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Empowering Lives, Enabling Change
Padasalai (meaning “school” or “learning place” in Tamil) is a registered, grassroots nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of marginalized communities through inclusive education, healthcare access, skill development, and environmental awareness. Founded in 2017, Padasalai operates across Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka, addressing the root causes of poverty and inequality.
We believe that every individual deserves a fair chance—to learn, grow, and lead a dignified life. Our interventions focus on children, women, youth, and persons with disabilities, equipping them with the tools to overcome socio-economic barriers and build sustainable futures.
Our Vission
To build strong, self-reliant communities through equitable access to education, healthcare, livelihood, and social justice.
Our Mission
To empower underserved populations through people-centered, sustainable development programs that nurture dignity, equality, and opportunity for all.
- OBJECTIVES
Together, we create lasting impact.
To establish, conduct, run and maintain educational institutions both formal and technical.
To work for human rights with special reference to the overall development of youth and women.
To establish centers for prevention of alcohol and addiction.
To act as relief agency during emergency situation such as natural or manmade disasters.
To establish, conduct, run and maintain healthcare centers with special focus on women & mother health.
To design and implement programs that promotes livelihood opportunities for youth and women.
Help Them
- Our Team
Dedicated minds driving meaningful change.
Mr. S. Manohar is the Founder of the Trust. He has completed master degrees in Social Work and in Law. He has several years of experience in the field of social work and Indian law. He also practices as a Member and Lawyer in the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu & Pondicherry since 2009. He contributes to the Board of Trustees in both legal and fundraising capacities.
Mrs. Nishanthi Joyce Manigandan is the President of the Trust since December 2024. She is a practising Health Nurse in the private health sector. She has number of experiences in the field.
Dr. A. Susai Raj M.A (S.W) M.Phil. PhD is a Social Work Educator. He is in the field of Social Work Education and has produced a significant number of graduates over the past 15 years. He has been an active social worker and an ardent social change agent. He is a member of the professional social workers' association and the Indian Society for Training and Development. He has been the Secretary & Treasurer of the Trust since July 2025.
Mrs. Rathna Chandra is a Child Care Taker in an institute. She has extensive experience in the field of childcare, accommodating children and babies with motherly love and affection. She is actively contributing to the Trust since December 2024 as the Member Trustee.
LEGAL STATUS
PADASALAI IS REGISTERED UNDER THE INDIAN TRUSTS ACT, 1882 AND THE REGISTRATION NUMBER IS TN/05/2017/CHENGALPATTU. THE DATE OF REGISTRATION IS 20/01/2017. REGISTERED WITH NITI AAYOG GOVERNMENT OF INDIA, DARPAN UNIQUE ID IS TN/2017/0161986. 12A & 80G AND CSR1 CERTIFICATES ARE AVAILABLE.
9 focus areas of impact.
- Poverty Alleviation
- Healthcare
- Quality Education
- Gender Equality
- Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
- Livelihood
- Equal Opportunities
- Environment
- Justice