Welcome to the BGM English-language web site. BGM is a south Indian charity that has worked hard since 1990 to help some of the poorest people in the villages of Neyyardam, Kerala.

Kerala is in the far south of India and is the country's most densely populated state. At the foot of the Western Ghat mountain range, 30km north-east of the state capital Trivandrum lies Neyyardam. Despite its beautiful setting with mountains, forests, a reservoir (hence the name 'Neyyar Dam'), and much wildlife the area is very poor. The poorest people tend to be those living in the villages on the hilly slopes. Their homes are often of mud-brick construction with roofs made from palm leaves which are not very effective in the monsoon season! They have limited access to clean drinking water and many people still use the reservoir for drinking, washing, laundry and sanitation. This obviously increases the risk of water-borne diseases like cholera. Most families do not have a toilet and instead have to make use of the wooded areas around their homes. Male unemployment is high and many men are only able to work as ocassional labourers. The majority of these poor families do not own enough land to grow vegetables though some own coconut trees so they are able to sell coconuts at the market.