SHODH started working informally in the year 1994, and was formally established in 1997. A group of like-minded people founded SHODH to undertake studies on various socio-economic aspects of rural and tribal people, and environment. Instead of remaining restricted to theoretical research, activities to promote all round development of rural and tribal areas, restoration of ecological balance, human resource development in tribal areas, emancipation of women, and child development were also visualized. With these objectives in mind, SHODH undertook many activities, which included both action and research. An extension to its research endeavours was made in the year 2000 when it became a part of Indiana University's International Forestry and Resources Institutions (IFRI) research program. SHODH was made a collaborative Research Center (CRC) of IFRI under this program.