About Organisation

Seven Sisters Development Assistance (SeSTA) www.sesta.org is a professionally managed,  non-governmental, not-for-profit organization initiated by a group of young professionals  engaged in different parts of North-East India. The name SeSTA is pronounced ‘Chesta’ and  means ‘Effort’ in Assamese.

It was begun with the idea of enhancing the capabilities of  vulnerable communities by creating a just and equitable society devoid of poverty and  identity-related crises, and by promoting and strengthening institutions in the north-eastern region of India.

SeSTA’s mission is to catalyse inclusive and sustainable development in the  North-East region of India by enhancing the capabilities of the rural communities.

With the aim to initiate socio-economic development in the North East region of India, a group of young professionals with years of experience from PRADAN (Professional Assistance For Development Action), found Seven Sisters Development Assistance (SeSTA) in 2011. The name SeSTA pronounced as ‘Chesta’ means ‘Effort’ in Assamese. A professionally managed and evolving not-for-profit organization, SeSTA is registered under Societies Registration Act (SRA), 1860.

Through the process of ‘Nirman’ (constructive development) it strives to build capabilities of vulnerable communities by creating a just and equitable society devoid of poverty and identity related crises by promoting and strengthening their institutions in the region. 

SeSTA mobilises women from some of the most vulnerable and marginalized sections of the society and helps them form a collective. Most of them belong to ST, SC, OBC and minority communities. Through this it understands aspiration, skill, knowledge and market opportunities available to them and families, accordingly involves them in devising sustainable livelihood systems for their better future. In turn, also uniting these women to become financially independent and enhance their sense of self.

• State: Assam

• City: Dispur