The Sai Organisation has launched all over India the Village Integrated Programme [VIP] in 1200 villages. This programme was conceived after Bhagavan's Ugadi 2007 discourse when He gave the direction that we should concentrate on each family as the basic building block in our Grama Seva activities. He also said that we should look at the holistic development of the individuals and the villages. Accordingly, the VIP programme is planned on a macro basis to identify villages for holistic seva starting from the families residing there.

As all are aware, Bhagavan has also implemented the Godavari Drinking Water Project to supply pure drinking water to 550 villages in the East and West Godavari Districts of Andhra Pradesh. Many of the villages in the East Godavari District are in remote forests and are inhabited by tribals. These villages are very backward and there is great poverty everywhere. Bhagavan's supply of drinking water to them has been a great boon and greatly reduced their difficulties in daily life.

The Sai Organisation in AP felt that we should also follow up on Bhagavan's wonderful project by rendering seva to all the tribal villagers. Accordingly, a Flagship Project was planned in detail after making an exhaustive survey of these villages. It was found that there was great need for assistance in health, sanitation, education, infrastructure, development of their traditional skills and handicrafts,etc.

The first stage of the plan as prepared was to launch the VIP programme in 25 villages in the district simultaneously. Detailed discussions were held over many meetings with the Samithi members, the Seva Dal, local doctors, and others. There was spontaneous enthusiasm from all sections. Based on the plan, a modern well equipped ambulance van has been obtained. Large quantities of medicines have been procured. Nearly 400 volunteers have been enrolled for the programme.

The Project was launched with prayers to Bhagavan on 20th January, 2008. The first launch continued over 4 days in the selected villages. Every weekend we see our Sai workers moving into the area and rendering selfless seva. The impact is wonderful.