Gnanavaridi, Arappani Chemmal, Magalir Kalvi Penum Gunalar Sri.R. Panchapakesan, Managing Trustee and Secretary of Sri.N.Ramaswami Ayyar Educational Complex is well known in Tiruchirappalli as an enlightened educationist, an able administrator and a philanthropist who has followed the footsteps of his famous father Padmabhushan Sri.N. Ramaswami Ayyar, who tirelessly crusaded for the betterment of women through education.
Born on 20th August 1936, Sri.R. Panchapakesan took his degree in Geology from Alagappa Arts College, Karaikudi and did B.L. in Madras Law College. He then served in several high positions in administrative wing of Dalmia Cements in different states. After the demise of the Founder in 1976, he took over the responsibility of the complex as the Secretary and started to work with redoubled vigour and single-minded devotion.
As the result of his tireless effort he is now the Managing Trustee and Secretary of the four units of Padmabushan Sri.N.Ramaswami Ayyar Educational Complex - Savithri Vidyasala Hindu Girls’ Higher Secondary School, Seethalakshmi Ramaswami College (Autonomous and Accredited by NAAC), Kamakoti Vidyalaya (Affiliated to the Council for Indian School Certificate Examination) and Padmabhushan Sri. N. Ramaswami Ayyar Memorial Polytechnic College for Girls, with a student strength of 10,000.
Committed to furthering the cause of women’s education so dear to his father, Sri. R. Panchapakesan has introduced innumerable courses of study, ranging from the purely academic to the much sought after technical subjects all aimed at promoting human values, imparting technical knowledge and creating job opportunities. The four units together cater to the present-day educational needs of an individual, from the L.K.G. class to the research level. Sri.R.Panchapakesan encourages the study of ancient languages like Sanskrit, by awarding prizes to the students who learn this language and also honours faculty members who pursue research by awarding medals.
A PhilanthropistAs part of his drive to help the economically marginalized students in the campus, he gives them scholarships and uniforms on his birthday. Poor and deserving students from different schools and colleges in Tiruchirappalli are awarded scholarships on his father’s birthday, the Founder’s day. Around 200 very poor students of the complex are provided free lunch packets every day.
In recognition of his stupendous service to the cause of women’s education and empowerment and his concern for society, the following titles have been conferred on him - Arappani Chemmal by Sri Kamakoti Adheenam, Gnana Varidi by Madurai Adheenam, Magalir Kalvi Penum Gunalar by Kasu Ninaivu Ilakkia Kuzhu, Lifetime Achiever by Makkal Sakthi Eyakkam, Hero of Humanity by Art of Living Foundation, National Udyog Excellence Award by International Institute of Education and Management, Lifetime Achiever Award by Global Society for Health and Educational Growth, Lifetime Education Achievement Award by Health and Education Development Association, Unnadha Sadhanaiyalar Virudhu by Makkal Sakthi Iyyakkam and Vidyaa Nirvahaa Visharad Award by Padmabushan Sri. N.Ramaswami Ayyar Educational Complex.