Our Journey: The Success Story
Founded on 24th November 1997, Community Action for Rural Excellence (CARE Birla) began as a heartfelt initiative by local visionaries—Nirmala Devi, Ramesh Attri, Raneshwer Sharma, and Bhuvnesh Sharma—in the hilly terrains of Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh. What started as a small group of passionate volunteers has evolved into one of the most respected grassroots NGOs in the region.
The seeds of CARE were sown in response to the deep socio-economic challenges faced by the rural and remote communities of Dhartidhar and Giripar (in Sirmaur). With limited access to education, health services, and livelihood opportunities, and with over 60% of the population living below the poverty line, the need for an empowering, community-driven force became critical. CARE emerged to bridge that gap—raising awareness, building capacities, and advocating for people’s rights.
Since its registration under the Societies Act in 1997, CARE Birla has been working tirelessly across 15 Panchayats in the development blocks of Nahan, Paonta Sahib, and Sangrah. Its impact spans primary health, education, HIV/AIDS prevention, women’s empowerment, environmental protection, and sustainable agriculture. With targeted interventions, vocational training, awareness camps, and public health programs, CARE has touched the lives of thousands—especially women and marginalized communities.
Today, CARE Birla is not just a name—it’s a symbol of grassroots resilience and change. Guided by a mission to empower rural Himachal, we continue to stand by our belief that real development begins with community participation.
Establishment and Evolution
Community Action for Rural Excellence ( CARE) was established in 1997 by a group of motivated and socially aware youth from the local community who aspired to act as agents of change. Their vision was to address development and governance-related issues at the grassroots level, especially in underdeveloped and remote areas.
Since its inception, the organization has been engaged in a diverse range of developmental initiatives including:
- Targeted Intervention Projects (supported by NACO/HPSACS)
- Creche and Reproductive Child Health (RCH) programs
- Women’s empowerment and PRI strengthening
- Livelihood support for vulnerable populations
A key example of CARE Birla’s impactful work is the Targeted Intervention in the Shillai mining area, where the organization has successfully reached out to highly vulnerable communities residing in scattered villages across difficult mountain terrain.
After over a decade of active community engagement and field-level implementation, CARE Birla recognized the urgent need to safeguard natural resources and sustain local livelihoods, particularly in response to illegal and unscientific mining that threatens ecological and human well-being. As a result,
CARE Birla now integrates equity and sustainability as core principles in all its developmental approaches.
Registration Details:
NGO Registration Number: 130/97
Date of Registration: 24 November 1997
Registration under Section 12A of the Income Tax Act, 1961