Aranya Mozhi Public Charitable Trust

For decades, indigenous tribal communities have been silently enduring neglect and exclusion from mainstream society. Compared to other regions, the tribal populations of Nilambur—mainly the Paniyar, Cholanaikkar, and Kattunaikkar—continue to struggle for survival, living in close connection with the forest.

When the floods destroyed their humble huts, these families were forced to take shelter in makeshift shacks made of palm leaves or tarpaulin. These temporary shelters offer little protection from the elements and are barely habitable. Every storm or heavy rain leaves them exposed, forcing them to rebuild again and again in a relentless cycle of hardship.

Healthcare, education, and access to basic amenities remain out of reach for these communities. Living deep inside the forest without road access, they face immense challenges in seeking medical care, enrolling their children in schools, or accessing government services.

The dream of education for their children is fading. Even when some manage to complete schooling up to the 10th grade through hostel facilities in Nilambur and nearby areas, many cannot pursue further studies due to a lack of opportunities and support. Without access to higher education, these young people are forced to return to their huts in the forest, continuing the same cycle of deprivation and underdevelopment.

Additionally, many widows within these communities are struggling to survive after the loss of their sole breadwinners. Illness, physical weakness, and lack of opportunities leave them unable to do even small forest-based jobs to sustain their families. As a result, entire households—including young children and the elderly—are trapped in hunger and poverty.

On top of all this, increasing incidents of wildlife intrusion—by elephants, tigers, and leopards—have made life even more dangerous. Stepping outside their fragile homes has become a daily risk.

Today, the tribal communities of Nilambur are living almost like animals in the wild. What they truly need are homes that blend with the forest—structures that preserve their natural way of life without disrupting the ecological balance. Simply building concrete houses in town won’t solve the problem; past attempts show that many choose to return to the forest, unable or unwilling to adapt to a completely different environment.

It is to address these deep-rooted social challenges and to provide a helping hand to these marginalized communities that the Aranya Mozhi Public Charitable Trust was established.

National Widows Welfare Association

The National Widows Welfare Association was founded to provide hope and support to women who have lost their husbands and are left alone to shoulder the burdens of life. Many widows, especially from marginalized communities, face extreme economic hardship, social stigma, and emotional isolation after the death of their sole breadwinner.

Through the association, we aim to empower widows by offering vocational training programs that enable them to earn a sustainable livelihood. We work to connect them with various government welfare schemes and ensure they receive the financial, educational, and healthcare benefits they are entitled to.

In addition to economic support, the association provides counseling services, legal aid for property and inheritance rights, and educational scholarships for their children. We also organize community support groups where widows can share their experiences, rebuild their confidence, and foster solidarity.

Our goal is to restore dignity, independence, and a sense of security to widows who have been left vulnerable by circumstances beyond their control. The National Widows Welfare Association is committed to creating pathways for these women and their families toward a better, more hopeful future.