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About Aivanam
Aivanam - Ai + vanam (Tamil), meaning ‘King of the forest’ - was named after an ancient and native breed of rice grain once found in the mountain ranges of South India. This species, once a staple grain, was celebrated in the Sangam literature by classical Tamil poets.
Aivanam was founded to go back in time to revive and reform the olden and golden ways of living. A lifestyle that saw all living beings as part of one ecosystem.
கருவி தேன் எனத் தூங்கும் கதிர் அணி இறுங்கொடு தினை சூழ் பொருவில் யானையின் பழுப் போல் பொங்கு காய்க்குலை அவரை அருவி ஐவனம் கரும்பும் அடக்கருங் கவைக் கதிர் வரகும் உருவ எள் பயறு உழுந்தும் அல்லவும் எல்லை இன்று உளவே
சீவக சிந்தாமணி (1561)
Vision
Making Nilgiris South India’s first organic district. One farmer at a time.For over a century, the western ghats has been subjected to destructive methods of farming including monocropping, intensive commercial farming, use of chemical fertilisers among others. Headquartered in Kotagiri, Aivanam aims to change this and make Nilgiris as South India’s first organic district. Because when an environment is protected, all the lives that depend on it are protected.
Mission
Train farmers to practise organic and indigenous methods of farming to build a healthy habitat for all life forms. Create replicable, profitable and environment friendly organic farming models. Partner with like minded people, civil society organisations, Gram panchayats and Govt. bodies to bring real change at all levels.
Why Nilgiris?
Reviving one mountain range to support many lives. Water is the source of life, and mountains are the source of water. And the Nilgiris is one of the biggest source for South India. Unfortunately, this water has been contaminated with chemical fertilisers including malathion, calcium ammonium sulphate among others. Aivanam was founded to change this. By making Nilgiris as South India’s first organic district, we will not only protect the fragile Western ghats, but will also improve the livelihood of all the people that it supports
Our impact
Aivanam is dedicated to positively impacting indigenous communities and their surrounding ecosystems. We focus on addressing ecological challenges caused by climate change, promoting gender equality, supporting traditional livelihoods and indigenous rights, and preserving traditional ecological knowledge and tribal histories. Our work is rooted in collaboration, empathy, and respect for diverse cultures. We empower women and work with indigenous communities to develop sustainable practices that protect the environment. Through our initiatives, we aim to create a more equitable, just, and sustainable future for all.
Impact Stories
Aivanam is dedicated to positively impacting indigenous communities and their surrounding ecosystems. We focus on addressing ecological challenges caused by climate change, promoting gender equality, supporting traditional livelihoods and indigenous rights, and preserving traditional ecological knowledge and tribal histories.
Programmes
At the heart of our organizational mission is a commitment to creating positive change in the world. To achieve this goal, we've divided our work into several thematic areas that together form a cohesive and comprehensive approach to our mission.
ORGANIC FARMING
AGRO FORESTRY
BIODIVERSITY
TRIBAL WELFARE
PAIN & PALLIATIVE
CHILDRENS EDUCATION
COMMUNITY WELLBEING
GOVT. SCHEMES
PARTNERSHIPS
CULTURAL DIVERSITY
This Work is licenced under a Creative Commons Atribution 4.0 international license.