The Madras Development Society (MDS) was founded in 1981 in Chennai by Dr. V.R.S. Sampath and a group of individuals interested in public and social activities. MDS' primary objective was to be an instrument of change in the society through creating awareness in various social issues, political issues, community development, human rights, environmental issues and welfare programs. The Madras Development Society used to organize seminars, workshops, training programs, conferences on the above subjects and also bring publications on various public issues. Dr. V.R.S. Sampath, founder and promoter of MDS is an advocate and noted social activist. Dr. V.R.S. Sampath has been a prominent person in the field of legal, educational, social and cultural and human rights in Chennai, India for the past thirty years.