Mr. V. P. Nandakumar, Chairman and Managing Director of Manappuram Finance Ltd., has contributed US$1.5 million to Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF), the charitable arm of Lions International. The contribution will support the foundation’s humanitarian programmes across the world, including initiatives in education, healthcare, disaster relief, youth empowerment, vision care, and community development. The donation reflects Mr. Nandakumar’s long-standing commitment to philanthropy through the Manappuram Foundation and the Lions movement.
In recognition of their outstanding humanitarian contributions, Mr. Nandakumar and his wife, Mrs. Sushma Nandakumar, were honoured at the Lions International Convention held in Hong Kong. The recognition acknowledges their continued efforts in advancing community welfare and supporting impactful social initiatives through organized humanitarian service.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Nandakumar said that giving back to society has always been central to his vision and expressed hope that the contribution would strengthen humanitarian initiatives that bring sustainable change to communities worldwide. Through the Manappuram Foundation, he has consistently supported projects in education, healthcare, disaster relief, women’s empowerment, skill development, and financial inclusion. The latest contribution to LCIF further reinforces his commitment to global humanitarian service and inclusive community development.
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The prestigious Manappuram VPN IBE Awards 2026 was held on June 23, 2026, at the Gokulam Park Hotel & Convention Centre, Kochi, honouring distinguished personalities who have made remarkable contributions to business, technology, retail, innovation, and cinema. The awards were presented by Shri V. P. Nandakumar, Chairman & Managing Director of Manappuram Finance Ltd., and Dr. Ajit Ravi, Chairman of Pegasus. Hosted by Dr. Ajit Ravi, the event celebrated individuals whose achievements have inspired excellence and created a lasting impact on society.
Among the distinguished awardees, Dr. Jehangir, Chairman & Managing Director of NeST Group of Companies, received the Global Technology Leadership Award in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the global technology sector. As Dr. Jehangir was unable to attend the ceremony, the award was received on his behalf by Shri Sajan David, President, New Initiatives, who represented him at the event. Shri Gopu Nandilath, Chairman & Managing Director of Gopu Nandilath Group, was honoured with the Retail Industry Icon Award in recognition of his pioneering leadership in the retail industry. Dr. Viju Jacob, Executive Chairman of Synthite Industries Limited, was conferred with the Global Business Excellence and Innovation Award for his outstanding achievements in business growth and innovation.
Adding further prestige to the ceremony, Padma Shri Balachandra Menon, renowned Indian film director, actor, and screenwriter, was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his invaluable contributions to Indian cinema. The event concluded on a high note with the awardees receiving warm applause from an audience comprising business leaders, dignitaries, and distinguished guests. The VPN IBE Awards once again reaffirmed its stature as a platform that recognizes visionary leadership, innovation, and lifelong excellence across diverse fields.
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The 21st edition of the Manappuram Multibillionaire Business Achiever (MBA) Award was conferred upon Dr. Yogesh Lakhani, Chairman and Managing Director of Bright Outdoor Media Limited, at a grand function held on June 23, 2026, at the Gokulam Park Hotel & Convention Centre, Kochi. The prestigious honour was handed over by Shri V. P. Nandakumar, Chairman and Managing Director of Manappuram Finance Ltd., Shri Gokulam Gopalan, Founder & Chairman, Sree Gokulam Group and Chairman, FICF, and Dr. Viju Jacob, Executive Chairman, Synthite Industries Limited and 11th MBA award recipient in the presence of Dr. Ajit Ravi, Founder of Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd, the MBA Award, and the Federal International Chamber Forum (FICF).
Dr. Yogesh Lakhani is a visionary entrepreneur and industry leader whose inspiring journey from a humble single-room office in Mumbai to building one of India’s most respected outdoor advertising companies reflects extraordinary resilience, innovation, and determination. Under his leadership, Bright Outdoor Media Limited became the first outdoor advertising company in India to be listed on the BSE and earned recognition in the Guinness World Records for installing the largest number of solar panels on a single billboard in Mumbai. Today, the company stands as a leading 360-degree media and advertising powerhouse, renowned for executing high-impact campaigns for leading brands, blockbuster films, and globally celebrated events.
With this remarkable achievement, Dr. Yogesh Lakhani joins the elite ranks of the Federal International Chamber Forum (FICF), one of the world’s most prestigious business forums. FICF membership is exclusive to business leaders possessing a minimum of ₹1,000 crore in assets and demonstrating a strong commitment to social responsibility. The MBA Award, instituted to recognize exceptional business leaders with significant social involvement, has previously been bestowed upon Shri V.P. Nandakumar, Shri Joy Alukkas, Shri M.A. Yusuff Ali, Shri T.S. Kalyanaraman, Shri P.N.C. Menon, Shri Gokulam Gopalan, Dr. Ravi Pillai, Shri M.P. Ramachandran, Shri Kochouseph Chittilappilly, Shri Sabu M. Jacob, Dr Viju Jacob, Dr. A.V. Anoop, Dr. Varghese Kurian, Adv. P. Krishnadas, Dr. Hafeez Rahman, Shri Soundararajan Bangarusamy, Shri V.R. Muthu, Shri V.C. Praveen, Dr. Arun N. Palaniswami, Shri C.K. Kumaravel, Shri T.K. Chandiran, Sir Sohan Roy SK, Dr. Vijay Sankeshwar, and Dr. Siddeek Ahmed. The MBA Award stands as a distinguished symbol of recognition, celebrating visionary entrepreneurs who drive transformative change in both business and society.
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Centuries ago, the sage and philosopher Laozi, on the other side of the Great Wall of China, famously stated, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” This timeless wisdom highlights how seemingly minor actions can trigger significant changes over time. The remarkable story of an entrepreneurial giant on this side of the Great Wall exemplifies this concept beautifully. When V.P. Nandakumar took over his late father’s modest, single-branch money-lending business in 1986, few could have predicted that it would mark the start of an extraordinary journey. Today, Manappuram Finance Ltd stands as one of India’s premier non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), boasting 5,200 branches across 28 states and Union Territories, an impressive Assets Under Management (AUM) of Rs 42,069 crore, and a dedicated workforce of over 50,000.
Unique Times chronicles the fascinating success saga of Nandakumar, the Managing Director and CEO of Manappuram Finance Ltd, who used his astute leadership skills, razor-sharp acumen and vision to steer his enterprise all through its high-octane journey to becoming a financial powerhouse in the country. The journey that began in modest settings in Valapad, a quaint village in Kerala’s Thrissur, has acquired a pan-India dimension today, which is nothing but extraordinary. Nandakumar has added more feathers to his cap by unlocking the portals of diversification through microfinance, home loans, vehicle finance and SME and personal loans thereby broadening the spectrum of his company.
Wearing Many Hats With Elan
Born in 1954, Nandakumar holds a postgraduate degree in science and additional qualifications in banking and foreign trade, providing him with a strong foundation for his finance career. His expertise has been recognized by various trade and industry associations, including FICCI, ASSOCHAM, and FIDC, where he has actively contributed to policy shaping and the promotion of best practices within the sector. His commitment to education and professional development is further demonstrated by his appointment to the Board of Governors of the Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode, in January 2019, highlighting his significant influence in the field of management education.
Nandakumar is a Distinguished Invitee to the All-India Management Association’s Council of Management, where he shares his insights to promote management practices nationwide. As Co-Chair of the State Council of FICCI Kerala, he demonstrates his ability to foster collaboration among industry leaders and improve the business environment in the region. Through these roles, Nandakumar continues to make a positive impact on both the educational and industrial sectors, guiding the next generation of leaders in the financial services industry.
How It All Began
Manappuram Finance Ltd traces its roots back to 1949 when it was founded by Nandakumar’s father, the late V.C. Padmanabhan, in Valapad. The initial operations focused on money lending. It was a modest beginning that laid the foundation for what would become a financial behemoth. Following the untimely demise of his father in 1986, Nandakumar took over the reins of the family business and there has been no looking back ever since.
Diversification and Growth
One of Nandakumar’s most significant contributions has been his proactive approach to diversification. Recognising the evolving needs of customers, he has steered the company into new territories. Today, a remarkable 49% of Manappuram’s total business originates from non-gold segments, a clear reflection of his strategic foresight.
Nandakumar’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. His exemplary leadership and remarkable achievements have fetched him recognition on coveted national platforms. In May 2018, ‘Business World’ magazine listed him among India’s 40 most valuable CEOs. The ‘Economic Times’ acknowledged Manappuram as the ‘chart-topper’ in their ET500 list of Top Wealth Creators of 2019. Furthermore, he received the Hurun Industry Achievement Award in February 2023, a testament to his enduring impact in the business world.
Commitment to Community Development
Beyond his business acumen, Nandakumar’s commitment to social responsibility is a cornerstone of his vision. In 2009, he established the Manappuram Foundation aimed at uplifting the community through various initiatives. The foundation’s reach extends to managing two schools, coaching centres for diverse skills, yoga centres, and wellness facilities. Notably, it also operates a sports complex with badminton and basketball courts, along with an aquatic complex featuring a state-of-the-art swimming pool.
His dedication to community welfare is evident in the foundation’s services, which are provided to people falling under the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category at subsidized rates. Additionally, the foundation has a fleet of ambulances equipped with advanced medical support systems, further solidifying its role as a pillar of support for the local population. He staunchly believes that these efforts to uplift the community will have a butterfly effect over the years as his empire grows.
Leadership Beyond Borders
In addition to his responsibilities at Manappuram Finance, Nandakumar has done yeoman service to international organizations. His journey with Lions Clubs International began in 1981, and over the years, he has held various leadership positions, including multiple district council chairperson and member of the LCIF Corporate, Foundation & Government Gifts Committee. His dedication and service culminated in his election as an international director during the 102nd International Convention in Milan, Italy, in July 2019, marking a significant milestone in his commitment to community service.
Currently, he is serving as the Chair of LCCIA and Chairperson of the ISAME Area Leadership. Through these roles, he continues to foster collaboration among Lions Clubs worldwide, advocating service projects that address pressing social issues. His leadership not only strengthens the organisation but also reinforces his commitment to making a positive impact beyond national borders, embodying the spirit of global citizenship and community empowerment.
Promoting Financial Inclusivity
Nandakumar’s influence reaches far beyond the confines of Manappuram Finance. He has been a driving force in promoting financial inclusivity through his involvement in several key ventures. Notably, he played a pivotal role in establishing Equitas Small Finance Bank Ltd., India’s first small finance bank that provides affordable financial solutions to the underserved. His efforts also contributed to the formation of Aptus Value Housing Finance India Ltd., both of which were successfully listed on the stock exchange, marking significant milestones in the Indian financial landscape.
Additionally, Nandakumar’s promotion of Five Star Business Finance Ltd., an NBFC specialising in MSME finance, further emphasises his commitment to enhancing access to financial services for marginalised sectors. By focusing on micro, small, and medium enterprises, he has championed initiatives that empower entrepreneurs and drive economic growth. Through these endeavours, Nandakumar continues to champion financial inclusivity, ensuring that diverse segments of society have the opportunity to participate in the economic mainstream.
A Legacy of Leadership and Vision for the Future
As Nandakumar continues to lead Manappuram Finance Ltd., his vision is firmly anchored in innovation, community service, and financial inclusivity. With plans for further expansion and diversification, he is well-positioned to navigate the changing financial landscape while remaining dedicated to the values that have guided him since the company’s inception.
In an era where financial services are increasingly crucial, Nandakumar’s journey exemplifies the power of leadership, resilience, and a sincere commitment to making a positive impact. As he looks ahead, it is clear that his influence will continue to shape the future of financial services in India and beyond.
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