SADHANA was born out of the dream of a group of like minded persons who together believe that it is possible to bring about communities where people with any kind of deprivation and disability are treated equally and rightfully as part of one society. This belief is expressed in its vision, mission and objectives.
The Society for Action in Disability and Health Awareness (SADHANA) was founded on October 2, 1996. On March 21, 1997, SADHANA became a legally registered society under the Societies Registration Act of 1860. This marked the beginning of SADHANA’s involvement in the rehabilitation and inclusion of persons with disabilities in 20 villages in the Baripada Block and 6 wards of the Baripada Municipality started in 1999 in the rural areas of Mayurbhanj.
In year 1999, SADHANA was registered under section 12A of the Income Tax Act of 1961 and gained the credibility of a social organisation exempted from paying income taxes for its contribution to the society. In 2001, SADHANA was registered under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act of 1976 with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India and was eligible to receive support from foreign donors.
In 2006, SADHANA expanded its interventions to the entire Baripada Block having 100 villages. In 2009, SADHANA expanded its interventions to include 6 Gram Panchayats in the Suliapada Block. Throughout its journey, SADHANA has worked towards improving the lives of marginalized groups to tribal people, particularly persons with disabilities, and promoting inclusive communities.