Kandeban Balendran

Harvard rolled out the red carpet for Kandeban Balendran, awarding him the “Outstanding Volunteer Leadership Award.” This guy is a powerhouse of ideas and heart. He kickstarted the Harvard Club of Sri Lanka, helped launch the BIG BOLD BRAVE conference, and even rallied support for #SaveLivesSriLanka to get hospitals much-needed supplies.

But wait, there’s more! Kandeban’s all about future leaders with ventures like Miami Ad School Sri Lanka and Mozhi.com, plus he’s bringing Tamil culture to Harvard with the Tamil Chair. He’s out there building bridges, inspiring communities, and proving one thing: when Kandeban’s on it, big things happen!

Q:Congratulations on receiving the Outstanding Volunteer Leadership Award! What does this award mean to you, both personally and professionally?

I am incredibly grateful and deeply humbled to receive the Outstanding Volunteer Leadership Award from Harvard. This honour holds a special place in my heart. Personally, it reaffirms the values my parents and family instilled in me - serving others with integrity and humility. I’ve always seen leadership as both an opportunity and responsibility to serve and to be a voice for the people,  especially those who may not have one. Professionally, this award is a testament to the collective effort of many passionate individuals I've had the privilege of working alongside. It’s not just a recognition of my journey; it belongs to everyone who has supported our initiatives and shared in our vision. This recognition strengthens my resolve to continue leveraging education, leadership, and community development to make a meaningful impact, particularly in regions where resources maybe limited but potential is boundless. 

Q:You have an impressive history of community service and leadership. What initially inspired you to pursue a path focused on social impact and community betterment?

My journey was deeply influenced by the values of service, compassion, and selflessness I witnessed growing up. Three remarkable men profoundly shaped my life: my father, the late Mr. Balendran, who was not only a successful business leader but also a compassionate community advocate; my father-in-law, the late Mr. K.C. Kamalasabayson, the former Attorney General of Sri Lanka, whose commitment to justice and integrity left a lasting legacy; and my former chairman, the late Mr. Rajamahendran, Chairman of the Capital Maharaja Group, whose visionary leadership and the opportunities he created for me inspired me to think beyond boundaries.

My father was my first role model, instilling in me the belief that true success is not measured by personal achievements but by the positive impact you have on others. My mother, whose selfless love for others and unwavering dedication to our family, and my mother-in-law, who has been a constant source of wisdom and support, both taught me the true meaning of compassion.

The values instilled in me by my parents made me realize that education is one of the most powerful tools for transforming the world, and that change begins with us. Recognizing the privilege I had in accessing media, education, and resources, I felt a deep sense of responsibility to give back. This belief has driven me to leverage my skills in media, education, and leadership to create opportunities that empower others, especially the underserved. I am eternally grateful to the women and men who stood by me throughout this journey. 

Q:Founding the Harvard Club of Sri Lanka was a significant milestone. Can you tell us about the challenges and rewards of bringing the global Harvard network closer to Sri Lanka?

Bringing the Harvard Club to Sri Lanka was both a challenging and deeply rewarding journey. At the outset, there were significant challenges initially - in aligning the vision, gaining official recognition, and mobilizing resources. However, the real reward came in witnessing the transformation it sparked. Establishing the 119th Harvard Club opened doors for Sri Lankan professionals and students to connect with a global network, facilitating exchanges of knowledge and fostering leadership.

What truly made this endeavor successful was the unwavering support and dedication of the core team of exceptional leaders from the Harvard community. Their commitment, passion, and collaborative spirit were instrumental in not only establishing the club but also in driving impactful initiatives that followed. The most fulfilling aspect has been seeing the tangible impact of these connections—whether it’s a young entrepreneur gaining mentorship, a student accessing educational opportunities, or a community project gaining momentum through collaborative efforts.

Q:The BIG BOLD BRAVE Harvard APAC Regional Conference was a landmark event. What was the most memorable moment or outcome from that experience?

The BIG BOLD BRAVE Harvard APAC Regional Conference was truly a landmark event. The most memorable moment for me was witnessing the incredible energy and synergy of hundreds of leaders from over 15 countries coming together with a shared purpose. It was a unique convergence of diverse minds, all united in their commitment to making a difference. One of the standout outcomes was the spontaneous collaboration among participants to launch initiatives in the region. This experience reaffirmed my belief in the power of bold, brave leadership to drive meaningful, lasting change.

People often ask us, "So why did we invest in creating 'Big Bold Brave'?" Because we recognize that the future is woven with questions that demand thoughtful answers. How will we sustainably manage the water resources for the paddy fields of Anuradhapura by 2035? How can we address the growing healthcare needs of an aging and increasingly prosperous population? What educational and professional frameworks must we establish today to ensure a thriving society tomorrow? And how can we attract, nurture, and scale businesses that enrich Sri Lanka and uplift its people?

The answers to these questions lie in knowledge, and knowledge is born from connection. Sri Lanka, our host nation, stands at the crossroads of the Asia-Pacific, a mere five-hour flight from half the world's population. This strategic position, paired with its rich cultural heritage, makes Sri Lanka an ideal hub for dialogue, collaboration, and transformative action.

Q:Your #SaveLivesSriLanka initiative during the COVID-19 crisis was incredibly impactful. How did you and your team manage to mobilize resources and support during such a challenging time?

The #SaveLivesSriLanka initiative was a response to a critical need during an unprecedented crisis. The key to its success was leveraging our network—locally and globally. We tapped into the Harvard community, local partners, and diaspora networks to mobilize resources swiftly. Within a matter of days, we were able to raise 50 million in funds, which were directed towards helping 15 public hospitals across Sri Lanka with urgent medical needs. This funding played a crucial role in saving lives and treating patients during one of the most challenging periods. It was a race against time, but what truly made it possible was the unwavering commitment of volunteers who came forward to support hospitals in dire need. It was a powerful reminder that even in the face of adversity, the spirit of community and collaboration can achieve remarkable outcomes.

Q:You’ve been a strong advocate for the Tamil language and culture, especially through the establishment of the Tamil Chair at Harvard. Why is this cause so close to your heart?

The Tamil language is more than just a means of communication; it's a carrier of a rich cultural and historical legacy. Growing up in a Tamil-speaking household, I learned early on the importance of preserving one’s roots. Establishing the Tamil Chair at Harvard was a mission to ensure that this ancient language, spoken by over 100 millions globally, finds its rightful place in academia. It’s about celebrating our identity and ensuring that future generations can access, study, and be proud of their heritage. It’s a tribute to all who believe in the power of language as a bridge between cultures.

Q:Your career includes hosting the Tamil version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire and a socio-political talk show. How did your media experience shape your approach to leadership and community service?

Media taught me the power of influence and the responsibility that comes with it. Hosting Who Wants to Be a Millionaire was not just about entertainment; it was about inspiring people to dream big and think beyond their circumstances. The socio-political talk show allowed me to engage with critical issues affecting our society and country. These experiences sharpened my communication skills, deepened my understanding of social issues, and reinforced my commitment to using platforms for the greater good.

Q:In 2014, you were recognized as one of Australia’s “19 Young Global Leaders – Future Chasers.”

Being recognized as a “Future Chaser” was a humbling experience. It was a reminder that leadership is about chasing a vision, not just for yourself, but for the greater good. It encouraged me to take bolder steps in my career..