K. V. Thangabalu was born on March 15, 1950, in Salem Township. He is a well-known Indian political figure affiliated with the Indian National Congress (INC). He represented Tamil Nadu as a Lok Sabha member and was appointed as the president of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee in July 2008. Thangkabalu played a vital role as a translator for Rahul Gandhi during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu. Apart from his political career, he is the Chairman of educational institutions like Thangavelu Engineering College and TJ Institute of Technology under the Ponniamman Education Trust. His educational qualification is B. A Political Science.

Thangavelu Engineering College

You have held a key position at the Educational institute throughout your professional career. What are the key factors that keep connected in the education sector? 

Throughout my career, I've held key roles in the education sector, driven by a profound belief in its transformative power. I view education as the linchpin for societal advancement, especially for the marginalized. Inspired by the leadership of former Prime Minister Sri Rajiv Gandhi, I've actively fostered government-private partnerships to enhance higher education in India. This approach has yielded tangible results, creating more opportunities, employment, and overall development. 

Being the chairman of the Thangavelu group of institutions, what is your philosophy of leadership and how would you describe your leadership style? 

My venture focuses on three pivotal elements: education, employment, and empowerment. These pillars form the core of our efforts to integrate the weaker sections of society into the mainstream development of the country. Over the past 25 years, we've successfully educated and empowered over 40,000 students, providing them with degrees and opportunities for employment within Tamil Nadu, across India, and globally. 

Any insights into how your college could be more welcoming to students of different races and economic backgrounds? 

Our colleges aim to alleviate the financial burden on underprivileged students in India, recognizing the challenges faced by the agricultural and working-class sections. We ensure affordability by refraining from collecting any capitation fee and adhering strictly to government-designated fees. Our policy focuses on providing an inclusive education and treating students as family members. By cultivating a supportive environment, we not only promote academic excellence but also strive to enhance employability, aiming to transform students into well-rounded individuals contributing positively to society.

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What do you see as Thangavelu College's greatest strength? 

Our college is dedicated to uplifting the weaker sections, prioritizing those who lack opportunities. Central to our mission is ensuring equal educational opportunities for every segment of society. We are committed to social equity, justice, and engineering, fostering a transformative environment in every aspect of life. By championing socioeconomic changes, we aspire to bring about automatic and widespread welfare, promoting inclusivity and fairness throughout our community.

What are the college's top priorities over the next ten years? 

In the era of digital transformation, our college is dedicated to providing students with the latest trends and high-quality education. Recognizing the significance of emerging technologies like AI and blockchain, we strive to equip our students with the skills that will shape the future. Through education, training, and strategic placements, we aim to ensure our students are well-prepared to navigate and contribute to the evolving technological landscape. Our commitment is to empower them for a comfortable, equitable, and impactful life, benefiting those in need within our community.

Any insights into how your college could be more welcoming to the students of different races and economic backgrounds? 

The main objective of establishing these colleges is to support the automotive sector, particularly considering the high cost of education in India. We aim to cater to individuals in the lower economy sector , such as farmers and workers, who face challenges in facilitating higher education for their children. Our college refrains from charging any capitation fee, adhering strictly to the guidelines set by the Government of Tamil Nadu and the Government of India. We only collect the stipulated fees with additional benefits like vaccinations. Once students join, we treat them as part of our family, providing a conducive environment for learning. Our goal is not just to impart higher education and secure employment but to shape well-rounded individuals who contribute positively to society.