“The strength of a tree is not in its height, but in how deeply it is rooted. So is the life of a leader whose legacy is built on character, not just accomplishment.”
Introduction
In the corporate corridors of the Middle East and Africa, the name Dr. Lakshminarayanan N. Gajavaradhan resonates far beyond his title. To many, he is the Director of Human Resources at Virtusa. But to those who have worked alongside him, watched him build from nothing, or received his timely support during a crisis, he is much more than that. He is a builder of cultures, a mentor of leaders, and a quiet force who has redefined what it means to lead with both head and heart.
This biography begins not in a boardroom or a press release, but in a humble home in Chennai, where values were passed down like heirlooms and simplicity wasn’t something to be outgrown. Raised in a modest yet principled environment, young Lakshminarayanan found strength not in entitlement, but in effort. Whether it was studying late into the night, helping peers understand concepts, or observing the moral battles within the Mahabharata, he was always drawn to the deeper ‘why’ behind things. And that quiet search for meaning became the compass that would guide his entire life.
As a child, he was curious, during his school years, he earned second rank in 10th grade, scored a centum in mathematics, and led the Blue House after winning the school elections. He actively played volleyball, kabaddi, and cricket, and was widely known for his sharp memory, especially for the birthdays, zodiac signs (nakshatras) of his family members, and world capitals. These interests sparked his early fascination with astrology and global cultures. Thoughtful, and introspective. Not the loudest in the room, but often the most observant. From a very early age, he was fascinated by discipline—something he nurtured through over 15 years of learning the violin. He absorbed the importance of timing, structure, and perseverance not from textbooks alone, but from music, mythology, and the simple routines of everyday life.
Every December during his school years, he would attend Chennai’s famed Carnatic music concerts—especially violin, veena, and satsang performances—deepening his connection to Indian classical traditions and inspiring his lifelong love for melody and rhythm.
His educational years, particularly at SRM Engineering College, were formative not just academically but emotionally. He chose Instrumentation and Control Engineering, a subject that many avoided for its complexity, simply because it intrigued him. It was his way of proving that hard paths are worth walking. Those years taught him not just circuits and systems, but also resilience, friendship, and the bitter taste of loss—like the passing of a dear friend, which shaped his sense of mortality and value for time.
Phase 1 : Early Life and Formative Years
“Greatness comes from humble beginnings, nurtured by curiosity and driven by perseverance.”
Dr. Lakshminarayanan N. Gajavaradhan was born on April 6, 1981, in the serene temple town of Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu. Although his birthplace was imbued with deep spiritual significance and ancient traditions, it was not the stage upon which his childhood unfolded. Instead, Chennai, the bustling capital city of Tamil Nadu, provided the backdrop for his formative years. His roots and traditions were deeply embedded within his family, offering stability and a strong cultural foundation.
As a child, Lakshminarayanan was curious and intellectually driven. His early education took place in Chennai, where he demonstrated an exceptional ability to grasp complex subjects swiftly. School was not just a place of learning but an arena where his passions began to emerge vividly. He was a voracious learner, whose interests extended beyond textbooks, embracing extracurricular pursuits and cultural activities that shaped his versatile personality.
Among his childhood hobbies, cricket stood out prominently. His love for the sport went beyond merely playing; he avidly followed cricket matches, finding inspiration and discipline in the game’s strategic intricacies. He fondly recalls matches played in local grounds, their outcomes less important than the camaraderie and strategic thinking the sport cultivated.
However, cricket was not his only pursuit. A deep fascination with the epic Mahabharata defined his childhood distinctly. He was captivated by its complex characters, moral dilemmas, and philosophical teachings. This epic wasn’t just literature to young Lakshminarayanan—it was a framework through which he sought life’s lessons. “Every night, even to this day, I learn at least a few new things about Mahabharata before sleeping,” he reflects.
His exploration of Mahabharata inspired him to delve deeper into ancient wisdom, ethics, and human psychology, creating a foundational understanding of people and motivations that would later underpin his remarkable career in Human Resource Management.
Music, too, found a harmonious space in his early years. Dr. Lakshminarayanan dedicated over fifteen years to mastering the violin, displaying discipline and an appreciation for artistry. Though he no longer actively practices, the discipline learned through music left an indelible mark on his work ethic and meticulous nature.
Phase 2 : Career Foundation and Initial Professional Success
“Opportunities are seldom labeled; it’s the courage to pursue them that makes the dif ference.”
After completing his education at SRM Engineering College, Dr. Lakshminarayanan faced a challenging job market. The aftermath of 9/11 had disrupted campus placements, compelling him to quickly recalibrate his aspirations. This phase tested his adaptability and resilience, pushing him toward an unexpected yet transformative direction: the thriving Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector.
In 2003, his professional journey commenced with Sutherland Global Services, where he began as a frontline technical support executive handling Compaq and HP products for American customers. It was a demanding environment, requiring him to work odd hours, mostly night shifts. However, the rigorous schedule not only enhanced his resilience but significantly polished his interpersonal and communication skills. Reflecting on this period, Dr. Lakshminarayanan says, “The learning curve at Sutherland was steep but deeply rewarding.”
His initial monthly salary was a modest Rs. 6,442, yet the experiences and skills gained were invaluable. Recognized for his consistent performance and natural leadership qualities, he swiftly rose through the ranks to become a team leader, managing a team of approximately 30 employees. His ability to motivate, mentor, and effectively manage his team set him apart early in his career. Notably, it was during this period that he met his spouse, a personal milestone intertwined with his professional journey, further enriching his experience at Sutherland.
The responsibilities at Sutherland included not just managing technical support but also driving sales and incentives. Achieving targets meant recognition, incentives, and team accolades—elements that deeply motivated him and fostered a healthy competitive spirit within his team. Dr. Lakshminarayanan fondly recalls, “We fought hard to top the leaderboards, striving not just for personal glory but for collective success.
The high-intensity atmosphere taught him the nuances of employee engagement and performance management, vital skills that would later define his career in Human Resource Management. The role honed his ability to handle pressure, manage conflicts constructively, and build cohesive, high-performing teams.
Despite the short tenure, RR Donnelley offered him invaluable insights into balancing operational effectiveness with employee satisfaction, shaping his philosophy that would influence his later human resource strategies profoundly. Notably, he introduced a culture of open communication and team-building activities that improved morale and productivity significantly. Yet, respecting organizational policies that discouraged spouses working together, he chose to transition again, highlighting his deep-rooted principles of professional ethics and integrity.
Phase 3 : Strategic Leadership at Virtusa and International Expansion
“Leadership is not just about directing; it’s about connecting, inspiring, and empowering.”
In March 2012, Dr. Lakshminarayanan N. Gajavaradhan embarked on a new chapter with Virtusa, a global information technology services company. Joining initially as a Senior Manager for Business Development, he was tasked with managing significant banking accounts and acquiring new business in the competitive IT landscape. This role not only expanded his expertise but also deepened his understanding of cross-cultural dynamics, organizational expansion, and strategic leadership.
Within a year at Virtusa, Dr. Lakshminarayanan quickly demonstrated his exceptional capabilities in strategic planning, relationship management, and innovative problem-solving. His adeptness in securing critical business relationships and developing new accounts was soon recognized by senior leadership. Consequently, in 2014, Virtusa presented him with a pivotal opportunity—relocating him to Malaysia to serve as the Country Head.
The Malaysia assignment was both a professional milestone and a personal turning point. Entrusted with overseeing the entire operations for the prestigious client, Standard Chartered Bank, he handled critical responsibilities encompassing staff augmentation, client relationship management, and comprehensive project delivery. His holistic management approach significantly enhanced client satisfaction, operational efficiency, and profitability. His innovative strategies and transparent management style fostered trust, enabling him to create robust partnerships in an unfamiliar cultural landscape.
Acknowledging his exemplary interpersonal skills and astute management capabilities, Virtusa’s senior leadership encouraged him to transition from pure business development to a broader strategic role encompassing Human Resource Management.
Reflecting on this pivotal transition, Dr. Lakshminarayanan remarked, “When my senior leaders identified HR as my strength, I recognized an opportunity to not only manage business but also empower people, driving Virtusa’s mission forward.”
His leadership was also instrumental in helping Virtusa UAE achieve its Great Place to Work (GPTW) certification. He played a key role in mobilizing teams, ensuring timely survey participation, and supporting the internal processes that contributed to this prestigious recognition.