Visionary Leadership Driving Grassroots Empowerment
At the heart of Soundarya Gramina Haagupattana Abhivrudhi Sansthe lies the unwavering dedication and leadership of two visionary individuals — Dr. M. Vijaya and Sri C. Venkata Ramappa. With a shared passion for uplifting marginalized communities and decades of hands-on experience, they have laid a strong foundation for inclusive development, sustainable livelihoods, and women empowerment across South India.
President, Soundarya Gramina Haagupattana Abhivrudhi Sansthe
Champion of Women’s Empowerment | Skill Development Leader | National Awardee
Dr. M. Vijaya is the founding force behind the organization, with over two decades of impactful work dedicated to vocational training, counseling, and social rehabilitation of women from underprivileged and vulnerable backgrounds. Starting in 1999 with training just 15 unemployed women in beautician skills, her efforts have now empowered over 50,000 women and youth across Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala.
“Empowering women isn’t just a mission — it’s my life’s purpose.” – Dr. M. Vijaya
Her work focuses on:
- Skill training in beautician services, tailoring, food processing, embroidery, and mushroom cultivation
- Rehabilitation and livelihood support for survivors of domestic violence, trafficking, and abandonment
- Holistic development through yoga, meditation, prayer, legal & health awareness, and counseling
- Outreach to special groups: SC/ST women, transgender individuals, persons with disabilities, and sex workers
- Establishing and operating two Mahila Santvana Kendras under the Domestic Violence Act
Her Bhagavad Gita educational initiative with Chinmaya Mission has reached over 10,000 schoolchildren. Her relentless pursuit of dignity for women has earned her over 15 prestigious awards, including:
- Sthri Shakti Puraskar by the President of India (2010)
- Kittur Rani Chennamma Award by the Karnataka Government
- Babu Jagjivan Ram Award
- Doctorate Honoris Causa in Humanity & Social Service from Jeeva Theological University, Chennai
Executive Director & Strategic Advisor
Banking Veteran | Rural Development Leader | Social Program Specialist
Sri C. Venkata Ramappa brings over 30 years of experience in the banking sector and a decade of leadership in rural development and skill training programs. His transition from senior banking roles to grassroots development reflects his deep commitment to social impact.
He currently leads the execution and strategy of major livelihood initiatives across Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and West Bengal, including:
- Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY)
- Chief Minister Kaushalya Karnataka Yojana (CMKKY)
- Rajiv Gandhi Chaitanya Yojana (RGCY)
- Support to Training and Employment Programme (STEP)
- Ballari District Development Programs
His contributions span:
- Program mobilization and community engagement
- Conducting job melas, health camps, yoga and legal awareness programs
- Creating high-impact employment outcomes with over 70% placement across key programs
Notably, under his leadership, the Ballari district administration received the Skoch Award, and the organization received several Letters of Appreciation from district authorities for excellence in implementation.
Sri Ramappa is widely respected for his:
- Strategic thinking and field execution
- Capacity to bridge government programs with grassroots needs
- Deep involvement in legal mediation and social advocacy for vulnerable groups
“Development is not a top-down process. It begins with trust, grassroots engagement, and a belief in people’s potential.” – Sri C. Venkata Ramappa
Together, Dr. Vijaya and Sri Ramappa form the visionary duo behind the transformative work of Soundarya Gramina Haagupattana Abhivrudhi Sansthe. Their leadership has not only touched thousands of lives but also created a ripple of change in the social and economic fabric of rural India.
