The word “Surya” signifies radiance or illumination. Balija is a generic name, used to one section of Sudras belonging to India’s Chaturrvarna system of social exclusion, covering all types of social groups, historically involved in the service of royalty and in the agricultural operations. Historically, the community has an enviable record in excelling intellect and expertise in fine arts during the Vedic period. This has brought to light by Dr.Muthu Lakshmi while going through Atharva Veda during her critical insights into the genesis of the community.

However, with the passage of time during ancient, medieval, colonial periods, there was drastic deterioration of social values in general and the position of women in particular, though there were occasional and sporadic protest movements against the inhuman and anti-social practices. Especially, this has caused irreparable damage to the psyche of the community. With the rise of jamindari system and growth of dominant social groups along with the mechinations of the upper castes, the dignity and social existence of the Community has reached its lowest ebb. The community has been the victim of the hierarchical, highly exploitative traditional Indian society, mutely and meekly experiencing the onslaught of the upper castes atrocities—psychologically, physically, socially and culturally.

The dawn of independence in 1947 with the socialist philosophy triggered some social welfare legislation. In the Indian Constitution, OBCs are described as "socially and educationally backward classes", and the Government of India is enjoined to ensure their social and educational development. Here, we have to bear it in mind that when we rank the parameter of social exclusion and humiliation as the indicator of backwardness, this community tops the list, even surpassing the so-called SCs and STs. The independent India has provided some social protective measures treating this community, as part of Backward Classes, in the form of providing protective legislative measures in education and public appointments. These have created few ripples by developing some individuals or group of families, but not changed the historical inequitable legacy inherited by this community over the centuries of exploitation.

Further, the compulsions of electoral politics in the traditional Indian society have brought in the forces of institutionalization of caste politics (Prof. Rajni Kothari) and reinforcement caste mindset in public life, perpetuating the exploitative and exclusive social practices, to which the community stands as a mute spectator. The Community has been waging relentless fight against the traditional/feudal social interests to secure basic human rights of dignity and decent living.

Thus, the community is in search of identity in the modern India ardently praying for securing social justice, minimum human dignity and reasonable level of social and economic development, uncommon to any other social group in the Indian society.

In this perplexed state of affairs, some progressive-minded and politically conscious members of the community tried to address some of the basic issues confronting the community and could succeed only in name change.

Coming to the present context of globalized world, projecting India as one of the fastest emerging economies in the world, with the ever-increasing market forces influencing the entire gamunt of social forces, the survival of the weak and dis-advantaged groups becomes critical. This is most appalling to this Community members, who are afflicted with all the systemic disabilities--psychological, social, educational and political (being a microscopic minority).

Therefore, it is felt critical to have a development road map to survive in the cut throat competitive and emerging complex world and to provide basic human dignified living to the present members and also to the future generations.

21st Century is an Age of Information. Knowledge is power in the knowledge economy. Thus, Knowledge Management Development cycle revolves around 5 Es, namely, Education, Employment/livelihoods, Economic development, Empowerment and Emancipation. Further, sustainable development will be ensured through equitable and stable social development. Social development accrues through social awareness, social mobilization of human resources of the community members.

With this pragmatic objective in view, we want to communicate to all the members of the community, both in India and NRI brethren, through this website. This is our a humble beginning in creating social consciousness among the community members and to provide an enabling platform and environment for the youth in bracing up the challenges of the modern dynamic and turbulent world to survive, sustain and succeed in their future endeavors.

Suryabalija Foundation is social welfare organization for suryabalija community established on 2015 by Suresh Kumar Yanamadala. We will conduct get together suryabalija committees on various occasions like vivaha parichaya vedika, kartikamasa samaradhana and executive body meetings.

OBJECTIVES OF SURYABALIJA FOUNDATION:

• To ensure and encourage community bonding among the members of the Community by providing regular interaction/communication/networking arrangements through on-line and off-line (through periodical publications on the programmes and projects proposed to be initiated for the social, cultural and economic development).
• To maintain the ‘Marriage Bureau’ of high standards by networking the people within India and abroad.
• To provide Education scholarships and also to provide accommodation by constructing hostels for the poor and orphanage meritorious students of the community by promoting the ‘Education fund’.
• To design and develop academic/career counseling sessions to all the youth from 10th standard onwards for better academic planning and career placements.
• To guide all the aspiring and eligible youth in preparing for all competitive exams-both State and UPSC by providing suitable material guidance/financial assistance to the needy and deserving candidates.
• To identify and organize Home(s) for the Aged, either free or subsidized, in different locations for their safe and secure living.
• To undertake any other socially useful, legally required and economically sustainable developmental activity for the wellbeing of the youth, widows and elders, believing in the spirit of empowering the community members through interaction both in India and across the Globe.

VISION OF THE FOUNDATION:
To create enabling environment for the all-round development of the youth-emotionally, economically, intellectually and culturally; besides safe, secured and dignified living of the members of the community in the society