Profiles of Power

Dr. Mankombu Sambasivan Swaminathan, widely known as the Father of India’s Green Revolution, revolutionized agriculture and ensured food security for millions. His groundbreaking work in high-yield crop varieties helped India achieve self-sufficiency in food production, turning the nation from a food-deficient country into a leading agricultural powerhouse. Early Life & Education Born on August 7, 1925, in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, Swaminathan was deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi’s principles. He pursued agricultural science instead of medicine, aiming to tackle India’s food crisis. After earning degrees in agriculture, he completed a Ph.D. in genetics at Cambridge University, focusing on crossbreeding techniques to enhance crop yields. Pioneering the Green Revolution Swaminathan played a key role in introducing high-yield wheat and rice varieties, working alongside Nobel laureate Norman Borlaug. His leadership in genetic crop improvement and sustainable farming transformed India’...

Few figures have shaped the cultural landscape of Kerala like M. T. Vasudevan Nair. Revered as a literary giant and an influential screenwriter, his works have enriched Malayalam literature and cinema for decades. His masterful storytelling and deep insight into the human condition continue to inspire generations, making him a true icon of creative power. Early Life & Journey to Literature Born in 1933 in Kudallur, Kerala, M. T. Vasudevan Nair (affectionately known as MT) grew up immersed in the rich cultural and literary traditions of his homeland. His early experiences and the diverse landscapes of Kerala deeply influenced his narrative style. Over time, MT evolved from a curious child into one of the most celebrated voices in Malayalam literature. Literary Mastery: Crafting Timeless Narratives MT’s extensive body of work spans novels, short stories, and essays that capture the nuances of life with poetic precision. His writings explore themes of love, loss, social change, and th...

In a world driven by urban expansion and concrete jungles, few architects have dared to challenge conventional practices while prioritizing sustainability, affordability, and social welfare. G. Shankar, the visionary behind the Costford (Centre of Science and Technology for Rural Development) movement, is one such trailblazer. His work has redefined Kerala’s architectural landscape by merging traditional wisdom with modern sustainability, ensuring that architecture serves the people, not just the privileged few. Early Life & Education: The Making of a Visionary Born in 1959 in Kerala, Gopal Shankar’s fascination with architecture was driven by a deep-rooted commitment to social justice and environmental consciousness. He pursued architecture at College of Engineering, Thiruvananthapuram, and later honed his expertise in urban and regional planning at the Delhi School of Planning and Architecture. However, unlike many of his peers who pursued commercial success, Shankar was drawn to...

E. Sreedharan is a name synonymous with engineering excellence, discipline, and visionary leadership. Best known as the “ Metro Man of India ,” he revolutionized public transport in the country, particularly through the successful execution of the Delhi Metro and other landmark infrastructure projects. His dedication, integrity, and problem-solving abilities have set benchmarks in project management and governance. Early Life & Education Born on June 12, 1932, in Karukaputhur, Kerala, E. Sreedharan pursued Civil Engineering at the Government Engineering College, Kakinada (now JNTU Kakinada). From an early age, he displayed a deep passion for engineering and infrastructure, which would later define his career. Engineering Marvels & Key Contributions 1. Konkan Railway: A Feat of Engineering Genius As the Managing Director of Konkan Railway, Sreedharan led one of India’s most challenging railway projects. The 740 km railway line, built through difficult terrain, was completed with...

Few leaders embody intellect, eloquence, and versatility like Shashi Tharoor. A former United Nations diplomat, a celebrated author, and a prominent political leader, Tharoor has seamlessly navigated the worlds of diplomacy, literature, and governance. His journey—from shaping global policies at the UN to redefining public discourse in India—is a testament to his vision and dedication. Early Life & Education: A Scholar’s Ascent Born on March 9, 1956, in London, England, Shashi Tharoor spent his formative years in India, where his brilliance shone early. He studied at St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, before earning a Ph.D. in International Relations from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University—becoming the youngest to do so at the time. Diplomatic Career: Shaping Global Policy Tharoor’s 23-year tenure at the United Nations saw him rise to Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information. He played a pivotal role in: ✔ Peacekeeping & Conflict Re...

In the fast-paced digital era, few individuals successfully bridge the worlds of cutting-edge technology, business leadership, and policymaking. Rajeev Chandrasekhar stands as a unique figure—a technocrat-turned-entrepreneur, a visionary policymaker, and a relentless advocate for India’s digital self-reliance. From designing Intel’s iconic i486 processor to shaping India’s digital economy and governance, his journey exemplifies a rare fusion of innovation and public service.   Early Life & Education: A Foundation in Technology Born on May 31, 1964, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Rajeev Chandrasekhar's disciplined upbringing was shaped by his father, Air Commodore M. K. Chandrasekhar, and his mother, Valli Chandrasekhar. After schooling at St. Paul’s Convent School, Thrissur, and Kendriya Vidyalaya, Bengaluru, he pursued Electrical Engineering at the Manipal Institute of Technology.   In 1988, Rajeev earned a Master’s degree in Computer Science from the Illinois Institute of T...