Mr John Alex, with an academic background in Agriculture and Rural Development, embarked on his career in 1979 as a Group II Gazetted Officer in the Tamil Nadu State Government. From 1979 to 1983, he served as an extension officer (agriculture) and block development officer, playing a crucial role in promoting agricultural development and implementing rural upliftment programs within the state.

Over a 25-year career with the bank, he held various key positions, including Agricultural Field Officer, Branch Manager, Regional Assistant Chief Officer, Senior Manager, and Chief Manager. His assignments spanned across multiple branches in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, where he was instrumental in enhancing agricultural finance, supporting rural banking initiatives, and driving regional economic development

In 2008, as part of the management team, he was pivotal in conceptualising and establishing the Social Initiatives team. His vision extended beyond traditional banking, focusing on a comprehensive strategy to address the diverse needs of small clients. His initiatives encompassed critical areas such as Health, Education, Skill Development, Food Security, and Employment Placement for unemployed youth. Notably, he championed an inclusive model to support persons with disabilities and the transgender community, ensuring their integration into the socio-economic mainstream.

As the Founder Trustee of Varshini Illam Trust, he brings his wide experience to the table and oversees all trust activities.

Dr. C. K. Gariyali is a distinguished administrator and an ardent advocate for women’s empowerment. With a strong academic foundation in Medical and Psychiatric Social Work from the Delhi School of Social Work, she also holds a doctorate in Women’s Studies from Mother Teresa University. Her advanced studies at the University of Sussex on “Poverty Alleviation” and at the Queen Elizabeth House, Oxford University on “Women’s Empowerment” have profoundly shaped her approach to tackling social challenges.

A 1972 batch officer of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Dr. Gariyali retired as the Principal Secretary to the Governor of Tamil Nadu in 2007. Her notable career includes key roles as a Collector of Chennai and South Arcot districts, where she implemented transformative regional development policies. Dr. Gariyali is widely acclaimed for her innovative work in the Health and Welfare sectors, having served as Secretary of Social Welfare and Secretary of Health. Her career is distinguished by pioneering initiatives, including the inception of the Cancer Screening Programme for women in 1987 and facilitating the expansion of the Adyar Cancer Hospital by securing land previously owned by Raj Bhavan.

​As the “Mother of Self-Help Groups of Women,” Dr Gariyali has authored five seminal women empowerment books. Her publications focus on poverty reduction through the self-help group movement in Tamil Nadu, fostering financial independence and community solidarity among women. Her over twenty years of experience in social welfare are marked by significant contributions to health and education, benefiting numerous communities.

Dr. Gariyali has been a trustee and the guiding light behind Varshini Illam Trust’s activities since its inception. Her vision and leadership have been pivotal in shaping VIT’s programs and driving its mission to serve the community. She believes in walking the talk and is a field person. she tirelessly works with our field team to understand the nuances of program implementation. She helps VIT to strategise and is always a person to go to issues

Mrs Philomin Joan is a literature Graduate from Holy cross College, Trichy and an ardent Social worker, she is blessed with 3 children and 2 grandchildren.

She loves children and in her spare time in addition to being a busy Home Maker, she spends in the home for the aged and with orphaned children.

At VIT she takes a keen interest in the day to day activities of the home management and takes care of the adoption process.

Mrs Arun cleared her ISCE Examinations from the Convent of Jesus and Mary New Delhi and went on to obtain a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) and a Masters Degree in History from Delhi University in 1976. She was a student of Lady Shriram College at Delhi. Mrs Arun also holds a Bachelors Degree in Education from Annamalai University awarded in 1986.

Her father Shri TN Lakshmi Narayanan was an IAS Officer of TN Cadre who after several senior postings at Delhi also served as the Advisor to Governors of Tamil Nadu and Kerela when the States were put under Presidents Rule in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Mrs Arun has chosen to be a Home Maker, well-read whose interests lie in ancient history, fine point painting and crafting jewellery with semi-precious stones when she finds time. She holds a Diploma in Garment Making and Design and has been a Member of the National Geographic Society since 2002 and of PETA for several years. She provides reading support to blind students on request.

​She is married to Mr Arun Ramanathan an IAS Officer of Tamil Nadu Cadre who superannuated as Finance Secretary to the Government of India and is currently the Chairman of Equitas Small Finance Bank. They have two children, a daughter: Tarunya Arun a Consultant Neurologist in NHS UK at Oxford and Coventry and a son: Trivikram Arun who holds a senior position in Royal Dutch Shell, Hague, Netherlands. Two grandsons and a granddaughter are a source of joy for them.

Mrs P V Choodamani, born in 1966, hails from the traditional town of Kumbakonam. She was educated in different districts in Tamilnadu and went on to complete her graduation in Physics from St Johns College in Trichy.

She worked for a long time in Lakshmi Vilas Bank before taking voluntary retirement.

She was one of the brain-child behind the starting of the Varshini Illam Trust and takes a keen and active part in ensuring the well-being and proper upkeep of the babies in the Trust.

She is married and lives with her husband and daughter.

Varshini is a 3rd year Psychology student at Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education