The Blue Community can designate and welcome another organisation from Orisha, India: the International Noble Work Development And Investigation Association (INDIA) joins the network.
INDIA NPO is a non-profit, democratic and secular voluntary organization that has its presence in the State of Odisha for nearly two decades. A network of Dalit advocates, intellectuals, students, journalists, social activists, educationists, community leaders and small and marginalized farmers was developed in 1995-96 under the banner of Orissa Dalit Forum (ODF). The association with the network and exposure on the issue resulted in the formation and registration of INDIA as a social organization in the year 1996. Over the years it has been engaged in advocating the rights and privileges of the unprivileged sections of the society and fighting for the issues related to their development with emphasis on the rights of children and women. The organization currently has its presence in Kandhamal, Ganjam,Jagatsinghpur and Puri districts of Odisha and works mostly in remote areas where the marginalized sections are most vulnerable.
The organization was formed to carry the crusade against the heinous practice of caste discrimination and atrocities related to such act. Denial of entry into the temples, pulling out water from the open well or using the hand pumps installed in the area dominated by upper caste communities, and most importantly, untouchability at the household and community level and in educational institutions as well called for a concerted effort by a group of Dalit youths who were victimized along with their family members.
INDIA NPO encompasses mostly Dalit and tribal dominated villages deprived of the mainstream socio-economic benefits of development. While intervention against social discrimination, caste related violence and atrocities against the Dalits and weaker sections still remains a major focus area, education, health, livelihood, land and forest rights, right to NTFP, women empowerment and youth action form the core programme approach and development intervention.
INDIA NPO declares its mission:
Improving the socio-economic condition of the downtrodden by liberating the people from social injustice, gender inequality and casteism as well as alleviating poverty through generation of livelihood opportunities consistent with sustainable development.
In its commitment to become a Blue Community, INDIA NPO states:
«By affiliating with the Blue Community Network, we aim to strengthen our commitment to protecting water resources, promoting equitable access to safe drinking water, and encouraging environmentally responsible practices within communities and institutions. We expect to learn from global experiences, exchange knowledge, and collaborate with like-minded organizations working for water justice and sustainability.»
«As a Blue Community, we will actively promote awareness on water conservation, reduction of plastic pollution, rainwater harvesting, and community participation in water management. We are committed to organizing educational campaigns, school-based activities, and community outreach programmes to inspire responsible water use. Through this affiliation, we hope to contribute to a stronger global movement that safeguards water for present and future generations.»
In the past, INDIA NPO has conducted awareness programmes on hygiene, sanitation, menstrual health, and safe water practices among women, children, and marginalized communities in rural and vulnerable regions. It has also supported schools and community centres with safe drinking water and sanitation facilities.
INDIA NPO strongly supports publicly financed and community oriented water and wastewater services to ensure affordability, transparency, and equal access for all citizens, especially vulnerable populations. It has collaborated with local institutions and community groups to raise awareness on the importance of maintaining public water resources and sanitation systems. INDIA NPO encourages communities to participate in monitoring and protecting local water bodies and public facilities. and aims to engage with local government bodies, schools, and civil society organizations to advocate for stronger public investment in water infrastructure and wastewater management.
INDIA NPO promotes the use of safe public drinking water to reduce dependence on bottled water and minimize plastic pollution byl encouraging the use of reusable water containers during community programmes, awareness campaigns, and training sessions. It plans to support installation of water purification systems in educational and community spaces and to organize awareness drives on the environmental impact of plastic bottles, advocating for access to safe drinking water in schools and community institutions. INDIA NPO states: «Our goal is to create environmentally responsible communities that value public water systems and reduce plastic waste.»
In addition to the core Blue Community principles, INDIA NPO is committed to promoting water conservation, environmental sustainability, and climate resilience: «We have encouraged communities to protect local ponds, rivers, and wetlands and to adopt responsible water-use practices.»
Dr. Kumud Chandra Behera, Secretary cum Director, declares:
«We aspire to become a Blue Community and join the Blue Community Network because we strongly believe that access to safe and clean water is a fundamental human right and an essential resource for sustainable development, public health, and environmental protection. We have witnessed how water scarcity, contamination, and poor sanitation directly affect health, education, livelihoods, and dignity.»
