Our History

ATSWA Trust is a humanitarian, non-profit organization committed to transforming lives through inclusive and sustainable development. What began as a grassroots response to human suffering has evolved into a multi-sectoral development institution working across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka.

Our journey started in 1997 as an informal residential initiative along the Tamil Nadu–Andhra Pradesh border regions, deeply affected by drought, agrarian distress, migration, and extreme poverty. Families were displaced, livelihoods collapsed, and many children were left abandoned, malnourished, and without care. Rising social vulnerabilities, including the spread of HIV/AIDS, further pushed children into crisis.

In response, Seva S. Chelladurai and S. Arputharaj opened their own home to shelter vulnerable children despite their limited means. What began with a few children grew steadily, and by 2004, 47 orphaned and semi-orphaned children were receiving residential care, education support, and protection.

Recognizing that vulnerability extended beyond shelter, ATSWA expanded its focus to address interconnected challenges—health, education, livelihoods, and social exclusion. The devastation of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami further intensified community needs, leading to the formal registration of ATSWA Trust on February 23, 2005, under the Tamil Nadu Trust Act.