The year was 1981 when seven likeminded people from Uttarakhand, troubled by the low human development indicators of their state, resolved to take positive action. They belonged to Udham Singh Nagar- a plain area in the hill state which had seen the worst effects of migration and deprivation, and were deeply influenced by the Gandhian philosophies of Antodaya and Sarvodaya which they wished to put into action to better the lives of those in the region. They had three major concerns- women, children and the environment. Thus was born the Kumaon Sewa Samiti (KSS), registered in the year 1983-84 as a non-profit organization under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. In its journey so far it has focussed on women and children- who face the greatest brunt of deprivation, especially among the Tharus, Van Gujjars, migrants, the marginalised and the minorities. Since its inception, KSS has played a vital role in the struggle against poverty, discrimination and socio-economic inequalities. Over the years, KSS has worked through the length and breadth of Uttarakhand, Himanchal and Uttar Pradesh.