Overview

VSSU has been created in 1983. Started by Sri Kapilananda Mondal, VSSU began by providing basic social development programs for the local community: education, environmental and healthcare. VSSU realised early in its history that the community itself possessed the resources for the community growth but lacked the mechanisms to harness these resources. To sustainably support social development activities financially, VSSU started individual micro finance programs in 1994 which provided 'Savings based Credit'. 'Ashok Nilay' was formed in 2003 to facilitate VSSU's community development programs (crèche, primary school and scholarship support, healthcare, sanitation &social forestry programs). Until 2001, VSSU had accepted no external funding from outside, as it was intent on proving that community development could come from the community resources alone. In recent years, VSSU has expanded its programs, partnerships and sources of funds in order to increase its impact on the local community. The Oceanic Library, created in 2008 in collaboration with READ Global, USA is a major initiative for the educational benefit of the community. Under the banner of 'Ashok Nilay', Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (JNVS) which is under the Ministry of HRD, Govt. of India, was invited to set up J.N.V. (high school). VSSU microfinance is currently working with SIDBI, AXIS bank, HDFC and SBI and the organization also has a planned collaboration with BRAC, Bangladesh to provide technical assistance to upscale its microfinance operations. Moreover, to create employment opportunities for the community VSSU is preparing to start a sustainable livelihood program, Jeebika Foundation. Agricultural projects planned under Jeebika have so far received collaborative support from the World Bank and the University of Agricultural Sciences in Bangalore.