in the Service of Nature

C. Balachandran

Born in 1970, Tamilnadu & graduated in Architecture from School of Architecture and Planning, Anna University, Chennai (1993 batch). Received training under Architect Sri Anil Lal on Appropriate construction technologies at Nizamuddin Building Centre, New Delhi

Practiced Industrial Architecture in South East Asian countries with Government/private organizations till 1999 & spent a few years working with IT Multinational companies in North America.

Since the last 15 years, have been working with farmers on Organic produce marketing through Prakriti Food, a retail store promoting local food systems and hand made products in Mysuru. With active engagement with the community around, this Store has carved a niche for itself in terms of its product diversity and social commitment.

Following the footsteps of J C Kumarappa towards self-reliance & social welfare led towards Sustainable Farming. Have been actively learning and demonstrating Regenerative Agriculture in Southern Tamilnadu. With the intent to propagate Self-reliance & Self-sufficiency in this rainfed farming area, have been training a small group of agricultural laborers in soil fertility management and plant nutrition management. Also, a strong focus is laid on Seed localization & perennialization. Have been working as a Trustee of the NGO, Punarchith in Chamarajanagar district on the same aspects.

Being the Convener of Bamboo Diaries, an organization that believes Bamboo as the material of Future, he balances the dynamic needs of Social, Economical & Ecological dimensions in all projects. Handled Construction projects involving natural materials and methods primarily Bamboo and Mud. As a Community Architect, tends to amalgamate the social need and environmental context in Design and infuse appropriate technology in the implementation of the projects.