DHAN Panchayat Development Foundation (Subsidiary of DHAN Collective for Enabling Democratic Governance)

Mr. M.P. Vasimalai, Executive Director of DHAN Foundation and Chairperson of DHAN Panchayat Development Foundation, is a highly experienced development professional with over 30 years in the field. A postgraduate in Agriculture and an alumnus of IIM Ahmedabad, he has been instrumental in founding key development organizations like PRADAN and DHAN Foundation. His work focuses on community organization, natural resource management, livelihood promotion, and institutional development, making him a significant figure in India’s development sector.

Mr. S.S. Meenakshisundaram is a retired IAS officer (1968 batch, Karnataka cadre) with extensive experience in governance, rural development, and decentralization. He is the Vice Chairperson of DHAN Panchayat Development Foundation. He has served in senior roles including Secretary to the Government of India in the Ministries of Rural Development, Space, and Disinvestment, and was Joint Secretary to the Prime Minister. Internationally, he has worked with UNICEF, FAO, World Bank, UNDP, and WaterAid on key development themes.

Mr. S. Singarayar is a seasoned development professional with over three decades of experience in grassroots development, disaster management, local governance, and microfinance. A graduate in Rural Development Science from Madurai Kamaraj University, He is also the Treasurer of the DHAN Panchayat Development Foundation. He has been with DHAN Foundation for over 30 years, currently serving as Programme Leader. He has anchored over 30 major projects supported by international agencies, led large-scale tsunami rehabilitation efforts, and guided over 100 professionals across Tamil Nadu. His work focuses on promoting people’s institutions, sustainable livelihoods,disaster risk reduction, and strengthening Panchayat Raj Institutions. Presently he is a CEO of Neithal Mutual Movement .

Ms. Umarani A., the CEO of Kalanjiam Foundation, plays a key role in empowering women through microfinance initiatives. With academic credentials in agricultural science, personnel management, and sociology, she brings a well-rounded perspective to development. Under her leadership, the foundation has expanded its Self-Help Group movement, championing financial inclusion, sustainable community banking, and policy advocacy. Her impactful work has reached close to a million women, fostering grassroots democracy and poverty alleviation across various self-sustained federations.

Mr. N. Venkatesan is an Agricultural Engineer from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu. He is holding present position as Programme Leader. Since last 30 years he is working with DHAN Foundation a nationwide voluntary development organisation on small scale water bodies like Tank and Watershed Programmes. During the period, he is involved in promoting the Nested people’s institutions for conservation and development of small scale water bodies, planning and implementing the conservation of these water bodies through people institutions and upscaling the process at large scale. He has headed the DHAN Vayalagam Tank Foundation in DHAN. Presently, he is a faculty at the DHAN Academy, grooming young development professionals.

Ms. S. Senthamarai, born in 1962, has been actively involved in community development since 2004. Over the years, she has held various leadership roles in DHAN Kalanjiam Self Help Groups. Alongside her organizational work, she serves as a Para Legal Volunteer (P.L.V.), working across multiple government offices and welfare committees focused on child protection and anti-trafficking. She is also a trustee of the DHAN Panchayat Development Foundation, reflecting her enduring commitment to community service and social justice.

Mr. N Janakiraman is a senior development practitioner with over 20 years of experience, including 18 years with DHAN Foundation. An alumnus of The DHAN Academy, he holds degrees in Pharmacy and Public Administration. He has played a key role in advancing local governance, designing democratic tools, and leading microplanning initiatives. Within DHAN he has headed Kalanjiam Development Financial Services, DHAN People Academy, DHAN Panchayat Raj theme, mentored projects across Tamil Nadu, and mobilized resources from international donors. Currently, he heads the Centre for Policy and Planning, where he also teaches governance and development courses. He is also a trustee of the DHAN Panchayat Development Foundation.

Ms. Shanthi Madhuresan is a seasoned development professional with over three decades of experience in grassroots empowerment, institution building, and leadership in the social sector. Currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer of the DHAN Panchayat Development Foundation, she has led various transformative initiatives across India, particularly in promoting people’s institutions and participatory governance. Her academic background includes a Master’s in Rural Economics and Extension Education, and Bachelors of Education , complemented by management Education Programme (MEP) from IIM Ahmedabad and expertise in occupational health and safety. Shanthi has heldkey leadership roles across the DHAN Collective, including CEO positions in Kalanjiam Mutual Movement and INFOS, Director in DHAN People Academy and has been actively engaged in national and international training, research, and policy advocacy. She is also a faculty member at The DHAN Academy and a board member of multiple grassroots organizations, reflecting her commitment to inclusive development, gender equity, and capacity building.