Swami Tejomayananda
Chinmaya Organisation For Rural Development (CORD)
Established at Sidhbari, Himachal Pradesh in 1985 as Chinmaya Rural Primary Health Care and Training Centre (CRPHCT&TC), the programme was focused primarily on maternal and child care.
Initiated as a rural healthcare mission, with support from the Indian Government and overseas aid, soon grew into a comprehensive rural development programme. Today, CORD operates as a nationwide movement, led by a dedicated team of professionals and volunteers committed to selfless service (seva).
In 2003, Swami Tejomayananda, then Global Head of Chinmaya Mission, transformed CRPHC&TC into a dedicated trust—CORD (Chinmaya Organization for Rural Development. In 2007, CORD also founded Chinmaya Vijayaya, an orphanage for girls in Andhra Pradesh. CORD has successfully facilitated integrated, participatory and sustainable rural development for underprivileged communities in over 972 villages and remote areas across India.
Inspired by CORD’s work in India, independent trusts and entities were established in Sri Lanka (CORD Sri Lanka) and the US (CORD USA), under the aegis of Chinmaya Mission Worldwide.
For many millennia, the women of the Himalayas have served the Rishis and munis (sages). I, too, have taken all my teachings in the Himalayas – this is an opportunity to do our bit for them.
Swami Chinmayananda
Women’s Empowerment and Inclusive Development
CORD's success stems from recognizing the crucial role women play in rural upliftment in India, with over 1,173 CORD Mahila Mandals operating nationwide.
Dr. Kshama Metre, Founding Director and National Director of CORD, explains:
“At CORD, we are dedicated to strengthening rural communities by fostering women-led leadership and ownership. We focus on providing access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.”
Honored Nationally and Globally
Central Chinmaya Mission Trust
Saki Vihar Road, Powai, Mumbai - 400 072.
Tel : +91-22-2803 4900
E-mail : ccmt@chinmayamission.com