Introduction
The Organisation for the Development of People (ODP)
Diocesan Social Service Society (DSSS) of Mysore
Diocesan Social Service Society (DSSS) of Mysore
Established on January 4, 1984, under the visionary guidance of the Diocese of Mysore, the Organisation for the Development of People (ODP) is dedicated to the integrated human development of socially and economically disadvantaged, underprivileged, and marginalized communities. Founded under the leadership of its first Secretary and Founder-Director, Fr. Becket D’Souza, and presided over by the Bishop of Mysore, ODP operates as a catalyst for sustainable, community-led transformation across the region.
Rooted in the timeless principles of love, sharing, equity, justice, and universal brotherhood, ODP addresses structural inequities by transforming detrimental social attitudes, building critical awareness, and instilling lasting self-reliance.
A four-decade mandate rooted in the Diocese of Mysore, guided by love, equity and justice.
ODP functions as an enabler, encouraging and facilitating the creation of active, committed local leaders dedicated to uplifting their own communities. Rather than offering short-term relief, we equip individuals to analyze their life situations, discover their inherent potential, and organize for collective action.
By prioritizing women, small and marginal farmers, the landless, and the most vulnerable, ODP guides marginalized groups to make rational, locally adapted decisions—transforming participants from beneficiaries into the masters of their own destiny.
Building local leadership and self-reliance rather than dependence on short-term relief.
In every initiative, ODP places paramount importance on the empowerment of women. We support women in breaking free from debilitating traditional constraints to carve out strong, distinct identities for themselves, their families, and their broader communities. Through structured collective platforms, capacity building, and financial independence, women emerge as active agents of social governance and economic resilience.
Collective platforms, capacity building and financial independence for lasting agency.
A society of love, peace, justice, prosperity and ecological harmony.
To empower marginalized communities through capacity building programs, building their networks and by results driven actions to help communities get their legitimate rights and enhance their social economic and ecological status.
Integrated Human Development.
Serve our community with complete honesty and integrity.
Treat all people with dignity and respect.
Carry out all our work and actions with the greatest responsibility, discipline and accountability – garnering trust.
Ten interlocking objectives guide ODP’s work with women’s collectives — from individual confidence to region-wide coalitions.
Organize poor and marginalized women to cultivate confidence, self-reliance, and leadership courage.
Fortify Sanghas, central committees, taluk and district-level federations, and the apex body (Mahilodaya Women’s Federation) through targeted training, exposure, and institutional collaboration.
Build grass-root leadership capacities to sustain community initiatives effectively, ensuring at least five capable leaders emerge in every group.
Enable community leaders to actively participate in Panchayat structures, securing a legitimate voice in local decision-making and fostering accountable governance.
Establish and empower localized resource teams composed of effective community leaders to drive ongoing animation and skill building.
Build strong networks with government departments and financial bodies to maximize the mobilization of welfare schemes, entitlements, and resources.
Promote systematic savings among Sangha members for mutual aid during emergencies, effectively eliminating dependence on predatory money lenders and middlemen.
Enhance individual, household, and community-level assets and income streams for women.
Equip women with the skills and access needed to productively manage local resources and sustainably expand their livelihood bases.
Collaborate and coordinate with like-minded NGOs to form strong networks capable of addressing common social, economic, and systemic issues.
Wheel shown as ten equal segments, one per objective — illustrative, not a quantitative measure.