Harvard University Honours Kandeban Balendran with the 'Outstanding Volunteer Leadership Award'

Harvard University recently recognized Kandeban Balendran with the prestigious Outstanding Volunteer Leadership Award, honoring his unwavering commitment to community service and his transformative impact on society. Presented by the Harvard Alumni Association (HAA) during the Alumni Leadership Conference (ALC), the award is among the highest accolades for alumni, distinguishing individuals whose efforts extend far beyond typical volunteer roles to create lasting change. Balendran’s dedication to intellectual and social development across Sri Lanka and the broader Asia-Pacific region underscores his commitment to community growth and leadership.

Annually, Harvard celebrates alumni contributions from over 120 global Alumni Clubs and Shared Interest Groups (SIGs), acknowledging the exceptional volunteer leaders who drive these groups. The Outstanding Volunteer Leadership Award is given to an alumnus who has shown remarkable dedication, representing the Harvard alumni community’s spirit of service and impact. Balendran’s influence spans local and international communities, promoting values such as leadership, service, and the empowerment of future generations.

A significant milestone in Balendran’s work was the establishment of the Harvard Club of Sri Lanka in 2021, which he co-founded as the 119th officially recognized Harvard Club globally. As the Club’s founding President and Chair of the Board, Balendran’s vision has fostered closer ties between Sri Lanka and Harvard’s global network, creating an invaluable platform for leadership and development initiatives. Alongside board members, Balendran has spearheaded a range of programs, promoting shared values and strengthening cross-cultural bonds within Sri Lanka and beyond.

One of Balendran’s notable achievements was co-founding the BIG BOLD BRAVE Harvard APAC Regional Conference in 2024. This groundbreaking event, held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, gathered participants from more than 15 countries across Asia-Pacific. Focused on innovation, collaboration, and courageous leadership, the three-day forum provided a unique platform for addressing the region’s challenges and fostering cross-border partnerships. The conference brought together thought leaders and changemakers, reinforcing the Asia-Pacific’s potential as a hub for progressive ideas, development, and collaborative action.

Balendran has also led initiatives during critical times, notably the #SaveLivesSriLanka campaign, launched during the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent economic crisis in Sri Lanka. Working with the Harvard Club of Sri Lanka, Balendran directed a health relief operation that provided essential medical supplies worth around Rs. 50 million to more than 15 public hospitals. This initiative proved crucial in addressing urgent healthcare needs, reflecting his commitment to the welfare of his community and his country.

Beyond his work with Harvard, Balendran’s contributions to education, entrepreneurship, and community empowerment have been significant. He is the founder of the Academics Group, Sri Lanka’s pioneering cross-sector education think tank aimed at establishing one of the region’s most impactful educational institutions. His work in education extends through his role as President and CEO of Miami Ad School Sri Lanka and Maldives, where he leads one of the world’s most awarded creative school networks. Through these roles, he has influenced countless young minds, nurturing the next generation of creative thinkers and innovators.

Balendran’s ventures also include Mozhi.com, Ivy Future Leader Academy, and EMBRAX Innovations, organizations that focus on empowering future leaders through educational programs and innovative technologies. His entrepreneurial vision and dedication to fostering educational opportunities are central to his work, emphasizing his belief that intellectual empowerment is key to social and economic advancement.

Prior to his entrepreneurial ventures, Balendran built a distinguished career in media across Sri Lanka and India. He served as CEO and Director of subsidiaries within the Capital Maharaja Group, one of South Asia’s leading media conglomerates. As host of the Tamil-language version of *Who Wants to Be a Millionaire* on MTV Sri Lanka, he became a recognizable figure, reaching audiences with both entertainment and information. He also hosted a prime-time socio-political talk show, further contributing to national discourse. His leadership in media extended to a pan-India network, where he remains the only Sri Lankan to have held such a prominent role.

In addition to his contributions to media and education, Balendran has been an ardent supporter of Tamil culture and language. He played a crucial role in the establishment of the Tamil Chair at Harvard University, which promotes the study and preservation of Tamil, one of the world’s oldest classical languages. Through this initiative, Balendran helped mobilize the Tamil diaspora to raise a $6 million endowment, ensuring the language’s legacy at one of the world’s most prestigious academic institutions. Today, the Tamil Chair at Harvard serves as a global center for Tamil research and education, reflecting Balendran’s enduring impact on cultural preservation.

His influence extends internationally, and his accomplishments have been recognized globally. In 2014, he was named one of Australia’s '19 Young Global Leaders – Future Chasers', an honor bestowed by the Australian Government recognizing leaders whose work shapes the future. He has also received the Young Achiever Award from Victoria University and the Leadership Award from the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade). His role on the Advisory Board of the New York Festivals further highlights his influence; he is the first and only Sri Lankan to serve on this globally esteemed platform that honors excellence in advertising and media.

Balendran’s educational background includes an Executive MBA/PLDA from Harvard Business School, an MBA from Victoria University in Australia, and he is an alumnus of Colombo’s Royal College. He embodies a commitment to lifelong learning and believes that transformative change is driven by visionary individuals. Through his leadership, he continues to bridge cultures, inspire communities, and contribute to global development