The Society for Participatory Action and Reflection (SPAR) has been actively engaged in the development and welfare of marginalized communities in the Indian states of Odisha, West Bengal, and Jharkhand since its establishment in 1991. Over the years, SPAR has made significant strides in promoting the well-being and empowerment of the tribal communities in the state of Odisha, West Bengal and Jharkhand.

At present Odisha and West Bengal serves as a focal point for SPAR’s direct intervention initiatives, focusing on areas such as Livelihood development, Health, and Nutrition, Child Protection and Anti Human Trafficking. The organization’s efforts are concentrated in the Similipal Biosphere Reserve, a region renowned for its rich biodiversity and Coovhbehar, Dakhin Dinajpur, Jalpaiguri. This unique ecosystem is home to several indigenous tribal communities, including the Santal, Ho, Bhumij, Bathudi, and Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) such as the Hill Khadia, Mankedia, and Lodha.

SPAR’s work in the regions represents a commendable commitment to the principles of participatory development, where local communities are actively involved in the decision-making and implementation processes. This approach empowers these marginalized communities to take ownership of their development, fostering sustainable change and improving their overall quality of life.