IDRF, one of the leading India-centric charities in the United States, is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of people in India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. Through trusted NGO partners, it offers reliable and effective support for various causes, including health, education, women empowerment, environmental sustainability, disaster relief & rehabilitation, etc.
Founded by Dr. Vinod Prakash in 1988 with a mission to serve his motherland-India by assisting those in dire need. Over the years, IDRF has implemented numerous successful programs that have contributed to the empowerment of the underserved.
In this blog, we are discussing our longtime and successful collaboration with the Economic Rural Development Society (ERDS) since 2005.
ERDS is an NGO located in the Malda district of West Bengal, and established by Mr. Madhu Basu. The exceptional commitment demonstrated by the management team of this organization has earned the admiration of Dr. Prakash, who feels privileged to work closely with it.
Driven by their unyielding dedication, Madhu Basu and his brother wholeheartedly serve the people in rural areas and contribute wholeheartedly to the betterment of society.
IDRF has been a significant contributor to ERDS’ various rural developments as well as disaster relief and rehabilitation programs for victims of cyclones, hurricanes, and more. Apart from their domain working areas, ERDS extends their support to nearby regions as well, fostering high hopes and expectations among the local communities. ERDS is an FCRA-approved NGO and adheres to all necessary compliance standards required for receiving funds from IDRF.
Using the invaluable backing of IDRF, ERDS has successfully nurtured women’s self-help groups (SHGs) to uplift, empower, and foster self-sufficiency among them. At the onset, IDRF offered financial aid to these SHGs, but they have become sustainable in managing their resources. Consequently, this initiative has emerged as a successful endeavor by IDRF in advancing women's empowerment through revolving micro-loans for setting up small enterprises.
IDRF supported ERDS in constructing a school for poor children thanks to the generosity of a USA-based donor hailing from Gujarat. This philanthropist was deeply impressed by the efficient work system of ERDS during his visit to India, leading him to extend his support through IDRF.
With remarkable generosity, the donor funded 60% of the construction cost for the school building. IDRF further contributed 40% to ensure the completion of this noble project, while ERDS managed to raise additional funds domestically.
The school provides quality education and empowers underprivileged children to develop themselves through academic and various extra-curricular activities.
In honor of the donor's benevolence, the school has been named after his late mother. The donor visited the school after a year of its construction to ensure its proper functioning. Today, this school stands as an educational institution devoted to offering the best education to those in need.
In another program, IDRF discovered that children of migrant laborers in West Bengal are struggling with communication issues due to the local language being Bengali. This poses a significant problem for workers who come from Hindi-speaking regions. IDRF decided to step in and support the setting up of a Hindi Primary School in Boral, to cater to the educational needs of the Hindi-speaking children. Through this school, they not only receive primary education in Hindi but also get the opportunity to engage in various activities such as computer learning, music, dance, and even Bengali language lessons. This primary school has become a blessing for families living below the poverty line (BPL), providing a chance for their children to thrive academically and culturally.
IDRF has also supported ERDS in constructing a Health Clinic at Gajole and expanding its rural sanitation project for 3,000 BPL families in Gajole, Malda, and Dakshin Dinajpur. The sanitation project has benefited 18,000 people by providing low-cost toilets at the household level creating a healthy and safe environment for better living and ending open defecation.
You can also support IDRF and play a vital role in bringing positive change to the lives of countless individuals in rural parts of India.
For more information on how to donate to IDRF, contact admin@idrf.org or call 1-855-INDIA-HELP.
