The Genesis

The state of Odisha is one of the poorest and most backward states in the entire country. More than 67% of the populations who are living below the poverty line are suffering from various socio-economic problems which need a thorough attention by the government and/or other agencies. It is also highly experimented earlier that the government and its machinery as exists in our state as well as the country could not take up this vast challenge on its own. Moreover, the Western part of Odisha –which comprises of hilly terrains, highly fertile fields and a major industrial hub – is find out to be the worst sufferer in comparison to the other parts of the state. Further, the problem gets acute due to the scanty rainfall since years, an elongated summer and heat which results in water sources including the underground reserves going dry day by day. This affects the standing crops to a large extent and most part of this western part of the state reels under severe drought over the years. Further, it is needless to mention that this loss of livelihood and the livestock adds to the economic miseries of the people at the bottom level and deepens the economic crisis of the state as a whole, and more particularly the Western part of Odisha. Keeping these factors in mind, on the auspicious day of April 30, 1997, a group of young individuals (both men and women) –who were working in different fields of employment- being inspired by Ms. Jyotsnarani Mishra -had formed an association to work for the overall development of the rural poor and the rural economy of the Western part of Odisha. These young people took a vow to work towards eradicating the social evils through undertaking various remedial as well as corrective measures. Moreover, the main thrust of the association was to treat poverty and reduce it to the minimum. Also, it has been decided not to treat poverty reduction in isolation but it has been decided to treat it as an inclusive issue with other developmental bottlenecks like education, health, livelihood and employment. And to get a satisfactory and clear result the decision was taken to go for micro-level planning and the area of operation was limited to one district, i.e., Sundaragh. Further, the youth band promised to work hand in hand to uplift the rural economic situation by taking up all types’ measures either by themselves or with the help of government and other like-minded associations and forums. The association thus formed took birth with the name “ASSOCIATION FOR DEVELOPMENT & RESEARCH IN SOCIO-ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES (ADARSA)”.

After working for few years with the lower and the lowest stratum of the society both socially and economically this band of youth realized their immense potential in this particular development field. They also feel that their full participation may help the poor people of the rural area most and by that they can give something back for the state’s progress and growth. This inspiration from within and the immense response they got from the field and the other who are associated with this sector moves them and they decide to take up this social development as a full time profession. Within a couple of years of hard work, dedication and sincerity they have not only been able to contribute meaningfully to the society but also proved that professional social work can be an attractive career option the educated youth. After being settled in their aim and work these young brigade thinks of giving sanctity and recognition to their work. Thus, as per the norms, the association was registered under ‘Societies Registration Act’ with the proper authority of the district. ADARSA is also registered under 12A and 80G of Income tax act and also have FCRA.