The person behind the
mission
The Founder
Dr. M. A. Saleem’s lifelong mission: tribal upliftment, education, agriculture, health, and national integration.
A life of
service
Driven by a belief in community
A commitment to rural development, dignity and opportunity has shaped Dr. M. A. Saleem’s work with communities over several decades.
Mr. M. A. Saleem is the founder President of CONARE (“Conservation of Nature through Rural Awakening”), a postgraduate in Sociology and Doctor of Philosophy (Humorous Causa) in the specialised area of Social Service, with a development career in the AWARE organization. His intensive efforts and commitment towards the development of tribal communities have created a significant impact among tribal families in education, agriculture and health.
In 1988, he joined as a Director in the Centre for Rural Youth Development (CRYD), undertaking watershed development and universalization of education programs. In 1990, he led a Bare Foot Rally (Pada Yatra) to draw attention to the severe drought situation in Achampet. The rally covered 20 villages and concluded at Palem.
In 1992, he led a Cycle Rally from Achampet, Telangana, to New Delhi to promote national integration and child welfare, and submitted a memorandum to Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma, then President of India.
In 1999, along with like-minded and socially committed people, he founded the CONARE organization and took up multi-level activities and projects related to rural development, environmental protection, women and child care, and forest conservation.
Work in
action
Commitment that reaches communities
From rural livelihoods to community gatherings, the work is rooted in listening, participation and action.
