About
About SADHANA TRUST
SADHANA TRUST is a registered voluntary organization committed to transforming the lives of rural communities in Tamil Nadu, with a special focus on empowering women and children. Guided by the vision of creating a just and inclusive society, the Trust works at the grassroots level to promote dignity, equality, and self-reliance among marginalized groups. Our mission is to enable individuals and communities to improve their quality of life through access to education, healthcare, sustainable livelihoods, and social justice. SADHANA TRUST implements a wide range of community-based programs aimed at women’s empowerment, maternal and child health, child development, HIV/AIDS awareness, youth development, and environmental sustainability.
Through the formation and support of Self Help Groups (SHGs), we help women achieve financial independence and leadership. Our health initiatives provide antenatal care, health education, and support for individuals affected by HIV/AIDS. We also advocate for child rights, provide educational support and scholarships, and offer life skills training to children and youth. In the area of environment, we focus on waste management education and promote eco-friendly practices within the community. Our vocational training and career counseling services empower young people with the skills needed for employment and entrepreneurship.
To date, SADHANA TRUST has formed over 200 SHGs benefiting thousands of women, conducted more than 150 health camps reaching tens of thousands, supported the education of over 500 children, and trained over 1,000 youth in practical skills. Every initiative we undertake is rooted in collaboration, community participation, and a deep commitment to sustainable development. We invite individuals, organizations, and institutions to join us as volunteers, donors, or partners in building stronger, healthier, and more equitable communities.
Karnan Subburaj, M.A., M.B.A., is an accomplished Project Leader and Rural Development Specialist with over 17 years of experience in livelihood promotion, enterprise development, and the implementation of government programs. He has held key leadership roles, including Assistant Project Officer at the Tamilnadu Corporation for Development of Women, District Project Manager in the Tamilnadu Vazhndhu Kaattuvom Project, and Regional Manager with TNSRLM under the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of Tamil Nadu. In addition, he has served as a Project Leader for skill development initiatives in collaboration with various corporate partners across India, demonstrating his ability to lead large-scale, multi-stakeholder projects at both the grassroots and national levels.
Over the years, Mr. Subburaj has demonstrated strong leadership in the design and delivery of rural empowerment initiatives. He has visited all blocks of Tamil Nadu to monitor and support Village Level Federations (VLFs) and Village Poverty Reduction Committees (VPRCs). His role has been crucial in appraising and recommending proposals for the release of government funds to these grassroots institutions.
These funds primarily target differently-abled people, vulnerable women and elders, unemployed youth for skill development, and rural women entrepreneurs. Through his efforts, Mr. Subburaj has empowered thousands by facilitating access to resources that support income generation, entrepreneurship, and social inclusion at the village level.
Additionally, he has traveled extensively across India to support and implement skill development projects, further strengthening his expertise in scalable and sustainable livelihood models.
Karnan has managed projects worth ₹100+ crores, training and placing over 5,000 youth nationwide. He has facilitated 3,000+ SHGs and 300+ Panchayat Federations, enabling ₹110+ crores in credit access for women entrepreneurs. His inclusive efforts have supported 4,600+ differently-abled individuals and introduced scalable models in goat rearing, mental health, and agri-based livelihoods. He is also the author of several training and governance manuals used at the state level.
An entrepreneur at heart, Karnan founded Sadhana Trust for inclusive development, Happy Nest Agro Tourism Pvt. Ltd. for sustainable rural tourism, and local ventures like Deepika Super Market and KS Motors to support community-based livelihoods.
