Vikash Foundation was started by the visionary social worker Ashok Nanda. He started the foundation to create opportunities for people to contribute to social development and amelioration of suffering.
He started his social work during his graduation days at Revenshaw College, Cuttack through the National Service Volunteers. Later on during his university days he organized the students to work in the slums surrounding the university campus in Bhubaneswar.
After his Post Graduation he worked in the slums. He worked along with Mother Teresa’s Sisters for the welfare of leprosy patients in the year 1984-86. Towards the end of 1986 he took the initiative to establish the NGO Vikash (vikash.org) for holistic and sustainable development. Initially he was working for social integration & community based rehabilitation of leprosy patients and renewal energy. In early 90’s he started working with disabled people in general. He was appointed by the Honorable Governor to lead the Leprosy Treatment and rehabilitation program of the state by appointing him as the Honorary Secretary of HKNS, Odisha State Branch. In mid-90’s he started working with indigenous communities. After the 1994 major flood in Odisha he has been involved in relief and rehabilitation activities during every disaster including COVID.
Besides his involvement in welfare activities he has been involved in Slum dwellers movement for land rights, farmers movements, Peoples movements against on flood, Citizens movements, Human Rights Activities, Legal support to the people in crisis since 1981.
With all his exposure he is now days writing books on society and philosophy which will give new alternative to think about one’s life.