Opportunity, not charity.
India Development Service (IDS) was founded in 1974 by a small group of Indians in Chicago who were concerned about the challenges faced by vulnerable communities in India. IDS began by organizing conferences and seminars that encouraged expatriate Indians to participate in India’s economic and social development.
At a conference in Chicago in 1976, Dr. E.F. Schumacher, distinguished British economist and author of “Small Is Beautiful”, inspired IDS members to reexamine their approach. His presentation encouraged IDS to shift its focus toward people-centered, grassroots development.
Over the last 50 years, IDS has supported more than 270 projects across 18+ states, impacting over 5 million people through education, job training, microfinance, health care, environmental initiatives and agricultural support.
From the outset, IDS recognized the value of different development strategies while remaining committed to one shared goal: empowering socio-economically disadvantaged communities.
Thank you to every donor, volunteer, partner and supporter who has helped sustain the IDS mission over the past five decades.
Timeline of key milestones
Select a year to discover the moments, partnerships and decisions that shaped IDS over five decades.
It all started in 1974. India Development Service was established to support economic and social development in India.
Use the arrows to browse the years, then select any year to read its milestones.
Built by committed people. Sustained by shared purpose.
The history of IDS is the history of people choosing to act—across borders, across generations and alongside communities determined to build a better future.