History of the organization
Island Trust which is the acronym of ‘Indo Sri Lankan Development Trust’ is a registered charitable organization working in the Nilgiris district.
The Trust was registered in July 1984 to deliver relief and rehabilitation services to the Repatriates of Indian Tamil population who were returned to their mother country India from Sri Lanka by an agreement (pact) between the governments of India and Sri Lanka in the year 1964. By this agreement the Indian people who were working in the plantations of Tea, Coffee and Rubber were repatriated to India. The Indian Government helped them to settle down in different districts of Tamil Nadu and nearby states with housing and employment opportunities.
Island Trust was originally founded by Founder Bro. A. T. Alphonse, Thiru. S. Thiruchenduran, Fr. Cutinha S. J., Fr. Dominic George S. J., Mr. R. R. Sivalingam to support these repatriated Tamils from Sri Lanka by providing them with shelter. Over time, the organization placed increasing emphasis on education, autonomy, and political awareness. In 2001, the non-governmental organization (NGO) shifted its focus to the marginalized tribal communities - the indigenous people of the Nilgiris. More recently, its programs have expanded to include care for HIV-positive individuals and differently-abled people.