Leadership
Board of Trustees &
Board of Advisors
Meet the dedicated individuals who guide PILLAI Educational and Social Charitable Trust with wisdom, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to community service.
Governing Body
Board of Trustees
Prof. Dr. Sundar Kamalesan Pillai
Founder & Managing Trustee
Ph.D. Renewable Energy (BITS Pilani) · M.Tech (SASTRA) · MBA Finance · BGL (Madurai Kamaraj)
Dr. Sundar Kamalesan Pillai is a distinguished academic, researcher, and development practitioner with over 25 years of professional experience in sustainability, renewable energy, public policy, microfinance, and global development.
He holds a Ph.D. in Renewable Energy from BITS Pilani Dubai Campus, an M.Tech in Thermal Engineering from SASTRA Deemed University, an MBA in Finance and Portfolio Management, and a BGL specialization in Crime and Tort from Madurai Kamaraj University.
He received his Ph.D. under the guidance of Prof. Dr. R. Udayakumar (NIT Tiruchirappalli & BITS Pilani Dubai) and Prof. Dr. Shashank Khurana (BITS Pilani Dubai). His undergraduate thesis “Heat Transfer Through Various Types of Fins” received the Best Final Year Project Award.
Dr. Sundar firmly believes that leadership and societal roles should be entrusted to individuals based on their merit, ability, talent, integrity, and proven performance — not wealth, social status, or birth.
Mrs. Priyanka Sundar Pillai
Trustee
MBA Finance (Anna University) · B.Com (St. Joseph College) · Ph.D. Scholar (Banasthali Vidyapith)
Mrs. Priyanka Sundar Pillai has been a valued Trustee and esteemed member of the Board of Advisors at the PILLAI Educational and Social Charitable Trust since its inception.
An accomplished scholar, Mrs. Priyanka secured a University Rank and was awarded a medal in recognition of her exceptional academic performance during her postgraduate studies. She completed her B.Com degree from St. Joseph College, where she served as College Secretary, demonstrating leadership from an early stage.
With professional experience spanning education, finance, and economic literacy, she has played a significant role in strengthening the Trust’s vision and initiatives.
Advisory Council
Board of Advisors
Prof. Dr. Ramkumar S.
HR & OD Faculty · IIM Ahmedabad Alumnus
Dr. Ramkumar S. is a faculty member in OD and HR with over 15 years of experience in Teaching, Research, and Consultancy. He has completed projects with L&T Defence, TVS Srichakra Ltd., and Shiva Texyarn Ltd., and won the AIMA Award of Excellence for his Case Study. As a certified behavioural analyst, he conducts MDPs and FDPs in Behavioural Sciences.
Er. Manavalan Arumugam
Finance & Shipping Manager · UAE (30+ years)
Er. Manavalan Arumugam is a respected corporate professional in the UAE with over 30 years of dedicated service. He has contributed significantly to schools, temples, flood relief efforts, and large-scale rehabilitation programs during the tsunami and other crises in Tamil Nadu.
He is a recipient of the Dubai Appreciation Award for community service and has been recognized by Dubai Police and the Tamil Entrepreneurs and Professionals Association (TEPA), UAE.
Er. Ramesh Rajesh
General Manager · Dubai (25+ years)
Er. Ramesh Rajesh holds an MBA from Periyar University and an Engineering degree from the University of Madras. He has over 25 years of experience as General Manager in Dubai and is widely known as the “Dubai Sam Pitroda” for his commitment to supporting communities in India. He brings extensive experience in construction, rural development, education, and finance.
Shri Villendiran Vaithiyalingam
Businessman · Singapore / India (20+ years)
Shri Villendiran Vaithiyalingam is a successful businessman who worked in Singapore for over 20 years. He has supported education of underprivileged students, encouraged youth through sports initiatives, and contributed to temple renovation, reconstruction, and new temple construction projects across India.
Mrs. Lavanya Pravinkumar
Board Adviser · MBA Marketing (16 years)
Mrs. Lavanya Pravinkumar holds an MBA in Marketing and brings 16 years of experience in industry and social service. As a Board Adviser, she provides valuable guidance in strategic planning, outreach, and social impact initiatives, supporting the Trust’s mission of promoting education, empowerment, and community welfare.
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