A legacy of education, charity, service and opportunity established for the welfare of society.
P.T. Lee Chengalvaraya Naicker, the illustrious founder of this institution, was born in the year 1829. His father, Perumal Naicker, on whom the Government had conferred the title "Sirdar Bahadur", was a Subedar-Major in the Madras Army.
His mother Theivayanaiammal, towards whom her son showed a rare respect and devotion, was very pious, orthodox and conservative.
Even as a child, Chengalvaraya Naicker was noted for his sweet nature, devotion to God and his parents, and kindness to all around him.
Discover His StoryHis vision continues to guide the Trust's commitment to education, charity and social welfare.
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 leader of the Indian trading community in Madras.
He became a Dubash of Messrs. Shand and Co. and soon amassed a great fortune.
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 to people in need, irrespective of caste and creed.
His vision extended beyond immediate charity. He believed that education and technical training could create lasting opportunities for future generations.
His charitable vision eventually became the foundation for the educational institutions associated with the Trust.
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 a body of Trustees.
A few modest allowances were made to members of his own family and to poor students of his community. Certain specific religious offerings were also to continue in his name.
The whole of the balance, amounting to several lakhs of rupees, was to be extended at the Trustees' discretion in the establishment of an orphanage and in the promotion of technical education.
A lasting commitment to religious and charitable purposes, education and social welfare.
The great soul passed away in 1874 at the early age of 45.
One of the most notable things in his will is his wish to include the initials "P.T. Lee" before his name.
He wanted both his father Perumal Naicker and his mother Theivayanaiammal, people to whom he owed his birth and existence, to be remembered in his name as "P.T.", besides his pet name "Lee".
This was a highly exemplary and revolutionary act demonstrating his 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.