History

BCT Timeline

1967
Parameswara Rao returns to India after completing his PhD in the US and mobilizes the people of his native village Dimili in the construction of a high school.

1973
Salt manufacture is introduced to desperately poor seaside villagers in Vakapadu, putting their salt-soaked lands to productive use.

1976
BCT is chartered to organize ongoing agricultural and educational projects more effectively.

1977
In the wake of ‘77 cyclone, BCT creates food-for-work scheme to simultaneously provide food and reclaim hundreds of acres of sand-cast lands.

Early 80’s
“There is no such thing as wasteland; there is only wasted land.” BCT’s most famous quote originates after the successful aforestation of Panchadarla Hill slope.

BCT begins to focus on women’s development, establishing thrift (micro lending) programs and training women as paramedics and para-veterinarians.

Mid 80’s
BCT begins health treatment and education and through the creation of the Grama Arogyalam Trust. Villagers are trained in hygiene, and traditional midwives are given modern training.

BCT continues its women’s development programs through the training of women in home industry – leaf stitching, plant nurseries, screen-printing, toy making, poultry keeping, etc.

1990
BCT launches a literacy campaign to impart functional literacy to adults in 3 months. The focus is later shifted to child literacy, and particularly to the education of child laborers.

1992
With the financial support of MIBLOU, Switzerland, BCT starts the Community Based Rehabilitation of the Disabled to address the needs of those who are often most neglected.

1994
BCT starts the Model High School , which provides a combination of academic and vocational training for the brightest of the village children.

1995
BCT-KVK (Krishi Vigyan Kendra) is started with the support of the Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) to pass on the latest agricultural research and technology to the rural farmer through trainings, demonstrations, and diagnostic and advisory services.

2000
A residential skill training programme for disabled children begins in batches of 20 students, each for a period of 18 months. The children are also taught literacy skills including reading, writing, and arithmetic.

BCT works in partnership with villagers to run 100 schools in its locality. By working with the villagers to fit their needs and schedules, BCT is demonstrating that universal primary education can be achieved in India. The program is funded by MHRD, Government of India.

2003
Marks the end of government funding for non-government schools, including BCT/UEE schools. Whereas this spelled the end for most other schools, parents and community members of BCT schools pulled together to ensure the continued education of their children. Through their contributions and support, 72 of the 119 BCT schools were able to continue their mission.

2004
A beautiful new campus for the disabled training programme is completed thanks to donations from Dr. Lakshmi Venkatesan and her family.