What a fruitful and challenging journey it has been! 36 years ago, when I had completed a decade of field experience in development, I was very keen to initiate an NGO where the prime focus would be around rural community's active participation and improving the quality of life of the poor. I started searching far and wide as to where to start the work. I looked at various districts of Tamil Nadu and found that the then undivided Dharmapuri district to be the most backward, giving me the insight to delve deep into various indicators related to poverty.

Later, the district was divided into Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri, and till today, it is yet to be connected by train from Chennai!

It was during this juncture in 1988 that the Association for Rural Community Development (ARCOD) was born, with a logo of a banyan tree and sun, keeping ecology and people in mind. Today, I am very glad that ARCOD has completed 36 years of not merely existing, but effectively functioning despite many challenges.

ARCOD has gone through a few phases over the last 36 years. The initial phase, though difficult, was the foundation. With the cooperation of people from Kelamangalam block of Krishnagiri District, and the leadership among the women's groups and farmers' groups, ARCOD has developed as an organization with a long-term vision and mission.