EXCO 2025

(in Alphabetical Order)

Subbu Adaikalavan

Chief Executive Officer

Subbu is a Business Development Professional with a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Nanyang Technological University. Having transitioned from a successful career in IT, he now combines analytical thinking with creative leadership in the business development space.

At NTU, Subbu served as President of the Tamil Literary Society, where he led impactful initiatives such as Pongattum Aanandham, a collaborative festival celebrating Tamil culture, and Tamil+AI, an innovative program integrating the Tamil language with artificial intelligence. He also spearheaded Vanigavettai 2019, the inaugural entrepreneurial event aimed at promoting Tamil entrepreneurs and fostering a spirit of innovation within the community. To elevate and honour local media talent, he launched Thiraikavi, a platform recognizing the contributions of Tamil media practitioners. Additionally, he expanded partnerships with numerous previously untapped Indian organizations, paving the way for a more collaborative and interconnected structure across the wider Indian community He also directed Uthraa 2018, a notable stage production, and spearheaded a community involvement project, Aram 2019 supporting traditional saree weavers in Thirunelveli, an effort that received commendation at the university level.

He later served as Vice-President of the Tamils Representative Council – Youth Wing, where he facilitated dialogues addressing the evolving needs and challenges of Indian youth in Singapore. His leadership and organizational skills were further demonstrated in his roles as Assistant Chief Programmer of NTU Hall 7’s Orientation Programme and Overall-in-Charge of the Tampines Junior College Orientation Programme.In 2024, Subbu served as Festival Manager of Anandha Kondaattam, a major cultural showcase under the Singapore Indian Traditional Folk Arts Festival, overseeing large-scale event planning, artist coordination, and stage production.

He is also a former stage actor and ex-radio DJ with Mediacorp Oli 968, known for his engaging voice and presence in Tamil media. His contributions across various domains have been recognized with the TamilChudar Young Achiever Award and the Mahakavi Bharathiyar Award.

Logeshwari Durairaj

Partnerships Manager

Logeshwari Durairaj (Eshwari) began her dance journey at the age of 10, training in Bharathanatyam under the esteemed guidance of Guru Dr. Sree Ajith Baskaran Dass. With over 25 years of dedicated practice, she remains a lifelong student, continually refining her mastery of this classical art form.

Her deep interest in traditional Indian performing arts led her to explore a wide range of folk forms under the mentorship of the late Anandha Kannan. This exploration expanded her repertoire to include Karagam, Oyilattam, Parai, Kummi, Saataikutchi, and more. Her desire to understand these forms at their roots took her to India, where she immersed herself in art forms such as Devarattam, Therukoothu, Thudumbu, and Silambam.

Beyond her performance skills, Eshwari is also experienced in production, stage management, and wardrobe coordination, making her a multifaceted artist and organizer with a strong behind-the-scenes presence.

As part of her commitment to preserving and promoting traditional arts—especially for women—she founded Veeramangai Arts Group, an ensemble focused primarily on female-led percussion. Through this group, Eshwari not only leads powerful performances but also teaches various folk traditions, including Therukoothu, Parai, Poikaal kuthirau and more, cultivating a vibrant and inclusive space for cultural learning and expression.

Eshwari continues to inspire through her dynamic stage presence, her dedication to teaching, and her tireless efforts to uphold and evolve the rich legacy of Indian dance and folk artistry.

Lionell Heeran

Operations Manager

Lionell Heeran is a visionary Business Development Manager and social media marketer with nearly a decade of experience in events management. His unwavering passion for Indian traditional arts fuels his dedication to supporting cultural groups and raising awareness of these timeless art forms.

A skilled musician, Heeran plays the parai and thudumbu, captivating audiences with powerful performances. As an instructor, he has empowered countless young individuals to embrace and excel in these traditional percussion instruments, nurturing the next generation of cultural custodians.

Beyond music, Heeran brings his creative vision to life through multiple disciplines—he has directed stage shows, worked as a director of photography, and led production management for various artistic projects. As an actor, he delivers performances with depth and authenticity, engaging audiences both on stage and screen.

Driven by a mission to preserve and promote Indian heritage, Lionell Heeran continues to be a powerful force in the cultural arts scene—uniting creativity, leadership, and tradition to inspire widespread appreciation and lasting impact.

M Bhagavathi

Treasurer

M. Bhagavathi is an accomplished professional with a robust background in customer service, administration, and animal care. She has demonstrated exceptional leadership, communication, and organizational abilities in her roles at Adidas, Sephora, GlaxoSmithKline, Sing Health, and the Health Promotion Board. Her meticulous approach to administrative tasks and her commitment to maintaining high standards in both retail and healthcare environments underscore her dedication to excellence.

Currently advancing her education with a Bachelor in Molecular Biology & Applied Chemistry at La Trobe University, Bhagavathi continues to build on her strong scientific foundation. Her passion for animal care is evident from her roles at Doggie Retreat and Ozzy & Friends, where she ensured the well-being of numerous dogs daily.

Recognized for her hard work and dedication with accolades such as the Eagles Award and multiple Progress Awards, Bhagavathi’s diverse skill set and academic background make her an invaluable asset to any organization.

Vishnu Vardni

Secretary

Vishnu Vardni is an undergraduate in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics at the National University of Singapore (NUS) and a scholar with the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF).

Since 2022, she has been a journalist with Tamil Murasu, reporting on stories that intersect community, culture, and policy. Deeply involved in the Tamil literary and cultural scene, she is a member of the Tamil Language Council, Tamil Pattimandra Kalai Kazhagam, and Poetry Festival Singapore. She previously served as President of Kavimaalai Singapore’s Youth Wing, where she championed youth engagement in Tamil arts and literature.

As part of the NUS Tamil Language Society, she led the academic research team for the Singapore Tamil Youth Conference 2024, contributing to thought leadership within the Tamil-speaking youth community.