Our History

The Beginning and the Journey

The Genesis:

In the early '80s rural Orissa was in the grip of dwindling village economy, mounting poverty and widespread illiteracy. The situation was grim and alarming. Voluntary organisations functioning in the State were few and far, still functioning in the traditional approach.

In response to the imperatives articulated during the Orissa Voluntary Agencies Meet, while deliberating on development issues, it was found that there was a dire need to extend professional support to NGOs in the State and work together towards infusing professionalism into the NGO operations. Engaging the youth mass, especially the ex-NSS young volunteers in developmental activities was the other objective. Thus emerged CYSD (Centre for Youth and Social Development), as a formal entity, in the year 1982.

Our Bearings: 1982-1985

• Laying Roots: 1986-1991
• Establishing Identity: 1989-1992
• From the Centre to the Periphery: Making for Impact: 1992-2001
• Institutional Response to Disaster: 1999-2003
• Spreading the Wings: 2004-2007