About IVC
A locally run Indian organization connecting international volunteers with grassroots NGOs.
Born from a genuine concern
Our History
The story of India Volunteer Care began long before its official launch in 2013. It traces back to the founding of Prime Educational and Social Trust in 2002 by Mr. S. M. Arasu, a social entrepreneur who grew up in a rural village and witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by women, children, and marginalized communities.
Motivated by a desire to create meaningful and lasting change, he established Prime Trust with a vision of empowering vulnerable communities through education, livelihood opportunities, healthcare, and social development. One of the trust's earliest initiatives was Janani Home for Girls, a home dedicated to supporting underprivileged children and providing them with opportunities for a brighter future.
As the organization grew, so did the need for passionate individuals who shared the same commitment to service. This led to the creation of India Volunteer Care in 2013, the volunteer engagement initiative of Prime Trust. Today, with the support of more than 800 volunteers from around the world, IVC continues to promote education, empowerment, cultural exchange, and sustainable development.
“To us all towns are one, all men our kin”
— Thirukkural
Registration
India Volunteer Care is a non-profit organisation registered in Puducherry with the Indian Trusts Act of 1882.
What drives us
Our Mission
Our mission is to bring together compassionate international and domestic volunteers with communities in need, creating opportunities to teach, support, inspire, and learn from one another. Through every lesson taught, skill shared, and smile created, we strive to foster meaningful change and build stronger, more empowered communities across India.
Our Vision
We envision an India that smiles together, grows together, and stands together, where empathy inspires action, communities support one another, and every individual has the opportunity to create and experience meaningful change.
Our Values
We value transparency, integrity, empathy, inclusivity, cultural exchange, and collaboration. We believe that every act of service has the power to create meaningful change, and we welcome everyone who is committed to learning, contributing, and making a positive impact in their communities.
Prime Trust
Our Sister Organization
India Volunteer Care was created in 2010 by the staff of Prime Trust, another local NGO. The two organizations share many resources and their offices are within walking distance of each other.
Founded in 2002, Prime Trust has three main focus points: empowering women, educating children, and providing social awareness. Prime Trust accepts all of its volunteers through IVC.
Visit Prime TrustShared Goals
Empowering women through skills training and microfinance
Educating underprivileged children for a brighter future
Creating social awareness on health and hygiene
Building sustainable communities from the ground up
Meet the Trustees
S. M. Arasu
Founder & Director
Mr. Arasu is the Founder Director of India Volunteer Care, Prime Trust and Akshaya Women Federation. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Zoology from University of Madras, Master's Degree in Environmental Sciences from Annamalai University and Bachelor's degree in Education from Pondicherry University. He guides the organization with strategic planning, expansion and fund raising.
Frederick Maria Arasu
Trustee
A graduate in Electrical and Electronics Engineering and Master's degree in Management from Pondicherry University. He works for Nippon Mutual Funds as the Branch Head. He is in charge of finance and marketing.
Caroline Maria Arasu
Trustee
A graduate in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Pondicherry University and holds a Master's degree in Management from Amrita School of Business, Coimbatore. She works for Amazon India Private Ltd as Team Manager. She is in charge of contacting donors in France and other European countries.
Jeanne Francoise
Managing Trustee
A graduate in History from Annamalai University who takes care of recruitment and programs. She is in charge for all operations on finance and works on a full time basis.
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