SVYM, a NGO founded in 1984 by a group of medicos from Mysore Medical College led by Dr. R. Balasubramaniam, has undertaken various institution-based and community-based health and education projects and also several Community Development initiatives, catering to a populace of about 300,000 comprising, both tribals and non-tribals in the region. SVYM runs the Vivekananda Memorial Hospital, the Viveka School of Excellence and Viveka Tribal Center for Learning and Creation of rural infrastructure – building of low cost houses, toilets, borewells, etc., in Saragur.