பெ.தெ.லீ செங்கல்வராய நாயக்கர் அறக்கட்டளை - கல்வி மற்றும் மனிதநேயப் பணி
A timeless legacy of education, charity, compassion, and opportunity established for the welfare of society. For over a century and a half, the Trust has stood as a beacon of benevolence, transforming countless lives through selfless service.
P.T. Lee Chengalvaraya Naicker, the illustrious founder of this historic institution, was born in the year 1829. His father, Perumal Naicker, on whom the Government had conferred the distinguished title "Sirdar Bahadur", was a revered Subedar-Major in the Madras Army.
His mother Theivayanaiammal, towards whom her son showed a rare respect, boundless devotion, and lifelong love, was deeply pious, orthodox, and compassionate. Even as a child, Chengalvaraya Naicker was noted for his sweet nature, devotion to God and his parents, and spontaneous kindness to all souls around him.
At his father's death, Chengalvaraya Naicker, who was thirty years of age, set up a business of his own and soon found himself a premier leader of the Indian trading community in Madras. He became the trusted Dubash of Messrs. Shand and Co. and amassed a great fortune through capability and impeccable commercial honesty.
"During the great famine of 1857, his house became a regular relief camp where necessities of life were distributed to people in need, irrespective of caste, creed, or community."
His vision continues to guide the Trust's unwavering commitment to education, charity, and social welfare across centuries.
At his father's death, Chengalvaraya Naicker, who was thirty years of age, set up an independent commercial enterprise and soon found himself a leader of the Indian trading community in Madras. He became Dubash of Messrs. Shand and Co. and amassed immense wealth through sheer capability and untarnished integrity.
He was very capable and successful in business, but his heart melted at the sight of the poor and needy. During the great famine of 1857, his house became a regular relief camp where necessities of life were distributed freely to all people in need, irrespective of caste, creed, or station.
His vision extended far beyond immediate alms. He understood that technical education and industrial training could create lasting opportunities and uplift future generations from poverty, laying the permanent foundation for the educational institutions of the Trust.
Born in Madras to Sirdar Bahadur Perumal Naicker and Theivayanaiammal.
Converted his residence into a vast humanitarian sanctuary for thousands.
Became Dubash of Messrs. Shand & Co. and leader of Indian commerce in Madras.
Drafted his will dedicating the entire balance of his estate to public charity.
Passed away at age 45; will codified in 1878 to establish perpetual charities.
A scheme for ensuring the perpetual continuance of his benevolent charities had been engaging his attention for a number of years, and finally resulted in a will dated 1870, slightly modified by a codicil in 1878.
The will bequeathed the whole of his estate to religious and charitable purposes. The estate was to be administered by an esteemed body of Trustees to ensure uncompromised transparency and fidelity to his sacred wishes.
A lasting, legally fortified commitment to religious and charitable purposes, education, and social welfare for future generations.
The great soul passed away in 1874 at the early age of 45, leaving behind an immortal legacy of compassion.
One of the most notable things in his will is his explicit wish to include the initials "P.T. Lee" before his name:
This was a highly exemplary and revolutionary act demonstrating his profound respect for his mother and his disagreement with the prevailing exclusion of a mother's name from one's initials.
P.T. Lee Chengalvaraya Naicker lived and thought centuries ahead of his times.
Administered under the honorable guidance of distinguished jurists and community leaders to uphold the founder's vision.
Former Judge, High Court of Madras
Leading the Board of Trustees in stewarding the historic charities, schools, technical institutions, and religious endowments of the P.T. Lee Chengalvaraya Naicker Trust with absolute integrity and vision.