At SAMIDA,
Welcome to Sanga Mithra Development Association (SAMIDA), a non-governmental organization (NGO) committed to empowering marginalized rural communities through holistic development initiatives. Our journey began with a shared vision among young volunteers who were inspired by the principles of Mahatma Gandhi’s Gram Swaraj (self-sufficient village) and driven by the belief that sustainable change starts at the grassroots level.
Our Story
Founded in 2001, SAMIDA was born out of the collective efforts of a group of like-minded individuals trained by the Gandhi Peace Centre (GPC) on Gandhian philosophy and rural development. Under the leadership of our Chairman, Mr. P. Ramana, a dedicated volunteer with deep connections to the GPC and the Society for Employment and Development Activities (SEDA), we began our work in rural villages by mobilizing the youth and economically disadvantaged sections of society.
With a mission to uplift socially and economically vulnerable communities, SAMIDA started as a small volunteer-driven movement. Over the years, we evolved into a full-fledged organization with the capability to plan, implement, and manage large-scale rural development programs across various sectors. Our name “Sanga Mithra” means “serving the vulnerable” in Telugu, symbolizing our unwavering dedication to the underprivileged.
Today, SAMIDA stands as a beacon of hope for rural India, working relentlessly to address poverty, education, healthcare, and empowerment challenges, while creating self-reliant communities.
Our Mission
Our mission is to improve the quality of life of rural communities through sustainable development initiatives. By focusing on the most vulnerable populations, including women, children, and economically disadvantaged families, SAMIDA strives to:
- Empower communities by fostering education, healthcare, and economic self-sufficiency.
- Promote sustainable development by supporting livelihood programs, environmental conservation, and rural entrepreneurship.
- Enhance the participation of women and youth in community development, leadership, and decision-making.
- Uphold human dignity and work towards the social inclusion of marginalized groups.
Our Vision
Our vision is to create a world where rural communities can lead healthy, empowered, and sustainable lives, free from the clutches of poverty and inequality. We envision villages where every individual has access to basic needs, education, healthcare, and opportunities for meaningful livelihood. By fostering self-sufficient communities, we aim to contribute to the overall growth and development of rural India.
Our Core Values
At SAMIDA, we are guided by the following core values:
- Empathy & Compassion: We believe in understanding the unique challenges faced by rural communities and approaching solutions with empathy and kindness.
- Transparency & Accountability: We hold ourselves to the highest standards of integrity and transparency in all aspects of our work.
- Sustainability: Our programs are designed with a focus on long-term impact and sustainability, ensuring that the benefits extend beyond the present.
- Inclusivity: We are committed to creating inclusive environments that respect diversity and provide equal opportunities for all, regardless of caste, gender, or economic status.
Our Areas of Focus
Our work is centered around the holistic development of rural communities, addressing multiple interrelated aspects of life to create sustainable and empowered villages.
1. Education and Literacy
We believe education is the cornerstone of sustainable development. SAMIDA works to improve access to quality education for children in rural areas, particularly for girls and marginalized communities. We support schools, offer scholarships, run educational awareness programs, and promote adult literacy.
2. Livelihood Development
Our livelihood programs focus on providing skill-based training and creating opportunities for income generation. By supporting rural artisans, promoting local entrepreneurship, and facilitating microfinance, we help families achieve financial independence.
3. Women Empowerment
Women are at the heart of every thriving community. SAMIDA is committed to empowering rural women by promoting gender equality, providing vocational training, and creating platforms for women’s participation in decision-making processes.
4. Health and Hygiene
Ensuring access to healthcare is a fundamental right. We organize health camps, awareness programs on hygiene and sanitation, maternal health services, and preventive health education to improve the well-being of rural communities.
5. Environmental Sustainability
Environmental stewardship is integral to our mission. We work with local communities to promote sustainable agricultural practices, reforestation, water conservation, and renewable energy initiatives.
6. Disaster Relief and Rehabilitation
We respond to natural disasters by providing immediate relief and supporting long-term rehabilitation efforts for affected communities. Our focus is on helping communities rebuild and become more resilient to future disasters.
Our Achievements
Over the years, SAMIDA has made significant strides in improving the lives of thousands of rural families:
- Reached over 50,000 beneficiaries through our education, health, and livelihood programs.
- Built partnerships with local and national organizations to scale our impact.
- Facilitated the creation of over 200 self-help groups (SHGs) empowering rural women.
- Supported more than 1,500 children in accessing quality education and scholarships.
- Organized health camps and mobile clinics, providing healthcare services to underserved regions.
Contact Us
Address: Pedashaikalipalem Village, Kokkirapalli Post, Yellamanchili Mandal, Visakhapatanam District, Andhra Pradesh-531055
Email: [email protected]
We welcome you to explore our website, learn more about our initiatives, and find out how you can be a part of this journey towards rural development and empowerment.