The foundation of umbrella organization for the welfare and development of tribal communities in different parts of the country was laid in the first conference of Adivasi Workers held on 24th April 1945 under the auspices Bhil Sewa Mandal Dahod, Gujrat, one of the pioneer institution started by Shri A.V. Thakkar (Thakkar Bappa). In this conference Shri Thakkar Bappa said, “It is gratifying to note that today many patriotic youths have come forward for the service of the Adivasis in the Jungle areas and further many institutions have been started in the country for work among the Adivasis. I think that it is the high time that the workers of the different institutions come together and compare notes and consider whether these institutions should not have their work coordinated. I am not in favour of All India organization immediately. I would prefer that the workers in the western part of India should ombine together in to an organization. I am trying to have such organisations formed in Madras, Bihar, Orissa and Assam and other Provinces of the country. I would then think of starting an All India organization.” Many such organisations have been set up during the Gandhian era at the inspiration of Mahatma Gandhi, who had included welfare of the tribals in the list of constructive activities. The Western India Adivasi Federation (Pashchim Hind Sevak Sangh) was started as a result of the deliberations at the first conference referred above. At the second conference held under the auspices of the Federation and skeleton of the Five Years Plan for the welfare of the Aborigines of the Bombay Province was drawn up by a Committee convened by Shri L.M. Shrikant, General Secretary of the Federation and submitted to the Chief Minister of Bombay state on 29th June 1946. It was in the year 1948, that Dr. Rajendra Prasad was approached to accept the Presidentship of an All India Organisation, which is now known as Bhartiya Adim Jati Sevak Sangh. A Conference was called by late Shri Thakkar Bappa on 24th and 25th October 1948 at Delhi where 37 social workers and anthropologists gathered together and after deliberations for 2 days resolved to constitute Bhartiya Adim Jati Sevak Sangh with Dr. Rajendra Prasad as the president, Shri Thakkar Bappa as the Vice President and Shri L.M. Shrikant as the Secretary. The Sangh’s work was carried on with the help of staff of Harijan Sevak Sangh up to 1949 when the separate office was opened with minimum staff and put under the charges of Shri D. Rangaiya as the Working Secretary.