VRDS was started in 2003 as an NGO by Samshuddin D Baligar, a noted rural health and livelihood activist with over 20 years of experience in working with villagers to correct the information asymmetry and widespread ignorance among populations in these areas.

Organising and empowering marginalised communities in Haveri; Sustainable livelihoods through income-generating activities; Participation in natural resource management, sanitation, organic farming and biodiversity preservation.

VRDS is committed to empowering the rural poor and other marginalized communities to obtain sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Bringing Socio-Economic changes in the lives of the poor, realization of democratic process which includes equitable distribution of wealth and mutual cooperation and  social justice.

Organized and empowered marginalized  communities specially Women, Scheduled Castes, Schedule Tribes, Minority and other backward communities able to access, control and have ownership over natural resources, common property and open resources needed for a sustainable and dignified existence.  

• Registered under KSR Act 1960. Reg No. 52/2004-05 dated.15.05.2004, registered at Haveri,
• Registered under 12A of the Income Tax Ac No.ITAct.No-T- 848/12A/CIT/DVG/06-07, dated: 12.02.06
• Registered under Permanent Account No PAN No.AAGFV1570L dated 15.05.04
• FCRA Reg. No. 094670009

• Protection of Common Land, Forest and Natural Resources.
• Women Empowerment, Mahila Udyogini, Community Learning Movement,  
• Promotion of livelihood opportunities, Micro Credit, Sanitation etc.,  
• Sustainable Agriculture,   Environment and Watershed Development.
• Grass root advocacy on  Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment   Guarantee Act, Right to Food issues, PDS, ICDS, Health, Education  & Forest Policies.
• Skill development and technology providing to the rural youths.
• Cooperative initiation, sustainable economic development support.
• Study, Documentation. Village Development Plan, Project Evaluation, Survey.