Biography of Ragulan Tharmakulasingam: Founder of Palladian & Pick a Book -Entrepreneur
Biography of Ragulan Tharmakulasingam:
Journey of Community Building and Entrepreneurship
Ragulan Tharmakulasingam is a passionate marketer, social
entrepreneur, and community builder. His career is marked by his ability to
create impactful communities that foster growth, learning, and empowerment.
Through various initiatives, he has worked relentlessly to bring people
together to share knowledge and inspire positive change. He founded multiple
organizations like Palladian Global, Pick a Book, Parenthrive, and Life After
Retirement, each contributing to different aspects of personal and social growth.
His dedication to making a difference in the lives of individuals has shaped
his career and the communities he has nurtured.
The Roots of a Social Entrepreneur
Ragulan’s journey as a social entrepreneur began with his
academic foundation at the University of Colombo, where he earned his
Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. His education laid the groundwork
for his leadership and marketing skills, which later became essential in his
entrepreneurial ventures. Throughout his career, he has been driven by a desire
to solve societal problems through innovation, creativity, and community
engagement. His entrepreneurial spirit has led him to develop projects that
empower various groups, from avid readers to senior citizens.
A Vision for Empowering Readers
One of Ragulan’s most well-known initiatives is Pick a Book
(PAB), a community designed to promote reading, knowledge sharing, and public
speaking. Originally a project within Epitom Digital to encourage reading among
staff, PAB quickly gained traction and expanded into a global movement. The
concept encourages participants to select a book, research it, and present it
to others, thereby not only fostering a love for reading but also enhancing
communication and presentation skills. This initiative aims to inspire
individuals to improve themselves through the power of books and knowledge
exchange.
Growing the Pick a Book Movement
From its humble beginnings, Pick a Book has expanded into
Sri Lanka and India, where it continues to inspire and educate. In Sri Lanka,
the initiative began as a workplace activity but quickly became a public event,
with participants from various backgrounds coming together to share their
insights. The success of the project has shown Ragulan the power of
community-driven learning and the profound impact of collective knowledge. It
has become a platform where readers and presenters alike can grow personally
and professionally while contributing to a greater cause.
Biography of Ragulan Tharmakulasingam: Founder of Palladian & Pick a Book -Entrepreneur/build international business communities/startup/investor
Parenthrive: A Platform for Parents
Another key project in Ragulan’s portfolio is Parenthrive, a
community focused on empowering parents. This initiative was born from
Ragulan's recognition of the need for a supportive and inclusive space where
parents could share experiences, seek advice, and engage in meaningful
discussions. Parenthrive provides a platform where parents from diverse
backgrounds come together to help each other navigate the challenges of
parenthood. Through this community, Ragulan aims to create a safe, supportive
environment where people can thrive in their personal and family lives.
A Lifelong Commitment to Learning
Ragulan’s commitment to learning and development is also
evident in his personal achievements. He recently participated in Stanford
University's Standford Spark Program, which is designed to provide business
leaders with the tools and knowledge to drive innovation and lead with impact.
Additionally, Ragulan earned a Gold medal for his Humanitarian MBA at the
Roxbourg Institute of Social Entrepreneurship in Switzerland, where he was
recognized for his dedication to social entrepreneurship and his ability to integrate
humanitarian values into business practices.
Creating Impact with Palladian Global
Ragulan’s Palladian Global is another example of his
dedication to creating communities that empower people. This organization
focuses on supporting businesses and brands by building strong, global
communities that drive growth and foster innovation. With Palladian, Ragulan
brings together industry veterans and entrepreneurs to collaborate on
international business development, new ventures, and strategic partnerships.
Through this initiative, Ragulan is helping companies scale their impact and
reach new markets.
Bringing Value to Senior Citizens with Life After Retirement
Ragulan also founded Life After Retirement (LAR), an
initiative designed to uplift the lives of senior citizens. LAR focuses on
providing opportunities for seniors to stay engaged, active, and valued in
society. By offering resources, support, and a platform for seniors to share
their stories, LAR works to combat isolation and ensure that older generations
can live fulfilling lives post-retirement. Ragulan’s vision for LAR is to
create a society where seniors are celebrated and empowered to continue contributing
to their communities.
The Power of Social Entrepreneurship
Ragulan believes that business can be a force for good, and
his work exemplifies this philosophy. Through his ventures, he strives to solve
social problems while also generating value for the communities he serves. His
humanitarian approach to business, which integrates social impact with
entrepreneurial success, has made him a leader in the field of social
entrepreneurship. By supporting other social entrepreneurs and providing them
with the resources they need, Ragulan is helping to create a global network of
changemakers who are tackling some of the world’s most pressing issues.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Ragulan remains committed to empowering
social entrepreneurs and helping them scale their impact. Through his various
initiatives, he aims to create a world where business is not only about profit
but also about making a positive difference in people’s lives. Ragulan’s work
continues to inspire individuals, communities, and businesses to think bigger
and take action. His ultimate goal is to create a world where everyone has the
opportunity to thrive, and social entrepreneurs are at the forefront of shaping
a better future for all.
Timeline for story
University of Colombo: Earned a Bachelor's Degree in
Business Administration, laying the foundation for his career.
Pick a Book (PAB) Launch: Founded PAB to promote reading and
knowledge sharing, expanding globally.
Parenthrive Launch: Created Parenthrive, a supportive
platform for parents to share experiences and advice.
Stanford University (Stanford Spark Program): Participated
in a program to enhance his leadership skills.
Roxbourg Institute of Social Entrepreneurship: Earned a Gold
medal for his Humanitarian MBA in social entrepreneurship.
Palladian Global Launch: Founded Palladian Global to build
international business communities.
Life After Retirement (LAR) Launch: Created LAR to support
and empower senior citizens in post-retirement life.
