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THE INSPIRATION     
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Swami Chinmayananda

Swami Chinmayananda, Founder of Chinmaya Mission is the inspiration behind CORD. It is his vision that translates into and permeates the very structure of this organization.

Swami Chinmayananda said, "Let us be humble and grateful for the opportunities available to us to serve the society and the world."

In the 42 years of his service to humanity, Swamiji left his footprints in a variety of projects that sprang up, and still continue to mushroom under the banner of the Chinmaya Mission. For him, there was nothing to gain or lose by working in the world. Yet, he wanted to provide his devotees with many an avenue to grow to their fullest stature.

Swami Chinmayananda saw these projects as fields for devotees to perform selfless service. He himself took every opportunity to serve, give and love, leaving behind a rich legacy of works of service, including: a 200-bed hospital, a number of clinics and diagnostic centers, rural upliftment projects, schools, temples, old-age homes and orphanages.

 
Swami Tejomayananda

When the founder of Chinmaya Mission passed on, the mantle of leadership draped the shoulders of Swami Tejomayananda. He took over where his Guru left off. He followed his own advice to, "fill the heart with love and gratitude. "The phenomenal growth of Chinmaya Mission under his leadership amply proves the success of his philosophy.

The work of CORD is specially dear to Swamiji's heart. His vision and direction is the heart of the program. Though hard pressed for time, its activities and growth receive his personal attention.

In December, 2003 under his stewardship, the service projects of the Mission were brought under the banner of CORD. After this, developmental work in Lathikatta (which had already started) picked up. New branches in Deuldiha, Tamraipakkam, Kaza and Siruvani came into existence.

His philosophy is simple. "We work with inspiration. We trust in God, and Pujya Gurudev's blessings and that trust is our main strength. Abiding in our trust and knowledge, if we start any service, we should just go on doing it. Do your work, for work is worship, and work shows worth."

"INITIATE, WORK SINCERELY, AND SURRENDER" - Swami Tejomayananda

 
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MISSION    
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To facilitate integrated, sustainable social help programs in local communities and in the Indian subcontinent through processes of self-empowerment and enrichment.

 

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OBJECTIVES    
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- To initiate and encourage CORD supporters to give back to their individual communities by serving those in need.

- To develop and strengthen a comprehensive, convergent, sustainable and participatory rural development program.

- To empower rural women, men and youth.

- To help increase economic self-reliance through micro-credit, income generation schemes and village-level enterprise.

- To provide community based healthcare through preventive and promotional measures as well as provide primary healthcare services through dispensaries.

- To provide community based rehabilitation for the disabled.

- To help strengthen local self-governance.

- To create environmental awareness and implement natural resource management.

- To improve education, promote literacy and value-based education.

- To promote and facilitate social justice.

- To increase the capacity of women, men, youth and children to uplift their communities and themselves and fire their latent potential through community based organizations.

- To network and collaborate with institutions, individuals, non-governmental organizations, governmental agencies and donors agencies to reinforce and promote the objectives of CORD.

- To conduct training programs towards fulfillment of all objectives.

 
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FUNDING    
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CORD's work has been supported by various agencies and people from different corners of the world.

- United States Agency for International Development (USAID)

- Ford Foundation

- Norwegian Agency for Development (NORAD)

- Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)

- Abilis Foundation, Pentagon Charitable Trust

- People's Science Institute (PSI)

- Sir Rattan Tata Trust (SRTT)

- National Bank for Agriculture & Rural Development (NABARD)

- Orissa State Government

- Grow Talent Co. Pvt. Ltd.

- Corporate Sector

- Trusts and many other individual donors