Swasth · Samarth
Sanskarit Bharat
Development and growth of Bharat in all fields — cultural, social, academic, moral, national and spiritual — culminating in a physically strong, economically capable, and culturally rooted India.
To organise elite, intellectual and well-to-do citizens and motivate them to serve the poor, disabled, illiterate and ignorant — not as charity but as their sacred duty toward the motherland.
Working For
A Mission
Established in 1963, Bharat Vikas Parishad is a service-cum-sanskar oriented, non-political, socio-cultural voluntary organisation. It is dedicated to the development and growth of India in all fields of human endeavour — cultural, social, academic, moral, national and spiritual — by promoting patriotism, national unity and integrity.
On the birth centenary of Swami Vivekananda — 12th January, 1963 — the Citizens Council set up by leading citizens like late Lala Hans Raj Gupta and Dr. Suraj Prakash was renamed as Bharat Vikas Parishad. It is motivated and guided by the ideals and teachings of Swami Vivekananda.
BVP was registered as a Society under the Societies Registration Act 1860 on 10th July, 1963.
Unlike Rotary or Lions — international clubs born outside India — BVP is wholly Indian, draws inspiration from Indian culture, and all funds remain in India for Indian communities.
Family-based membership sets BVP apart. Both husband and wife join as members — jointly, not individually. This ensures service becomes part of the family's identity, passed to children across generations.
Members meet their own expenses while participating in activities and contribute towards administrative expenses. Funds collected for projects are kept separately and spent 100% exclusively for those purposes.
BVP lays emphasis on developing the competence of beneficiaries through involvement — so they are no longer dependent on charity and lead dignified, honourable lives.
From 1 branch in Delhi in 1963, BVP now has 700+ branches across all states of India, with 50,000+ couple members running 1,457+ permanent projects from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.
What Makes BVP
Different
Family-Based Membership
BVP is not a club for individuals. Both spouses join together, serve together, and grow together. The family — not the individual — is BVP's fundamental unit of service.
Wholly Indian, Not Imported
Born in India, inspired by Indian culture, funded entirely within India. Unlike Rotary or Lions, BVP's philosophy is rooted entirely in Indian civilisational values.
100% to Projects
Members fund their own participation expenses. Project funds go 100% to projects — zero administrative overhead. In 62 years, not one rupee diverted.
Non-Political by Constitution
BVP accepts no political funding and takes no political direction. It is answerable only to the communities it serves and the vision of Swami Vivekananda.
Equal Status for Women
Women have always had equal status in BVP. Membership is granted jointly to the couple — not to the male alone. Women are integral to every programme and leadership level.
Empowerment, Not Charity
BVP develops the competence of beneficiaries through their involvement — so they are no longer dependent on charity and lead dignified, honourable lives.