AIRD Team

• S.Olaganathan is an English major graduate with two decades 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 Ramanathapuram 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 NGO Management. He has eight years of 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.

• 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.

• Dr. 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's degree in Sociology. She is the Founder & Secretary of the Virutcham Magalir Munnetra Kalanjiam (VMMK), an NGO based in Virudhunagar. She received the award for the best NGO in Tamil Nadu at the State Level for its contribution to Women's Development from the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu in 2013. Mrs. K. Vijaya is also a member of various committees in the district which includes the 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 a diploma in project management, and development documentation; and has done an Executive Development Programme at INSEAD Business School. He has more than 25 years of 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 postgraduate degrees in Sociology and Child Care & Education, a Postgraduate Diploma in Community Health & Development, Community Health Management and Personnel Management & Labour Laws and more than 20 years of 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.

Mrs. A. Vijayalakshmi, Academy Director at AIRD, brings a wealth of expertise to her role, backed by a Master's in Counselling & Psychotherapy and Women Studies. With 25 years of experience in social work and community development, she has made significant strides in women's empowerment and microfinance. Her professional journey includes pivotal roles such as Programme Coordinator at AIRD (1996-1999) and Covenant Center for Development (2000-2005), both renowned voluntary organizations. She also served as Director at Sudar Foundation from 2005 to 2021, supporting women's careers in Madurai, South India. Currently, she coordinates the WEP Project of AIRD as Academy Director, where her leadership and dedication continue to inspire and uplift women's lives.

Mr. Nagarajan.S, Accountant, holds postgraduate degrees in Economics and Sociology and has completed a one-year Certificate Course in Social Audit from TISS, Mumbai. He has 19 years of experience as an Accountant at AIRD. In addition, he has eight years of experience conducting social audits in a TN government project. During his tenure at AIRD, Mr. Nagarajan has managed accounts for various domestic and international projects in areas such as health, education (including preschool and dropout children), environment, and community development, focusing on the socio-economic development of disadvantaged and marginalized rural artisans. Currently, he serves as an accountant in AIRD.

Mrs. Samundeeswari.R, Satellite Manager, a graduate in Physics, holds a Diploma in Teaching Education. She joined the AIRD's Women's Education Project, supported by WEP, New York, USA, as a Satellite Manager in April 2024.

Mrs. Hemalatha, Programme Assistant, holds a Pharmacy degree and has sixteen years of experience in clinical practice. She serves in the AIRD WEP Madurai Academy since 2021.

Mrs. Mullaikodi.S, Programme Assistant, is a graduate of Chemistry and currently works in the Ramnad Academy of AIRD- WEP programme.

AIRD currently has a dedicated staff team that coordinates the field activities with the support of full-time outreach workers, Volunteers and Community leaders.