A Greener Livelihood Endowed with Equity, Dignity, and Justice.
A grassroots NGO Working for Sustainable Rural Development in Tamil Nadu, India.
Rural Organization for Social Education (ROSE) is a grassroots, non-governmental, non-profit organization established in 1993 in Pudukkottai District, Tamil Nadu, India. ROSE emerged from the collective aspirations of young people from downtrodden and marginalized rural families, including marginal farmers, landless laborers, and women who have directly experienced poverty, social discrimination, and chronic drought.
ROSE currently works across 68 villages in the Annavasal, Arimalam, Pudukkottai, Aranthangi, Manamelkudi, and Thiruvarankulam blocks, focusing on the empowerment of women, children, Dalit communities, unorganized workers, and coastal poor populations.
A Greener Livelihood Endowed with Equity, Dignity, and Justice.
ROSE was founded under the leadership of Mr. A. Adhappan, Founder and Managing Director, a committed social activist who began his journey in the early 1980s by organizing and liberating bonded laborers from stone quarries in Pudukkottai, often at significant personal risk.
A transformative meeting in 1992 with renowned natural scientist Mr. Nammalvar inspired a shift toward organic farming, ecological restoration, and sustainable agriculture. Along with Ms. Ahila Bharathi, Joint Director and agriculture graduate, ROSE has converted degraded lands into mini-forests and promoted eco-friendly livelihood programs.
Formation and strengthening of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), leadership training, legal awareness, and vocational skill development.
Promotion of zero-budget and chemical-free farming, conservation of indigenous rice and millet varieties, and climate change mitigation practices.
Running creche units, forming children parliaments, preventing school dropouts, and protecting rights of children.
Facilitating access to government social security schemes for unorganized laborers.
Afforestation, biodiversity conservation, and water harvesting initiatives, including farm pond construction.
ROSE is a registered non-profit trust under the Indian Trust Act, 1882 (Reg. No. 201/93). The organization is FCRA compliant and holds 12A and 80G Income Tax exemptions. Governance is overseen by a seven-member Board, supported by professional staff and volunteers.
ROSE collaborates with national and international partners including NABARD, American Jewish World Service (AJWS), Terre des Hommes (Germany), and the Global Green Fund.
ROSE welcomes partnerships with individuals, institutions, and organizations committed to inclusive, equitable, and environmentally just rural development. Together, we strive to build resilient communities and a greener future.