Since year 1982, various developmental activities were carried out in Bidar district, by Diocese of Mangalore. The pioneering efforts of Bishop Robert Miranda, and a systematic approach to developmental work by Fr Victor Machado, ORBIT (Organization of Bidar Integral Transformation) came into existence in the year 1993. Initially, it began its activities in Bhalki, later it was registered under Indian Trust act, with Most Rev. Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza, Bishop of Mangalore, as its Founder President. The present new building in Humnabad was inaugurated and blessed in 2003, by Bishop Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza.

It did not take a long time to realize that women were doubly exploited persons in society. They were oppressed because of their gender and also due to poverty. Therefore, the first attempts were made toward the empowerment of women through the formation of Self-Help Groups. A group of women of 10-15 members met in the evenings once a week and discussed the problems concerning them and those pertaining to society. This enhanced their dignity as women and also they began to get involved in solving the problems of the village through the cooperation of the government. The savings helped them to get engaged in various self-employment projects and obtain large amountsof money from the banks. Today, the number of Self-Help Groups is 365, savings are over Rs 2,00,00,000 with 44 Grass Root Federations, 5 taluka (Block) federations, and 1 district federation. Over 3000 women are involved in self-employment activities there by increasing their annual income and resulting in an increase in the standard of living and dignity.

Soon it was realized that the educational system in the district was very poor, especially in the rural government schools. The Vidhya Vikas programme was launched to bring about a change among the children, teachers, parents and government officials. A teacher was appointed in the school who acted also as an animator to bring about change in the educational system. Various meetings were conducted between the parents, village leaders, government officials and teachers. This was a model programme which really brought about change in the educational system. 40 villages were taken under this programme giving rise to 40 and more volunteers for spreading basic education, information and awareness on child rights, nutrition, sanitation etc.

Bidar is a drought prone area. Having learnt from the successful experiences of people elsewhere, we launched the watershed programme in three villages. Farmers groups were formed who were trained to conserve rain water through various techniques. They were given knowledge about modern agricultural techniques which improved their income. As a result the villages soon became green while the standard of living also increased.

Realizing the struggles and sufferings, of Persons with Disability, especially of Persons affected with leprosy, ORBIT initiated Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) with the support of AIFO India. The programme aims at Mainstreaming the Persons with Disability through awareness programmes, Screening camps, distribution of aids and appliances, IGP support, inclusive education and livelihood support. The 70 Disabled Persons Organization (DPO), 5 taluka (Block) federations having over 3000 members, have benefited from the programme. The programme has lifted the spirits of Persons with Disability and has been instrumental in restoring their dignity. Presently ORBIT has initiated Navajeevana, Community Bases Rehabilitation Programme for Persons with Mental Illness.

The wrath of HIV/AIDs which was unheard and unseen had made a silent entry into Bidar district. By the time people realized the gravity of the sickness, HIV had devastated hundreds of families in Bidar district especially in Basavakalyan and Humnabad taluks. ORBIT, realizing huge health and family crisis, resolved to help the people of Bidar, affected with the deadly disease. ORBIT started its services through Sneha Programme in 2006, then with Ashadeepa Community Care Center for HIV infected people, for care, medical support, ART, livelihood, IGP, counseling and clinical support along with awareness. Over 3000 HIV infected persons, along with children have been supported through this programme to date. ORBIT also began Sparsha Care Home, a residential care home for children living with HIV (CLHA), which catered to almost 50 CLHA in Basavakalyan taluka.

Panchayat Raj Programme initiated in Bidar district helped in training over 350 PRI members. This brought a substantial difference in the functioning of Panchayat Raj system in many places.

ORBIT's integrated child development programme helps sustainable approaches and strategies towards making children enjoy their rights. Through this programme, ORBIT works to prevent child marriages, rescue child laborers, shelter orphans, rescue beggars and conducts Open Houses (meeting with taluka-level govt. officials, villagers, and children regarding children's problems) in villages. It also provides free education to rescued children from child labor, orphans, and single-parent children. It reached 663 beneficiaries in the last 8 years.

Skill development and income generation programme wish to achieve enhanced dignity and quality of life for poor and most backward men, women, youth, disabled, mentally ill, leprosy, and HIV/AIDS infected persons, leading them to sustainable life through skill training and income generation activities. ORBIT promotes self-employment and income generation programmes like cattle, goat, sheep rearing, petty shops, grocery shops, tea shops and roti, agarbatti, candle and phenol making, etc. It organizes skill development trainings like, tailoring, embroidery, paper covers, bag making and conducts vocational training like, computer learning, retail industry, office assistants, welding, etc., by networking with other organizations.

ORBIT also has been conducting Raktha Runi Blood donation camps, blind walks, health and eye checkups, cancer screening and ortho camps, regularly helping over 20,000 people in the entire district.

ORBIT also has initiated anti-plastic drive, planting of saplings, solar powered lights and machines, and Rain water harvesting programmes to promote environmental protection under natural resource management in collaboration with the district administration. ORBIT presently serves the district of Bidar by collaborating with the district administration and other networking groups for the development of the districts in the Hyderabad-Karnataka Region.

ORBIT vows to serve Bidar and its people, to bring a change in the lives of people, upholding their dignity and nurturing mother Earth. Your support to ORBIT will enhance our services to the last, least and the lost.

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