Community Spotlight
This time, IAGB gives a fond ‘shout-out’ to 2 community leaders, Sivakumar Mallaiyasamy, President of TMM (Tamil Makkal Mandram) and Ramesh Kumar, Ex-President of TMM. For the community to know, Tamil Makkal Mandram (TMM) is a New England/Greater Boston-based organization preserving Tamil culture and language. They say that they unite individuals and enthusiasts, promoting heritage, community and cultural exchange, and IAGB can vouch for it, because TMM has been displaying poise, integrity, cultural exchange and community spirits towards IAGB for the past several years. IAGB salutes Siva and Ramesh, and team TMM for their friendship and good faith shown towards IAGB.
Sivakumar Mallaiyasamy
Sivakumar, President of TMM, is a seasoned technology professional with over 20+ years of IT experience. He has a master’s degree in business administration from UMass Lowell. He lives in Wilmington, MA with his wife and two boys. Sivakumar is passionate about giving back to the community through volunteering. He has served in Shishu Bharathi, Dwarkamai Sai Temple and Tamil Makkal Mandram (TMM).
Sivakumar has been volunteering in Tamil Makkal Mandram for the past nine years through various capacities (Executive Member, Secretary, Vice President and currently as President). Looking forward to building stronger and thriving communities across New England with meaningful partnerships.
Ramesh Kumar
Ramesh has been a passionate advocate for community service for over 15 years, driven by a commitment to uplift and support his community. His involvement in Tamil Makkal Mandram (TMM), a non-profit organization in New England, has been transformative since he joined as an executive committee member in 2015. Throughout his tenure, he held various leadership roles, including Vice President from 2019 to 2021 and President from 2022 to 2023, making an indelible impact on the organization and its events.
Under Ramesh’s leadership, TMM’s events grew remarkably, bringing together over 1,000 attendees and 300 performers for grand celebrations, such as Pongal and Deepavali. His initiatives included honoring Tamil teachers and high-achieving students, organizing sports leagues, and hosting youth-focused programs like TMMTED. Ramesh was instrumental in launching several innovative programs, such as the annual Tamil New Year festival, and unveiling a statue of the revered Tamil poet, Thiruvalluvar. He consistently prioritized collaboration, partnering with groups like IAGB for immigration workshops and NEMA for musical events, bringing value and recognition to TMM.
Ramesh’s approach to leadership extended beyond traditional community gatherings. He modernized TMM’s digital presence, developing the organization’s website and cultivating a substantial following on social media, growing TMM’s Facebook followers to 5,000. Additionally, he spearheaded efforts to make TMM self-sufficient, from procuring equipment for banana leaf feasts to establishing TMM’s first storage space for event materials.
Beyond TMM, Ramesh has been actively involved in various charitable and social efforts, from organizing college seminars to donating thousands annually to local charities. He also participated in the Harvard Tamil Chair fundraiser and numerous other organizations, exemplifying his dedication to fostering Tamil culture and supporting his community.
Ramesh’s commitment to community service continues with his new venture, Yaadhum, an initiative that combines his values of transparency and sustainability to support those in need. Yaadhum, co-founded with his wife Thilaka, is structured around three pillars: community services, entertainment, and technology, aiming to generate funds for charitable causes. With Yaadhum, Ramesh envisions a platform that hosts Indian celebrity events, offers technical services, and provides resources to local businesses, making a meaningful impact across multiple sectors.
Ramesh Kumar is a true community leader whose unwavering dedication and innovative spirit inspire others. Through his service, he has built a legacy of compassion, cultural pride, and sustainable growth for future generations.