and social equity.
Our Skills
Championing Rural Development
BIRDS believes in the potential of rural communities to drive progress when given the right tools and resources. Since our inception, we have been implementing a wide range of programs aimed at improving agriculture, education, healthcare, and livelihoods in rural Karnataka. By promoting sustainable farming practices, skill development, and inclusive growth, we aim to build resilient and prosperous rural societies that can thrive for generations to come.
Building Self-Reliance Through Skill Development
We empower individuals by equipping them with the skills they need to succeed. Our vocational training programs provide youth, women, and marginalized groups with the knowledge and tools to engage in meaningful and income-generating activities. Whether it’s helping women establish micro-enterprises or providing farmers with better agricultural techniques, we are committed to fostering self-reliance through practical, skill-based learning.
Advocating for Social Justice
At BIRDS, we believe that every individual deserves equal access to opportunities regardless of their caste, gender, or economic background. We work actively to advocate for the rights of Scheduled Castes and Tribes (SC/STs), ensuring their full participation in the development process. Through community-based initiatives, we strive to eliminate discrimination and create a more equitable society where everyone has a fair chance to succeed.
Improving Rural Health and Well-Being
Good health is a fundamental right, yet many in rural Karnataka lack access to basic healthcare services. BIRDS organizes healthcare camps and awareness programs focused on sanitation, hygiene, and preventive care. By bringing healthcare to underserved communities, we aim to reduce health disparities and improve the overall well-being of rural populations. Our health programs also focus on maternal and child health, ensuring that women and children receive the care they need.
Our Team
At BIRDS, we are proud to have a dedicated and passionate team committed to improving the lives of rural communities. Our leadership and staff bring diverse expertise and decades of experience in rural development, social work, education, agriculture, and health. Together, we strive to bring lasting change to the most vulnerable populations.
Mr. Mahantesh Agasimundin
President
Mr. Mahantesh Agasimundin is the visionary behind BIRDS. With a lifelong dedication to rural development, he founded BIRDS in 1989 to empower marginalized communities in Karnataka.
Mrs. Savitri Patil
Vice President
Mrs. Savitri Patil has been actively involved in women’s empowerment programs across Karnataka. With a background in social work, she has played a pivotal role in forming Self-Help Groups (SHGs) for women, promoting financial independence and leadership.
Mr. Ramesh Desai
Secretary
Mr. Ramesh Desai oversees the administration and day-to-day operations of BIRDS. With a rich background in community organization and rural development, he is responsible for implementing programs and ensuring they reach the most marginalized populations.
Ms. Lata Hegde
Treasurer
Ms. Lata Hegde manages the financial operations of BIRDS, ensuring transparency and proper allocation of funds. With her expertise in financial management and her passion for supporting marginalized communities
Mr. Shankarappa Hiremath
Program Director (Agriculture & Livelihood Development)
Mr. Shankarappa Hiremath leads BIRDS’ agriculture and livelihood programs, focusing on supporting small and marginal farmers. With his vast knowledge of sustainable agriculture
Dr. Renuka Kulkarni
Health Program Coordinator
Dr. Renuka Kulkarni heads BIRDS’ healthcare initiatives, organizing health camps and awareness programs across rural Karnataka. As a medical professional dedicated to serving underserved populations
Testimonials
At BIRDS
At BIRDS, we pride ourselves on the impact we’ve made in the lives of marginalized communities. The success stories of individuals and families we’ve worked with inspire us to continue our mission of bringing hope, empowerment, and positive change. Here are some testimonials from people whose lives have been touched by our work.
Shanta Bai – Farmer, Bagalkot District
“Before BIRDS came into our village, I struggled to grow enough crops to feed my family. They introduced me to organic farming techniques and provided seeds and training. Today, my farm yields are higher, and I am able to sell surplus crops at the market. I can now send my children to school. BIRDS gave me the tools I needed to transform my life.”
Manjunath Gowda – Youth Participant, Vocational Training Program
“I had no job opportunities after completing my schooling. Thanks to BIRDS’ vocational training program, I learned valuable skills in electrical work. With their guidance, I’ve started my own small business and now earn a steady income. My family is proud of what I’ve accomplished, and I’m grateful to BIRDS for giving me a future.”
Kavitha Patil – Member, Women’s Self-Help Group (SHG)
“I was struggling to find ways to support my family, and I felt like I had no voice in my community. Joining the Self-Help Group with BIRDS changed my life. They taught us financial literacy and encouraged us to start small businesses. Today, I run a tailoring business with the help of my SHG sisters, and I am financially independent. I am no longer just a homemaker; I am a businesswoman.”
Basavaraj M. – Beneficiary, Healthcare Program
“In our village, healthcare was hard to access. We had to travel far for even basic medical checkups. BIRDS organized health camps in our area, and I received treatment for a condition that I didn’t even know I had. Now, I am healthier and can work to provide for my family. I thank BIRDS for bringing healthcare to our doorstep.”
