The Jesuits who came for their formation experience to the backward districts of Thiruvannamalai and Villupuram personally witnessed the discrimination done to Arunthathiyars by the dominant caste groups and the deprivation of education, political ostracization and social exclusion. They felt that it was the opportune time for the Jesuits to mission themselves for the cause of Arunthathiyars in a tangible way by founding a Social Action Centre in Kilpennathur where the target people are thickly populated. AHAL Social Action Centre was started in 1999 spearheaded by Frs. Joeseph Michael, Eugine Muthu and Arockiaraj Raphael. The main thrust of starting a Social Action Centre was to empower Arunthathiar women, youth and children.