About Us
ABCD: Transforming Lives Through Gandhian Values Since 1986
At the Association of Bhoodan and Community Development (ABCD), we believe that real change begins at the grassroots. Inspired by Gandhian principles, we have been working since 1986 to uplift rural communities, ensuring they have the resources, skills, and opportunities to build a better future. For nearly four decades, we have worked hand in hand with communities, addressing their most pressing needs and empowering them to build a better future.
What sets ABCD apart is our comprehensive approach to rural development. We don’t just address one issue—we work across multiple areas, including land reform (Bhoodan movement), clean water access, sanitation, healthcare, economic development, education, disaster relief, women empowerment, social forestry, elder care, farmer’s program, skill training, entrepreneurship, environment conservation and awareness campaigns. By addressing these interconnected challenges, we create a lasting impact in the lives of individuals and communities.
With over 39 years of hands-on experience, we have successfully implemented government programs at both the central and state levels, working closely with Mahalir Thittam, DRDA, district collectorates, and international contributors. Our strong partnerships ensure that every initiative we take is efficient, effective, and truly benefits the people it is meant for.
At the Association of Bhoodan and Community Development (ABCD), we believe that real change begins at the grassroots. Inspired by Gandhian principles, we have been working since 1986 to uplift rural communities, ensuring they have the resources, skills, and opportunities to build a better future. For nearly four decades, we have worked hand in hand with communities, addressing their most pressing needs and empowering them to build a better future.
What sets ABCD apart is our comprehensive approach to rural development. We don’t just address one issue—we work across multiple areas, including land reform (Bhoodan movement), clean water access, sanitation, healthcare, economic development, education, disaster relief, women empowerment, social forestry, elder care, farmer’s program, skill training, entrepreneurship, environment conservation and awareness campaigns. By addressing these interconnected challenges, we create a lasting impact in the lives of individuals and communities.
With over 39 years of hands-on experience, we have successfully implemented government programs at both the central and state levels, working closely with Mahalir Thittam, DRDA, district collectorates, and international contributors. Our strong partnerships ensure that every initiative we take is efficient, effective, and truly benefits the people it is meant for.
Green Adventure
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Enjoy The Best Experience with Us
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Foundations of Our Work
Transforming Rural Lives, Sustainably
Looking back, we see countless lives transformed through our efforts—and this fuels our commitment to do more. We continue to analyze the socio-economic challenges of rural communities, environmental concerns, and gaps in education – to find practical, sustainable solutions and implement them.
From Survival to Sustainability
Turn struggle into strength, helping rural communities become self-sufficient, flourish, and build a future filled with opportunities.
Who We Serve
- ● Socially, economically and educationally deprived communities.
- ● Women, children and old age groups of people in the community.
- ● small/marginal and women farmers
- ● Neglected and polluted land
Executive members
A life of purpose and leadership.
G Kathirvel - Chairman
G. Kathirvel, chairman of our NGO, started his journey in field-level social service in 1986. He is currently also the Chairman of Kadavur Collective Farming Farmer Producer Company Limited and serves as the General Secretary of Karur district Sarvodhaya Mandal. He also held the position of Gram Panchayat President for Palaviduthi panchayat from 2001 to 2006. Where his service left a lasting imprint.
Keeping farming and social service as his purpose in life, his unwavering commitment has positively impacted countless communities. His work continues to bring light and hope to the hearts of those he serves.
His thinking, implementation, perspective and humbleness make him a great leader to have as our guide. One of his significant accomplishments is Self Help Group formation in Kadavur and Aravakurichi Block, Karur district. A big women’s empowerment movement in the rural communities. Giving women the tools to change their lives and, in turn, change the fabric of their village. Furthermore, his ability to adapt to new techniques and technology and his forward-thinking attitude set him apart as a leader. His willingness to combine innovation ensures that small farmers are not left behind but empowered to thrive in a rapidly changing world. He believes in equipping the community with the right knowledge and tools, helping them grow and prosper, much like the seeds they plant in their field. G. Kathirvel‘s life reflects what it means to lead with purpose, empowering others and creating lasting change.
G. Kathirvel, chairman of our NGO, started his journey in field-level social service in 1986. He is currently also the Chairman of Kadavur Collective Farming Farmer Producer Company Limited and serves as the General Secretary of Karur district Sarvodhaya Mandal. He also held the position of Gram Panchayat President for Palaviduthi panchayat from 2001 to 2006. Where his service left a lasting imprint.
Keeping farming and social service as his purpose in life, his unwavering commitment has positively impacted countless communities. His work continues to bring light and hope to the hearts of those he serves.
His thinking, implementation, perspective and humbleness make him a great leader to have as our guide. One of his significant accomplishments is Self Help Group formation in Kadavur and Aravakurichi Block, Karur district. A big women’s empowerment movement in the rural communities. Giving women the tools to change their lives and, in turn, change the fabric of their village. Furthermore, his ability to adapt to new techniques and technology and his forward-thinking attitude set him apart as a leader. His willingness to combine innovation ensures that small farmers are not left behind but empowered to thrive in a rapidly changing world. He believes in equipping the community with the right knowledge and tools, helping them grow and prosper, much like the seeds they plant in their field. G. Kathirvel‘s life reflects what it means to lead with purpose, empowering others and creating lasting change.
Gandhian & rural empowerment leader.
V Murugan - General Secretary
V. Murugan, the General Secretary of our NGO and President of the Tamil Nadu Sarvodaya Mandal, has dedicated over 60 years to social service, living by Gandhian principles of Non-Violence (Ahimsa), Truth (Satya), and Welfare of All (Sarvodaya).
His heart and efforts have always been focused on empowering socially backward communities by increasing land ownership among them and advocating for justice in cases of Bhoodan land acquisition. He has a big part in adopting villages and allocating Bhoodan land to the landless poor.
Since the foundation of ABCD NGO, he has been not only a guiding light but also a true friend to the founder. Offering wisdom, support and kindness every step of the way. His dedication and vision continue to inspire us all. Working to eliminate inequality in land ownership. striving to create a fairer society. Where land ownership is no longer a barrier to opportunity.
V. Murugan, the General Secretary of our NGO and President of the Tamil Nadu Sarvodaya Mandal, has dedicated over 60 years to social service, living by Gandhian principles of Non-Violence (Ahimsa), Truth (Satya), and Welfare of All (Sarvodaya).
His heart and efforts have always been focused on empowering socially backward communities by increasing land ownership among them and advocating for justice in cases of Bhoodan land acquisition. He has a big part in adopting villages and allocating Bhoodan land to the landless poor.
Since the foundation of ABCD NGO, he has been not only a guiding light but also a true friend to the founder. Offering wisdom, support and kindness every step of the way. His dedication and vision continue to inspire us all. Working to eliminate inequality in land ownership. striving to create a fairer society. Where land ownership is no longer a barrier to opportunity.
Champion of sustainable rural development
K M Manikkam - Executive Member
With 25 years of social service, K.M. Manikam has made a significant impact in the field of women’s empowerment and rural development. He currently serves as the Chairman of Pungar Farmer Producer Company Limited and has previously held the position of Gram Panchayat President of Tharagampatti panchayat from 2001 to 2006. As a member of our NGO, his leadership continues to guide and support initiatives.
Among his notable contributions, the highlighted works are – under his leadership restoration of the 75-acre Mavathur pond, enhancing local water resources and benefiting countless farmers and families, the Creation of rural employment and addressing farmers’ marketing challenges to improve their incomes. His work inspires sustainable growth. His thought to improve the livelihoods of rural areas is visionary.
Among his notable contributions, the highlighted works are – under his leadership restoration of the 75-acre Mavathur pond, enhancing local water resources and benefiting countless farmers and families, the Creation of rural employment and addressing farmers’ marketing challenges to improve their incomes. His work inspires sustainable growth. His thought to improve the livelihoods of rural areas is visionary.
With 25 years of social service, K.M. Manikam has made a significant impact in the field of women’s empowerment and rural development. He currently serves as the Chairman of Pungar Farmer Producer Company Limited and has previously held the position of Gram Panchayat President of Tharagampatti panchayat from 2001 to 2006. As a member of our NGO, his leadership continues to guide and support initiatives.
Among his notable contributions, the highlighted works are – under his leadership restoration of the 75-acre Mavathur pond, enhancing local water resources and benefiting countless farmers and families, the Creation of rural employment and addressing farmers’ marketing challenges to improve their incomes. His work inspires sustainable growth. His thought to improve the livelihoods of rural areas is visionary.
Among his notable contributions, the highlighted works are – under his leadership restoration of the 75-acre Mavathur pond, enhancing local water resources and benefiting countless farmers and families, the Creation of rural employment and addressing farmers’ marketing challenges to improve their incomes. His work inspires sustainable growth. His thought to improve the livelihoods of rural areas is visionary.
Team
K Nithya Shri - Project Director
She, the Project Director at ABCD NGO, brings a unique blend of innovation, farming expertise, and community focus. With a passion for a deep understanding of rural communities’ needs and a knack for designing impactful programs that address their needs. Her work with KARKALAAM has showcased her expertise in connecting with rural populations and tailoring solutions that empower them.
Three words: organic farmer, an innovator, and always learning things she is curious about. Since 2020, she has focused on growing heirloom crop varieties – not just for the harvest but with the deeper purpose of doing the right thing and innovating a paddy weeder machine – with the vision of creating a machine that makes farming easy and profitable for the small and marginal paddy farmers. Founder of Nellusoru Manufacturers and Services. Nithya’s curiosity takes her beyond the fields – from baking wholesome, healthy bread to gliding on skates, from exploring the science of agriculture to discovering the joy in drawing and sharing her smile with the world, always discovering new passions.
A girl from Kurumbapatti village, Nithya, is determined to bring lasting change to rural communities through ABCD.
Three words: organic farmer, an innovator, and always learning things she is curious about. Since 2020, she has focused on growing heirloom crop varieties – not just for the harvest but with the deeper purpose of doing the right thing and innovating a paddy weeder machine – with the vision of creating a machine that makes farming easy and profitable for the small and marginal paddy farmers. Founder of Nellusoru Manufacturers and Services. Nithya’s curiosity takes her beyond the fields – from baking wholesome, healthy bread to gliding on skates, from exploring the science of agriculture to discovering the joy in drawing and sharing her smile with the world, always discovering new passions.
A girl from Kurumbapatti village, Nithya, is determined to bring lasting change to rural communities through ABCD.
She, the Project Director at ABCD NGO, brings a unique blend of innovation, farming expertise, and community focus. With a passion for a deep understanding of rural communities’ needs and a knack for designing impactful programs that address their needs. Her work with KARKALAAM has showcased her expertise in connecting with rural populations and tailoring solutions that empower them.
Three words: organic farmer, an innovator, and always learning things she is curious about. Since 2020, she has focused on growing heirloom crop varieties – not just for the harvest but with the deeper purpose of doing the right thing and innovating a paddy weeder machine – with the vision of creating a machine that makes farming easy and profitable for the small and marginal paddy farmers. Founder of Nellusoru Manufacturers and Services. Nithya’s curiosity takes her beyond the fields – from baking wholesome, healthy bread to gliding on skates, from exploring the science of agriculture to discovering the joy in drawing and sharing her smile with the world, always discovering new passions.
A girl from Kurumbapatti village, Nithya, is determined to bring lasting change to rural communities through ABCD.
Three words: organic farmer, an innovator, and always learning things she is curious about. Since 2020, she has focused on growing heirloom crop varieties – not just for the harvest but with the deeper purpose of doing the right thing and innovating a paddy weeder machine – with the vision of creating a machine that makes farming easy and profitable for the small and marginal paddy farmers. Founder of Nellusoru Manufacturers and Services. Nithya’s curiosity takes her beyond the fields – from baking wholesome, healthy bread to gliding on skates, from exploring the science of agriculture to discovering the joy in drawing and sharing her smile with the world, always discovering new passions.
A girl from Kurumbapatti village, Nithya, is determined to bring lasting change to rural communities through ABCD.
Founder
M Gurusamy - Founder of ABCD NGO
M. Gurusamy – Founder of ABCD NGO, dedicated his life to the empowerment of society. His journey from humble beginnings to becoming a passionate social worker is a true testament to his dedication and resilience.
Born into a modest family, Mr Gurusamy’s path to serve began with small entrepreneurial ventures. He started by owning a tea shop, then expanded into marketing millet shops, and worked as a tailor. Eventually secured a position as a supervisor at the Mettur Dam (Stanley Reservoir), a role that added to his diverse experience. After serving as a supervisor, he returned to his village and started farming. However, his inner voice drove him to be more.
Determined to uplift his community. Mr Gurusamy took a significant step by establishing a milk society. He arranged for the distribution of milch animals to farmers through government loans and started a goat-rearing society in Kurumbapatti village, Palaviduthi panchayat, to support local farmers.
His commitment to social change grew as he served as a director in the cooperative society of Palaviduthi panchayat. In 1984, he became the Gramdan Gram President, further solidifying his leadership in community development.
His vision for social empowerment gained further momentum when he with the wholehearted support and blessing of Swami Vidyananda Saraswathi, former president of the Tamil Nadu Sarvodaya Board, Mr Gurusamy founded ABCD NGO in 1984. Along with his friends, Mr Gurusamy officially registered the society in 1986.
His vision of social empowerment remains at the heart of the NGO’s mission. Even after his passing in 2007, his legacy lives on, inspiring future generations to continue his work for a better society.
M. Gurusamy – Founder of ABCD NGO, dedicated his life to the empowerment of society. His journey from humble beginnings to becoming a passionate social worker is a true testament to his dedication and resilience.
Born into a modest family, Mr Gurusamy’s path to serve began with small entrepreneurial ventures. He started by owning a tea shop, then expanded into marketing millet shops, and worked as a tailor. Eventually secured a position as a supervisor at the Mettur Dam (Stanley Reservoir), a role that added to his diverse experience. After serving as a supervisor, he returned to his village and started farming. However, his inner voice drove him to be more.
Determined to uplift his community. Mr Gurusamy took a significant step by establishing a milk society. He arranged for the distribution of milch animals to farmers through government loans and started a goat-rearing society in Kurumbapatti village, Palaviduthi panchayat, to support local farmers.
His commitment to social change grew as he served as a director in the cooperative society of Palaviduthi panchayat. In 1984, he became the Gramdan Gram President, further solidifying his leadership in community development.
His vision for social empowerment gained further momentum when he with the wholehearted support and blessing of Swami Vidyananda Saraswathi, former president of the Tamil Nadu Sarvodaya Board, Mr Gurusamy founded ABCD NGO in 1984. Along with his friends, Mr Gurusamy officially registered the society in 1986. His vision of social empowerment remains at the heart of the NGO’s mission. Even after his passing in 2007, his legacy lives on, inspiring future generations to continue his work for a better society.
Born into a modest family, Mr Gurusamy’s path to serve began with small entrepreneurial ventures. He started by owning a tea shop, then expanded into marketing millet shops, and worked as a tailor. Eventually secured a position as a supervisor at the Mettur Dam (Stanley Reservoir), a role that added to his diverse experience. After serving as a supervisor, he returned to his village and started farming. However, his inner voice drove him to be more.
Determined to uplift his community. Mr Gurusamy took a significant step by establishing a milk society. He arranged for the distribution of milch animals to farmers through government loans and started a goat-rearing society in Kurumbapatti village, Palaviduthi panchayat, to support local farmers.
His commitment to social change grew as he served as a director in the cooperative society of Palaviduthi panchayat. In 1984, he became the Gramdan Gram President, further solidifying his leadership in community development.
His vision for social empowerment gained further momentum when he with the wholehearted support and blessing of Swami Vidyananda Saraswathi, former president of the Tamil Nadu Sarvodaya Board, Mr Gurusamy founded ABCD NGO in 1984. Along with his friends, Mr Gurusamy officially registered the society in 1986. His vision of social empowerment remains at the heart of the NGO’s mission. Even after his passing in 2007, his legacy lives on, inspiring future generations to continue his work for a better society.
History of ABCD NGO
The Association of Bhoodan & Community Development (ABCD) was born out of the Bhoodan movement, a visionary land reform initiative led by Mr Acharya Vinoba Bhave, a disciple of Mahatma Gandhi. The movement encouraged large landowners to share their land with the landless, aiming to reduce inequality and uplift the socio-economic status of the poor.
In 1984, Mr M. Gurusamy, Gramadhan Gram President, with wholehearted support and blessing from Mr Vidyananda Saraswathi, former president of Tamil Nadu Sarvodaya Board, founded the society along with his friends and registered in 1986.
To begin with, the Kadavur Zamindar gifted his lands to the needy poor. Many followed suit. Then concentrating on community development, various activities have been implemented, addressing the needs of marginalized communities in Kadavur block, Karur District, Tamil Nadu. The primary beneficiaries include denotified Nayakkar, Ooraligounders, and Scheduled Castes, who were living in extreme poverty.
When ABCD began its work, these communities faced severe challenges such as illiteracy, poor health, and economic hardship. To address these issues, ABCD adopted an integrated, community-driven approach, partnering with both local and international agencies. This commitment to comprehensive development continues today, ensuring active participation from the people we serve.
Through our initiatives, we strive to empower rural communities, improve their quality of life, and promote self-sufficiency for future generations.
