SEARCH is a 34-year-old non-profit organization working in the vulnerable, semi-tribal and deprived district of Gadchiroli on the easternmost corner of Maharashtra. Its vision is to achieve 'Aarogya Swaraj', empowering individuals and communities to take charge of their own health and help them achieve freedom from disease and dependence. SEARCH has done pioneering work in maternal and newborn health, tribal health, women's health, reduction of alcohol & tobacco, and non-communicable diseases that has won accolades internationally including WHO Public Health Champion, TIME Global Health Heroes, MacArthur Foundation Award for Most Effective Institutions, Dr. Sheshadri Gold Medal of the Indian Council of Medical Research and National Award for Women’s Development. Founded by Padma Shri Dr. Abhay Bang and Dr. Rani Bang, SEARCH follows a participatory model, whereby the community's health needs are taken into account while working on the intervention areas. The community members are empowered to work as health messengers and workers (Aarogya Doot) to educate the larger community on health topics and provide preventive and curative care.