On October 18, 2003, in Hinsdale, Illinois, representatives of 15 organizations from around the US participated in a one day conference-- “Understanding and Catalyzing a campaign for Gram Swaraj in India”. The primary insight from the conference was that for India to become a developed nation it will have to pay more attention to its villages, where the vast majority of its people live. To realize this dream and make a difference, IDCA was formed.

India has more than 638,000 villages; the people in these communities live a sub-standard existence, lacking basic needs such as food, water, housing, sanitation, health care, and education. Without the necessary infrastructure to provide for these needs, individuals are unable to make a livelihood in a dignified manner. To further development in these key areas, organizations must create an awareness that promotes overall sustainability of the village and community over individual benefit and emphasizes the importance of harmony among people of different castes and religions. Non-profit organizations need to work together to promote judicious application of modern science and technology and respect for the ecosystems and a clean environment. The creation of job opportunities in rural areas can reduce migration to cities, helping to address myriad urban problems. IDCA is committed to act a a platform where all the organizations can come together and talk to each other, share their ideas and efforts thereby realizing our potential to the maximum.

I have believed and repeated times without number that India is to be found not in its few cities but in its 7,00,000 villages. We town-dwellers have believed that India is to be found in its towns and the villages were created to minister to our needs. We have hardly ever paused to inquire if those poor folk get sufficient to eat and clothe themselves with and whether they have a roof to shelter themselves from sun and rain. Hitherto the villagers gave their lives and died in thousand so that we might live. Now we might have to die so that they may live. The difference will be fundamental. The former have died unknowingly and involuntarily. Their enforced sacrifice has degraded us. If now we die knowingly, our sacrifice will ennoble us, and the whole nation. Let us not flinch from the necessary sacrifice, if we will live as an independent, self-respecting nation. from Back to Village by M. K. Gandhi