{"id":657,"date":"2018-11-30T05:58:07","date_gmt":"2018-11-30T05:58:07","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.chinmayaupahar.in\/blog\/?p=657"},"modified":"2025-08-18T04:38:30","modified_gmt":"2025-08-18T04:38:30","slug":"cord-chinmaya-organisation-for-rural-development","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.chinmayaupahar.in\/index.php\/2018\/11\/30\/cord-chinmaya-organisation-for-rural-development\/","title":{"rendered":"CORD – Chinmaya Organisation for Rural Development"},"content":{"rendered":"

CORD is a bond of love and understanding encouraging a process of sharing which enriches both the giver and the receiver. In this process of giving and serving, the giver grows spiritually and the receiver is blessed with the power of transformation. <\/em>\u2013 Swami Tejomayananda<\/p>\n

What is CORD?<\/h3>\n

Founded under the guidance of Swami Tejomayananda<\/strong>, the Chinmaya Organisation for Rural Development (CORD)<\/strong> is the service wing of Chinmaya Mission. It encourages rural communities to live independently and respectfully, blending a spirit of self-reliance with a scientific outlook and spiritual values.<\/p>\n

CORD focuses on integrated, participatory, and sustainable development<\/strong> in villages across Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh<\/strong>, through training, guidance, and community support.<\/p>\n

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Women working at CORD<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

History of CORD<\/h3>\n

The roots of CORD trace back to 1985, when Swami Chinmayananda<\/strong> started a rural healthcare and development program in Sidhbari, Himachal Pradesh. Inspired by a USAID proposal, he remarked:<\/p>\n

“For many millennia, the women of the Himalayas have served the rishis and munis (sages). I too, have taken all my teachings in the Himalayas \u2013 this is an opportunity to do our bit for them.”<\/em><\/p>\n

This led to the creation of the Chinmaya Rural Primary Health Care and Training Centre<\/strong> on April 10, 1985. Initial efforts focused on maternal and child healthcare, immunisation, family planning, and community health services.<\/p>\n

By 2003, it became clear that healthcare was deeply tied to the larger challenges of village life. Thus, CORD was established as a separate trust<\/strong>, with a holistic mission of rural empowerment.<\/p>\n

CORD\u2019s Mission<\/h3>\n

To facilitate integrated and sustainable development in rural India<\/strong> through processes of self-empowerment<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

CORD Outreach<\/h3>\n

Today, CORD is active in over 700 villages<\/strong>, touching the lives of more than half a million villagers<\/strong> in four states. It empowers women, youth, children, and communities through participatory programmes that encourage self-reliance, dignity, and holistic growth.<\/p>\n

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CORD\u2019s Activities<\/h3>\n

CORD addresses multiple aspects of rural life with a people-first approach:<\/p>\n