Woman From Telangana Wins Canadian Award

Bala Theresa, a native of Warangal in Telangana and founder of its leading NGO Bala Vikasa won a Canadian honour for her valuable contribution to the society over the past 40 years. She was awarded the prestigious national 'Decorations Pour Service Meritoire (Meritorious Service Decoration) by Governor General of Canada. Bala Theresa and her Candian husband Andre Gingras founded the charity organization SOPAR in Canada 40 years ago and Bala Vikasa in India 26 years ago. Ms. Julie Payette, General of Canada on Tuesday awarded the couple citing that they have impacted lives of over 4 million rural poor covering 6000 villages in India over the past four decades. Singareddy Shouryreddy, the executive director of Bala Vikasa stated that through the two organizations, they worked to support 800 water plants, 6500 bore well, 450 overhead tanks, desilt 840 tanks and empowered  220,000 women and 15000 widows. The couple has helped improve 400 government schools, promote model villages and organic farming. Social workers from 68 countries were trained at the Bala Vikasa International Center (BVIC) in Hyderabad. Bala Vikas’ community development projects are not only limited to Telangana but also extends to Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Chattisgarh.