The members of Holy Cross Fathers accepted the responsibility in 1851 for the developmental undertakings in the territory of Northeast India. Holy Cross personnel were coming to Tripura from Dhaka for their activities on regular basis. Later since 1934, Holy Cross established its first permanent presence in Tripura that was ruled by the King Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya (1923 – 1947). Holy Cross quickly adapted a way of life that was marked by local culture, customs and food habits. They lived as friends and neighbours to the local communities whose lot they shared and whose wellbeing and socio – economic emancipation they ardently desired.

Holy Cross has been involved in formal and non-formal education along with the social service, aimed at socio – economic and human development in North East India. All development related activities were merged into the component of Integrated Human Development Program (IHDP) since 1990. IHDP was designed to promote the already existing rich cultural traditions of the region and to initiate village level development programs. Problems of insurgency and militancy, illiteracy and lack of infrastructural facilities did hamper the program of our people in the villages. But consistent and concreted efforts of IHDP have brought about tangible difference in the quality of life in the families and villages in Tripura.

It is 77 years since India our beloved Nation achieved Independence on 15th Aug’ 1947. Post Independence era has seen many rural developments programme through different five-year plans. However, it was a great challenge for policy makers and Govt agencies to ensure that people in the rural areas have the same quality of life as people living in the sub – urban and urban areas. Taking this insight seriously, Holy Cross was expanded and established with new action centers in Northeast India in the states of Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. Education and socio-developmental programs helped establish vibrant and active Christian communities among the people. With the growth of a number of high schools run by Holy Cross, the need for a college arose and finally was realized in June 2009 with the establishment of Holy Cross College in Agartala. ​
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In consideration to the experience for the several decades in Northeast India and in order to enhance the non – formal education and development works in the sphere, Association for Social and Human Advancement (ASHA) was established and registered as a Social Service Society in the year 1999 (Regd. No 3282/99). ASHA is the official social service wing of Holy Cross, North East India. ASHA strives to serve the people of Northeast particularly in the states of Tripura, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, and Mizoram through its 25 centers administered by Holy Cross members for socio-economic and human development. ASHA aims at the integral development of social and human potentials irrespective of race, creed and religious affiliations in a spirit of love, service, justice, equality and peace.