Committee Members
Leadership Team
C.K. Ashok – Director & President
P.N. Subramanian – Director & Vice President
Ganesan Arunasalam – Director
Gurumurti Natarajan – Secretary
Pottekad Haridas – Past President
M.C. Dominic – Sr. Advisor
JACS Rao – Sr. Advisor
Advisory Board
Member Biographies
Dr. C.K. Ashok Kumar
Dr. C.K. Ashok Kumar is a multifaceted individual with a diverse range of expertise and contributions. A qualified Advocate, he brings a strong legal foundation to his endeavors. He is renowned as the co-founder of the sachet revolution in India, a pioneering industrialist, and a successful exporter.
Beyond his entrepreneurial pursuits, Dr. Kumar is deeply committed to education and social causes. He serves as a trustee of CK College in Cuddalore and is the Chairman and Founder of First World Community (FWC) and THOFA (Thamizh Organic Farmers’ Association). His passion for writing is evident in his work as a poet, columnist, and freelance journalist. He is also a social activist and advisor to NGOs such as TDH Core Tiruvannamalai. Notably, he has trained the blind in foot reflexology at Naturals and founded the NGO Namma Cuddalore.
Dr. Kumar’s international engagements are equally impressive. He is a council member of the International Vegetarian Union in London and a trustee of the India Vetiver Network. He is also the founder of the International Tamil Vegan Union and is actively involved in the International Vetiver Network, focusing on global environmental protection and rural empowerment through the use of vetiver grass.
A promoter of yoga and naturopathy, Dr. Kumar has conducted numerous wellness camps. He chairs Yofi Yoga Holistic Wellness and is a spiritual seeker settled in Tiruvannamalai, deeply influenced by the teachings of Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi.
Pottekad Haridas
Pottekad Haridas, the Coordinator of the India Vetiver Network, has dedicated over three decades of his career to the fields of agriculture and conservation. His journey began at Tata Tea Limited’s Research Development Department in Munnar, Kerala, where he played a crucial role in establishing the R&D Centre. He subsequently served as the Head of R&D at KDHP Co. (P) Ltd. and gained valuable experience at UPASI Scientific Department.
Haridas’s passion for environmental conservation led him to introduce Vetiver Systems to South Indian tea plantations. This innovative approach has proven to be highly effective in addressing soil and moisture conservation challenges, improving soil structure, reducing erosion, and enhancing biodiversity within tea estates. His pioneering work in this field has earned him international recognition, including a certificate of excellence from The Vetiver Network International in 2005.
Looking ahead, Haridas envisions a future where Vetiver Systems are widely adopted in tea plantations, leading to long-term benefits such as improved soil health, increased water retention, and reduced reliance on chemical fertilizers. He also highlights the broader environmental impact of Vetiver Systems, including their potential to promote natural habitats and mitigate climate change through carbon sequestration.
For agriculturalists interested in implementing Vetiver Systems, Haridas emphasizes the importance of tailored approaches, starting with small-scale trials and fostering collaboration within the industry. His dedication to sustainable agriculture and conservation continues to inspire and drive positive change in the tea plantation sector and beyond.
P.N. Subramanian
A Versatile Leader and Regenerative Farmer
P.N. Subramanian (PNS) is a seasoned professional with a rich and diverse career spanning over four decades. He holds a Mechanical Engineering degree from NIT-Trichy and an MBA from XLRI, Jamshedpur, specializing in Marketing and Finance.
PNS has a proven track record in various industries, including IT, Renewable Energy, and Manufacturing. He has successfully founded and managed several companies, including one that was acquired by a Nasdaq-listed company. He has also held C-level positions in renowned organizations and has been instrumental in building global leaders in the enterprise data solutions space.
In recent years, PNS has turned his attention to sustainable agriculture, focusing on regenerative farming practices. He has been actively involved in promoting Vetiver, a versatile grass known for its soil-stabilizing and water-conserving properties. His passion for sustainability and his commitment to improving farmer livelihoods have driven him to adopt regenerative farming techniques on his own farm.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, PNS is actively involved in various charitable activities. He is a past president of Rotary District 3230, an ex-member of the CSR Subcommittee of CII, a Charter Member of TIE, and a mentor for Stanford Seeds and other startups. His leadership skills, strategic thinking, and people management abilities have made him a respected figure in the business and social sectors.
M.C. Dominic
A Visionary Shaping Indian Agriculture
M.C. Dominic, the visionary founder of Krishi Jagran, has dedicated his life to empowering Indian farmers. His passion for agriculture has driven him to create one of India’s largest agri-media houses, reaching millions through its multilingual publications and digital platforms.
A Legacy of Innovation
Krishi Jagran has achieved numerous milestones, including being recognized by the Limca Book of Records as the largest circulated multilingual agriculture publication. The platform has pioneered initiatives like “Farmer the Journalist,” empowering farmers to share their stories, and “Farmer the Brand,” helping them market their produce directly to consumers.
Celebrating Agricultural Excellence
A recent highlight was the successful launch of the “Millionaire Farmer of India Awards 2023,” sponsored by Mahindra Tractors. This prestigious event, held at Pusa Grounds in New Delhi, honored outstanding farmers in the presence of dignitaries, including the Governor of Gujarat, Union Ministers, and international ambassadors.
A Vision for the Future
With the success of the MFOI Awards, Dominic is already planning future initiatives like “Farmer of the Year,” “Icons of Indian Agriculture,” and “Legends of Indian Agriculture” to further elevate the recognition and impact of Indian farmers.
M.C. Dominic’s tireless efforts and innovative approach have positioned Krishi Jagran as a leading force in Indian agriculture, inspiring farmers and shaping the future of the industry.
Mr. JACS Rao
A Champion of Community Development
With over three decades of dedicated service, Mr. JACS Rao has emerged as a leading figure in community development. Holding a Master’s degree in Biochemistry from Andhra University, he has made significant contributions to various fields, including medicinal and aromatic plants, forest conservation, and tribal health.
Throughout his career, Rao has held key positions in esteemed organizations such as Tribal Local Health Traditions, the State Forest Research Institute, and WILDLIFE. His expertise in strategic planning, operations management, project execution, and budgeting has been instrumental in driving impactful initiatives.
Rao’s passion for sustainable development is evident in his work promoting organic farming, integrating poverty alleviation programs, and advocating for rural prosperity. He is committed to leveraging innovative technologies to empower communities and improve livelihoods.
As the CEO of the Chhattisgarh Tribal Local Health Traditions and Medicinal Plant Board, Rao continues to champion these causes. Previously, as Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, he successfully implemented groundbreaking projects like the Crop-based Cluster Approach, which gained national recognition under the National Health Mission.
Mr. JACS Rao’s unwavering dedication to community development and his extensive experience make him a valuable asset in shaping a sustainable future.
Mr. Ganesan Arunasalam
Ganny, as he’s affectionately known, is a multifaceted individual with a rich tapestry of experiences. A seasoned professional with over 25 years in B2B technology sales and marketing at leading global companies like HP, Dell, and Canon, he has seamlessly transitioned into a passionate natural farmer and sustainability advocate.
Currently residing in the serene hills of Semmanarai, Kotagiri, in the Nilgiris district of South India, Ganny oversees Wild Eden Organic Farms Pvt. Ltd. This permaculture farm, nestled amidst lush forests, is a testament to his commitment to natural farming practices. With over 40 varieties of fruits and vegetables flourishing under his care, Ganny’s farm is a model of sustainable agriculture.
Beyond farming, Ganny is dedicated to fostering a sustainable lifestyle. He offers accommodation at his heritage farm stay, inviting visitors to experience the tranquility of rural life and learn about sustainable living. He also runs a Farm Finishing School, equipping young agricultural graduates with practical skills and connecting them with farming opportunities both domestically and internationally.
Ganny’s exceptional contributions to agriculture have earned him numerous accolades. He has been recognized as the Best Farmer and his farm as the Best Organic Farm by the district collector. He is the recipient of the prestigious “Nammalvar Award” from the Rotary Club and UEIR Organics, Erode, and the “Velan Vithagar Award” from the Rise and Nanban Foundation, USA.
Most recently, Ganny’s unwavering dedication to natural farming has been honored with the GOPIO International Business Excellence Award. This recognition underscores his significant impact on the agricultural sector and his inspiring journey towards a sustainable future.
Dr. Gurumurti Natarajan
A Global Expert in Agriculture and Sustainability
Dr. Gurumurti Natarajan is a highly accomplished agricultural scientist with a deep understanding of both traditional and modern crop improvement techniques. With advanced degrees in Plant Breeding and Cytogenetics from Iowa State University, he has accumulated nearly four decades of experience working across North America, Europe, the Middle East, India, and South Asia.
Dr. Guru’s expertise encompasses a wide range of areas, including crop improvement, agronomy, value addition, and agribusiness. He is passionate about rejuvenative farming and actively promotes sustainable agricultural practices. His extensive travels and professional engagements have allowed him to share his knowledge and experience with others, adapting global technologies to local needs.
Dr. Guru is a strong advocate for the use of Vetiver, a versatile grass with numerous applications in agriculture and environmental conservation. He has a deep understanding of the multifaceted benefits of Vetiver, including its ability to improve soil health, conserve water, and mitigate erosion.
Through his work, Dr. Gurumurti Natarajan continues to make significant contributions to the field of agriculture and to promote sustainable practices that benefit both farmers and the environment.
Avinaash Diraviyam
A Champion of Sustainable Development
Avinaash Diraviyam, a seasoned development consultant and the Managing Trustee of Climate Resilience and Sustainability Initiatives (CRSI), is a dedicated advocate for sustainable development. With a strong academic foundation in plant science from Bharathidasan University and additional qualifications in education, management, and agricultural extension, Avinaash has devoted over three decades to making a positive impact on the environment and communities.
His career journey began at CMA, IIM-Ahmedabad, where he gained expertise in natural resource management. Subsequently, he joined Development Alternatives in Karnataka, further solidifying his knowledge and skills in the development sector. Throughout his career, Avinaash has worked extensively with NGOs, government projects, and academic institutions, focusing on sustainability and environmental issues.
Currently, as a key figure at CRSI, Avinaash is at the forefront of efforts to understand and restore dryland ecosystems, particularly in the Gundar River Basin. Based in Valayapatti, Virudhunagar District, he is a pioneer in regenerative agriculture practices, empowering small farmers to adopt sustainable farming methods. Additionally, he serves as the Head of the Madurai Chapter of The Vetiver Foundation, driving initiatives to combat climate change and improve livelihoods through innovative approaches.
Avinaash Diraviyam’s extensive experience, deep commitment, and innovative approach make him a valuable asset to the field of sustainable development. His work inspires others to embrace sustainable practices and contribute to a healthier planet.
Shri Patanjali Jha, IRS (Retd.)
A Visionary in Sustainable Agriculture
Shri Patanjali Jha, a retired Commissioner of the Indian Revenue Service, has made remarkable contributions both in his official capacity and as a pioneer of sustainable farming practices. During his tenure, he served as the Head of the Income Tax Department for the Mumbai region and played a key role in Bhopal as Commissioner.
Post-retirement, Shri Jha dedicated himself to revolutionizing agriculture. At Vanya, his experimental farm, he has championed innovative practices such as multi-layered and no-till farming, setting an example of eco-friendly and regenerative agriculture.
A passionate environmentalist, Shri Jha has collaborated with the Eco Task Force of the Territorial Army and generously donated over 12.5 million slips of vetiver grass to combat soil erosion. His partnerships with organizations like the Ramakrishna Mission and Seva Dham in Ujjain further amplify his efforts, as he regularly provides seeds for plantation drives.
Beyond his hands-on work, Shri Jha travels across India, sharing his knowledge and experiences as a food forestry farmer through engaging talks. Visitors to Vanya are welcomed to witness firsthand the transformative impact of his farming techniques and his unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship.
Dr. E.V.S. Prakasa Rao
A Pioneer in Agronomy and Aromatic Crops
Born on September 24, 1953, Dr. E.V.S. Prakasa Rao is an esteemed Honorary Scientist and former Chief Scientist at the CSIR-Fourth Paradigm Institute, Bangalore. He previously led the Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP) Research Centre in Bangalore.
Dr. Rao’s academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Agriculture from A.P. Agricultural University, Hyderabad (1973), followed by an M.Sc. (1976) and Ph.D. (1980) in Agronomy from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. His illustrious career spans decades of impactful research, with over 153 published papers in esteemed national and international journals, 130 conference papers, and 95 invited lectures.
Recognized for his contributions to agricultural sciences, Dr. Rao is a Fellow of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences, the Indian Society of Agronomy, and the Indian Society of Spices. He has been honored with prestigious awards, including the Indian Society of Agronomy Gold Medal, the Fertilizer Association of India (FAI) Silver Jubilee Award of Excellence (1993), the PPIC-FAI Award (2001), and the IMPHOS-FAI Award (2012).
Dr. Rao also served as Co-Editor-in-Chief of the Indian Journal of Agronomy and as an Executive Committee Member of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences. His contributions continue to shape agronomic research and practices in India and beyond.
Prof. Sara Parwin Banu Kamaludeen
Prof. Sara Parwin Banu Kamaludeen is a distinguished Environmental Microbiologist and Microbial Ecologist with over 25 years of experience in teaching, research, and farm advisory services at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU). Her expertise lies in the remediation of contaminated soil and water bodies, with a particular focus on harnessing microbial and plant-based solutions to address environmental challenges.
Key Expertise and Contributions
Remediation of Toxic Cr(VI):
Prof. Kamaludeen has extensively studied the biotransformation potential of diverse aerobic and anaerobic microbial communities to remediate toxic hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)). Her research has uncovered microbial manganese oxides as a trigger for Cr reoxidation in remediated sites, addressing a critical challenge in contamination management.
Innovations in Remediation Technologies:
She has developed and patented Vetiver Floating Wetlands, an innovative solution for restoring lake waters and remediating industrial wastewater. Her work also includes phytoremediation of tannery-contaminated soils, biocomposting for the sugar industry, and biochar applications in wastewater treatment.
Vetiver for Environmental Solutions:
Over the past seven years, Prof. Kamaludeen has conducted extensive research on using vetiver for the removal of heavy metals and treating sewage and industrial wastewater. Her studies on vetiver include rhizofiltration, exudation patterns, metabolite characterization, and the integration of biochar for enhanced remediation.
Research and Publications:
Published 22 research articles in peer-reviewed journals and authored/co-authored 26 books and chapters.
Conducted international workshops and webinars, fostering global research collaboration and student exchange programs.
International Collaborations
Prof. Kamaludeen has established strong research networks with leading institutions, including:
CSIRO Land and Water, Australia
UAdeC, Mexico
Queen’s University
Sheffield Hallam and Cranfield Universities, UK
She has been actively involved in organizing international conferences such as CleanUp India, aimed at remediating contaminated soils and waters in collaboration with CRC CARE, Australia, and the University of Newcastle.
Awards and Fellowships:
Australian Award Ambassador, Endeavour Research Fellow, and ACIAR John Allwright Fellow, having pursued her PhD and postdoctoral research at the University of Adelaide and CSIRO Land and Water.
Leadership and Administrative Roles
Served as Deputy Registrar (Education), Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) Nodal Officer, and Admission Coordinator at TNAU (Tamilnadu Agriculture University).
Twice appointed as University Accreditation Officer and Coordinator for Education and Admissions.
Developed MoUs with foreign universities to promote student and research exchange programs.
Prof. Kamaludeen’s unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and her contributions to advancing knowledge in microbial and phytoremediation make her a prominent figure in the field of environmental science and remediation.
Prof. Chandan Ghosh
Chandan Ghosh, a Civil Engineering graduate (1985) of Bengal Engineering College (now Indian Institute of Engg Sc & Technology), Masters in Civil Engg (1987) from Jadavpur University, 1st PhD from Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (1992) and 2nd one (Dr. Eng.) (2004) from Ibaraki University, Hitachi, Japan, has served NIDM, MHA, GoI from July 2006 to December 2023 as Professor & Head, Resilient Infrastructure Division. He served faculty of Civil Engg at IIT-BHU (1990-2000), did postdoctoral research in Japan (1998-2005) and was on Deputation to IIT Jammu from Sept 2019 to December 2020, where he served as Dean of Student Welfare.
Prof. Ghosh works in the areas of earthquake Geotechnology, Rapid Visual Screening (RVS), Retrofitting evaluation, Reinforced Earth, Seismic Microzonation, Ground improvement techniques, Geosynthetics and Bio-engineering measures for sustainable developments. Prof. Ghosh currently serving as Director-Research & Innovation and also as CEO of Nishkam Technologies, a IIT-Kanpur based startup under the Fluidyn (France), a world renown leader in the Computational Fluid Dynamics and 3D modelling & simulation.
He has devoted more than 33 years of his career in UG & PG teaching, research guidance, development of teaching tools & training module for engineers, architects, town planners. He has edited/co-edited 5 books, delivered 350+ lectures, published 150+ papers in journals, conference proceedings and several book chapters.
Besides developing some of the IEC materials such as “Snake and ladder game” for earthquake, flood, road safety, cyclone, DM plan for everyday life , he has excellent flavour in the India Govt. flagship programs since UN declaration at Yokohama-1994 to Sendai Framework-2015-2030, SDG, UNFCC, AMCDRR on the community based DM education vis-à-vis awareness campaign through social media, experimental investigation using IoT enabled services, and modern technologies, including EWS for earthquake, Landslides, Cloud burst, GLOF/LLOF.
As recognition to his seminal contributions, Dr Ghosh, currently member of State Disaster Management Authority, Tripura, received Leonard prize for the best doctoral thesis in 1993, CIDC-Vishwakarma Awards-2013, IGS-Shri H.C. Verma Golden Jubilee Award-2013, Lifetime achievement award-2019 (Indian Geotechnical Society-Delhi Chapter).
