In 1994, Renate and Shashi Desai settled in the remote village of B. Dharmathupatti, near Bodinayakanur in the district of Theni in Tamil Nadu, South India. They very quickly fell in love with the people of the area, but recognized the challenges that many of them — particularly those that are often marginalized in rural society — faced.

Committed to make a difference, Renate and Shashi were motivated to provide services that could transform the lives of children, women and the elderly in the area. Their comprehensive plan included providing free medical care and improving education, vocational skills, job opportunities, and infrastructure. Within a month, they were joined by Mr. S. Mohamed Sheik Ibrahim and his wife Stella.

In memory of Shashi's father, Ambelal and Renate's father Heinrick, they soon formed the Ambelal Henrick Memorial (AHM) Trust.

Our vision is to create a society that is free of eradicable diseases, child abuse and women's oppression within our working area in South India.