09-05-1948 to 17-01-2022
Ramachandran or Chandru, as we all know him, worked with ADD India from 1995 to the present day, as Executive Director and later as Governing Body member and Treasurer. Chandru, who grew up in New Delhi, worked for different NGOs like Service Civil International India in New Delhi and Action Aid Bangalore, before joining ADD India in 1995. He was associated with numerous others including Sense International India, Samuha, Gandhi Rural Rehabilitation Centre, Basic Needs India and CI CBR Forum.
Chandru made the social sector his life, working for the development and empowerment of marginalised groups, primarily persons with disabilities. During his tenure as ED, he deepened the work of ADD India in terms of organising Disabled People’s Organisations across all the Southern states of India, through different knowledge, skill and leadership building strategies and encouraging grassroots and local level advocacy with the state and other agencies. His commitment towards persons with disabilities and their empowerment was actualised through the work of ADD India, which became a model for many other organisations seeking to work with disabled people and DPOs and networks of DPOs. His devotion to ADD India was realised in many ways, especially in the way that he continued to support the subsequent Directors the Senior Management Team and the Governing Body in their work.
Chandru was a simple person with strong values and principles, which guided his actions and work ethics. His journey through life and across the world accentuated his respect for and sense of responsibility towards both marginalised people and the natural environment. He believed in being self-sufficient, taking responsibility and being conscientious in using public funds, while promoting the qualities of frugality, transparency and openness to diverse opinions and debate. His earnings were modest but he donated a substantial amount every year for worthy causes. Chandru’s love for the environment is evident from his passion for gardening and opposition to the use of plastic. He was good at carpentry and tailoring, and would do most repairs at home and office on his own. He enjoyed a good meal and loved to try out different cuisines. He was fluent in English, Hindi, Tamil and Kannada. He was well read and had a great interest in music and listened to a wide range of music styles.
ADD India mourns the loss of one of the most active members of this family and extends deepest sympathy and condolences to his wife and family. In life and in memory, Chandru will continue to inspire many others.
