The “National Rural and Research Development Association” is a registered voluntary organization working in the tribal region of Thane District of Maharashtra State in the field of rural development for more than seven years. It has promoted self-help groups among farmers, women and youth. It has provided necessary training, motivation and skills to them for critically analyzing their problems and coming out with suitable plan of action for their development. The training is entirely based on participatory learning methods.  Hence, according to the local problems and issues, the development activities in agriculture, environment, health, education, collective employment, applied research etc. were all undertaken. The organization is working in more than 75 villages in Jawhar block, 100 villages in Mokhada block and 10 villages in Vikramgad block of Thane District of Maharashtra. It has established links with various NGOs, government and other agencies and is undertaking consulting, and training and support service. NARAD’s long term objective is to grow scope of work in the 300 villages of Jawhar, Wada, Vikramgad, Mokhada and Bhivandi block (in Thane district, Maharashtra)