A group of socially concerned persons with long and dedicated service and vast experience in the fields of socio economic development, decentralized planning, tribal development, infrastructure development, education, economic development, architecture, public works, structural engineering, water supply, civil services etc. came together in May, 2004 to bring their dreams to reality in the form of Institute for Societal Advancement (ISA). This was registered under the Travancore Cochin Literary, Scientific and Charitable Societies Act, Act XII of 1955.