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.”
