Our mission
About READ
Service rooted in rural life.
Since 1996, READ has worked with rural communities in the Palani and Dindigul region — caring for elders, supporting women and responding to local needs.
Registered society, Tamil Nadu · NITI Aayog registered · MSJ&E supported
Our story
Founded to act, not merely to talk.
Rural Education for Action and Development Agency was established in 1996 as a registered social service organisation. Its registered office is at 27, R.M. Colony, Dindigul, and its work is concentrated in the rural communities around Palani and Neikkarapatti.
Over three decades, READ's work has grown into two residential homes and a set of community programmes. The old age home provides daily care for more than 25 elders. Shakti Sadan offers women a safe place to live. NAPSRC support extends the reach of government programmes for senior citizens, and our physiotherapy and community work address health and wellbeing beyond the home.
We are registered with NITI Aayog and supported by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. But our most important relationships are local: families who trust us with their elders, volunteers who give their time, and neighbours who treat our homes as part of the community.
1996
Registered society, Tamil Nadu · NITI Aayog registered · MSJ&E supported
Our vision
A rural society where age is met with dignity, women are safe and supported, and no one is left without a helping hand.
What guides us
Values we try to practise, not just publish.
These principles shape how we care for people, spend money and work with families and partners.
Service
We turn concern into consistent, everyday action.
01Safety
A secure home is the first condition of a dignified life.
02Dignity
Every resident is treated as a person with a past, preferences and rights.
03Community
Our work is done with communities, not merely for them.
04Milestones
A story told in years.
Not everything that matters can be measured. But these moments mark the road that brought us here.
- 1996
READ is founded
The agency begins its work with rural communities in the Palani and Dindigul region.
- Two homes
Old age home and Shakti Sadan
READ's residential work grows to include a home for elders and a safe home for women.
- Today
Care across the region
READ supports 25+ elders, women at Shakti Sadan and community programmes across the region.
How we are supported
Partnership in practice.
READ works with government programmes, local donors and volunteers to keep its homes and community services running.
- Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
- NITI Aayog
- National Action Plan for Senior Citizens (NAPSRC)
- Local donors and volunteers
Be part of it
A safe home is a shared achievement.
Your support helps us provide meals, care, medicines and shelter to people who need it. You can also volunteer, share our work, or visit us to learn more.