Board of CESCI
Ms. Anuradha Shankar, IPS (Retd.)
Chairperson- CESCI | Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
Ms. Anuradha Shankar is a retired senior officer of the Indian Police Service and a dedicated social worker whose life and career reflect a rare blend of governance, activism, and human values. Born into a family rooted in India’s Freedom Movement, she has carried forward Gandhian principles of peace, justice, and nonviolence into her professional and personal commitments.
Throughout her IPS career, she worked tirelessly to improve the protection of vulnerable groups, particularly women and children, and earned recognition for being a reform-oriented officer who valued justice over conformity. Her leadership extended beyond administration, as she consistently advocated for ethical governance and the strengthening of democratic systems.
Deeply engaged with people’s movements, she has been associated with Ekta Parishad in the struggle for land rights, the global peace initiative Jai Jagat, and the Universal Solidarity Movement, where she mentors youth in responsible citizenship. She also supports young activists promoting nonviolent economies and inter-community harmony.
Internationally, she has represented Indian perspectives on peace and justice, often highlighting the contributions of women like Kasturba Gandhi in the independence struggle. Today, she continues to inspire as a thinker, mentor, and advocate for inclusive social transformation.
Ms. Cynthia Tiphagne
Vice Chairperson- CESCI | Madurai, Tamil Nadu
Ms. Cynthia Tiphagne is a respected social worker and human rights leader, best known for her longstanding association with People’s Watch, Tamilnadu, one of India’s pioneering organizations in the field of human rights monitoring and advocacy. With decades of experience, she has been deeply committed to protecting the rights of marginalized communities and ensuring that justice mechanisms remain accessible to the most vulnerable.
Her work has spanned multiple areas including legal empowerment, human rights education, and community mobilization. Through her leadership, People’s Watch has played a crucial role in promoting accountability in governance, addressing violations, and fostering dialogue between civil society and state institutions. She has also been actively involved in building platforms for young activists, nurturing the next generation of human rights defenders in India.
Cynthia’s dedication has strengthened the participation of grassroots communities in democratic processes, ensuring that their voices are heard in matters of justice, equality, and development. She is recognized not only for her organizational leadership but also for her ability to bridge grassroots struggles with broader human rights movements at the national and international levels.
As Vice Chairperson, she continues to champion dignity, equity, and justice, making her an influential advocate for transformative social change.
Mr. N. Muthuvelayutham
Secretary & Chief Functionary – CESCI | Madurai, Tamil Nadu
Mr. N. Muthuvelayutham is a committed social worker and the driving force behind CCD Madurai and in CESCI, where he serves as Secretary and Chief Functionary. With decades of experience in grassroots mobilization, he has dedicated his life to strengthening communities through participatory development and collective action. His leadership has been central in advancing CESCI’s mission of social transformation, peacebuilding, and justice.
Deeply rooted in rural realities, Mr. Muthuvelayutham has worked closely with marginalized communities to promote empowerment, livelihood security, and self-reliance. At the organizational level, he ensures operational effectiveness, builds partnerships, and provides strategic direction for sustainable community programs.
Respected for his humility and commitment, he continues to inspire both colleagues and community members, embodying the values of service, justice, and peace that lie at the heart of CESCI’s work.
Dr. T. Ravichandran
Joint Secretary – CESCI| Madurai, Tamil Nadu
Dr. T. Ravichandran, a retired Professor from Gandhigram Rural University, Dindigul, brings rich academic and field experience in rural development and peace education. Throughout his career, he has contributed extensively to research, teaching, and community engagement, focusing on sustainable models of development that empower rural populations. His expertise bridges theory and practice, making him a valuable resource in shaping programs that are both people-centered and impactful. As Joint Secretary of CESCI, he plays a key role in guiding its vision for justice, equity, and sustainable community development, strengthening its mission of social transformation.
Mr. K. Panchaksharam
Treasurer – CESCI | Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Mr. K. Panchaksharam is a dedicated social worker committed to advancing economic justice and producers’ rights. Closely associated with the South India Producers Association, he has worked to strengthen the voices of small and marginal producers, ensuring their access to fair markets and sustainable livelihoods. His efforts focus on building collective strength among producers, advocating for policies that safeguard their rights, and promoting equitable economic models.
As Treasurer of CESCI, he plays a crucial role in maintaining financial accountability and transparency, ensuring that resources are effectively utilized for grassroots programs. Beyond financial stewardship, he supports initiatives that empower communities to achieve economic self-reliance and dignity. His commitment to justice, combined with his experience in cooperative and producer movements, makes him a valuable pillar in advancing CESCI’s mission of inclusive social transformation.
Dr. Sathya Jeganathan
Executive Member – CESCI | Dindigul, Tamil Nadu
Dr. Sathya Jeganathan is both a committed medical professional and an active social worker, deeply engaged in advancing the rights and dignity of marginalized communities. Associated with LAFTI (Land for Tillers’ Freedom), Nagapattinam, she has contributed significantly to struggles for land rights, enabling farming families to secure ownership, livelihoods, and stability. Her dual expertise allows her to address the interconnected needs of health, social justice, and rural development.
Through her work, Dr. Sathya has helped bridge the gap between medical care and community empowerment, ensuring that marginalized farmers are not only healthy but also socially and economically secure. As an Executive Member of CESCI, she brings compassion, professional knowledge, and grassroots commitment, strengthening the organization’s holistic approach to development, justice, and peacebuilding.
Mr. Aneesh Kumar K.K
Executive Member – CESCI | Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
Mr. Aneesh Kumar K.K is a dedicated social worker associated with Ekta Parishad, Bhopal, a mass movement inspired by Gandhian principles of nonviolence and justice. Actively involved in struggles for land and livelihood rights, he has worked alongside marginalized communities to secure dignity, equity, and sustainable means of living. His grassroots experience adds depth to CESCI’s vision, ensuring that the voices of the poor and excluded remain central to its mission. As Executive Member, he strengthens CESCI’s commitment to peace, justice, and people-led social transformation.
Ms. Jill Carr Harris
Member – CESCI | Calicut, Kerala
Ms. Jill Carr Harris is an experienced social worker, educator, and peace activist, dedicated to advancing nonviolence and social justice at both national and global levels. With decades of involvement in people’s movements, she has played a key role in the Jai Jagat Global Movement, advocating for peace, justice, and ecological sustainability through Gandhian principles. She is also deeply engaged in promoting the idea of a nonviolent economy, encouraging sustainable livelihoods that prioritize equity and harmony over exploitation.
Her work spans across India and international forums, where she has championed gender justice, grassroots empowerment, and global solidarity. Known for her ability to connect local struggles with global movements, she continues to inspire networks of activists and organizations. As a Member of CESCI, she brings vision, international experience, and a lifelong commitment to nonviolent social transformation.
Mr. Krishnan Subrahmanian
Member – CESCI | Madurai, Tamil Nadu
Mr. Krishnan Subrahmanian is a dynamic social entrepreneur and co-founder of the Yellow Bag initiative in Madurai, an enterprise that combines environmental sustainability with social empowerment. His work focuses on creating sustainable livelihoods, particularly for women from marginalized communities, by promoting eco-friendly alternatives and reducing plastic usage. Through innovative social business models, he links grassroots empowerment with environmental responsibility, fostering both economic independence and ecological awareness. As a Member of CESCI, he contributes fresh perspectives on social innovation, sustainability, and community development, strengthening the organization’s mission of inclusive and nonviolent social transformation.
Mr. Pramod P.K
Member – CESCI | Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Pramod PK is the founder of Pranati Technologies , a socially driven tech company delivering Automation, IoT, AI, and sustainable digital solutions with a focus on real-world impact. A strong advocate for rural development and environmental sustainability, Pramod leads initiatives that apply smart automation and IoT in agriculture and controlled environments , helping farmers improve yields, conserve resources, and embrace precision farming. Beyond technology deployment, he is deeply committed to educating communities through digital literacy and technology awareness programs, empowering both youth and farmers to confidently adopt and benefit from modern tools. His work bridges innovation with inclusion—driving a vision of responsible progress that uplifts rural lives while preserving ecological balance.
Mr. A. Vedarathinam
Member – CESCI | Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu
Mr. A. Vedarathinam is a committed social worker associated with Kasthurba Kanya Gurukulam, Vedaranyam, where he has dedicated himself to the empowerment of women and children. Through initiatives in education, skill development, and community welfare, he has worked to uplift marginalized groups and create opportunities for self-reliance and dignity. His grassroots engagement reflects a deep commitment to building inclusive and just communities. As a Member of CESCI, he contributes his experience in education-driven social change, aligning closely with the organization’s mission of equity, justice, and peacebuilding at the community level.
Ms. Sudha Srinivasa Reddy
Member – CESCI | Bangalore, Karnataka
Ms. Sudha Srinivasa Reddy is a dedicated social worker and advocate committed to advancing the rights and dignity of women and children. With her focus on human rights and social justice, she has been actively engaged in addressing inequality, discrimination, and issues affecting vulnerable groups. Her efforts center on creating safe, inclusive, and empowering spaces where communities, particularly women, can thrive with dignity and confidence. As a Member of CESCI, she brings strong advocacy skills and a deep social commitment, strengthening the organization’s mission of promoting justice, equity, and human rights through nonviolent and people-centered approaches.
Ms. Uma P.
Member – CESCI | Madurai, Tamil Nadu
Ms. Uma P. is a social entrepreneur and trainer from Madurai who has dedicated her work to capacity-building and skill development among marginalized groups. Through training programs and community initiatives, she has helped individuals—particularly women and youth—gain the confidence and skills needed for sustainable livelihoods and self-reliance. Her focus on empowerment through education, vocational training, and entrepreneurship reflects a strong belief in participatory development. As a Member of CESCI, she contributes her expertise in grassroots training and community mobilization, strengthening the organization’s vision of self-reliance, equity, and inclusive social transformation. Her work continues to inspire positive change at the community level.