Many hands, one mission. From our board of directors to our field teams, every member carries forward the Gandhian vision that defines India Nirman Sangh.
- Sahaya Jacintha is our calm, clear-headed field supervisor. She has a sharp eye for numbers and spots any tiny slip in group accounts. She brings strength and steady support to all our field work.
- K. Muthumari, who prefers to be called Chitra, cares for our women’s groups in Palani. She’s firm when someone tries to bend the rules, but also knows how to nudge our women to dream bigger. Her soft spot? Her much-loved pet dog.
- S. Violet, fondly known as Violet Akka, looks after our groups in Pudukadu, Chellapuram, and the Observatory areas of Kodaikanal. Whether you need practical help or simply a kind shoulder to cry on – she’s just a call away. She’s also our go-to person for home herbal cures.
- R. Muthulakshmi takes care of our women’s groups in Kodaikanal town. A single mother who has raised two wonderful children on her own, she understands and feels deeply for the women we work with.
- R. Sathyavani, or Sathya as everyone calls her, looks after our groups in the villages of the Lower Hills. She and her little scooty brave bad roads—and the occasional elephant or wild gaur—to reach our scattered villages.
- Y. Rani wears many hats. She runs our carpentry workshop and also looks after our women’s groups in Pallangi. To her members, she’s more than a supervisor—she’s like a mother, always there with a helping hand.
- Kavitha and Kalleeshwari Kavitha and Kalleeshwari run our shop. They do more than just sell products. They have made the shop a centre for the community. They also make and sell delicious donuts, vadais and poornams
- Y. Prabhavati is our ever-dependable accountant, who also steps in for sales, purchases, and anything else that needs doing. She’s also mom to an adorable pair of twins.
- M. Shashikala is one of our senior tailors at the tailoring centre. Quiet, patient, and focused, her work is always flawless and always on time.
- P. Anusya, our other senior tailor, is quick to learn and always eager to pick up new skills – an inspiration to everyone around her.
- V. Balambikai, better known as Ambika, is a tailor who is shy and soft-spoken but deeply dedicated. She’s meticulous about every stitch she makes.
- Ganga Devi brings a spark to our tailoring centre with her impish humour and easy chatter. Often, her little daughter and her dog Bablu tag along to keep her company.
- Saroja Devi is our skilled carpenter. Along with a colleague, she crafts beautiful wooden coffee tables, coasters and more. She somehow manages this all while raising three young children.
- Ramesh Kannan and Rani, our farm couple, live on the Gandhi Farm at Vadakavunchi and keep it thriving. Ramesh is a farmer at heart, while Rani’s delicious lunches make our Gandhian ethics workshops even more special.
- Mani Pulimood is one of our Directors. He’s that rare mix of sharp business sense and a mind that often drifts into thoughtful, philosophical musings. He calls Ernakulam home.
- R. Udhayakumari is also a Director at India Nirman Sangh. Back when she was a councillor in the Kodaikanal Municipal Corporation, she demonstrated that one can work honestly and still accomplish things for the people who trust them.
- David Barun Kumar Thomas is our founding Director. He founded the India Nirman Sangh because he believed that if you see poverty around you, you can’t just stand by – you have to take action. When he’s not busy with us, you’ll probably find him deep in a book or putting his love for writing and history to good use.
- Smriti Lamech is our Executive Advisor. A communications expert with over 25 years of experience, she’s happiest when she’s lifting up women’s voices or dreaming up creative products that tell a story. Women’s empowerment and craft vie for first place in her heart.