WHO WE ARE:

SEED was established in 1991 as a non-governmental organization founded by a group of dedicated social workers with a clear vision: to improve the social, economic, and cultural landscape of the tribal districts of Odisha. Guided by this mission, SEED implements diverse programmes that empower communities to gain access to and control over their own resources.

These initiatives strive for social justice by reducing exploitation, poverty, dependency, and social inequality, while working to eradicate illiteracy through the provision of higher education. SEED also conducts impactful programmes on women's empowerment, healthcare, environmental protection, rehabilitation of persons with disabilities, and the care of infants and children fostering holistic and inclusive development.

The organisation is registered under the following legal provisions.

Registered under Indian Societies Registration Act XXI of 1960.
Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) in 2005 bearing FC registration no 105090006.
Income Tax act 12A and 80G

Building a society of the most vulnerable groups that is physically healthy, economically self-reliant, ecologically sustainable and socially active having control over existing and available resources that leads to a quality of life.

To work for the empowerment of tribal women and children.
To provide primary education to tribal girls.
To organize rural poor for their own development.
Break the circle of poverty and dependency.
Work for the basic health care and eye care of the community.
Reducing IMR, MMR and enhancing quality of life.
Rehabilitation of persons with differentially able.

SEED operates in Malkangiri district of Odisha, which was carved out of the erstwhile Koraput district in 1992 following administrative re-organisation. The district is predominantly covered with dense, inaccessible forests, interspersed with small but beautiful rivers, undulating plateaus, and a rich tribal heritage. However, its remoteness coupled with its location along the borders of Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh both extremism-prone states has exposed communities to repeated incidents of naxal intimidation and violence.

Malkangiri is home to several primitive tribal groups, including the Bonda, Koya, and Paraja communities, as well as Bengali refugees. Despite its natural and cultural wealth, the region has seen stagnated development, with widespread poverty, malnutrition, migration, and land alienation forcing many to live with limited means. Encroachment by non-tribal populations has strained the social fabric, gradually eroding indigenous traditions and replacing them with alien cultural influences.

Although resource-rich, the local economy remains largely dependent on the primary sector, with minimal value addition. Large-scale deforestation and soil erosion have degraded the landscape, while agriculture continues to be practiced using age-old methods. In this challenging environment, SEED works to address social issues, promote sustainable development, and protect the cultural identity of the region's indigenous communities.

The presence of middlemen in every stage of production whether agricultural or industrial---has further reduced local profits, leaving communities even more marginalized. Low income from agriculture, coupled with poor productivity, has forced many people to migrate in search of work.

In response to this scenario, SEED began its work in Malkangiri district in 1991. The organisation recognised that true empowerment could only be achieved when women the most disadvantaged group are enlightened through education, as it is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and despair. Guided by this belief, SEED launched a residential education programme for tribal girls.

However, the journey was far from easy. The prevailing education system, rooted in non-tribal contexts, culture, and symbols, often alienated tribal girls rather than engaging them. Parents, viewing formal education as irrelevant, were reluctant to send their daughters to school, preferring instead to have them care for younger siblings while they worked as wage labourers. Through persistent counselling and community engagement, SEED gradually persuaded parents to enroll their daughters.

Today, SEED provides context-specific, culturally relevant primary education to tribal girls free of cost along with nutritious meals and essential learning materials. The organisation firmly believes that educating women is the cornerstone for solving numerous social challenges and building a more equitable future.