Adivasimitra Welfare Society emerged from the passion and commitment of six tribal youth who recognized the urgent need to address the marginalized status and rights of Adivasi communities in the tribal heartlands of Andhra Pradesh, India. This group of visionary individuals formed an independent tribal organization named Adivasi Mitra Welfare Society in Paderu Mandal with a primary focus on issues related to land and forest conflicts, education, and the holistic development of the tribal community.

Key Milestones:

1. Formation (1996):  Officially registered Adivasi Mitra Welfare Society under the Andhra Pradesh Public Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860 on December 18, 1996. At the beginning, the organization operated with four staff members and concentrated its development programs exclusively on scheduled tribes.

2. Fellowship Support (1996-1998): In the initial years (1996-1998), Adivasi Mitra received fellowship support from Samata, a renowned National NGO known for its historical Samata Judgement in 1997. During this period, the organization actively engaged in advocacy and work related to tribal rights.

3. Partnership with CRYNET (1998-2010): Between 1998 and 2010, Adivasi Mitra collaborated with CRYNET, a large rural network in Andhra Pradesh. This partnership aimed at improving the living conditions of the tribal population. The organization expanded its team to 12 staff members and underwent training in various areas, including Training of Trainers (TOT), Leadership, Gender Mainstreaming, Community Mobilization, and Livelihood Enhancement.

4. Legal Sanctions (2010-2012): Adivasi Mitra achieved significant milestones between 2010 and 2012 by obtaining legal sanctions such as 12A, 80G, and FCRA, providing a solid foundation for its operations.

5. Mother Tongue Education Agreement (2011): In 2011, Adivasi Mitra entered into an agreement with NEG-FIRE, a New Delhi-based agency, to work on Mother Tongue Education in tribal Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) villages. This initiative continues to be a crucial aspect of Adivasimitra's work.

6. Collaboration with BFTW (2015-Present): Since 2015, Adivasi Mitra has been collaborating with Bread for the World (BFTW) on projects related to the self-governance and sustainable development of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) in Adivasi communities. In 2019, Adivasi Mitra joined the Ap Network project of BfdW, focusing on Culture and Education, further expanding its reach and impact.

7. Natural Farming Initiative - (2022-Present): In the year 2022, Adivasimitra  embarked on a significant project in collaboration with the Azim Premji Philanthropic Initiative, focusing on promoting natural farming practices. 

Adivasi Mitra Welfare Society's journey reflects a commitment to empowering Adivasi communities, advocating for their rights, and fostering sustainable development through strategic partnerships and continuous evolution.