River Valley Technologies » Photos

River Valley opens new offices in Tamil Nadu

Kaveh — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:35:17 +0000

As part of our expansion plans, we have opened a new office in the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu. We continue our policy of embracing simple local life and sustainable living. So we chose not to go to the expanding technology parks where staff emulate anything western. Instead we pinpointed an area with little industry, but with good education: Kumbakonam. Those who graduate from the two universities in this city have little choice but to move to the more developed cities like Chennai, to find work. The staff working for us are in the lucky position of working while living with the family as is traditional. They were trained for 3 months in our main office in Kerala, and some 5 months ago went back home. So far the performance is good and all seem to be happy.

What makes me most proud of our new recruits is that the majority commute to work on bicycles, thus causing no pollution, and staying healthy too. (Most young Indian professionals would not be seen dead on a bicycle, in case they give an impression that they are too poor to own a motor-bike or car!)

New Office Campus

Kaveh — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 07:45:51 +0000

Our dream has always been to build a harmonious community, keeping the best of traditional life, but incorporating the latest technology for our work. In 2006 we purchased a plot of land some 4 acres in area (16,000 sq m), a few kilometres outside Trivandrum, and in a rural setting. We sought and found a local, eco-friendly firm of architects who have helped us realise our dream. In 2009 we move to the new campus, which features:

Extensive and innovative use of bamboo in construction
Room for growth from the present 150, to 500 staff
Self-sufficient in water by rainwater harvesting in 60m pond
Self-sufficient in organic vegetables grown by our staff
Biogas from food waste to provide at least 50% of cooking fuel
Canteen run by a women’s association – see Kaveh’s blog post.
Crèche for employees in traditional Kerala house
On-site eco-friendly sewage system (anaerobic baffled reactor)
Minimal use of air conditioning
Full accessibility for wheelchair users via bridges
WIFI internet access throughout
Conference facility for up to 80 participants with full A/V
Sport facilities: Volleyball, gym, badminton, yoga, kayaking
Guest houses for visitors

River Valley staff

Kaveh — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 16:58:14 +0000

Here are some photos of our staff that they are happy to share, taken in and around their homes.