12-year old Indu and her family still remember the horrific day when they were chased out of their village. In their small, makeshift hut, they spent sleepless and fearful nights eating barely nothing and without the medications essential to maintain their immunity. This was their life until Society for Serving Humanity(SSH) walked in. SSH met the family, ensured educational support, medical care and to begin a livelihood activity. “SSH gave us a new life,” says the beaming Indu. SSH supports another 500 such children who have lost their parents, or migrated parents and families with more than 3 or 4 girl children.

Educating children such as Indu; empowering women and community to fight for their rights; eliminating discrimination and helping the poor to spin a way out of poverty are the dreams of SSH. Thirty one years back, as a student, Britto Selvaraj was disturbed witnessing discrimination and caste divisions in his region. With the caste system rampant all over Tamil Nadu, especially in Sivagangai – his native place, he vowed to make a difference. Soon after his post-graduation in MSW, he preferred to work with rural people in Dindigul district. Britto Selvaraj, along with six social activists, started their initial programme of running seven Balwadies in 1990. Thus, was born Society for Serving Humanity(SSH)., along with six social activists. Along the years, SSH has focused on issues such as education, health, animal husbandry, food security, environment, sanitation, HIV/AIDS, and community-based rehabilitation.