Rajarshi Shahu Grameen Vikas Prakalp (RSGVP) is inspired by the pioneering social upliftment work done by Chatrapati Shahu Maharaj almost 150 years ago. He was truly King of hearts of the people in his kingdom, a visionary, far ahead of his time, who was bold enough to break the shackles of cruel caste ridden society and all its evils. He brought commerce and wealth in the state and at the same time establishing social justice- uplifting socially as well commercially, his socially outcast subjects. All this, far before social justice and like became a fashionable word and vote gathering tactics for post independent politicians. Radhanagari and its surroundings was his favorite retreat.

The Inspiration

Early Days (1996-1997)

INDAL now HINDALCO of Aditya Biral Group (since 2005), who had a major and an ultramodern eco friendly mining industry in the region, already had a reputation of socially responsible corporate house and had undertaken many rural development schemes in the region, such as providing clean and safe piped drinking water for the inhabitants of Radhanagari, development of women empowerment schemes by training and assisting women groups to develop entrepreneurial projects, developing and helping shepherd community in establishing co-operative dairy development etc.

It now wanted to develop a meaningful and sustainable health care project and entrusted, Health Care International (HCI), an organization consisting of eminent medical professionals as its core members, to carry out a study of the region and suggest what facility needed to be developed on a priority basis.

HCI carried out an extensive study of the difficult terrain and its inhabitants, carrying out group discussions with women folk in various villages, village council members (Panchayat) and tried to establish their immediate health care needs and prioritize them.