The Founders

K. Arumugam who is currently associated with Upakar as Secretary. He has gathered over 20 years of working experience in the field of child labour, child rights and women development. With an academic background of Masters of Arts in Rural Development and M.Phil in Futurology has coordinated several child labour and child rights projects through different NGOs in Tamil Nadu particularly in Dindigul, Karur, Chennai and Nagapattinam. He has organised training programmes for child labourers, school students, youths, women, trade unions, school teachers, panchayat presidents, ward members and NGOs, etc.

About the organisation

Upakar Educational Society is a Non- Government Organisation (NGO) founded in 1996.
Upakar is a Hindi term, which means “HELP”. Upakar Educational Society is a Non- Government Organisation (NGO) working in the field of child labour, child rights, handicapped children and women development in Theni and Tirunelveli districts of Tamilnadu, India. Upakar Educational Society has been conducting education and health programmes for the working children engaged in textiles and garments industries, beedi rolling and in other hazardous occupations.

Association with Smile Foundation
Upakar Educational Society started the Smile Twin e-Learning Programme of Smile Foundation in 2007. It conducts the SteP course for the underprivileged youth in the district and provides them training in computers, English language, personality development and business management.

Other activities at Upakar Educational Society

Rehabilitation Programme for Orphaned Children in Madurai

School Level Child Rights & Education

Skill Training for Street and Working Children