On the birth centenary of Swami Vivekanand i.e. on 12th January, 1963, the Citizens Council set up by leading industrialists and social reformers like late Lala Hans Raj and Dr. Suraj Prakash, initially to mobilise citizens efforts to fight the Chinese attack, was renamed as Bharat Vikas Parishad. Parishad is thus motivated and guided by the ideals and teachings of Swami Vivekananda.

The members of the Parishad meet their own expenses while participating in its activities and also contribute towards administrative expenses of the organisation. Funds collected for projects and programmes are kept separately and are spent 100 per cent exclusively for the designated purposes. Parishad lays emphasis on developing the competence of the beneficiaries through their involvement so that they are no longer dependent on charity and lead a dignified and honourable life.