OUR first initiative was an intensive literacy campaign launched in 1986 entitled 'Operation 100%'  The goal of the campaign was to assist Perur's population in the 15 to 35 age groups, to become literate. Thanks to this innovative program, Perur attained close to 80% literacy rate, which is significantly higher than the national average. Since this first step, the Ashram's activities have expanded over the past two decades, now including 8 program areas and over 30 projects & ongoing programmes, allowing for closer interactions with people, communities, institutions & governments. Shanti Ashram has become a center for international development, learning and collaboration.

SARVODAYA as articulated by Mahatma Gandhi, provides the vision for Shanti Ashram. Through a commitment to constructive social action, the Ashram strives to serve as a catalyst to empower the different sections of rural communities in particular,  and the society at large.  The Ashram was founded in 1986 by Dr. M. Aram and Mrs. Minoti Aram along with fellow Gandhians. The principal feature of the Ashram's activities has been the direct and proactive involvement of the village communities  in its people-centered programs.

THE service areas in which we focus our efforts for integrated rural development locally are Perur and Madukkarai Blocks.  These blocks are made up of 40 villages and have a population of over 200,000 people.  Situated in Southern India, Shanti Ashram has also been implementing countrywide programmes and collaborating with international agencies. Comprehensive and integrated approaches to various problems of rural development are adopted by the Ashram, as we believe that community development should begin at the village level. Over the past decade the Ashram's experience covering both micro-level and macro-level interventions has generated useful information and knowledge.

SHANTI ASHRAM has adopted the Service Area model wherein the village constitutes an individual service unit. A team of committed staff coordinate program implementation in each of the 40 villages. Complementing the work of the Ashram's field staff are the leaders and members of the community based organizations, including Women's Self-Help Groups, Illainjer Mandrams (youth groups), Panchayat members (people's elected representatives) and Farmers' Associations. The Ashram has consciously sought community participation from program conceptualization to evaluation. Shanti Ashram has had the pleasure of collaborating with different agencies locally, nationally and internationally, including UN agencies, Government of India, Gandhian Institutions, Development organizations, Universities, Research Centers, Volunteer groups & Individuals.