At 89, She Became the Face of Conservation in Tamil Nadu — Who Is Veerammal Paati?
Imagine a quaint village nestled among seven granite hillocks, where history whispers through ancient Jain caves and the air hums with the songs of over 250 bird species. This is Arittapatti, Tamil Nadu’s first Biodiversity Heritage Site, a place where nature and culture intertwine like the roots of an ancient banyan tree. At the heart of this vibrant community stands an extraordinary figure: Veerammal Paati, an 89-year-old dynamo who, as the panchayat president, is redefining leadership with her infectious smile and unyielding spirit. Her story is one of resilience, determination, and a deep love for her people and land—a tale that deserves to be told.
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A Journey of Perseverance
Veerammal Paati, affectionately known as “Arittapatti Paati” (Tamil for grandmother), wasn’t always the celebrated leader she is today. Her path to the panchayat presidency was paved with persistence. In 2006 and 2011, she contested the elections, pouring her heart into campaigns that didn’t yield victory. But Veerammal isn’t one to back down.
At 86, in 2020, she threw her hat in the ring once more, this time with the unwavering support of her two sons and the women of Arittapatti who had witnessed her dedication over decades. When the victory certificate was placed in her hands, it wasn’t just a win for Veerammal—it was a triumph for every villager who believed in her vision. “I thought I was finally in a position to change the lives of my people,” she said, her eyes gleaming with purpose. And change lives she did.
Transforming Arittapatti, One Step at a Time
Arittapatti, located in Madurai’s Melur block, is no ordinary village. Declared Tamil Nadu’s first Biodiversity Heritage Site in November 2022, it’s a treasure trove of ecological and historical significance. With its chain of seven hillocks feeding 72 lakes, 200 natural springs, and three check dams, the village is a lifeline for agriculture and wildlife. It’s home to rare species like the Indian pangolin, slender loris, and raptors such as the Laggar falcon and Bonelli’s eagle.
Ancient Tamil Brahmi inscriptions, Jain beds, and a 16th-century Pandyan-era lake add layers of history to this already rich landscape. As panchayat president, Veerammal has taken on the monumental task of balancing development with preservation. In just three years, she’s overseen the construction of four water tanks and bridges to ease travel over water bodies.
Under the Central government’s Jal Jeevan Mission, she brought clean drinking water to 300 homes—a feat that’s transformed daily life for countless families. She’s also working on an Anganwadi school, ensuring the next generation has a place to learn and grow. But her ambitions don’t stop there. Veerammal dreams of building toilets for Scheduled Caste women, constructing new roads, and replacing dilapidated 60-year-old school buildings with modern campuses. “I want my people to have what they deserve,” she says, her voice steady despite her age. Her plans are bold, but they come with challenges.
Facing Opposition with Grace
Leadership, especially in a village steeped in tradition and politics, isn’t without its hurdles. Veerammal faces resistance from opposition leaders who, wielding influence from past positions, often stall her projects. They claim rights over poramboke land—unrecorded land meant for community use—making it difficult to push through developmental initiatives. “Politics is rough here,” Veerammal admits. “They know I can’t run from pillar to post at this age, but I won’t give up.” Her resolve is unshakable.
Supported by allies like R. Odayan, the head of Arittapatti’s village forest committee, Veerammal navigates these obstacles with a blend of wisdom and tenacity. The community’s women, who rallied behind her during the election, continue to be her backbone, cheering her on as she fights for their rights and the village’s future.
The Secret to Her Strength
When IAS officer Supriya Sahu visited Arittapatti in 2023, she was captivated by Veerammal’s vitality. In a viral post on X, Sahu shared a video of their interaction, marveling at the 89-year-old’s “infectious smile and unbridled enthusiasm.” Curious about the secret behind her fitness, Sahu asked, and Veerammal’s answer was beautifully simple: “It’s all about eating home-cooked traditional meals like millets and working all day in my agricultural field.”
This isn’t just a recipe for physical health—it’s a philosophy. Veerammal’s life is rooted in the rhythms of Arittapatti’s land. She rises with the sun, tends to her fields, and eats what the earth provides. Millets, a staple of Tamil Nadu’s traditional diet, fuel her energy, while her work keeps her grounded. “Simple living is the best living,” one social media user commented, echoing the sentiment of thousands who were inspired by her story.
A Champion for Arittapatti’s Heritage
Arittapatti’s designation as a Biodiversity Heritage Site wasn’t just a bureaucratic milestone—it was a victory for the community’s long-standing efforts to protect their land. A decade ago, when the granite mafia threatened to mine the Kalinjamalai hillock, Veerammal and her fellow villagers stood united in protest. Their resistance paid off, preserving the hillock that’s integral to their identity and survival.
More recently, in 2025, the community’s outcry against a proposed tungsten mining project led to its cancellation, safeguarding Arittapatti’s delicate ecosystem. Veerammal’s leadership has been pivotal in these battles. She understands that Arittapatti’s natural and cultural wealth—its Jain temples, 2,200-year-old rock-cut structures, and thriving biodiversity—must be preserved for future generations. Working alongside the Tamil Nadu Biodiversity Board and officials like Supriya Sahu, she’s helping craft a management plan that involves the Archaeology and Forest Departments and, crucially, the local community.
“This is our home,” she says. “We protect it like family.”
A Legacy of Inspiration
Veerammal Paati’s story has resonated far beyond Arittapatti’s borders. Social media users have hailed her as a “proven record of women empowerment” and a “true example of simple living, high thinking.” Her journey from a determined contender to Tamil Nadu’s oldest-serving panchayat president is a testament to what’s possible when passion meets purpose.
At 89, she’s not just leading a village—she’s inspiring a nation. As Arittapatti continues to shine as Tamil Nadu’s first Biodiversity Heritage Site, Veerammal remains its beating heart. Her infectious smile, her tireless work ethic, and her unwavering commitment to her people remind us that age is no barrier to greatness. Whether she’s sipping tea (with sugar, mind you!) or discussing development plans with government officials, Veerammal Paati is proof that leadership knows no bounds.
So, the next time you’re near Madurai, take a detour to Arittapatti. Wander its hillocks, marvel at its wildlife, and, if you’re lucky, have a “chai pe charcha” with Veerammal Paati. Her story will leave you inspired—and maybe, just maybe, you’ll walk away dreaming of how you, too, can make a difference. —
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