At CIRHEP, we are driven by passionate individuals dedicated to sustainable development, environmental conservation, and community empowerment. Meet the people who guide our mission
Ms. Pandiammal – Treasurer
Ms. Pandiammal serves as the Treasurer of the organisation and is a dedicated community leader and active member of the Centre for Improved Rural Health and Environmental Protection (CIRHEP). As part of CIRHEP’s strong women-led team, she contributes significantly to organisational governance, financial oversight, and community development initiatives.
She brings extensive experience working with rural women and tribal communities, with a strong commitment to women’s development, sustainable agriculture, and environmental conservation. Through her grassroots engagement, she supports community awareness, strengthens collective initiatives, and encourages women’s participation in local development activities.
Mr. P.M. Mohan – Executive Committee Member
Mr. P.M. Mohan brings over 20 years of experience in community development and plays an important role in strengthening CIRHEP’s programmes and institutional growth. He has extensive expertise in community organisation, tribal community development, sustainable livelihoods, and natural resource management.
He actively supports initiatives related to environmental conservation, climate adaptation, and organic agriculture, promoting sustainable and eco-friendly practices among rural and tribal communities. His guidance contributes to strengthening community capacities and supporting long-term sustainable development.
Ms. E. Chinnathai – Joint Secretary
Ms. E. Chinnathai serves as the Joint Secretary of CIRHEP and is a committed community leader with strong experience in tribal community development, women’s development, and community health programmes. She actively supports health camps, awareness programmes, and outreach activities, contributing to improved community well-being.
She also promotes environmental conservation, climate adaptation, and the use of appropriate renewable energy practices in tribal communities. Through her work, she supports improved access to basic services, community awareness, and sustainable development opportunities for underserved populations.
Ms. P. Rajathi – Vice President
With a background in sociology, Ms. P. Rajathi serves as the Vice President of CIRHEP and plays an important role in strengthening the organisation as a women-led initiative focused on community development and sustainable livelihoods.
She actively works with Self-Help Groups (SHGs), promotes adolescent health awareness, and supports community programmes related to health, environmental conservation, and sustainable development.
Her close engagement with rural and tribal communities contributes to strengthening women’s participation, enhancing community awareness, and supporting inclusive and sustainable development initiatives.
Mr. P. Jeyakumar – Executive Committee Member
Mr. P. Jeyakumar is an Executive Committee Member of CIRHEP and plays a key role in designing and supporting programmes for rural and tribal communities in Tamil Nadu. He has extensive experience in community development, women’s development, adolescent development, community health, sustainable livelihoods, and natural resource management.
He actively contributes to project planning, donor coordination, and implementation of initiatives related to environmental conservation, climate adaptation, renewable energy, and organic agriculture. Through his leadership and grassroots engagement, he supports the strengthening of community institutions, promotes community participation, and contributes to sustainable and inclusive development through CIRHEP’s programmes.
Mr. A. Vengadachalapathy – President
Mr. A. Vengadachalapathy, an experienced sociologist, serves as the President of CIRHEP and provides strategic leadership in advancing sustainable rural and tribal community development.
He actively supports organic farmers, strengthens producer collectives, and addresses market access challenges to improve livelihoods and economic stability. With his deep understanding of rural and tribal communities, he promotes sustainable agriculture, environmental conservation, and community-based development initiatives.
His leadership helps connect community needs with sustainable economic opportunities, strengthening CIRHEP’s mission to improve quality of life and support inclusive and sustainable development.
Mr. K.M. Pitchai – Secretary
Mr. M. Pitchai serves as the Secretary of CIRHEP and plays a vital role in strengthening community engagement and programme implementation. He works closely with organic farmers, tribal communities, youth groups, and producer collectives, supporting sustainable livelihoods and improved market access.
He actively contributes to initiatives related to environmental conservation, climate adaptation, and sustainable agriculture. Through his strong grassroots engagement and communication skills, he supports effective programme implementation, encourages community participation, and contributes to inclusive and sustainable development.
Our Experienced and Dedicated Team
CIRHEP is supported by a dedicated and experienced multidisciplinary team committed to rural and tribal community development, women’s development, adolescent development, environmental conservation, climate adaptation, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and community health.
Our team members bring strong grassroots experience, technical knowledge, and close engagement with rural and tribal communities in the Kodaikanal Hills and surrounding regions.
Leadership and Management Team
Ms. Gangadevi – Project Manager (10 years experience)
Ms. Gangadevi has over a decade of experience in managing community development programmes. She has led initiatives focused on women’s development, adolescent development, environmental conservation, climate adaptation, and sustainable livelihood activities. She specializes in programme coordination, community mobilisation, and implementation.
Ms. Sujithra – Project Manager (10 years experience)
Ms. Sujithra has extensive experience managing development programmes related to tribal community development, women’s development, health research, and climate resilience. She contributes to planning, programme implementation, and strengthening community-based systems.
Mr. Chinnathambi – Project Coordinator (15 years experience)
Mr. Chinnathambi has significant experience coordinating community development programmes, environmental conservation initiatives, renewable energy promotion, and sustainable livelihood activities. He supports field-level implementation and coordination.
Finance and Administration
Mr. Vasanthakumar – Accounts and Finance Manager (15 years experience)
Mr. Vasanthakumar oversees financial management, grant administration, compliance, budgeting, and reporting. He has extensive experience in managing donor-funded projects and maintaining financial transparency.
Programme and Community Resource Team
Ms. Sugapriya – Women’s Development and Environmental Programme Specialist (5 years experience)
Ms. Sugapriya has experience in women’s development, environmental conservation, organic agriculture, climate adaptation, and renewable energy awareness. She works closely with women to strengthen livelihoods and community participation.
Ms. Sangeetha – Community Resource Person (4 years experience)
Ms. Sangeetha works with rural communities, supporting women’s development, adolescent development, health awareness, and climate resilience activities.
Ms. Ponnammal – Community Resource Person (4 years experience)
Ms. Ponnammal focuses on community mobilisation, environmental awareness, and sustainable development activities.
Ms. Geetha – Community Resource Person (4 years experience)
Ms. Geetha supports health programmes, adolescent development activities, women’s development initiatives, and environmental awareness.
Ms. Jenifer – Community Resource Person (3 years experience)
Ms. Jenifer works with youth and women on education support, adolescent development, climate awareness, and community development programmes.
Training and Capacity Building Team
Mr. Paraman – Assistant Trainer (18 years experience)
Mr. Paraman has extensive experience in training on sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, environmental conservation, and livelihood improvement.
Mr. Pandi – Assistant Trainer (14 years experience)
Mr. Pandi supports training programmes on organic agriculture, climate adaptation, renewable energy, and community capacity building.
Community Health Team
Ms. Sudha – Health Programme Specialist (14 years experience)
Ms. Sudha has extensive experience in community health programmes, maternal and child health, adolescent health, and health research.
Ms. Kaliammal – Health Programme Specialist (13 years experience)
Ms. Kaliammal works with communities on health awareness, nutrition programmes, and preventive healthcare.
Organisational Strength
Our team collectively brings over 130+ years of combined experience in:
- Tribal and rural community development
- Women’s development and livelihood activities
- Adolescent development and youth engagement
- Community health and health research
- Environmental conservation and biodiversity
- Climate adaptation and resilience
- Renewable energy and solar energy promotion
- Organic agriculture and sustainable livelihoods
- Community capacity building and training
CIRHEP’s team combines strong grassroots presence, technical expertise, and a commitment to sustainable development, enabling effective and long-term community development programmes.