Our Board of Directors
In a company owned by 1,809 tribal shareholders, calling everyone to a single meeting is next to impossible. Spread across the remote and rugged terrains of the Nilgiris, each person is a cultivator of the land, a collector of forest produce, and a keeper of deep traditional knowledge.
To ensure fair representation, Aadhimalai’s Board of Directors was formed from the grassroots up. Meetings were held in each region, one village at a time, and people were asked, “Who among you wants to lead?” It was conducted fully voluntarily, democratically, and transparently. Community members nominated and voted for those they trusted—those who had not only farmed the soil but also stood by their people through seasons of change.
Today, these elected board members gather once every three months to discuss:
- Crop cycles and forest collection patterns
- Fair procurement rates for produce
- Local needs and pending tasks
- Strategies to scale, while staying rooted in sustainability
Each board member is both a leader and a farmer, deeply connected to their land, their people, and the values Aadhimalai stands for.
Palani
The Grounded Elder of Arakode
A founding member of Aadhimalai and a former Panchayat Vice President, Palani is from Bangalapadigai village in the Arakode region. As a farmer, he grows millets, coffee, and pepper, and was one of the early suppliers to Keystone Foundation, long before Aadhimalai was born.
Palani isn’t just a board member; he’s the trusted voice of the village. Known by everyone, he is the one who arranges meetings, bridges conversations, and keeps the local rhythm aligned with Aadhimalai’s wider goals. His deep knowledge of the land and the people makes him one of the company’s strongest pillars of wisdom and continuity.
Lingan
The Young Honey Hunter of Coonoor
From the misty slopes of Coonoor, Lingan brings youthful energy to the board. In his 30s, he was the youngest director—but also a man of ancient traditions. A honey hunter by heritage, he still climbs cliffs and trees in search of wild honey, while also cultivating coffee and pepper.
Lingan collects valuable non-timber forest produce like shikakai, soap nuts, kadukkai, and dhupa resin, staying rooted in ancestral practices. He is also a panchayat member, bringing the voice of the forest and the community into every boardroom conversation.
Nagaraj
The Bridge Builder from Hasanur
Nagaraj, from the Hasanur region, is a millet farmer and a connector between his people and of the company and the officials. He also ran a small tea shop in the Dhimbam area, making him a familiar and approachable figure in the local landscape.
What sets Nagaraj apart is his deep network of contacts—from fellow farmers to government officials. He’s often the person who co-ordinates procurement, troubleshoots issues on the ground, and ensures that tribal farmers of the region benefit directly from Aadhimalai’s market access. A man of both fields and files, he’s a vital operational pillar.
Mallika
The New Torchbearer of Nellithorai
Mallika’s journey is a powerful example of how opportunity can spark transformation. She began as an employee in one of Aadhimalai’s production units, quietly contributing to the work of value addition. Over time, her natural leadership and commitment to her community became evident.
She was later elected as the panchayat leader of Nellithorai, where she actively supports local families—especially women—in accessing loans and government schemes. In 2024, she joined the Board of Aadhimalai, completing a remarkable rise from the production floor to decision-making spaces. Mallika now stands as both a community representative and a role model, showing other tribal women that their voices and leadership matter.
Selvi
The Community’s Voice from Pillur
The newest member, elected in 2025, Selvi comes from Kodiyur village in Pillur region. A housewife and farmer, she runs a banana farm, and most prominently, a cattle homestead that supplies milk to nearby communities.
Her friendly and fearless nature made her a natural choice. Known for asking bold questions and speaking up for her people, Selvi ensures that the voices of ordinary women farmers are represented at the table.
Every board member of Aadhimalai is not just a director on paper—but a steward of their region, a farmer of their land, and a protector of their people. With representation from different corners of the Nilgiris -from Arakode to Coonoor,Pillur, Hasanur to Nellithorai—they bring diversity, democracy, and direction to our collective dream.
“We are not just board members. We are farmers, gatherers, and caretakers. This land raised us, and now we raise each other.”
– Aadhimalai Board Member