Shankar Vanavarayar

Edupreneur and Heritage Enthusiast in Coimbatore, India

Shankar Vanavarayar

Edupreneur and Heritage Enthusiast in Coimbatore, India

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Born into ancient and legendary legacies of privilege and limitless possibilities.

I work for educational institutions, involved in family businesses, devote time to preserve my family heritage and passion into art, architecture and history.

I started off as the Chief Executive of Sri Sakthi Textiles and now am the Executive Director for Sakthi Auto Motors. I am the Joint Correspondent/President of Kumaraguru College of Technology (KCT), Managing Trustee of The Vanavarayar Foundation and the Managing director of Coimbatore Innovation and Business Incubator (CIBI).

My primary work and commitment is working for the Educational Institutions. Bringing in a student centric approach, holistic development opportunities, international linkages and enhancing the intellectual ecosystem have been the focal work over the last few years.

As an motivated and people oriented organisation leader, an entrepreneur and agriculturist, a purpose lead educationist I always believe in an inspired, creative and passionate life.

I have experience in building, strategic planning, managing programs and operations in multiple domains spanning business (textiles, automotive, retail), education (arts, science & technology), culture and heritage, community and social development, international youth affairs, cross-national institutions and alliances.

I always emphasise on the importance to connect with our roots and through love of hearing stories from my grandparents, the bond became stronger. Founded The Vanavarayar Foundation with the aspiration and commitment of working for and with the heritage, culture, crafts and the arts of our land. Mytalkat TEDx is an example of my exploration.

As a past National Chair of CII's Young Indians, I have led strategy, events, publications, communications and policy making within CII at the regional (South India) and the national level in areas such as higher education, youth affairs, entrepreneurship, family business and skill building.

I now Co Chair the CII National Committee on Higher Education.

In 2014, I established the Coimbatore Innovation and Business Incubator (CIBI), aimed at creating a world-class infrastructure to foster entrepreneurship and innovation.

Have been fortunate to be selected as a Fellow of the India Leadership Initiative - Aspen Global Leadership Network.

My time or future is going to be a balance of what I am expected to do (duties), what I need to do (career) and for sure what I want to do (passions and interests)

  • Work
    • KCT - Sakthi Group
  • Education
    • Cardiff University
    • University of Leeds