Inba Seva Sangam

(Since 15th August 1968, RegNo: 21/1968, 66/1971)

Towards Eco - friendly Communities with Social justice and

Communal harmony for Peace, Strength, Joy

Annual Report
2015 – 2016

Sevapur Post,
Tharagampatti Via,
Kadavur, Tk, Karur Dt -621311
Phone: 04332-279228/279288
Website: inbasevasangam.org, Email: isssevapur@gmail.com
Message from the President
Dear Friends and Well-wishers,
With proud privilege, We present our Annual Report (2015-16) accomplishing 47 years of dedicated
service, now commencing 48th year, aspiring to attend succeeding duty for good, stepping in the footprint of
Annai Lea Provo, the founding Mother of ISS, who had borne her own cross in the after of service,
adhering dynamic and vibrant precepts and practice of Shantidas, and his penultimate preceptor Gandiji.
Happily we express our heartfelt gratitude to our accompanying friends, fellow citizens, the healing
and helping agencies, such as SAWES, Joe Homan Charity, Sofia and BERAS that are bestowing
periodical and timely encouragement and inducement, sometimes by means of funding, sometimes by
means of valuable technical know- how, sometimes by means of guidance ever, by means of unstinted co-
operations and co-ordination in our every endeavours.
Fact it is that only through radical change in education- the creative education- any nation lives,
thrives and faces any challenge that meets. Certainly valid it is for our country also. Hence Gandhiji
evolved an educational pattern, befitting education for life, through life and throughout life. It was
implemented for good, But in the lapse of time, it was marginalized, considering it too idealistic and too
untenable and hence was abandoned all together unfortunately.
Now we have evolved a pattern in to our Higher Secondary School, utilizing the educative facilities
available in our locality. Along with the academic conlent of the subjects concerned, as entrusted by the
education department, we incorporate in the syllabus and correlated the content of subject with the existing
facilities and activities as far as possible and impart education for life, through life and throughout life.
On the basis of the work- experience achievable through available handicrafts and farming sector, an
education pattern has since been designed as to inculcate the maxim to the pupils, that the good of the
individual is contained in the good of all, that the lawyer’s work has the same value as the barbers in as
much as all have the same right of earning their livelihood from the work, that life of a labour i.e. the life of
the tiller of the soil and the handicrafts man is the life worth living.
It is our fervent hope that while the students are fine tuned to acquire skill and activated in work
experience, along with academic content of the subject, the experience they have acquired, will definitely
be a helping hand to tide over any entanglement adopting self reliant life, leading to self –sufficiency
ultimately.
This year onwards on penultimate Saturday in every month it is programmed to conduct a camp on
Naturopathy and organic farming for the local farmers and general public, utilizing the service of the
resource persons. We hope that this sort of carhp will help a lot to gain and inspire the aspiring people to
practice peaceful, blissful and cultured life in consonance with Mother Nature. This camp is in addition to
eye –Camp being conducted in collaboration with Aravind Eye Hospital Madurai, Practically these camps
are very beneficial and helping hand to enrich and enhance healthy and wealthy life unto the last
downtrodden, deserving people.
Jesus Christ has gracefully oracled, thus “Ask, and it will be given to you. Seek and you will find,
knock and it will be opened to you”
As ordained by the omnipotent, the Omnipresent and the omniscient.Almighty, we are here to ask,
seek and knock at appropriate avenues, soliciting their benevolent patronage for the fulfillment of socio,
economic and educational upliftment, already launched by ISS.
We ardently aspire, that the dedicated exemplary service initiated and installed in ISS will be
continuously carried on, to the full satisfaction, by the benediction of well-wishers of ISS, national and
international.
“A harmonious development of the hand heart, and head is the mark of the model man.’- Swami
Vivekananda”.

Dr.M.Pathamuthu

President

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 1. ISS – An Organisation Rooted On Values

Inba Seva Sangam was established by Mother Lea Provo in 1968 under the Tamil Nadu
Societies Registration Act. After the passing away of her husband in Belgium Mother lea
Provo at the instance of a Gandhian disciple Shanthidass (Josseph Jean Lanze del Vasto) of
France came to India and visited Gandhian institutions in Tamil Nadu and finally established
two model villages of Sevapur and Vinobajipuram to serve the rural people in the manner
which was suggested by Mahatma Gandhi. Sevapur and Vinobajipuram are not only newly
named villages/communes located in a beautiful and quiet natural environment but also
places where one can draw inspiration and manifestation of godliness.

People who live here came from different places, belonged to different castes and
religion and believed only in love and service, wanted to create a community with equality
and equity and therefore christened the places to be Sevapur and Vinobajipuram.
Empowerment of the down trodden through education and economic development is the
main objective of the Sangam. All the families of Sevapur at the time of the start of ISS in the
1960s were serfs to local landlords, but became more or less independent of them after the
inception of ISS. The families of Vinobajipuram are Tamil repatriates from Sri Lanka, a
different background, but a similar weak political and economic position. As repatriates and

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latecomers to the area with no assets, they were given the less productive land, where an
increase of food security would need an input which they simply do not have. Other small
farmers in the area have a similar situation.

Mother Lea died on 30/9/1997 in the place which she created and among the people
whom she loved so much and rendered tireless service, and reached the Kingdom of God.
What she started is still continued in a different form and at present being managed by 13
members of ISS executive committee under the leadership of Dr.M. Pathamuthu.

ISS has a Board comprising of eminent members of civil society committed to Gandhian
principle and way of life. Some of the members are from the community who have benefitted
through ISS intervention and excelled in their careers and holding important positions. Staff
mostly hail from the communities within Kadavur block and have benefitted from
interventions of ISS in more than one way. Thus, the institutional bondage within ISS
accounts for its success as an organization. Besides the donor community which supported
the cause put forward by the Mother continues to value the efforts of ISS and provides
unstinted support in taking forward the mandate with changes in the development context
and the new needs that deserve to be addressed. The mandate of the organization is one
that is very people centered and reflects on their sustenance.

Vision of ISS: Creating - small, rural, vibrant, healthy and eco-friendly communities with
social justice, equality and communal harmony for Peace, Strength and Joy.

Mission of ISS: To bring about transformation among down-trodden people who are
socially, economically, educationally and culturally backward through quality Education and
Economic Interventions.

Core Values: Truth, non-violence, selfless service, love, brotherhood, self-reliance, mutual
understanding, reverence to all faiths and nature, mutual cooperation, dignity of manual
labour, devotion, dedication, confidence and discipline.

Thrust Areas:
• Creating devoted volunteers who will serve the rural society
• Developing infrastructure for training
• Establishing functional units on agriculture, agro industries, natural health and other
felt Needs
• Involving local people and encouraging Women and Youth leadership

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 • Encouraging subject experts as guides to drive ISS projects
• Undertaking Economic activities to generate surplus funds for sustaining ISS
activities
• Networking with national and International Organizations for Learning and sharing
experiences

Trying to establish human rights, democracy and equality (especially through Gandhian
principles and values), to people who otherwise were down-trodden, used and marginalized
by other groups. That is why the organization was established to target former untouchables,
the group of people considered in all aspects at the lowest rung of the Indian society. In
striving to move towards this, ISS has set itself on a mission necessarily focusing on
Children’s Education and improving the Livelihood options of communities with
Environmental concerns of the valley being addressed. Hence all its initiatives stem from this
perspective. Major Interventions of ISS could be grouped into two areas of programming
thrust, namely: “Women, Children and Education” and “Food Security, Livelihood and
Environment Protection”. There is considerable overlap and integration across these two
programme themes and the nature of projects implemented by ISS provides adequate space
for integration opportunities.

Some of the ISS interventions therefore are in the forefront of development and could
be considered as pioneering effort in that sense. However, despite these changes ISS
retains its relevance as an institution upholding the values and practices that its founder
stood for and instilled both in the minds of those managing the institution and the community
it strives to serve.

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2. Projects – Facts And Figures
Major projects implemented by ISS and the quantified data for 2015-16 are as follows:

2.1 Foster Children Scheme- Providing Basic Education For Under Privileged
ISS primarily considers itself now as a children oriented voluntary organization. The
children’s program is popularly known as The Foster Children’s Scheme (FCS), and has
been going on since the time of Mother Lea, though in a modified form now. Under this
scheme ISS looks after the upbringing and education of nearly 302 children out of whom 27
are new from very poor, socially disadvantaged community in nearby villages. Most of these
children are identified by women self-help group members, and also through many requests
from poor parents / relatives who come for help. Based on a set of criteria evolved by ISS
over the years to identify the needy children, care is taken to reach the children who are
genuinely in need of special help.

The ISS parent organization SAWES, based in Belgium supports 180 children; and the
UK based JHC Trust supports 90 Girl children and 7 children are sponsored by Indian
donors and there are 25 children for whom the parents pay for their education and stay. 215
children are living in ISS homes in Sevapur, and studying in Annai Lea Higher secondary
school. 25 children are studying in the local elementary school, and 62 children are pursuing
their higher studies outside.

ISS policy is to ensure that the children are equipped with education / training for 2 or 3
years after they complete school, so that they can be employed to take care of themselves
and their families when they leave the FCS programme. Annai Lea Higher Secondary
School, Annai Lea Boys and Girls homes function under the FCS scheme.

FCS Students Particulars 2015-16

Children Studying Children studying in
Sl. in ALHSS Outside Institutions
Sponsor Total
No.
Boys Girls Boys Girls
1 SAWES 74 60 25 18 180
2 Joe Homan 77 13 90
3 Local Parents 2 3 1 1 07
Self Financing
4 23 2 - - 25
Students
TOTAL 99 142 26 32 302

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 Details of students studying in local and outside institutions during 2015-16
Details of where they are studying No. of Students

Annai Lea School of ISS 215

Students staying outside in the School and 62

Colleges and studying College.

Students studying in other schools. 25

TOTAL 302

There are 215 children residing at Annai Lea Boys and Girls Homes and pursuing their
education. Two wardens for each hostel and 6 residential teachers are there to take care of
the children. The day starts with prayer and yoga followed by study hour. Special attention is
given to children needing special coaching. Indoor and outdoor games, music, farming,
tailoring, hill trekking, computer education are some of the special initiatives. Balanced diet is
served at both hostels. Dr. Parameshwari, ISS Siddha doctor visits the hostels weekly and
provides health education and need based treatment. Herbal medicines produced by the
Siddha Unit - bathing powder, hair oil, tooth powder, joint pain oil, skin care oil, headache oil
and crack cream are provided to the students on a monthly basis as required. ISS President
and board members visit the hostels regularly and provide value education to the children
and also monitor the activities of the hostel.

Yoga and traditional self-defense arts are being practiced by students in school

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2.2 Annai Lea Residential Higher Secondary School –On Life Centered Education
The school was established as a Senior School on July 11, 2005 to fulfill the dream of
mother to educate the children in the valley and subsequently elevated to the status of
Higher Secondary School in 2010, with two sections in the higher classes. Today’s need is
for education that makes “A Man a Man” – a thought that was expressed by Swami
Vivekananda is the principle on which Annai Lea School is functioning. School in its efforts to
achieve this is providing not only quality education but also values in life. School
Administration is making all efforts to ensure that it becomes a model school in Karur district
in the future.

Front View of the Annai Lea Residential Higher Secondary School

Total students studying in different grades in the school is as shown in the table below:
Grade/Class Boys Girls TOTAL
6 12 16 28
7 11 19 30
8 17 15 32
9 15 21 36
10 13 15 28
11 11 28 39
12 8 14 22
TOTAL 87 128 215

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 Of these there are at present a total of 195 children supported by Foster Children
Scheme studying in this school. Children in the school are also taught moral education
based on the philosophy: “providing formal education alone is not enough for grooming the
children”, the school offers extra-curricular activities such as Sports, Music, Drawing, English
literature and Yoga to enable children to acquire special skills in life.

Environmental procession and celebrating the Education development Day

Besides, the school organizes Association events once a fortnight. These are
Associations for promoting competency among students in Tamil, English, Mathematics,
Science and Social Sciences. Students’ skills are brought out through debates, sharing, and
practical training. In the English Association the effort is to promote their English knowledge
and speaking ability.

During the year 19 students sat for the Year 12th public examination and 17 of them
passed the examination. The higher education of these 17 students was discussed by Dr.
Pathamuthu President of ISS and Mr. Thiruneelakandan, Treasurer and finalized. Forty Four
students appeared for the Year 10th public examination and 41 students passed.

The pass rate of students appearing for the Grade 10th and Grade 12th examinations
over the years is as shown in the table below:
Performance %
Year of Examination
S.S.L.C +2 / HSc
2014-15 93 89
2013-14 90 96
2012-13 87 100
2011-12 88 95
2010-11 86 85

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 The above table does suggest that the School has continuously maintained the pass
rate of students at a rate above 85 percent during the past 5 years both Grade 10 and Grade
12 examinations. SAWES donated a photocopying Machine for the school to meet the needs
of children. Joe Homan Charity donated a Camera, 3 sewing machines and 7 chairs to the
school.

2.3 Annai Lea Boys and Girls Hostel towards “Gurukula” Type of Living and learning

Front View of the Boys and Girls Living Home

During the Year registering the two homes with the District Child Welfare Committee
under the Juvenile Justice Act was discussed and carried out. Mr. Christuraj and Mrs.
Gandhimathi carried out an inspection of the premises and had interaction with the 219
students. They also shared the rules to be followed with the girls studying from 10th to 12th
standards. On November 18, 2015 Welfare Committee member Mr. Ganesan shared the
rules and regulations to be followed in the homes. He talked about the precautions
necessary especially during rainy days.He also emphasized the need to fix monitoring
Cameras and placing a complaint box. In this meeting Mr. P. Veluchamy Administrative
Manager and Mr. S. Gurusamy, Head Master along with a few students participated. On
November 3, 2015 Mr. Christuraj and Mr. Anil Kumar explained about the Child Helpline
available at the District and how children in distress should be handled. He also shared as to
how orphaned children could be admitted to the special homes meant for them. On February
14, 2016 Mr. Rajesh, District Collector, Mrs. Hemalatha, District Magistrate and Mrs.
Vathantha Pandey, Police Superintendent explained about the importance of protecting the
children, issues of child marriage and child labour, and the need to register under JJ ACT.
Documentation of the two homes were prepared, verified and sent to Social Welfare Board
in Chennai on February 18, 2016.

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 Sixty Ninth Independence Day celebrations were held and 150 parents participated
along with the children, teachers and ISS staff. Republic Day was celebrated on January 26,
2016 and 139 parents participated along with children, teachers and ISS staff. Pongal day
celebrations were held and all the children participated and enjoyed the festivity. On April 3,
2016 Gandhi Jayanthi was celebrated in Gandhi Museum, Madurai and the children from
ISS participated and performed in the cultural event.Karur District Health Inspector Mr.
Rajendran and staff of Government General Hospital visited the homes and advised the
children on looking after their health. On November 29, 2015 Medical Team headed by Dr.
Vinodhkumar from Mylampatti Government Hospital visited the homes and carried out
medical checkup for children and gave medicines.

SAWES donated Smokeless Chulas and Water Purifiers and Solar Water heater Plant
for the two homes during the year established and warming well.

2.4 Summer Training Camp For School Students Developing their Skills
Summer Camp is a major annual event of ISS organized to create a platform for the
development of children’s personality and skills. The event was held during April 23-26, 2015
with the participation of all the children. Mrs. Kanmani Ponnuchamy, Kadavur Panchayat
Chair Person was the Chief Guest, ISS Committee Member Mr. N.Rajagopal and Ward
Member Mrs. Saraswathy participated in the events. Special Guests were invited to provide
thought provoking speeches to the students. Art and culture activities were held to expose
the students to the different art forms of Tamil Nadu. Paraiyataam, Thevarattam,
Silambattam, Karakattam, Oyilattam, Kolattam, Yoga, Library Maintenance, First Aid and
Public Service were taught to the students by experts. During the camp Mr. Nanniyur
Rajendran a well-wisher offered 211 Blankets to the FCS students of ISS

ALHSS girl students performing folk dance during the Summer Camp

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2.5 Balwadi and Community Center at Vinobajipuram for Village Youth Developments
Years ago, ISS had been running ten Balwadi in the interior villages within Kadavur
Block. Now the organization runs one model Balwadi at Vinobajipuram. The children are
taught storytelling, dancing, singing, enacting dramas, product identification, and writing
alphabets and words. Play way method is being followed for teaching. During 2015-16, 13
students were taught in the Balwadi. Children’s education and health are discussed and
advice is provided to the parents in the monthly meetings. Children are taught personal
hygiene to manage their day to day lives healthily. They are also provided nutritious food
with vegetables, cereals and millets being included in the regular diet.

The Center also facilitates the community linkage with the mainstream government
schemes for the children, women and families to access and benefit from. The center also
celebrated the important religious days, National days and the ISS Founders Remembrance
Day with the active participation of the community and children. Community center has also
been guiding and helping the school children and village youth in their studies and also
organizing games and study circles during the evening hours. There are 30 students
participating in the evening study center. One of the major achievements is the introduction
of savings among students which is managed by them. This supports the purchase of their
educational material needs - pens, note books and other items. BD School students provide
support to the students in the evening study center with their studies. Overall the center has
contributed towards the enhanced performance of these students in their studies. Also it has
enabled them to develop civic sense and increased their participation in keeping the village
clean through Shramadhana and Tree planting.

2.6 Free Eye Camps for Senior Citizens

During the past 7 years free monthly eye camps have been conducted for the poor
people living in the Kadavur valley with the collaboration of Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai.
The doctors, nurses and technicians of Aravind Eye Hospital come to Sevapur and render
free eye care service to the community. During year of reporting 21 Eye camps were
conducted and 2504 patients were examined and 1340 patients were given special medical
treatment in Madurai. Free eye camp is organized on the third Saturday of every month.
Students of Annai Lea Higher Secondary School with other workers provide volunteer
service in organizing the camp

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 Eye camp at Kadavur social education centre

2.7 Annai Genetic Garden and Conservation of Locally Available Endangered Plant Species
Mother Lea Provo started the garden in 1994 to promote the concept of living
harmoniously with nature. W.W.F and WELEDA Belgium helped to form this herbal garden.
All kinds of Medicinal plants (251 varieties) are available in the form of trees, crippling plants;
Root based Plants (sedi) in the Garden. A nursery too is raised and during the year 5000
saplings were grown. A siddha doctor and one assistant and a few workers are taking care
of the Genetic Garden and medicine preparation unit. The Sangam has also started
manufacturing herbal medicines in a small way. It is one of the information centers on
Conservation of Bio-Diversity and Sustainable utilization of the resources for those who are
learning medicine and Environmental Science.

School Children at Annai Genetic Garden for learning the important of herbs

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 Annai Genetic Garden continued to provide the Raw material required by the Siddha
Unit and also produced natural manures to be used in the garden. Besides, ISS also initiated
Beekeeping in the garden during the year with 10 Boxes. Walter Hall and the Compost
making shed have been renovated during the year.

Many students of nearby schools, colleges, farmers, foreigners and general public
continued to visit the garden. During the year 2013 persons were provided orientation and
awareness on herbs and their benefits. This comprised of 1612 students from 41 Schools,
250 students from 8 colleges, 35 Government Officials and 21 Overseas Guests.

2.8 Annai Lea Organic and Herbal Production Unit for Traditional Body And Health Care
Activities.
Siddha herbal products are being produced in the production unit functioning at
Kadavur. The unit produces 13 different types of Body care products like tooth powder,
bathing herbal powder, hair oil, well known health enhancers like tripala, amla, natural
(sysigium) powder and a few herbal teas are manufactured in the unit. Herbs required are
collected from the Genetic garden. Doctor at the unit attends to the needs of 5-10 patients
per day. Besides the Doctor also visited the school hostel once in a week and took care of
the children and provided necessary medication or referred them for treatment to other
hospitals as required. Given the Integrated functioning of projects within ISS siddha Unit
continued to extend its support to other projects as and when required.

Siddha Production unit and products

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 During the Year production was as follows:
Sl. No. Product Quantity
1 Bathing Powder 124.5 kg
2 Tooth Powder 103 kg
3 Hair Oil 80.5lit
4 Ortho Oil 23 lit
5 Herbal Tea Powder 20.5kg
6 Meni Oil 6lit
7 AmukkaraChuranam 2kg
8 Thiree Pala Churanam 3kg
9 Amla powder 1.5kg
10 Thali SathiChuram 2.5kg
11 Vallarai Vitals Caps 300nos
12 Honey 35lit

2.9 Eco Club Children’s Environmental Well Being

ISS has a strong environmental outreach programme wherein it has promoted 40 Eco
clubs in Primary, Middle, Secondary and Higher Secondary Schools around Kadavur. ISS is
in charge of distributing funds and giving overall guidance to 250 schools in 8 Panchayat
Unions in Karur District under the National Green Corps Project Funded by the Government.
Environment training programmes, field visits, nature camps, school competitions have been
organised within the limited means during the past few years. During the year 2015-16 too
various green day festivals such as Forest day, Ozone day, World Animals day, Tree
planting and World warming day were celebrated in the schools. Many competitions for the
students were conducted. ISS continued its pursuit to create environment awareness among
the students. Further the National Green Corps award was given to the 15 best performing
schools by Mr.M.Pathamuthu, President of ISS, Dr. M.P. Gurusamy (former President of
ISS) and Mr. S.Ravichander, District Eco Club Coordinator during the ISS summer camp in
April 2016.

2.10 Organic Biodynamic Farm asa Demonstration Centre on Farm Sustainability

ISS has been doing organic cultivation in 31 acres since its inception and the farm is
certified as conforming to Indian NPOP standards of organic agriculture by IMO Bangalore.
There is a small dairy unit in the farm. Milk, vegetables and other food grains are produced
for the consumption of the community. ISS is making efforts to attain self-sufficiency in
producing milk and organic vegetables for the community. Paddy and other food grains are

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also produced forthe consumption of the community. This farm produces various Organic
fertilizers, pesticides and weedicides for its own consumption and that of the community.

Students at the farm leaning for field preparation for crops

The Farm has 12 heads of cattle including 5 Cows and 7 Calves. During the year
vegetable cultivation was undertaken in 10.5 acres of land to cater to the needs of the Boys
and Girls homes and the community kitchen. 12 Compost and 17 CPP pits were maintained
to meet the manure requirement of the farm. Farm was visited by many national and
international guests.

2.11 Annai Lea Community College - The School Of Bio-Dynamic Farming for Healing Mother
Earth
ISS also initiated the Annai Lea Community College’s, the school of Bio-Dynamic
Farming, giventhat there is an urgent need for trained young people, to heal the land
through Bio-Dynamic Farming. The school offers an “ADVANCED DIPLOMA IN
BIODYNAMIC FARMING”, a residential 2 year programme with an emphasis on all round
development and employability of the students. The course isdesignedto have 6 Academic
terms of16weeks duration each, during the 2 years. That is each year having three terms,
and each term having duration of 12 weeks in classroom and 4 weeks as practice school in
other Biodynamic / Organic Farms. The long term plan for this Biodynamic Farming
Training facility is to be able to train around 1, 000 youngsters in the next 15-20 years for
the Biodynamic movement to take firm roots in Tamil Nadu. The medium of instruction is in
the local language Tamil.

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 RETRIEVAL OF BD PREPARATION AT BD SCHOOL - VINOBAJIPURAM

Starting in July 11, 2012 with the laying of the foundation stone for the school and the
commencement of the course the first batch successfully completed the course in two years
and the convocation being held on August 24, 2014.The School had 7 students in the first
batch, 4 girls and 3 boys. All of them were from very poor financial and social backgrounds,
and 3 of them from the Foster Children Scheme (FCS) of ISS. Second batch comprising of
12 students has 10 boys and 2 girls. All of them from poor agricultural daily wage families
and six of them from the ISS FCS scheme having only their mothers who are daily wage
laborers. A lot of counseling and motivation talks are being given regularly, so that the
students develop the right attitude to the academic work on hand and their worldly tasks in
future.

Each day starts at 6 am sharp and all meet in the school for one hour of Body, Mind
and Spirit exercises (which includes: ISS prayer, 20 minutes of meditation, 30 minutes of
yoga and strength building exercises). Classes start at 8:30am with mediation reading, a
brief look at the Biodynamic Planting calendar details for that particular day, and a review of
the previous days school work. This is followed normally with a 3 hour work outside in the
field (depending on the subject taught during that week) till 12:30 p.m. There is a 2 hour
break for lunch, and afternoon classes start at 2:30 p.m. and continue till 5:30 p.m. with 2
hours of lectures and an hour of library work.

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 Students at the BD seed production plots

K.LOGANATHAN
Loganathan aged 19 years hails from the village Idayapatti in Kadavur valley. He has his mother
and two elder sisters who have qualified themselves as nurses and are working. Mother works as
a daily wage labourer and goes to work only when she is called. They have land which they have
pledged to get a loan. He has been studying in Annai Lea School from Grade2 and for his senior
school education had opted for Arts Group with Computer Studies with the view to doing a BBA
degree. However, since he did not have required marks to pursue a degree. Then he thought
about the BD School course but was wondering whether he will be able to follow it, despite
having had interest in agriculture.

Finally he decided to give it a try, and having gone through the course for 1 ½ years and says:

“I feel confident that I can perform well as an agriculturist. Through the course I have acquired an
understanding of Bio Dynamic farming and as to how to make a degraded land cultivable. I also
learnt many subjects related to agriculture especially the preparation of the different manures and
their uses and the conditions under which to use them. Besides the course has helped me
communicate in English, How to manage my time and using the computers for communication
and accessing information. Once I complete my course I intend working for 4 years in different
farms and once I acquire the necessary skills in managing a farm I will return to redeem the
pledged land and start cultivation along with a Poultry Farm and be with my mother and look after
her.”

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 During the Year a total of 48 Credits and 26 Sessions were offered in different Technical
Skills, Soft Skills and Practice School. Details of Credits and Sessions classified by Subjects
and period of coverage are as shown in Table below.

Credits offered during the different quarters

Subject April – July – October – January –

September December
June 2015 2015 2015 April 2016

Technical Skills

B.D.Preparation& Usage 1 2 2 3

Agro Forestry 2 1 2

Irrigation Management 2 2

Soil Science 1 2

Animal Husbandry 1 1 1

B.D. Seed Production 1 1 2

Agriculture Economics 1

Agronomy 1 2 Sessions

Farm Equipment 1 2

Soft Skills

1 and 3
Life Coping 1 1 5 Sessions
Sessions

Spoken English 1 1 4 Sessions 5 Sessions

Computer Application 1 3 Sessions 4 Sessions

Art & Culture 1 1

Practice School 4 4

12 Credits
9 Credits 14
TOTAL 15 Credits 12 Credits and 12
Sessions
Sessions

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 J. SOOSAI MARY
Mary aged 18 years hails from the village Periya Anaikaraipatti in Kadavur valley. She has
her parents and 2 sisters. Her father is a daily wage labourer and mother is working in the
government crèche. Both her sisters are married and one lives in Andhra while the other
lives in the village itself. Her family does not own a land or house.

She says: “We have lost everything due to certain unforeseen circumstances. At present we
live at my Uncles house. My parents have given all of us proper education. One of my
sister’s has completed B.Com. and the other B.A. English. I am doing my Diploma in
Biodynamic Farming after having followed the Life Science course for my High School
Education in the village RC High School. I joined this course quite unexpectedly. First I did
not know understand anything but later I studied and began to understand gradually. I think I
have got an opportunity not many can get. I have learnt to communicate in English after
coming here. Besides I have learnt through participation in this course to manage in extreme
weather conditions. In all other education institutions they teach theory courses only,
whereas here we do everything practically in the field. Besides the technical courses they
teach us English, Hindi, Computer Education and Life skill education. We are taught to
understand the connection between human life and other forms of life including livestock
through this Biodynamic course.”

“Further, When I finished schooling I wanted to study agriculture, but I did not get admission
in the college. After that I got to know of this course through one of the ISS staff members.
First I thought it would be a regular course focused on Chemical Farming, but having come
here I understood that it was organic/biodynamic farming. I became happy that I had got a
chance to pursue agriculture education. Once I finish my course I intend finding a suitable job
through the School. That is the only option that I have given that I belong to a landless family.
I also wish to do a B.Sc. degree in Botany. As a result of joining this course my academic
interest has grown and I have become a very active person.

Other Major activities of the School for the period included the following:
 Students visited ICAR - Central Sheep and Wool Research Center, at Mannavanur and
learnt about sheep and rabbit maintenance, feeding and collection of wool from sheep
 Dr.Karuppuraj, Mr. Anil Kumar and Mr. Krishnan attended training program on life
coping skills at ICRDCE, Chennai
 Students and staff participated in trekking at Poondi hills in Karur and from Kodaikanal
to Kumbakarai near Periyakulam. They observed plants, animals and birds, and have
collected some important plants for taxonomical characteristic identification

1
  Eurhythmy work shop module was conducted during June 29 to July 3, 2015 (5 days) at
Sacred Heart College, Shenbahanur, Kodaikanal. Mrs. HsinShih from Taiwan handled
this session (which was the second work shop) for the second batch students.
 Regular maintenance work of Nursery, Animals and Vegetable field continued during
the year and Fixing of Motor and Pipeline in 6 Acre farm was carried out
 Mr.K.Krishnan, Mr.K.Anilkumar and all students attended Nature welfare life Camp
organized by SOFIA Project.
 Two Volunteers Ms. Corina from Germany and Ms. Freya from Sweden spent time at
the school and contributed to the activities at the School, Balwadi and the Community
Center

The immediate future plan is to complete the present phase of this initiative which will
finish when the current batch of 12 students will graduate in September 2016 and finding
suitable job placements for them. Thereafter it is proposed to enroll the next batch of
students only in July 2017 after taking stock of the experiences and the necessary course
corrections. This will include preparing the ground to have 25 students in the third batch –
accommodation for the students by refurbishing 2 more dilapidated buildings, having a
farm equipment maintenance workshop in place, renovating/refurbing existing structures in
Vinobajipuram for livestock, course materials translated and handouts being prepared,
recruiting full time faculty etc.,

The long term aim is to have an independent campus for housing and training 100
persons at any point of time. The architectural plans for this phase has been done, and a
renowned architect from Auroville will help design the new campus, using ecofriendly
techniques, and Anthroposophic features as well. The financial requirements for this
infrastructure part can be big, and the running costs could also be substantial every year.
But that is the direction to go in the coming years after the current phase in completed.

2.12 Sofia- Small Farmers Empowerment Program

“Creating small, rural, vibrant, healthy and eco-friendly communities with social justice,
equality and communal harmony for Peace, Strength and Joy”, is the overall Vision of ISS.
This vision includes ISS’s mandate to promote organic farming, land improvement measures
and an increase of awareness on environment and health aspects over the next 10 years in
the entire Kadavur Panchayat. This will make poor farmers better equipped to take control
over their lives by being better organized, better informed on ecological and environmental
issues that affect their lives, and be in a better position to claim their rights and support their
families economically. It will also change the whole ecological situation of the area. Hopefully
if the project is successfully implemented, it will create interest among the other farmers in

2
the nearby areas. Given the above the specific mandate the project which is supported by
The Association of SOFIA, Sweden could best be described as follows:

Long-term vision: Organic Farming and Wasteland Improvement measures will take
place in the entire Panchayat, an area of 2000 hectares, over a period of 10 years.

Mission
• To make poor farmers better equipped to take control over their lives and to be in
a better position to support their families economically.
• Farmers are to be better organized and better informed on ecological and
environmental issues that affect their lives.
• It will also change the whole ecological situation of the area.

A. Support to Farmers
The year witnessed the project taking measures towards sustainability. In this respect
one of the key steps was the SOFIA-team discussing with the farmers the benefits of organic
farming and also their independence and the opening of a separate office room for the
Farmers’ Federation. Other major efforts were to implement many of the recommendations
from the Mid Term Review carried out at the end of 2013; establish and strengthen the
Farmers’ Federation and its activities as well as move forward in the organic certification
process.

Inclusion of Women Farmers

Following the Mid Term Review, the project addressed one of the key concerns raised – lack of
women farmers in the project. In pursuing this, staff team strived hard to realize this shortcoming and
how to approach it. During 2015 while expanding their field intervention into Annaiyur village the staff
team was met with lack of participation from male farmers. When discussing this problem with one of
the village elders, he indicated that it was the women who were primarily engaged in the agricultural
work. Hence, it would be advantageous to talk to them and see how they could be engaged. This
quite naturally enabled the staff to start discussing the project activities with the women farmers in the
village. A preliminary meeting was organised and conducted successfully amongst the female
farmers. Three women farmers were identified and requested to organize a women farmers group in
the village and this led to the first women farmers group being formed within the project.
Two days training was conducted and issues affecting womens participation and as to how this could
be addressed in carrying the efforts forward was discussed. The project team requested the
participating women to discuss the day, time and venue convenient for them to participate in the
trainings and meetings. This helped to change the approach to training and meetings. Further, this led
to women taking responsibility to organize and participate in the trainings and meetings.

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 Further, one of the key achievements of the project during the year is adopting
approaches conducive to encourage women farmers to participate in the programme. This
has happened during the last quarter of 2015 and entailed changes in approach in reaching
out to farmers as well as changes in the way in which meetings and trainings have been
planned.

During the year, field staff has been visiting the farmers in their fields, giving them
support and continuous information concerning various inputs such as the use of Vermi
Compost, CPP and Liquid Manure. Also, discussions concerning various organic crops to
plant and their benefits, such as drumstick, chilly, ragi, brinjal, groundnut and tapioca took
place. The field staff gave support at the field level to prepare organic manure, application of
organic manure; systematic monitoring and record keeping. The project staff spent a total of
434 person days with the farmers accounting for 1730 farmer days of interaction. This does
suggest that they were spending on an average each person day with 4 farmers. On the
other hand each of the 154 farmers had 11.23 person days of input from the project staff
during the year.

In the cluster wise farmers monthly meetings 911 farmers participated, in 75 meetings.
This does reflect the level of enthusiasm shown by farmers in the meetings. Further there
had been 172 women farmers participating in these meetings. The farmer groups collectively
save money in order to meet expenses pertaining to crop planting, harvest, other farming
related activities, children's study purpose, health, marriage and festivals. Totally the group's
savings amounted to Rs. 2, 63, 500/-.

In addition, soil samples were collected from 132 of the organic farmer’s fields in
Kadavur, Eluvakkariyur, Pungampady, Viriyampatty, Sennampatty and Chinnamuthampadi
villages, and sent for testing to MurugappaChettiyar Researcher Centre (MCRC). Later on
the results were shared with the farmers, to help them improve the soil, crop yield. The
results are used in the certification process.

One seed production seminar was held with 33 of the farmers (2 females and 31 males)
from Kadavoor, Eluvakkariyur, Chinnamuthampadi, Viriyamaptty, Pungampadi, and
Sennampatty villages at the Kadavur SOFIA Project Office Training Hall. During the seminar
they discussed the benefits of producing own seeds instead of depending on other sources
such as buying from big companies. They also discussed as to how to collect seeds from
their own farms and preserving them. Farmers also understood the importance of seeds
diversity in an effort to evolve sustainable farming practices.

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 Case Study of M. Balraj - Organic Farmer
Mr. Balraj is an organic farmer from Veriyampatti. He is aged 47 years and lives with his wife and two
children (son and daughter). The family owns three acres of land, 35 goats and two heads of cattle.
MrBalraj says that he has not had any formal schooling but has been pursuing agriculture as his
primary activity during his life, in an effort to support his family economically. He has been seeing and
hearing about organic farming for over seven years through TV and other media. Towards, the end of
2011 he got the opportunity to participate in the training programme organized by the ISS-SOFIA
project.

He describes his journey over to organic farming like this:

"Having participated in this programme stimulated my interest in organic farming. Understanding the
ill effects of chemical farming to the ecology and environment as well as humans has made me feel
guilty and further stimulated my interest in the subject. Initially in 2012 I engaged in organic farming,
and I saw that there are many advantages with it. During 2014 I was convinced that pursuing Organic
farming was profitable and sustainable, given that there are multiple benefits. Changing over to
organic farming has cut my expenditure, assured me a stable income and improved the soil condition
of my land. Now I grow healthy products for human consumption. All these benefits make me feel
good.

Through SFEP-project, I acquired a lot of knowledge about organic and biodynamic farming through
continuous field experience, training, monthly meetings with other farmers to share experiences,
provision of organic inputs and interaction with the project field staff. I am now producing organic
products such as Jeevamirtham, Vermi Compost, Herbal Extract, at my farm. I also have my goats to
provide me with the necessary inputs for my fields. I can feel the difference in the soil condition
through two specific observations: previously when irrigated the water would remain in the
fields only for 5 or 6 days and then the land would become parched but now the water
remains in the field for almost 10 days and helps the plants growth; then the soil used to be
hard whereas now it is loose and soft.

All the inputs received through the project and my experiences have made me convert all my 3 acres
of land into organic farming and helped share the benefits to my family and the society."

Four Staff member and 13 Farmers went to Trichy to see the Organic exhibition
organized by Tamil Nadu Agriculture Department. They saw some farm equipment which
was useful to their work and also the subsidies offered by the government. In addition they
saw some organic products and learnt about some marketing activities.

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 Empowering Small Farmers through Training Programme

B. Land Restoration
During 2015 the project initiatives were focused on ensuring that the 100 hectares of
eroded land which had been reclaimed and restored by the project up to 2014, has been
maintained. This has been done partly through workshops on tree planting, live & bio
fencing, soil and water conservation with the beneficiaries of the restoration through the land
restoration groups. Also during the field visits to the different farms, field staff monitors the
land previously restored. During the year 2 land restoration groups and watershed
committees were created in Sevapur and Vinobajipuram and Water Pumps were installed in
the two villages.Linkages with Forest Department, NABARD and Agriculture Department
continued. The Forest Department provided tree saplings to Land Restoration Group farmers
and organic farmers in the Farmers’ Federation.

C. Tree planting
12000 seedlings were raised in Vinobajipuram through the Sofia-project, and 10759
utilised for distribution to farmers. An additional 2974 seedlings were distributed from forest
department or bought from other nurseries. In total, during the year 13868 seedlings were
planted in schools and villages, of which 12243 have survived at the end of the year due to
the rains received during October – December 2015. This 88 % survival rate has not been
experienced by ISS in any of its tree planting efforts previously. It was also noticed that the
people’s participation was quite high in this tree planting initiative. Besides the rains, the
choice of species too did contribute towards this survival. Details of tree saplings planted are
as given below:

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Tree Planting Details Consolidation 2015
Total
Sl.No Planting Done By Total Surviving
Planted
1 Organic Farmers 4175 3666
2 Schools 4689 3920
3 VJP, Sevapur and Well User Group 4869 4522
4 Either side of the road from Kadavur 135 135
Office to Petrol Station
4 TOTAL 13868 12243

D. Conducting HIV /Aids Awareness programes:

The planned activities for 2015-16 was to conduct HIV/AIDS awareness in 30 schools,
500 women in Self Help Groups, 150 youth in men's Self Help Groups and reach out to
general public through 40 barber shops and 5 petrol stations spread across 10 villages.
During the year a total of 567 women, 299 men, 18 barbers and 3626 children from 30
schools took part in the awareness activities and training held by the staff team.

E. Environment Awareness programmes:

During the year a total of 567 women in 7 Self Help Groups and 299 young men in 7
Self Help Groups benefitted through the Environmental awareness programmes. Also the
programme gave training to 3772 children, 1904 girls and 1868 boys in 33 schools. Class
room methodology was used to create awareness among the students wherein dramas and
songs were developed on various themes on environmental issues. Outdoor activities like
creating school gardens, tree planting and digging compost pits for disposing bio-degradable
waste material too were carried out.

Ms. Caroline, Project Manager at SOFIA, provided an orientation to the SFEP-project

staff on: the ill effects of using plastic, how to avoid the use of plastic, grade and sort plastic
and possibilities for selling and recycling. She also emphasized the need for staff at Kadavur
office to sort the plastic within the premises and dispose it safely. In addition, she suggested
that the paper waste in the office could be used for recycling as reused paper. As a result of
this, four drums were placed within the Kadavur office and the waste is being sorted
regularly

F. Organizational Development
During 2015-16, the project staff took part in seven networking visits with other NGOs.
This has clearly improved the cooperation with other organizations that work in similar areas
through the networking activities, especially around organic farming, watershed

2
 management, HIV/AIDS and health. The individual farmers have also been able to network
with other farmers and organizations through exposure visits and seminars. Besides, an
integrative perspective has been brought in within ISS across all projects to strengthen the
overall efforts of the organisation. From observations made by the Mid-term Evaluation, new
techniques on reviewing and reporting has been introduced and implemented across the
projects and the organisation, with the participation of all staff wherein they are being
pursued to strengthen the management dimension. During the period June 15-30, ISS
Secretary Dr.K.Perumal, the Sofia project holder, Mr. Balasubramanian, the Project
Coordinator Mr. Veluchamy visited Sweden to participate in different meetings, seminars as
well as the conference on ‘’soils and the food we eat’’.

2.13 BERAS - Building Ecological Regenerative Agriculture and Societies

ISS is engaged with small and family farms in rural areas, creating - small, rural, vibrant,
healthy and eco-friendly communities with social justice, equality and communal
harmony.There are about 4500 small scale farmers from 80 villages in Kadavur region
supported by international agencies, local government and other local financial
institutions. On day to day basis ISS works on holistic aspects of rural development by
bringing about transformation among rural poor who are socially, economically,
educationally, culturally and agriculturally challenged. Currently ISS works on
the empowerment of small scale farmers and women self-help groups in rural areas. This is
achieved through many interventions including exposure to post-harvest techniques,
processing and value addition for local markets and engaging in the continuum of the whole
food chain.

SOFIA has worked with similar ecological agriculture projects as BERAS, and through
the BERAS International its partners will get access to a global network. BERAS
representatives have visited India and presented the BERAS concept on several occasions,
SOFIA has contacts and cooperation with Future Earth and the Swallows and their projects
in Tamil Nadu. It also has contacts with the biodynamic movement in India.

ISS is the lead partner of BERAS India and coordinating its activities through a network
consisting of 13 different stakeholders as founding members under the supervision of
BERAS International Foundation. BERAS India Secretariat has been fully functional in ISS
premises since 2014. The objectives of BERAS India is to support small farmers and small
food and fibre business following the universal concept of ecological regenerative
agriculture, diet for green planet and sustainable food societies. The network is spread in
Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry (population of 60 million, of which 70% are in rural area of
whom 80% are small farmers). BERAS India intends to invite other partners from all over

2
India and at presenthas 23 active partners from various fields - non-governmental
organizations, universities, research institutes, associations, academic institutions and
Biodynamic farmers to disseminate the BERAS concept to farmers, policy makers in the
state and central government, producers, traders and local communities. BERAS has
organized 14 steering committee meetings and 18 network meetings with founding
members. All the BERAS India partners have accepted the prevention of corruption and
gender equality as mandates within their organization policy.

ISS and Provigal conducted the awareness programme on the prevention of corruption
in different places, whilst Kudumbam, CHIREP, Muhil and Karmuhil organised gender
equality seminars regionally. BERAS partners participated in this process which resulted in
the preparation of a comprehensive gender policy document for BERAS.

During the year 13 proposals have been prepared by different network partners and
submitted to various funding agencies. BERAS concepts document was translated and
displayed in the Bio Villages’ conference. Tamil translated version has been shared with all
the partners. A Tamil book on Ecological Recycling Agriculture guidelines for farmers and
advisors has been prepared. Totally 40 regional seminars and 1 state level seminar has
been conducted by different network partners at various places. Two days National
conference was conducted in Madurai to disseminate the BERAS concept.

National Conference on Ecological Approaches toward Diet for a Green Planet held at
Madurai during November 20-21, 2015.

A baseline study covering the food outlets in Kadavur and Vinobajipuram villages was
carried out to understand the food chain, value addition, wastage and as to whether the
produce was organic or inorganic. During October 1 to 17, 2014 Mr. Josetin Hertwig visited
BERAS – India network partners in their respective field locations to find out potential pilot

2
 places. During 17th November to 1st December, 2015 Mr. Jostein visited BERAS- India
network partners and the purpose was to strengthen the BERAS concepts like DGP and
SFS through meetings arranged by BERAS founding members. Policy Makers, Business
People, Government Authorities, and Academic Institutions attended the National
Conference on “Ecological Approaches toward Diet for a Green Planet held at Madurai, held
during November 20-21, 2015.

A study was conducted to get soil samples from 86 locations covering either side of
Kadavur valley stream. Purpose of this study was to understand the levels of pollution in the
soil, soil fertility, and Practices of Organic/inorganic farming on either side of the stream and
its effects. As a part of the effort - Diet for Green Planet, a food consumption survey was
conducted at Sevapur, Vinobajipuram and Kadavur region. BERAS India and BERAS
International Heads met Dr. Krishna Chandar, Director, National Centre of Organic Farming,
Government of India and discussed the future plan to be implemented jointly based on the
concepts of ERA, DGP and SFS. The team also met DrA. K. Singh, Deputy Director
General, Indian Council for Agriculture Research – Extension and explained the concept of
BERAS India.

State Level conference at Kudumbam organization Trichy and Regional Conference

at Kadavur

An Office has been established in Kadavur by ISS to coordinate this project. On

th
26 November, 2015 BERAS India meeting took place in Sofia Project office. Mr. Jostin from
BERAS International participated and explained the mandate of BERAS as a global initiative
and the importance of organic and biodynamic farming. Total of 61 farmers and Sofia project
staff participated in this meeting.

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3. Special Programmes
3.1 Iyarkai Nala VazvuMuham(Natural Well Being Camps)
ISS initiated the Iyarkai Nala Vazvu Muham at Kadavur Social Education Centre. The
programme is being conducted for the benefit of Kadavur area community on the 3rd
Saturday of every month. So far 2 camps have been conducted with about 300 people
participating where in natural food eating habits and organic farming has been promoted and
the participants sharing their experiences.

Inauguration of Iyarkai Nala Vazvu camp at Kadavur social Educational Centre

3.2 Community
ISS founder mother Lea Provo had established a community Center to promote the
ideology towards communal harmony and brotherhood living among staff members, social
workers and the general public, having a homely approach to the guests. The Community
Center has facilities to accommodate about 25 persons at a time and the place has organic
outlook in all aspects of community life. The Center has a library with a collection of 2500
plus books and also provides internet and Wi-Fi connection for the guests communication.
The Center is a driving force in moving the community towards self sufficiency

3.3 International Swedish Youth Volunteers Programme for understanding nature and Indian
society
ISS and SOFIA Sweden have been jointly conducting the Youth Volunteers programme
since 2008 and to date about 20 volunteers have participated in this programme. This
initiative contributes towards theimproved understanding of cultures and people and gives
the participants experience of the organizations reality and the living conditions in the area.
The program also gives the participants knowledge regarding sustainable development with
special focus on organic / bio-dynamic farming methods, with a north – south perspective.

2
 The program specifically addresses the following:
• Prepare the youth trainees in Sweden before their 4 month of voluntary work at ISS
in India.
• Through the voluntary work get and give knowledge and experience that enrich both
the organizations and the participants.
• Construct sustainable communication channels and future co-operation between the
organizations in Sweden and India.

Volunteers with ISS staff exchanging their skills BERAS CEO Discussing with Youth trainees

List of volunteers participating in the youth internship programme during 2015-2016

Sl.No Trainees Name Period Projects

01 Mr. Odd Nilson October-2015 - March-2016 BERAS- India

02 Ms. Kajsa Resare Sahlin October-2015-December-2015 BERAS- India

03 Ms. Angelica Johansson October-2015-December-2015 SFEP Project

04 Ms. Michaela October-2015-December-2015 Auroville Pondicherry

05 Ms. Emmy Stare October-2015-December-2015 AGG And OBDF

06 Ms. Anna Wikman January-2016-May-2106 SFEP Project

07 Ms. Stella Persson January-2016-May-2106 SIDHA Project

08 Ms. Michaela Andrea January-2016-May-2106 Balwadi/Community

Centre

3
4. Networking Organizations
• Gandhigram Trust, Gandhigram, Dindigul -Dt

• CIRHEP - Centre for Improved Rural Health and Environmental Protect,

Veelinayakanpatty, Nilakkottai (T.K), Dindigul – 621 208.

• Muhil – Movement for Universal Health Integration & Liberation, Thirumangalam -

625701

• Karmuhil – Thirumangalam – 625701

• Kudumbam – No.113/118, Sundarraj Nagar, Subramamaniypuram, Trichy, Pin:62002

• ADISIL - Agrarian Development Institute for Sustenance and Improved Livelihood,

15/B, Pioneer Colony, Thirumangalam-625701

• ProvigalIyyakam – Kadayanallur

• AHIMSA – Association For Human Integrated Massive Social Action, 1/207, C, Sona
Complex, Vaiyampatty, Trichy, Pin Code:621302

• ECOPRO - Auroville, Pandicherry

• TTGA - TamilMadu Tree Growers Associations, Ayyanar Kalya Mandabam, T- Kallupatti

(post), Madurai – 625702.

• Key Stone Foundation – Ooty

• Kurunji Organic Farm – Managing Director, Kurunji Farms, Periyakulam Road,

Genguvarpatty (Po), Theni Dt.- 625 203.

5. Publications
• Farmers Hand Book – Small Farmers Empowerment Programme – 2016-
Dr. V. Karuppuraj

• Mother Lea Provo - The Light of Sevapur –Dr.M.P.Gurusamy

• Kalan Valarppu – Dr.K.Perumal and Dr.V.Karuppuraj

3
 6. Donors / Funding Agencies
• SAWES - Belgium
• Joe Homan Charitable Trust - UK
• SOFIA- Sweden
• Textile Designs and Werkunst – Germany
• Zukuftsstiftung Entwicklung Christstr – Sweden

7. ISS Income and Expenditure Pattern

Sources of Income

INCOME
0%

FCS
30% 25%
SOFIA
BD SCHOOL

1% BERAS
23%
21% OTHER SOURCE

Expenditure Pattern

EXPENDITURE

11%
Agriculture

42% Health
EDUCATION

41% WD
Programme Support
6%

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8. List of Ongoing Projects

Sl.No Title Period Funding Funds

Agencies Received
(in lakh)

1 • Foster Children Scheme 2015-16 SAWES Rs.23.98

2 JHC Rs.22.96
• Annai Lea Boys And Girls 2015-16
Hostel:

3 • Annai Lea Higher Secondary 2015-16 FCS

School Contribution,
School Fees Rs.10.91
And others

4 • Balwadi And Community Canter 2015-16 General Fund Rs.01.79

At Vinobajipuram

5 • Annai Genetic Garden 2015-16 General Fund Rs.0.58

6 • Annai Lea Organic And Herbal 2015-16 General Fund

Production Unit and others Rs.2.68

7 • Eco – Club 2015-16 TNED Rs.0.14

8 • Sofia – Small Farmers 2015-16 SOFIA Rs.43.11

Empowerment Projects

9 • Organic And Bio Dynamic 2015-16 General Fund Rs.5.38

Agriculture Farm and others

10 • Bio Dynamic Annai Lea 2015-16 SAWES, Rs.39.10

Community College CHRISTSTR,
School Fees
and local
Donors

11 • BERAS – Building Ecological 2015-16 Donation and Rs.01.60

Regenerative Agriculture And Conference
Societies Registration
Fees

12 • Youth Volunteer Trainees 2015-16 SOFIA Rs.2.29

Programme Sweden

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 List of project Submitted
Duration
S. Funding
Proposal Tile and budget Status Name of PI
no agencies
(Rs)
Development of a cost Submitted
effective and decentralized On 15th
3 years
biodynamic agriculture DST New October 2015
01 (20.32 Dr.V.Karuppuraj
packages for resource Delhi Ref. no:
laksh)
poor dry land farming SYST-
community 1255/2015
Submitted
The Science of Yoga for On 30th
3 years
the enhancement of DST New October 2015
02 (37.40 Dr.V.Karuppuraj
cognitive behaviors among Delhi Ref.No.:SR/S
laksh)
village students ATYAM/501/
2015
Sustainable beekeeping
with local varieties honey Submitted
processing and products 3 years On 30th
DST New
03 developments for (26.45 December- Dr.V.Karuppuraj
Delhi
additional income laksh) 2015
generation to SC/ST and
local communities
Popularization of selected
Agro technologies for soil Submitted
health improvement, crop 3 years On 20th
production in dry land ICAR New
04 (26.56 January- Dr.V.Karuppuraj
farming and effective Delhi
laksh) 2016
utilization of agriculture
residues for value added
products
Skill development and
industrial training to 150 2 years
HSBC 31st January-
05 disadvantaged youth rural (40.25 Dr.V.Karuppuraj
Sweden 2016
community people in laksh)
Kadavur Block
awareness and technology
teaching on environment,
Asia green 6 Month 30th April-
06 water, soil, and health for Dr.VKaruppuraj
foundation (3.5 laksh) 2016
students and local poor
farmers

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9. Governing Board
Iss General Body Members -2015 -16
Mr. N.Palanisamy - GB Member
Dr. Himeswari - GB Member
Dr. B.Kalyani - GB Member
Dr. R.Varalakshmi - GB Member
Dr. M. Veluchamy - GB Member
Dr. G.Palanidurai - GB Member
Mr. M.Mohan - GB Member
Mr. R.Rajendran - GB Member
Mr. P. Kadavur Manimaran - GB Member

ISS Executive Committee Members

Dr. M. Pathamuthu - President
Mr. C. Jayakaran - Vice - President
Dr. K. Perumal - Secretary
Dr. M.P. Gurusamy - Treasurer
Dr. N. Markandan - EC Member
Mr. K.Thiruneelakandan - EC Member
Rev. Sr. Pauline - EC Member
Dr. David Ravindran - EC Member
Mr. Nallayam Perumal - EC Member
Rev.Sr. Kulandhai - EC Member
Mr. N. Rajagopal - EC Member
Mr.K.Balasubramanian - EC Member
Mr. D. Thanagapandian - EC Member

Office Bearers
Dr. M. Pathamuthu - President
Retired Head Master and President in Sarvodya Illagiya Pannai, Madurai

Mr. C. Jayakaran - Vice - President

President in Biodynamic Association of India

Dr. K. Perumal - Secretary

Chief Scientist in Murgappa Chettiar Research Institute Chennai

Dr. M.P. Gurusamy - Treasurer

Former Principal in Aditanar College of Arts and Science Thiruchendur

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 10. ISS Staff
Administration Qualification Designation
Mr. P. Veluchamy B.A Administrative Manager
Dr. V. Karuppuraj M.Sc., PhD., Scientist
Mrs. J. Revathy B.A., DFA Accountant
Ms. M. Elamathi M.Com., M.phil., Senior Executive Asst

Foster Children Scheme

Mr.V. Mookkusamy M.A.B.Ed., FCS Manager
Sis. A. Selvamary B.A., B.Ed., Warden
Mrs. K. Radha 12th Asst Warden
Mr.P. Ramamoorthy FCS-Asst

Sofia-SFEP
Mr.A.John Bosco B.Com Prog. Manager
Mr.V.Rathinam BA Field Officer
Miss.T.Sudha B.Com Prog. Associate
Mr.A.Manickam B.Sc., B.Ed., Dip.Agri Field Officer

BD School
Mr.K.Krishnan M.Com., DCA., BD School Account / Manager
Mr. K.Anilkumar Dip Agri Farm Manager

Balwadi& Community
Mrs. M.S. Latha 12th Balwadi Teacher

ALHSS School
Mr.S.Guruswamy M.A., B.Ed Head Master
Mr. K. Kumaresan M.A., B.Ed Teacher
Mr.P.Muniyandai M.Sc., B.Ed Teacher
Mr.K.Chokkanathan M.A.,.B.Ed Teacher
Mr.M.Rajivgandhi M.A,.B.Ed Teacher
Mr.Edwinyogaraj M.Sc.B.Ed Teacher
Miss.P.Bhuvaneswari M.Sc., B.Ed., M.Phil., Teacher
Mr. Rajiniganth M.Sc., B.Ed., Teacher
Mr.A.Murugesan B.Sc., B.Ed., Teacher
Miss.A.ChristyJothi M.A., B.Ed., Teacher
Mr.R.Suresh M.A., B.Ed Teacher

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 Mr. M.Gopal M.Com., B.Ed., Teacher
Mr. P.Sivalingam Dip.Agri Teacher
Miss.S. Josephine B.A., B.PEd Teacher
Mr. K.V.Periyasamy S.S.L.C Clerk

AGG & Siddha

Mr.A.Raman DHMS AGG & Siddha Unit In charge

Organic and Bio -Dynamic Agri Farm

Miss. M. Priya Dip.Agri., OBDAF In charge

BERAS- India: Dr. V. Karuppuraj M.Sc., P.hd., Coordinator

Vehicle Maintenance: Mr. S.Sudhakaran 12th Driver

Electrical Maintenances: Mr.G.Sebastian 9th Electrician

11. Visitors and Guests to ISS

• Mr.Kim Smith – Canada
• Mr.Bwerliy Willcox – London
• Ms.Annika Karlson – Sweden
• Ms.Emmy Stave – Sweden
• Mr.Odd Nilsson – Sweden
• Ms.Kajsa resane Sahlin – Sweden
• Angelica Johansson – Sweden
• Mr.R.Gunasekar Geetha – Karur
• Mr.Birgen & Evisabet Ekerlio – Sweden
• Mr.David Spralja – Australlia
• Ms.Sella Persson Lidgren – Sweden
• Michaela Mark – Sweden
• Anna Widiganto – Sweden
• Ms.Paula Almida – Sweden
• Ms.Carolin Hedman – Sweden
• Ms.Ninni Mchater – Sweden
• Students and Faculty, Cauvery College for Women – Trichy
• P.U.E School – Karur
• St.Joseph’s College – Trichy
• Kumarasamy College of Engineering - Karur

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 • P.U.E.School – Poihaiputhur
• Govt.Her.Sec.School – palaviduthi
• P.U.E.School – Aanaipatti
• AVVMSP College – Thanjavur
• P.U.P.School – Puthambur
• P.U.P.School – Kadaiyur
• KSV School – Thulasukodumbu
• Marist. Hr.Sec.School – P.Udayapatti
• P.U.E.School – Aanaipatti
• AVVMSP College – Thanjavur
• P.U.P.School – Puthambur
• P.U.P.School – Kadaiyur
• KSV School – Thulasukodumbu
• Marist. Hr.Sec.School – P.Udayapatti
• Mr. Ponnu Samy, Kadavur Panchayat President
• Mrs. Sarashwathi Pandian, Vice President
• Mr. Sundararajan, Vadipatti
• Mr. M.C. Devadoss, Gandhi Museum, Madurai
• Mr.Nandha, Gandhi Museum, Madurai
• Mr. M.Kamagarajan, Cnys
• Mr. M.P. Gurusamy, Ec Member, Iss
• Mr. Naniur Rajendhiran, District Secretary, Karur
• Mr.S.Ravichandhar, District Environment Coordinator, Karur
• Mr. K.M.Nadarajan- President, Tamil Nadu Sarvodaya Mandal-Madurai
• Mr. Yoga Perumal, Madurai
• Mr.A.N.Alagrisamy
• Paladam Anandha Kumar
• Mr. Thivam, Hm, Kadavur
• Mr.Aandvar.Kadavur Pa
• Aakam Sangar
• CEO-Chief Education Officer-Karur
• DEO- District Education Officer.
• Mr. David Spralja Australia.

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12. Summary and Way forward

ISS efforts have been quite significant in raising the quality of life of the community and
they are able to attribute it to the approach and diversity in ISS interventions. At least 1000
families have benefitted through the ISS education intervention with their children pursuing
higher education and securing good employment. This has helped many families in
enhancing their quality of life. In addition the agriculture related intervention too has helped
families to have their own lands and cultivate them.

However, community seems to lack the awareness about the different schemes and
programmes of the government which they could benefit from and also their linkages with
the mainstream institutions seem to be quite limited. ISS given its plan to consolidate its
efforts to date proposes to facilitate community linkages with mainstream institutions so as to
ensure that they are able to sustain the gains made till now. One such effort is the promotion
of the Farmers’ Federation and forming and strengthening its links with other stakeholders.
Besides ISS has also promoted the Kadavur Valley Environment Protection Group with the
view to address environmental concerns within the valley.

On the Educational support initiative ISS is planning to broad base the funding
systematically with an appropriate funding strategy in place. ISS is planning to submit
proposals to Department of Science and Technology and other Government Institutions to
access funds for its developmental work. In addition the organization is also exploring the
possibility of reviving its website and look for new funding opportunities overseas.

One of the areas that ISS wishes to strengthen is its volunteering programme which has
brought about many benefits to ISS while providing opportunities for the volunteers to
improve their understanding of development and the issues that are affecting the
marginalized communities in developing countries.

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 13. Acknowledgements
ISS wishes to THANK all those who have offered their unstinted and continuous support
to the organization in ways over the System

International
 SAWES
 Joe Homan Charitable Trust
 SOFIA- Sweden
 Textile designs and Werkunst – Germany
 Zukufts Stiftung Entwicklung Christstr – Sweden
 BERAS International Sweden

Government Agencies
 Department of Science and Technology, New Delhi
 Women Develop corporation (MahalirThittam)
 Kadavur Panchayat Union office
 IOB -Kadavur and Tharagampatti
 Tamilnadu Mercantile Bank- (Ayyalur)
 THADCO - Karur
 Forest Department-Karur.
 NABARD - Karur
 District Education office - Karur
 Chief Education Office- Karur.
 Primary Health Centre - Kadavur
 Agriculture - Extension office – Tharagampatti

Institutions
 Gandhigram Rural University
 Shri A M MMurugappaChettiar Research Centre- Chennai

Non Governmental Organization

 Gandhigram Trust
 CIRHEP - Centre for Improved Rural Health and Environmental Protection,
Nilakottai.
 Muhil – Movement for Universal Health Integration & Liberation, Thirumangalam
 Karmuhil - Thirumangalam
 Kudumbam - Pudukottai
 ADISIL - Agrarian Development Institute for Sustenance and Improved Livelihood,
Thirumangalam
 ProvigalIyyakam – Kadayanallur
 AHIMSA – Association For Human Integrated Massive Social Action, Vaiyampatti
 ECOPRO - Auroville, Pandicherry
 MDGA - Madurai District Tree Growers Associations, Madurai

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 Mother Lea Provo constructed an 'Om' Temple in a central location within
Sevapur to stress the core value of the Gandhian way of life to communal harmony.

Founder President : Late Mother Lea Provo

President : Dr. Pathamuthu
Vice President : Mr.C.Jayakaran
Secretary : Dr.K.Perumal
Treasurer : Dr.M.P.Gurusamy

For Details Contact:

Office: Sevapur Post, KadavurTk, Karur -621311
Phone: 04332-279228/279288
Website: inbasevasangam.org Email: isssevapur@gmail.com