Working with tribal communities through education, social development and women empowerment.
What began as a cherished dream for a tribal mission in the forests of Bhadrachalam has grown into a continuing journey of education, healthcare, community development, social work and empowerment.
To accompany tribal and marginalized communities towards a future where every person can live with dignity, opportunity, justice and hope.
To work alongside tribal communities through education, healthcare, social development, leadership, livelihoods, culture and community participation.
The long-cherished dream of Rev. Fr. T. Balaiah to establish a mission for the tribal communities in the forests of Bhadrachalam became a reality in June 1992.
Most Rev. M. Joji, Bishop of Khammam, blessed the mission, while Fr. A.X.J. Bosco SJ, the then Jesuit Provincial, inaugurated the tribal mission in a rented house at Edugurrallapally, Chintoor Mandal.
In 1994, the people of Katukapally offered nine acres of land and invited the mission team to begin their activities there.
LITDS was therefore shifted to Katukapally in June 1994. In August, the Rev. Sisters of St. Ann of Luzern joined the mission and began the medical programme.
Katukapally
The educational programme began in a small thatched shed with 35 boarders. The mission's commitment to education became an important foundation for its continuing work with tribal children and families.
The Sisters went around villages distributing medicines to sick tribal people from around 55 villages.
CRS Hyderabad introduced the Mother and Child Health Programme by supporting pregnant women and children. This initiative later helped create pathways for organising women into Self-Help Groups.
Fr. Peter Daniel took charge of the mission. Along with him came the Sisters of St. Ann of Phirangipuram.
Their presence ushered in many activities, especially the organisation and strengthening of women's groups.
In 2015, Fr. Yesu Ratnam joined LITDS and introduced a stronger social-work dimension, expanding the mission's engagement with communities and development partners.
Social Work & Partnerships
Today, LITDS continues its journey of accompanying tribal communities through education, health, social development, women's empowerment, livelihoods, leadership and community participation.
The journey has evolved from a small tribal mission into a wider network of programmes and partnerships addressing the changing needs and aspirations of communities.
For more than three decades, LITDS has continued to walk alongside tribal communities — listening, learning, accompanying and creating opportunities for a more dignified and sustainable future.
At LITDS, we continue our commitment to tribal communities through education, healthcare, social development, vocational training, cultural preservation and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Community-Centred Development
Working together for sustainable change
At LITDS, we believe that every individual deserves the opportunity to live with dignity, hope and purpose. Guided by Jesuit values of faith, justice and service, we continue to work alongside tribal communities to create meaningful and lasting opportunities.
Today, our work combines direct services with community-based development initiatives implemented in collaboration with partner NGOs, CSR partners, community leaders and other stakeholders.
LITDS provides quality education to poor tribal children through Arrupe High School and supports students through scholarships and educational opportunities.
LITDS works with partner NGOs and CSR partners to implement community-focused initiatives including Lok Manch, MAIN-UPCOMING and Immersion India-UPCOMING.
LITDS promotes tribal culture, traditions and values through cultural programmes and a tribal museum established to preserve and share the rich heritage of tribal communities.
LITDS runs a dispensary on its campus, organises health camps in surrounding tribal villages and provides mobile health services to unreached communities.
LITDS provides vocational training to unemployed tribal youth in computer skills, tailoring, driving and bedside nursing, while supporting placements and entrepreneurship.
LITDS works with partner NGOs, CSR partners, community leaders and other stakeholders to expand opportunities and strengthen sustainable development.
Our work is rooted in values that shape how we serve, collaborate with communities and work towards lasting transformation.
LITDS demonstrates integrity by serving tribal communities with honesty, transparency and accountability. Through education, healthcare, livelihood and community development programmes, LITDS works to ensure 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 programmes. 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 education, healthcare, livelihood and social support initiatives, LITDS strives to improve lives and bring hope to those facing challenges.
Guided by our values
We serve with integrity, build for sustainability, include everyone, and respond with compassion.
LITDS is guided by a dedicated leadership team committed to serving tribal communities through education, social development, justice and sustainable community transformation.
Providing leadership and strategic direction to LITDS while strengthening its mission of serving tribal communities and promoting justice, dignity and sustainable development.
Supporting the spiritual and community mission of LITDS and contributing to programmes that promote human dignity, solidarity and meaningful service.
Contributing to the educational, pastoral and community-oriented mission of LITDS, with a focus on accompanying young people and communities in their development.
Together, our leadership and staff work alongside communities to turn our mission and values into meaningful action.
LITDS continues to build upon its experience, partnerships and community relationships to create meaningful opportunities for tribal children, families and youth.
Loyola Tribal Development Society (LITDS) operates from Katukapally Village in Chinturu Mandal and works alongside tribal communities across surrounding villages through education, healthcare, livelihood, women empowerment and community development initiatives.
Village
Katukapally Village
Mandal
Chinturu Mandal
District
Polavaram District
State & Country
Andhra Pradesh, India
From Bhadrachalam, travel towards Chinturu via the National Highway.
Bhadrachalam to Chinturu is approximately 30 km.
Regular buses and shared vehicles are available from Bhadrachalam Bus Station.
From Chinturu, local transport is available to Katukapally Village.
LITDS HEAD OFFICE
Katukapally
Main access route from Bhadrachalam to the LITDS headquarters.
LITDS works with tribal communities through education, women empowerment, social development, agriculture, kitchen gardens, healthcare and livelihood initiatives across multiple villages.
Katukapally
Head Office
LITDS
Project Coverage Map
Community Reach
From Katukapally to surrounding tribal villages, LITDS works alongside communities to create opportunities, strengthen local capacities and build a more dignified and sustainable future.
Working together with government agencies, institutions, corporations, NGOs and community organizations to create sustainable opportunities and lasting impact for tribal communities.
LITDS works with corporate and institutional partners to strengthen community development initiatives and expand opportunities for tribal children, youth, women and families.
Stronger Together
Through collaboration and shared responsibility, LITDS brings together different stakeholders to expand opportunities and strengthen sustainable development in tribal communities.