Our Mission
Our mission is to bring about social transformation through empowering the rural and the urban poor which enable them to become self-reliant.
Located in the south Indian city of Pondicherry—in Tamil Nadu state—, we support women and children who find themselves in situations of poverty and injustice. And through programs meant to empower, educate, and engage under-represented individuals, we strive to create a world free from exploitation and discrimination where everyone has the opportunity to live their lives to their full potential.
Our History
Raised in a rural village in India, our founder S.M. Arasu witnessed first-hand the social-inequalities women faced on a daily basis, as well as the financial stress placed on families when only the male-members were providing income. These realities stayed with him as he went through boarding school to college to graduate studies, and, after becoming inspired by a nun who dedicated herself to social work, he returned home to create programs that not only provided opportunities for women to become economically independent, but also educated them on what their lives and their children’s lives could be like if free from societal norms. The goal was to create change for people who needed it the most, and after the success of enacting these programs in his home village, Mr. Arasu and his family made it their mission to provide similar opportunities and education to more families by creating the non-profit organization Prime Trust.
12 years later, Prime Trust still focuses on programs that empower local women, enable rural and urban poor to become self-reliant, raise social awareness, and educate underprivileged children. Our reach is continually growing, and through strong partnerships with local and international NGOs, and through attracting a world-wide volunteer community, Prime Trust still fosters change in individual lives by all methods available, continually growing to help those served. We believe social transformation is possible, and dedicate ourselves to this outcome.
12 years later, Prime Trust still focuses on programs that empower local women, enable rural and urban poor to become self-reliant, raise social awareness, and educate underprivileged children. Our reach is continually growing, and through strong partnerships with local and international NGOs, and through attracting a world-wide volunteer community, Prime Trust still fosters change in individual lives by all methods available, continually growing to help those served. We believe social transformation is possible, and dedicate ourselves to this outcome.
Legal Status
Prime Trust is registered:
- with Government of Puducherry as Charitable Trust, under Trust Act 1882, vide Registration No. 1244/2002 dated 20.09.2002.
- with the Income Tax Department, Office of the Commissioner of Income Tax, Govt. of India for 12A (b) with the Number 67/CIT/PDY/2010-11 and 80G vide No. 9165 (1373)/CIT/PDY/2010-11 Dated 03.12.2010 and 06.12.2010 respectively.
- with Planning Commission, Government of India vide the Registration No. PY/2010/0028440
- with Home Ministry, Govt. of India for Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) vide Order No. 285130103 dated 21.04.2011.
- with Ministry of Commerce with Import and Export Code (IEC) No. 2511002400 dated 30.11.2011.
- with Department of Industries and Commerce, Govt. of Puducherry vide Order No. 340021103266 dated 02.04.2012.
