Activists for Social Alternatives (ASA) is a registered NGO that works in the drought-prone, poverty-ridden area of central Tamil Nadu, India. ASA started its operations in 1986 with the objective of addressing the rights of the downtrodden and the exploited Dalit community. Its activities include interventions in the areas of watershed development, drought and flood relief, skills training, lobbying and advocacy. It initiated microfinance activities in 1992 via the establishment of a separate entity, the Grama Vidiyal Trust that provides microfinance combined with business development services to its clients.