Arutchelvar Dr. N. Mahalingam

Our esteemed founder, Arutchelvar Dr. N. Mahalingam envisioned the welfare of our country through the collective progress the society makes as a result of individual actions, as responsible citizens of the country. Ayya did accomplish his cherished goal of improving social welfare through successful business ventures. His tireless efforts towards entrepreneurship, education and social upliftment has made him an icon and his name is now synonymous with the town that is Pollachi.

Born into an agrarian family, he was naturally concerned about rural India. Ayya believed in the Gandhian ideal that the future of India lies in its villages, and that India’s vast landscape of cultivation would liberate its potential to grow and export agricultural produce. For his achievements in the field of education and his contribution to the welfare of the society, the industrial genius has been recognized by the Government of India, and he was bestowed with the prestigious Padma Bhushan award in 2007.

As an initiative towards accomplishing societal and national welfare, Ayya founded Vanavarayar Institute of Agriculture (VIA) to empower rural youth through education and entrepreneurship, and to disseminate knowledge on natural resources like land, water and ecosystem, modern farming practices and the latest technological advancements among agriculturists, who are the linch-pin of the world. The Institute stands by our founder's vision in imparting guidance and educating the youth of the country and shaping them to be the flag bearers of a clean and green future.