A dynamic force in the world of sustainable living; Kalpana Manivannan is an Urban Organic Farmer who has donned multiple hats as an author, teacher, Sustainability coach & Mentor, award-winning blogger, and a Social Entrepreneur is on a mission to transform how we connect with nature. With a passion for teaching, she has guided and mentored thousands of individuals and organizations toward greener practices. As the Founder & CEO of Kalpavriksha Farms, Kalpana Manivannan blends innovation with tradition, offering inspiring courses and workshops that empower others to create lasting, positive change for our planet. She believes in nurturing the earth and her farm is a sanctuary where traditional farming meets modern sustainability. Whether it is learning organic practices, participating in immersive workshops, or simply reconnecting with nature, she is committed to offering an authentic, eco-conscious experience. Her motto is to grow together and make a positive impact on the world, one seed at a time.
Her book "Farmer Sutra" became an instant Amazon Bestseller within days of its release. It’s been Longlisted for the “Crossword Books Jury Awards 2024” in the Business and Management Category and the “2024 GLF Best Books Awards” by Green Lit Fest this year in the General Business Category.
'Farmer Sutra' is a tender and compelling memoir that chronicles a remarkable journey of courage, conviction, and a rediscovery of life’s true essence through the soil beneath our feet. Driven by a growing concern over the harmful effects of chemically laden produce, Kalpana embarks on a bold departure from her career as a dedicated schoolteacher and academic coordinator to pursue her dream of cultivating an organic farm. What unfolds is not just a narrative of agricultural endeavour, but a deeply personal odyssey. Amidst familial warmth and gentle parenting wisdom, “Farmer Sutra” lends a poignant backdrop to Kalpana’s spirited quest. It delves deeper into the profound joys and challenges of cultivating one’s own sustenance. Kalpana’s narrative unfolds like the seasons she learns to harness, with each chapter revealing the delicate dance between sowing and reaping, understanding the intricate root systems, and fostering symbiotic relationships that nurture a thriving ecosystem. Her insights into the complexities of organic farming, from trees that attract birds to the ethical stance against pesticides, offer a rich tapestry of knowledge and reflection. The reader is not merely an observer but a participant in her journey of discovery, a journey that unveils the poignant realities of modern agriculture while celebrating the simple, unadulterated pleasure of tasting a tomato grown with love and patience.
'Farmer Sutra' is more than a memoir; it is a call to action, an invitation to reconsider our relationship with the food we consume and the earth that sustains us. In essence, 'Farmer Sutra' is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of pursuing one’s passions. It is a book that nourishes both the mind and the soul, leaving readers inspired, enlightened, and deeply moved. Kalpana Manivannan’s eloquent prose and heartfelt storytelling make 'Farmer Sutra' an essential read for anyone seeking to reconnect with nature, cultivate sustainable practices, and savour the sweetness of a life well-lived.
She is a new-age farmer, trying to change the perspective about urban farming and sustainable living through workshops and mentorship programs. These programs have helped more than 10000+ families start a garden, switch to chemical-free alternatives, and live a better self-sufficient lifestyle. Under her mentorship, she has not only transformed the lives of thousands of families but has created and empowered many entrepreneurs in the field of sustainability. Her "Teach Farming in Schools" initiative aims at taking organic farming to school children, to bring a positive shift in the perspective about farming and clean food in young minds. She has partnered with schools in Chennai with her exceptional year-long farming program that seamlessly integrates with the curriculum.
As an orator, she is taking sustainability to the corporate world bringing considerable change in the mindset of employers and employees alike. She writes extensively on sustainable living on her website and shares free resources for aspiring sustainability champions to help switch to a greener way of life.
