Historical Background

TASOSS was inspired, initiated and promoted by the Directors of the Diocesan Social Service Societies in Tamilnadu and Pondicherry.

It was in February 1975, during the severe drought in Tamilnadu, that the Directors had the opportunity to come together, share their experiences and plan to effectively handle the drought situation. A committee known as the Drought Relief Committee was formed with all the Directors as members. The Committee met often and facilitated sharing of experiences and mobilization of resources, internal and external and proper implementation of relief activities. In some of the meetings, the regional priorities were discussed.

Again during the floods and cyclone in 1977 and 1978, the Directors met to discuss the situation in the region, the impact of the calamity and the relief and rehabilitation measures to be taken up.

From then on, the need was felt to have a Regional body, which would co-ordinate and facilitate activities of member societies and at the same time evolve regional priorities for effective implementation. This body would provide necessary services to member societies and the people of the region at large.

Formation and Registration

Thus, after much reflection and discussion, the Directors together with the Bishop of Coimbatore Most.Rev.Dr.M.Ambrose, decided to form a regional body. Accordingly, Tamilnadu Social Service Society (TASOSS) was formed on 9th February, 1979 and was registered on 4th May, 1979, under the Tamilnadu Societies Registration Act of 1975, at Tiruchirapalli.