Women Empowerment & Livelihood
Women-led development through Self Help Groups, financial inclusion, and leadership training. Over 900 SHGs supported.
ESTABLISHED 1986
Transforming Lives Across 500+ Villages for Over 38 Years
Empowering marginalized communities through health, livelihood, and inclusive development.
Madras Social Development Society (MSDS) is a registered non-profit organisation working for over three decades to improve the quality of life of marginalised communities across Tamil Nadu. With a strong grassroots presence in more than 500 villages, MSDS focuses on women, children, youth, and vulnerable populations.
Scroll
Key Impact Highlights
0
Villages Covered
0
Women SHGs Supported
0
Women-led Livelihoods
0
Individuals Reached Annually
0
Health Screenings
0
TG Housing Support
MSDS, established in 1986, is a development organisation founded by committed volunteers from rural Tamil Nadu. We deliver impactful programmes across Vellore, Thiruvallur, and Kanchipuram, with a special focus on women, children, and marginalised communities.
Our Vision
To create an equitable and inclusive society where marginalised communities live with dignity, health, and sustainable opportunities.
Our Mission
To empower vulnerable communities through integrated interventions in health, education, and livelihood, enabling them to achieve dignity, equality, and self-reliance.
Core Values
favorite
What We Do
Focus Areas
The core pillars of our work in rural Tamil Nadu.
Community Health & Public Health
Regular health camps, screenings, and referrals. Linkages to government healthcare for communicable and non-communicable diseases.
HIV/AIDS Prevention & Care
Targeted interventions, peer education, STI referrals, ICTC linkages, and care for PLHIV and vulnerable populations.
Education & Youth Development
Education assistance, life skills, exposure visits, skill development, and capacity-building for children and youth.
Transgender Empowerment
Social inclusion and economic empowerment through group formation, welfare scheme access, and skill development.
Core Activities & Programs
Our initiatives address the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities, focusing on education, health, and equality.
Education
Children's Exposure Visits
Broadening horizons for rural youth by organizing visits to scientific institutions, historical landmarks, and administrative centers. MSDS also supports education through welfare schemes—including distribution of school bags to children of vulnerable families—ensuring they stay in school and access opportunities beyond their villages.
Awareness
World AIDS Day
MSDS organises World AIDS Day programmes at the District Collectorate with participation from the Collector and district officials. In 2024, around 150 participants attended, including community members and PLHIV. We run IEC awareness stalls and conduct 40+ folk media performances across Vellore and Ranipet to spread HIV/AIDS awareness.
Empowerment
Women Development & SHG Support
MSDS provides handholding support to Women Self-Help Groups through capacity-building and refresher trainings on savings, credit, government schemes, and insurance. We facilitate credit linkages—14 women SHGs received ₹26 lakhs from State Bank of India for micro-credit. We also observe International Women's Day, Rural Women's Day, and other key days to foster leadership among rural women.
Health & Care
HIV/AIDS Targeted Intervention
Since 2011, MSDS has implemented the Targeted Intervention (TI) Programme with TANSACS and NACO across 10 blocks of Vellore District. We work with 1,700+ individuals through peer educators, STI clinic referrals, ICTC linkages, condom promotion, and demand-generation meetings. The programme includes TG Self-Help Group formation, nutritional support for PLHIV, and awareness programmes in institutions.
Youth Leadership
Children Dressed as National Leaders
Instilling patriotic values and historical awareness through cultural performances where children embody the heroes of our nation. Part of our broader education programmes that mark important days including International Day of the Girl Child and World Science Day.
0
Villages Reached
0
Youth Empowered
0
Community Led
MSDS
Impact in Action
A visual journey through the villages and communities where MSDS is making a difference every day.
Our Track Record
Completed Projects
MSDS has successfully implemented multiple large-scale development projects over the past three decades across Tamil Nadu.
0 Women empowered
0 Children supported
0 HIV/AIDS programme beneficiaries
0 Differently abled rehabilitated
0 Families in poverty alleviation
| Year | Sector | Project | Location | Beneficiaries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989–90 | Poverty Reduction | Food for Work | 2 villages, Sriperumandur | 800 families |
| 1991–97 | Community Organisation | Organising People through Non-Formal Education | 7 villages, Kadambathur | 490 members |
| 1995–99 | Community Mobilisation | Community Development | 20 panchayats, Thiruvalangadu | 630 women |
| 1996–2001 | Community Mobilisation | Integrated Women through Non-Formal Education | 20 panchayats | 300 women |
| 1997–98 | Environment | Watershed Management | 2 villages, Kadambathur | 600 families |
| 1997–2005 | Women Empowerment | Empowering Women through Development Education | 53 villages | 14,250 women |
| 1998–2007 | HIV/AIDS | STD/HIV/AIDS Intervention (TWIP) | Thiruthani & Kanchipuram | 2,200 beneficiaries |
| 1999 | Environment | Protection of Drinking Water | 1 village, Kadambathur | 140 people |
| 1999–2004 | Child Development | Crèche | Mangadu Village | 26 children |
| 1999–2005 | Technical Education | Rural Computer Education | Sriperumandur Block | 707 youth |
| 2001–16 | Children's Education | Life Insurance & Educational Scholarship | Kanchipuram & Thiruvallur | 7,346 students |
| 2002–05 | HIV/AIDS | Alternative Skill Development | Thiruthani | 500 beneficiaries |
| 2004–06 | Sanitation | Total Sanitation – Toilet Construction | Mevalurkuppam | 48 families |
| 2005–07 | Rehabilitation | Tsunami Rehabilitation for Fishing Community Youth | Pazhaverkadu | 200 youths |
| 2006–09 | HIV/AIDS | Care and Support for PLHIV | 27 blocks | 1,230 PLHIV |
| 2007–13 | Disability | Vazhi Kattuvom – Empowerment for Differently Abled | Kundrathur Block | 2,320 persons |
Trust & Transparency
Governance
MSDS is governed by a committed leadership team with strong grassroots understanding and community engagement.
President
Mr. Y. L. Lawrence
Provides strategic direction and leadership with a strong commitment to rural development and community empowerment.
Vice President
Ms. C. Siryapushpam
Supports governance and programme oversight, with active involvement in women empowerment initiatives.
Secretary
Mr. G. T. Gnanaprakasam
Leads organisational operations and external partnerships, ensuring compliance and programme effectiveness.
Treasurer
Ms. J. Paulin Aruna
Oversees financial management, ensuring transparency, accountability, and efficient utilisation of funds.
Joint Secretary
Ms. K. Suriyapraba
Supports programme coordination and community mobilisation across project locations.
Executive Committee Members
Ms. Maria Malarvizhi
Actively engaged in community outreach and field-level programme support.
Ms. J. Catherine
Contributes to implementation support and beneficiary engagement at grassroots level.
Legal Status
- Registered under Tamil Nadu Societies Registration Act (1986)
- FCRA Registered
- 12A & 80G Certified
- NGO Darpan Registered
High Impact
Breaking the Cycle of Exploitation
Vellore District Project (2019–2022) — Preventing vulnerable children from entering exploitative environments by empowering their families through sustainable livelihood, education, and healthcare.
0
Women trained in livelihood skills (exceeding target of 180)
0
Women transitioned to alternative income sources
0
Reduction in dependency on high-risk livelihoods
0
Children ensured continuous education, zero dropout
₹5–8k
Monthly income from employment and micro-businesses
Key Outcomes
- Community-led tailoring units and volunteer-supported tuition centres
- Strong behavioural and mindset transformation among beneficiaries
- Increased school attendance and aspiration among children
- Reduced social stigma and improved community integration
Voices of Change
Stories from the Field
Real words from communities whose lives have been transformed by MSDS programmes.
"
Before joining MSDS, I had no stable income and struggled to support my children. Through the tailoring training, I gained skills and confidence. Today, I earn regularly from my work and take care of my family with dignity. My children are now going to school without interruption.
"My children were about to drop out of school due to financial difficulties. MSDS supported us with school materials and tuition classes. Now, my children are continuing their education and have big dreams for their future."
"MSDS helped me join a Self Help Group where I learned to save money and access small loans. Today, I run a small business from my home. I feel independent and respected in my community."
"After receiving regular nutrition support and guidance from MSDS, my health has improved significantly. I feel stronger and more confident to live my life positively."
"I received skill training through MSDS which helped me get a job. This opportunity changed my life and supported my entire family financially."
Why Partner With MSDS
Organizational Strengths
Built on three decades of grassroots work, MSDS brings credibility, reach, and commitment to every programme.
01
Proven Grassroots Network
Presence in 500+ villages with deep community trust and long-term engagement across Tamil Nadu.
02
Experienced Leadership
20+ year leadership team with dedicated field staff, community mobilisers, and volunteers.
03
Government Alignment
Strong partnerships with state departments and a track record in government-supported programmes.
04
Cost-Effective Impact
High impact achieved with limited resources through efficient fund utilisation and community ownership.
Transparency
Annual Reports
Download our annual reports to learn about our achievements, impact, and financial accountability.
Join The Mission
Work With MSDS
Whether you want to volunteer your time or your organisation wants to collaborate, we'd love to hear from you. All enquiries go directly to our team.
Volunteer With Us
Join our field team and make a direct difference in rural communities across Tamil Nadu.
Partner With MSDS
Collaborate as an organisation to co-create programmes and amplify collective impact at scale.