Aadhimalai’s Board of Directors comprise of members from the indigenous communities and are representative of the different regions in which we operate in.
Jadayappan
Jadayappan was the the first Managing Director of the Producer Company– a born leader who hailed from Geddesal village located in the Dhimbam Hills, a leader not only for his community, the
Sholigas, but for all communities in the region. He started his life as a farmer and collector of forest produce and then became the leader of the Village Forest Council. He was elected as the President of the Hasanur Panchayat. He braved through rough times and worked tirelessly towards the well-being of the indigenous communities and paved way for a fair trade enterprise for the NTFP collectors of the region. He passed away in 2014 leaving a big void among the people in the region.
Janaki
Janaki is farmer by profession and owns over 4 acres of land near Vellaricombai. She also works for Seemai Suddhi, a local newspaper initiated by Keystone and is a reporter for Radio Kotagiri, another initiative of Keystone. She grows pepper and coffee in her farms and is a popular figure in her region. She also plays the role of a mid-wife in cases of emergency.
Palani
Palani hails from Bangalapadigai village. He is a farmer by profession and grows millets, coffee and pepper. He used to supply agriculture produce to Keystone and thus got interested in the activities of Keystone. He has been a guiding light for Aadhimalai as he is well informed of the activities of farmers in this area.
Lingan
Lingan belongs to Coonoor area and is traditionally a honey hunter, who also does farming of coffee and pepper. He helps collect honey, dhupa, shikakai, soap nuts and kadukkai from the forests. He is currently a panchayat member.
Nagaraj
Nagaraj is from Hasanur area and is a farmer. He cultivates millets. Nagaraj also runs a tea shop in Dhimbam area. He also coordinates with farmers in the region to help Aadhimalai procure millets and other farm produce.
Saroja
Saroja hails from Sigur area and runs a grocery shop in Sigur. She is also involved in farming in the region.
Sumati
Sumati is from Pillur area. She is involved in vegetable farming.