The Journey of RDWS: Empowering Communities, Transforming Lives

The Rural Development Welfare Society (RDWS) was established in 1984 by philanthropist Mahanthi Ganapathi Rao, the former sarpanch of Garudabilli village, with a vision to combat poverty and social inequality. Though grassroots efforts began in 1984, the organization was officially registered on January 4th, 1991.

From its modest beginnings, RDWS has grown into a powerful catalyst for change, now actively working in 442 villages with a dedicated field team. In the early years, we concentrated on building trust within communities that struggled with illiteracy and entrenched superstitions. Through motivational camps and village meetings, we instilled confidence in the development process.

Today, RDWS makes a lasting impact across the former districts of Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, Vizianagaram, Srikakulam, Vijayawada (NTR District), and the Koraput, Rayagada, and Gajapati districts of Odisha. We now reach nearly 174,000 people in 442 villages, focusing on tribal communities, Dalits, women, children, landless individuals, small farmers, and persons with disabilities. Our mission remains committed to empowering marginalized groups and fostering sustainable growth in the regions we serve.

History

• Empowering the Poor: We aim to provide services that grant the most vulnerable access to development resources.

• Holistic Development: Our initiatives focus on the comprehensive growth of individuals living in precarious conditions, transforming their lives through sustainable practices.

• Education and Awareness: We strive to motivate and educate communities about their potential for self-development, encouraging them to leverage available resources.

• Fostering Growth: Our commitment extends to the empowerment of women, children, and marginalized groups, nurturing their potential to contribute to society.

• Registered under Societies Registration Act. of 1860 with No. 4/1991

• Registered under Foreign Contribution Regulation Act. 1976 (FCRA) with No. 010370049.

• Registered under section 12A & 80G of Income Tax Act. 1961

• Income Tax P A N No. AAATR6821N

• Darpan Unique Id AP/2017/0169127

• CSR-1 Regd. No. 00044990

Country: India

States: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana & Odisha

Andhra Pradesh: 1. Visakhapatnam (Urban Slums & Rural Areas) 2. Anakapalli District (Fishing & Rural Villages) 3. Alluri Sitaramaraju (Tribal Villages) 4. Vizianagaram District (Rural & Tribal Villages) 5. Parvathipuram Manyam (Rural & Tribal Villages) 6. Srikakulam District (Rural & Tribal Villages) 7. Vijayawada (Flood affected slums).

Telangana: 1. Medchal & Slums of Hyderabad, 2. Mahabubnagar (Tribal Villages) 3. Khammam (Tribal Villages).

Odisha: 1. Koraput District, 2. Rayagada District and 3. Gajapati District (Tribal Villages)

We are currently active in 442 villages across three backward states of India.

Our Director

Dr. Ooha Mahanthi is the Director of RDWS and a passionate social activist and political analyst. With a Law degree and seven years of extensive experience in the voluntary sector, she specializes in improving the lives of tribal women and girls in north coastal Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha. Dr. Ooha Mahanthi has been honored with the 'International Wonder Book of Records Award' for her dedicated service to the poor, presented by His Excellency Shri Dr. Kamabhampati Hari Babu, Governor of Mizoram.

She has actively participated in various national and international seminars on development, collaborated with numerous organizations, and actively participated in debates conducted by famous media news channels and analyzed societal issues on platforms such as ETV-Andhra Pradesh, BBC-Telugu, ABN-Andhra Jyothy, and MAHAA News. Committed to making a difference, Dr. Ooha Mahanthi addresses a wide range of social challenges through insightful analysis and solutions, remaining energetic and dedicated to her mission.