Our Staff

Cedar India > Our Staff

Executive Head

Dr. Chinnaraj Joseph Jaikumar

Managing Trustee & CEO

Dr. Chinnaraj has been with CEDAR ever since its inception in 1994. A Development Sociologist by training, his theory of change is anchored in developing alternative pedagogical methods and in creating ‘agency’ in the children of the marginalized communities. Behind him is long years of experience as an academician, administrator and policy maker. He was formerly the Principal of the American College, Madurai. He had served several committees of the University Grants Commission of India (UGC). He also served the Governing Council of the National Assessment and Accreditation Commission (NAAC) for three years. He is also an avid promoter of media training and education and founded Madurai Media and Film Studies Academy (MMFSA). He is also a documentary filmmaker.

Research Head

Dr. Thressia Joseph

Child Safeguarding Lead

Thressla is a trained sociologist and had a stint in university teaching. She was the Director of CEDAR for ten long years (2010 –2019) before taking up this assignment as Researcher and Child Safeguarding Lead.

Creative Leads (Alternative Art Education)

Michael Raj

Senior Programme Manager

Michael has been working with CEDAR ever since 2010. He started as a Field Assistant and has risen up to hold the position of Field Manager. Michael is a tireless community worker and has been responsible for setting up many of the CRCs in Ettayapuram Block. He also teaches parai the traditional drum, to children. He is primarily responsible for field-level monitoring of the CRCs. He holds a Bachelor Degree in Tamil Language and Literature.

SivavyravaBalaji

Program Manager

Balaji is formally trained as an Engineer. In addition to this, he went to study four-year filmmaking course at MGR Film Institute, Chennai. He has specialized in film editing. He is also teaching children Alternative Theatre. He is a programme manager, responsible for Madurai operations.

Karthi

Senior Creative Lead - Alternative Photography

Karthick is a formally trained filmmaker. He plays a key role in the film production team. Presently he is the Creative Lead for Alternative Photography Programme at CEDAR.

Marikannan

Cluster Coordinator, Kovilpatti

Marikannan’s association with CEDAR spans over a period of 20 years and goes back to his childhood days. He was an active member of CEDAR’s Children’s Collective as a child. Though he is assigned the job of field level assistance, he teaches children computer basics and dance. He is a member of ‘Forum for Child Rights Monitoring’ a state level platform for child protection since 2016. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics.

Guru Prakash

Manager, Post-production

Guruprakash by academic training is an Automobile Engineer. But his passion lies in filmmaking. He has trained himself as a film editor. As a Senior Creative Lead, he heads the postproduction department.

Alasta Miranda

Cinematographer

Alasta is basically interested in Cinematography and making video narratives. She is also teaching creative photography to children. She is also responsible for photo curation at CEDAR.

Jenifer

Social Media Manager

As a postgraduate in English and Literature, she is involved in developing alternative pedagogical practices to teach foundational skills in English. She is also the social media manager of CEDAR.

Administration

Ms. Muthu Priya

Accounts Officer

Before joining CEDAR Muthu Priya had acquired more than 10 years work experience. Starting her career in an NGO, she later shifted to the corporate sector. Working for Aparajitha Corporation she worked in the areas of Labour Law and Financial Law Compliances. She joined CEDAR in 2019. She takes care of Accounts, Statutory Compliances and Office Administration.

Thaveethu Raja

Programme Assistant

One of the long serving employees of CEDAR, Thaveethu joined CEDAR in 2005. With multifaceted abilities and the right attitude for work Thaveethu runs that much required extra mile to run the office on a day to day basis. Coming from very trying circumstances Thaveethu had to fight many odds before he entered CEDAR, his second home. He is a matriculate.