About RADS
Over three decades of fighting for justice, empowering women, and transforming communities in rural Telangana.
Rural Awareness and Development Society
RADS was registered in 1988 under the Telangana Areas Public Societies Registration Act and began operations in 1991. Located in Vikarabad, Telangana, RADS is a development and advocacy organization that works for transformative change in the lives of women across the socio-political, educational, economic, and cultural spectrum.
RADS works to improve the lives of women affected by concerns of environment, health (especially HIV/AIDS), and violence. Legal awareness is a critical pillar — equipping women with the knowledge to assert their rights and access justice.
The organization runs a legal and family counseling center addressing dowry harassment, rape, domestic violence, bigamy, and property disputes — with weekly sessions supported by two dedicated lawyers.
Contact RADS
H.No. 4-1-704/1/A, BTS Colony, Near Shivram Nagar, Vikarabad Town, Vikarabad District, Telangana – 501 101
Our Core Values
Justice
Legal literacy and fair access to justice for every woman, regardless of caste or class.
Empowerment
Building women's capacity to lead, advocate, and transform their own communities.
Community
Grassroots-led, community-owned development where women are the change-makers.
Awareness
Education and awareness as the bedrock of lasting social transformation.
Vision & Mission
Our Vision
RADS visions a transformed societyin which inequalities on the basis of caste, class and religion don't exist. A meaningful life for all citizens, especially women, will be achieved with a clean and healthy environment.
RADS as a prominent advocacy and development organization will contribute effectively to the process of realizing this vision.
Our Mission
The mission of RADS is to fight violence against women and atrocities on the girl child. This will be achieved through campaigns, legal literacy, and counseling.
RADS strongly believes in awareness generation, legal literacy, capacity building of women to raise their voice, voter education, and human rights.
“We believe and work with the hope that love, justice and peace will prevail.”— Ms. G. Satyavathi, Founder, RADS
Aims & Objectives
Generate awareness of women on social, legal and cultural issues
Mobilize government support and schemes to needy women
Educate women and children on health and hygiene
Undertake cultural programs and promote unity among different sections
Generate awareness on atrocities on women and children
Reduce disputes through family and legal counseling
Mobilize people for elimination of child marriages and child labour
Generate awareness on Panchayat Raj system
Educate people on sustainable agriculture and sanitation
Create awareness for controlling the spread of HIV/AIDS
Provide shelter for homeless and self employment for elderly destitute women
Strengthen youth associations through social, cultural and economic awareness
Our Founder
Ms. G. Satyavathi
Founder & Executive Director · Chief Functionary
Ms. G. Satyavathi has shown remarkable resilience during adversities and unwavering commitment in the cause of women's empowerment. Single and wedded to the cause of development, she spearheaded the battle to ensure creation of a supportive organization for the underprivileged in the backward region of Vikarabad.
With over 40 years of experience in the development sector (since 1982), she has built RADS into the only organization that stood the test of time in Vikarabad — continuing till date to serve the surrounding mandals. Her untiring service attracted the attention of many agencies and she was invited to various international conferences.
- Biography: Sathyavathi – Confronting Caste, Class and Gender by Vasanth Kannabiran (Telugu & English, 2015)
- Article in Womanscape by Volga, Vasanth Kannabiran & Kalpana Kannabiran
- Sathyavathi Akali Putuka – Namaste Telangana, 2016
- Rural & Tribal Area Work – Boomikha Newsletter by Sajaya, 1995
Biography: Sathyavathi
“Confronting Caste, Class and Gender” — a biography written by noted author Vasanth Kannabiran documenting the life, struggles, and achievements of Ms. G. Satyavathi. Published in both Telugu and English in 2015, it was launched at Asmita Resource Centre for Women.
The book chronicles her journey from a young activist in 1979 to building RADS into a powerful force for women's rights across Telangana.
Governing Board
A team of eminent women deeply committed to social transformation and development
Ms. G. Satyavathi
Founder & Executive Director
40+ years in development sectorDr. P. Arundhati
Secretary
Medical DoctorDr. Swarnalatha
Executive Member
Doctor of PhysicsMs. Y. Vijaya Kumari
Joint Secretary & Treasurer
ArchitectMs. Indira
Executive Member
Social ActivistMs. K. Swarna Rekha
Executive Member
LecturerMs. Flawrence David
Executive Member
Social ActivistAdditionally, 25 General Body Members drawn from the communities RADS serves form the broader board.
A Legacy of Service
Convener of APSA in twin cities — pioneering work on health, nutrition & environment
Cluster Organizer in PEP – abolishment of bonded labour and adult education campaigns
Coordinator at SALT – pioneering literacy programmes across rural and urban Andhra Pradesh
Coordinator & Convener of Joint Women's Programme (JWP), Andhra Pradesh
RADS officially registered as a society — Reg. No. 1199 of 1988
RADS begins field operations in Vikarabad, Telangana — the journey of community transformation starts
Ms. Satyavathi wins the Resourceful Women Merit Award from Shaler Adams Foundation, USA
Represents RADS at the World Women's Conference in Beijing, China
Ford Foundation-funded Women's Literacy & Livelihood project — transforming lives across 4 districts
Named Best NGO in District by the Telangana State Government — 25 years of impact acknowledged
Expanding into new mandals — 60,000+ women in SHGs, continuing the mission of a transformed society
Legal Registrations & Certifications
Registered Society
No. 1199 of 1988, Telangana Areas Public Societies Registration Act, 1350 Fasli
FCRA Registration
Foreign Regulation Act 1976 – registered 24 June 1991, renewed 24 December 2002
Income Tax – 12A
Certified under Section 12A at the Office of Commissioner of Income Tax
80G Certification
Eligible for donations under Section 80G(5)(2)(iv) of IT Act 1961
Darpan ID
Available – registered on NGO Darpan portal, Government of India
CSR
Available – eligible for Corporate Social Responsibility funding