Dr. B.K. Krishnaraj Vanavarayar

President

Biography of Dr. B.K. Krishnaraj Vanavarayar

Early Life and Foundations Born in 1944 into an aristocratic family in Samathur, Pollachi Taluk (Coimbatore District), Dr. B.K. Krishnaraj Vanavarayar began his journey with a strong legal foundation, qualifying as a Barrister before entering the business world. His character and public life were profoundly shaped by the high ideals of Swami Vivekananda and Mahatma Gandhi. A testament to this influence is his contribution to his hometown of Pollachi, where he was responsible for erecting a life-size bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi.

Industrial Leadership As a prominent figure in the textile sector, Dr. Vanavarayar was selected to lead the industry’s association at both the regional and national levels. His tenure as Chairman of The Indian Cotton Mills’ Federation, New Delhi, was marked by visionary initiatives, including the preparation of a Vision Statement for the Textile Industry released by the Hon’ble Union Finance Minister, Sri P. Chidambaram. Most notably, his strategic efforts led to the Government of India sanctioning over $150 million for The Cotton Technology Mission.

Educational Visionary Dr. Vanavarayar has dedicated much of his life to the field of education, advocating for the integration of values into academic curricula. He has served on the Management Committees of various leading schools and colleges and was nominated to the Syndicate of Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, where he served with distinction. He currently serves as the President of NGM College, Pollachi, guiding the institution toward academic excellence.

Cultural and Social Stewardship A champion of peace and harmony, Dr. Vanavarayar is deeply involved in promoting India’s cultural heritage. As Chairman of the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, he is committed to preserving ancient Indian wisdom. He also chairs Divyodaya, an organization dedicated to inter-religious dialogue and the preservation of India’s pluralistic culture. A leader in the Rotary Movement, he has worked extensively for universal peace and brotherhood.

Honors and Recognition In recognition of his global perspective and secular credentials, he was invited by Pope John Paul II to attend the Day of Prayer for Peace in the World at the Vatican in January 2002. His contributions have been formally recognized by academia and social organizations alike:

• 1999: Awarded the Degree of Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa) by Sri Avinashilingam Deemed University, Coimbatore, for his social work in line with Gandhian ideals.

• 2006: Recipient of the Vivekananda National Award for Excellence from Sri Ramakrishna Mission, Coimbatore.

📜 Roots & Foundations

• 🗓 Born: 1944 | Born into an aristocratic family in Samathur, Pollachi (Coimbatore District).

• ⚖️ Education: Qualified Barrister turned businessman.

• 🕯 Ideology: Deeply influenced by the ideals of Swami Vivekananda and Mahatma Gandhi.

• 🗿 Tribute: Instrumental in erecting a life-size bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi in his hometown, Pollachi.

🏫 Educational Leadership

• 🎓 Current Role: President of NGM College, Pollachi.

• 🏛 Governance: Former nominee to the Syndicate of Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, serving with distinction.

• 📚 Vision: Served on management committees of leading institutions with a focus on making human values an integral part of the curriculum.

🏭 Industrial Impact

• 🧵 Leadership: Selected to lead the Textile Industry Association at both Regional and National levels.

• 💵 Milestone: Instrumental in securing over $150 million from the Government of India for the Cotton Technology Mission.

• 📝 Strategy: As Chairman of The Indian Cotton Mills’ Federation, he prepared the Industry Vision Statement, released by the Hon’ble Union Finance Minister, Sri P. Chidambaram.

🕊️ Social & Cultural Stewardship

• 🕉 Heritage: Chairman of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan — committed to preserving and propagating India’s ancient wisdom.

• 🤝 Harmony: Chairman of Divyodaya — an organization established to initiate inter-religious dialogue and preserve India’s pluralistic culture.

• 🌍 Global Peace: A prominent leader in the Rotary Movement working for universal brotherhood.

🏆 Awards & Global Recognition

• 🇻🇦 Vatican Invitation: Invited by Pope John Paul II to attend the Day of Prayer for Peace in the World at the Vatican (Jan 2002) in recognition of his secular credentials.

• 🎓 Doctor of Laws: Awarded Honoris Causa by Sri Avinashilingam Deemed University (1999) for Gandhian social work.

• 🏅 Vivekananda Award: Recipient of the National Award for Excellence from Sri Ramakrishna Mission, Coimbatore (2006).