AIRD Team

• S.Olaganathan is an English major graduate and has two decade of experience in rural development with expertise in microfinance, livelihood promotion, and community institution building. Having served in senior level positions in development organisations and in the governance of Community owned business entities, currently he is a freelance development consultant.

• Mrs. Suseela is a school teacher by profession. She has worked in schools in Ramnathapuram areas and currently serves as a correspondent in an Arts and Science College in Ramanathpuram district

• Thomas has completed his Masters in English Literature and in NGO Management. He has eight years varied experience as a development professional in HIV/AIDS care and support, network management and community enterprise development. Functional responsibilities covered monitoring and evaluation, knowledge management, data mining, donor relations, and capacity building of stakeholders. Currently he teaches in the American College, Madurai

• Vijayalakshmi has completed her Masters in Counselling & Psychotherapy, and Women Studies. She has fifteen years of experience in the field of social work and community development with specific focus in women empowerment and microfinance. Currently she is the Director of Sudar Foundation, an organization supporting women's career in Madurai, South India.

• Gnana Surabhi Mani has a Master of Arts [M.A.] degree. Formerly he was the Director of Resource Centre for People's Education and Development, an NGO based in Madurai, Tamilnadu. He has been in the field of social action and community development for more than three decades.

• Chandrasekeran, a qualified medical professional, has experience in both clinical and community health areas. In addition, he holds a Fellowship in HIV Medicine from Christian Medical College, Vellore, and training in Counseling and Psychotherapy. He is a qualified technical specialist and trainer in Reproductive health, STD, and HIV/AIDS. Currently works as Medical Manager in SAATHII, Chennai.

• Mrs.K.Vijaya, has Eighteen years of professional and social work Experience in the development sector. She holds a bachelor degree in Sociology. She is the Founder & Secretary of the Virutcham Magalir Munnetra Kalanjiam (VMMK), an NGO based in Virudhunagar. She has received the award for the best NGO in Tamil Nadu at the State Level for its contribution to Women Development from the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu in 2013.Mrs.K.Vijaya is also member of various committees in the district which includes Committee for Crime against Women, Taluk Level Free Legal Advisory committee, Eve Teasing Committee, Child Help Line, Women Help Line, Consumer Protection Committee, Committee for Enquiring about the Sexual Abuse and Sexual Harassment occurred to Women in Working Places, District Level Advisory Committee - PCPNDT, and Vice President of the National Council for Labour (NCL) - a National Level Trade Union.

• Reji Chandra, a development consultant, has Masters Degree in Humanities and Social Science, and diploma in project management, and development documentation; and done an Executive Development Programme at INSEAD Business School. He has more than 20 years experience in development project management, training, and networking. He has facilitated thematic workshops, served as a consultant in many national and international assignments, and presented in international and national forums on development themes. Currently coordinates a team of development professionals.

Mr.R.Thomas Peter, Director, has Masters degree in Sociology and child Care & Education, Post graduate Diploma in Community Health & Development, Community Health Management and Personnel Management & Labour Laws and more than 20 years experience in community health and development sectors in the capacities of field level project coordination and administration at field-cum-office levels being the supervisory and executive level functionary.

Mr.A.Jeyakumar, Project Manager, Targeted Intervention Programme, has a Masters degree in Social Work with Psychiatry and Counseling specialization and has more than seven years of experience in the fields of Psychiatric counseling & HIV/AIDS.

Ms.R.Ananthi, Monitoring & Evaluation - cum - Accounts Officer, has a Masters degree in Computer Science and has done Tally Software Course in Accounting and has one and a half years of experience.

AIRD currently has seven full time outreach staff that coordinates the field activities with the support of Volunteers and Community leaders.