Puvidham loosely translates from Tamil to love for the earth. This is the inspiration for all the people and activities associated with this place.

Puvidham was an initiative which began in 1992 and since then has taken strong roots. It is the culmination of a dream, of Umesh, a mechanical engineer and Meenakshi, an architect who went about to build a community of people whose passion in farming and education could be translated into local opportunities. The activities have now evolved into Puvidham Farm, Puvidham Learning Centre and Puvidham Development Centre and are run under the umbrella of Puvidham Rural Development Trust.

Today, Puvidham is managed by a 80 strong family of committed children and individuals who are working to change the harsh and arid landscape into a sustainable and resource rich area. These initiatives are guided by well wishers and Trustees who have had exposure to realities of rural India, its concerns and potential.

Managing Trustee:

Mrs. Meenakshi Umesh, B.Arch, has been adapting Montessori methods in an alternative school run by her since June 2002.

Life Trustees:

• Ms. Malathi M.C., M.A., has been running an alternative school in rural Bangalore for the last 22 years.
• Mrs. Parimala Rao Joseph, M.Phil., Sub Editor of The Hindu, has been interacting with Montessori schools for the last 10 years.
• Dr. R. Rajagopal, Ph.D. in Technology, provides inputs in resource management.
• Mr. G. Madhavraj, BBA, provides administrative inputs.

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