A commitment to the cause of the education of the visually and physically challenged has been the aim of Samarthanam from the time it was set up in the year 1997. Mahantesh, Paul Mudda and Nagesh are the three visually impaired friends with a similar vision and mission of wanting to help the visually challenged to get access to higher education and create a niche for themselves in this highly competitive society.

The initial aim was to provide them with a roof over their heads to continue with their schooling. Over the years the Organization has grown both in numbers and in extension of activities. It has come to include students who are physically challenged and are also from economically weaker sections of society.

The activities include encouragement of learning, basic computer education, sports, cultural activities, sponsoring of mid-day meals to encourage primary education and tutoring services to children of a government school at Hulimavu (rural Bangalore)