About Us
We aim to empower communities to build sustainable livelihoods, strengthen self-reliance, and promote inclusive development through people-led institutions.
We aim to empower communities to build sustainable livelihoods, strengthen self-reliance, and promote inclusive development through people-led institutions.
Human and Natural Resources Development Society (HANDS) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization established in 1994 in Ananthapuram District, Andhra Pradesh, by Mr. M. N. Swamy along with committed social workers, farmers, gender specialists, and environmentalists, with a vision to build a just, self-reliant, and sustainable society. Registered under the Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860, HANDS has over two decades of experience across the Rayalaseema region, working in both rural and urban areas to empower BPL and marginalized communities, including Dalits, Adivasis (STs), Backward Classes, minorities, women, persons with disabilities, youth, and high-risk groups. HANDS operates through two core sectors—Human Resources Development (HRD) and Natural Resources Development (NRD)—focusing on livelihood promotion, women’s empowerment, health and education, child and adolescent development, agroforestry, climate-resilient agriculture, water and soil conservation, and eco-restoration. Adopting a people-centric and participatory approach, HANDS strengthens Village Level People Institutions (VLPIs), Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and community networks, while working in convergence with government schemes, CSR partners, and financial institutions to promote sustainable livelihoods and environmental conservation. Guided by the belief of “Joining HANDS for supporting distressed people in society,” the organization remains committed to building resilient communities and a healthier planet.
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On the occasion of International World AIDS Day, the four HANDS HIV Prevention Units organized HIV/AIDS awareness programs in Gooty (Ananthapuramu), Dhone (Kurnool), Pathikonda and Nandikotkur (Nandyala) districts of Andhra Pradesh. Prior to the day, week-long awareness sessions were conducted in mandal-level schools and colleges. On 1st December, rallies were organized at PU headquarters with the support of Area Hospitals, ICTC staff, police officials, teachers, and students. The rallies were inaugurated by judicial, police, and hospital authorities. Participants marched through main roads and town circles, spreading HIV/AIDS awareness through slogans and pamphlet distribution. Human chains were formed at major junctions, followed by an HIV awareness pledge led by ICTC Counsellors. The events concluded successfully with strong community participation, reinforcing the message of awareness, responsibility, and a healthier society.
With the support of Operation Smile – Bangalore, HANDS conducted a month-long Cleft Lip and Palate Awareness Campaign in November 2025 across mandal headquarters of Guntakal, Tadipatri, Nandyala, and Kalyanadurg constituencies in Andhra Pradesh. The campaign included auto rallies with public announcements, pamphlet distribution at hospitals, schools, PHCs, Anganwadi centres, and public places, with support from Mahila Mandals, Women Samakyas, and local CSOs. Through this outreach, 25 patients were identified. After screening, 8 patients were selected and referred on 27 November 2025 to Penmamanani Hospital, Vijayawada, for free surgical treatment under the Operation Smile program.
HANDS – Gooty conducted a Power Weeder demonstration on 9 May 2025 at Gooty, Ananthapuramu District, under the project Promotion of Agri-tech Enterprises in Rural Agroforestry, with support from Say Trees Environmental Trust, Bangalore. The programme introduced farmers and rural youth to small-scale farm mechanization, showcasing power weeders and attachments for efficient weed management in agroforestry plantations. A total of 65 participants, including farmers, youth entrepreneurs, and VL-AFC leaders, attended the live field demonstration. The initiative highlighted reduced drudgery, improved productivity, and emerging entrepreneurship opportunities through community-based agri-tech services.
The Agroforestry Carbon Credit Program is a climate-resilient initiative designed to address increasing dry spells and recurrent drought conditions in …
In many underserved communities, women traders and micro-entrepreneurs face chronic challenges due to limited access to capital and dependence on …
Access to safe surgical care remains a challenge for many children and adults in underserved communities, especially those affected by …
HANDS – Human And Natural Resources Development Society is a key implementing partner of HIV/AIDS Targeted Intervention (TI) programs in …
Account Number -
19027531873
Bank -
Andhra Pradesh Grameena Bank
Branch -
Gooty
IFSC Code -
UBIN0CG7999
All donations are eligible for tax savings under 80G.