Tamil Nadu Tribal Development Society

Moving forward with the Oppressed

TNTDS BORN

Founded in 1985, TNTDS is an Indigenous women-led organization advancing the rights and sustainable development of Indigenous Peoples and other marginalized communities. Evolving from adult literacy and awareness-building, we now drive community-led action to restore forests, strengthen livelihoods, empower women, improve health, promote climate-resilient agriculture and build disaster resilience—enabling communities to claim their rights and shape a more equitable and sustainable future.

Our Vision


A just, inclusive and sustainable society where Indigenous Peoples and other marginalized communities live with dignity, equality and freedom, enjoying their rights and opportunities.


Our Mission


To empower Indigenous Peoples, especially forest-dependent communities, and other marginalized groups by strengthening community leadership, advancing rights, expanding sustainable livelihoods, conserving forests and improving access to essential services.


Our Approach


We work alongside Indigenous Peoples and other marginalized communities, strengthening their capacities to identify challenges, claim their rights and lead their own development. We combine local knowledge, collective action and strategic partnerships to create lasting, inclusive and sustainable change.

Sustainability

We focus on creating long-lasting solutions that can be maintained by the communities we serve even after our involvement ends

Environment

Environmental conservation is central to our mission. We work towards preserving biodiversity combating climate change, and promoting responsible resource management.

Social Justice

We advocate for human dignity, gender equality, and social inclusion to create a society without poverty and inequality.

Collaboration

We actively seek partnerships with governments, NGOs, businesses, and local stakeholders to leverage collective strengths and resources.

Our numbers that speak

To empowering marginalized Indigenous Peoples, Dalits and Minorities to actively participate and prosper in Development to realize all human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Years of Service
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Reached through ecological agriculture initiatives
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Tsunami-affected children supported
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Tsunami affected Family members supported across five villages
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School dropouts reintegrated into education
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Street children rescued and reintegrated into families
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