Dr. T. M. Chinnaiyan
Founder & Trustee
Acwerk Rural Development Foundation
India
Dr. T. M. Chinnaiyan is a physician, healthcare administrator, and systems leader with over 42 years of experience in public health, preventive medicine, and community development. Throughout his career, he has led large-scale healthcare programs and regional operations across India and internationally, including Saudi Arabia and Indonesia, strengthening healthcare systems, developing organizational structures, and expanding access to quality healthcare for underserved communities. He has also dedicated his career to mentoring healthcare professionals and young leaders in community medicine, public health, and compassionate service.
Grounded in a philosophy of service and holistic well-being, Dr. Chinnaiyan believes that lasting social change begins with empowering people and building resilient systems. He has been a strong advocate for women’s empowerment and inclusive healthcare, actively supporting initiatives that uplift women through education, leadership opportunities, and access to healthcare. His work has also extended to the care and rehabilitation of children with physical disabilities, ensuring they receive compassionate medical attention, social inclusion, and opportunities for dignified living.
As the Founder & Trustee of Acwerk, he provides strategic leadership and oversight of the organization’s vision, governance, and operations, and guides its initiatives in healthcare, education, skill development, and sustainable community empowerment. His leadership continues to shape Acwerk’s culture of integrity, compassion, and long-term social impact.
Athiya Chinnaiyan
Managing Trustee
Acwerk Rural Development Foundation
Project Director – Aumshaala
India
Introduced to community service at age 3, Athiya Chinnaiyan has dedicated her life to serving communities through education, healthcare, environmental conservation, and rural development. Over the past 14 years, she has worked with rural and tribal communities across India while gaining exposure to regenerative communities and sustainability initiatives worldwide.
Her multidisciplinary background spans Political Science, Social Work, Cross-cultural organization, Yoga, Regenerative farming, Languages, and Fine Arts. She has pursued and equipped herself over 3 decades in diverse fields required to enhance rural development administration and governance. In-depth training in Natural Building, Extensive research and practice of Meditation, Ayurveda, and other complementary healing modalities, and study of public policy and governance on a national and international spectrum to understand implementation of grassroots-level structures, shaping Aumshaala’s integrated approach to regenerative living and holistic wellbeing.
As Managing Trustee of Acwerk and Project Director of Aumshaala, Athiya leads the project’s strategic planning, partnerships, fundraising, and implementation, bringing together ecological restoration, integrated healthcare, education, sustainable livelihoods, and natural building to create resilient communities rooted in traditional wisdom and sustainable innovation.
