Working with tribal communities through education, social development and women empowerment.
The long-cherished dream of Rev. Fr. T. Balaiah to have a mission for the tribals in the forest of Bhadrachalam became a reality in June 1992. Most Rev. M. Joji, Bishop of Khammam at that time, blessed the mission and Fr. A.X.J. Bosco SJ, the then Jesuit Provincial, inaugurated the tribal mission in a rented house in Edugurrallapally, Chintoor Mandal, Khammam District. Fr. T. Balaswamy and Scholastics Raju and V.S. George (Brothers in religious training then) formed the pioneering team of the tribal mission. In 1994, the people of Katukapally gave 9 acres of land and invited the team to begin their activities there. Thus, LITDS was shifted to Katukapally in June 1994. The Rev. Sisters of St. Ann of Luzern joined LITDS to take up the medical programme in August 1994. The educational programme began in a small thatched shed with 35 boarders in June 1995. The Sisters went around the villages distributing medicines to the sick tribes from around 55 villages.
Though the tribes ran away from them in the initial stages, the love and compassion of the Sisters won the hearts of the tribes slowly. CRS Hyderabad came up with their Mother and Child Health Programme by distributing bulgar, oil and SB powder to pregnant ladies and children in October 1996. This programme paved the way to organise the women into Self-Help Groups later on. In 1997, the Sisters of St. Aloysius Gonzaga from Pondicherry joined the team but their stay was limited to only one year. In 1998, Fr. Peter Daniel took charge of the mission and along with him came the Sisters of St. Ann of Phirangipuram. Their presence ushered in a lot of activities, especially in organising women groups. Since its inception, the following Jesuits served this mission: Fr. Christuraj Fr. Amar Rao Fr. Papaiah Fr. Irudayam Fr. Selvin Augustine Fr. Jeyaseelan Fr. Marianayagam Fr. Neerakkal Mathew Fr. Thumma Sunil Schol. Simon Fr. Jagadeesh Fr. Anand Fr. Kishore Fr. Velanganni Fr. Thomas Fr. Sudhakar Pratap Fr. Peter Fr. Kamalakar Fr. Asheer Fr. Yesu Ratnam At present, Fr. Jayasheelan is the Superior, Fr. Dr.M.G. Selvin Raj is the Director of LITDS, Fr. Naresh is warden of Loyola hostel and Schol. Rex Kumar is doing his regency. Two sisters from the congregation of the St.Ann's Phirangipuram namely Sr. Annie Thomas is the HM of Arrupe High School, Sr. Samadhanam is the warden of girls hostel, are serving the mission with great zeal.
Transforming Lives Through Education, Health, Empowerment, and Sustainable Development.
Director, LITDS
At LITDS, we believe that every individual deserves the opportunity to live with dignity, hope, and purpose. Guided by the Jesuit values of faith, justice, and service, we are committed to empowering tribal communities through education, healthcare, women's empowerment, and sustainable development initiatives.
Our mission extends beyond providing services; we strive to create lasting transformation by equipping children with quality education, ensuring access to healthcare for remote communities, promoting livelihood opportunities for youth, and empowering women to become leaders within their families and communities.
Through our schools, health camps, mobile clinics, skill development programs, self-help groups, and community development initiatives, we work hand in hand with tribal families to build a future where every child can learn, every family can thrive, and every community can prosper.
The achievements of LITDS are made possible through the collective efforts of our dedicated staff, community leaders, partners, donors, and the resilient communities we serve. Together, we continue to create opportunities that inspire hope and drive sustainable change.
Thank you for your support and partnership in this journey of transformation. Together, we can build a more just, inclusive, and hopeful future for all.
Director, LITDS
Together with tribes towards liberation.
Education, Health, Empowerment & Environment.
LITDS demonstrates integrity by serving tribal communities with honesty, transparency, and accountability. Through education, healthcare, livelihood, and community development programs, LITDS ensures that support reaches those who need it most, building trust and empowering tribal families to live with dignity and self-reliance.
LITDS promotes sustainability by empowering tribal communities with long-term solutions in education, healthcare, livelihoods, agriculture, and natural resource management. By building local capacities and encouraging community participation, LITDS helps create self-reliant communities that can thrive for generations.
LITDS embraces inclusiveness by ensuring that every individual, regardless of gender, age, social status, or background, has equal opportunities to participate in and benefit from development programs. By valuing diversity and promoting community participation, LITDS works towards creating a society where everyone is respected, heard, and empowered.
LITDS demonstrates compassion by standing with vulnerable tribal communities and responding to their needs with care, respect, and empathy. Through its education, healthcare, livelihood, and social support initiatives, LITDS strives to improve lives and bring hope to those facing challenges.
Loyola Tribal Development Society (LITDS) operates from Katukapally Village in Chinturu Mandal, serving tribal communities across the region.
Katukapally Village
Chinturu Mandal
Polavaram District
Andhra Pradesh, India
Main Access Route: Bhadrachalam → National Highway → Chinturu → Katukapally
LITDS works with tribal communities through education, women empowerment, social development, agriculture, kitchen gardens and livelihood initiatives across multiple villages.
Working together with government agencies, institutions, corporations, and community organizations to create sustainable impact.