The Vakkom Moulavi Foundation Trust mourns the passing of its former President and guiding force, Professor V.K. Damodaran, who passed away on 15th November 2025 at the age of 85 in Thiruvananthapuram. His loss is deeply felt across VMFT and the many institutions he shaped through decades of committed public service.
Professor V.K. Damodaran was associated with VMFT from its inception and served as President from 2016 to 2025, offering steady leadership and thoughtful guidance to the Trust’s evolving initiatives. In recognition of his enduring influence, VMFT organised a remembrance meeting on 26th November 2025 at the Trust Hall, in collaboration with IEEE Power and Energy Society, IEEE LMAG, Energy Management Centre, and the Energy Conservation Society. Friends, colleagues, family members and well-wishers gathered to pay tribute to a life that touched many.
A man of wide-ranging contributions, Professor Damodaran was a founding member and former President of the Kerala Sasthra Sahithya Parishad (KSSP), where he worked to promote scientific temper and also served as editor of its popular journals. Known as a committed institution builder, he was the founder Director of the Energy Management Centre and held several key public roles including ex-officio Secretary in Kerala’s Power Department, Director of Science, Technology and Environment, Chairman of the Centre for Environment and Development, Regional Electrical Inspector, and Controller of the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology.
His contributions extended beyond the state and the country. He served on Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s Scientific Temper Committee in the late 1970s, authored more than 20 books, taught at NIT Calicut, and consistently advocated for renewable energy and conservation. His global impact was recognised with the IEEE Asia-Pacific Region Award in 2012, awarded for his work on hybrid village energy models that benefited remote communities in Africa. He also contributed to energy planning efforts in China and African nations.
Professor V.K. Damodaran leaves behind a legacy defined by integrity, intellect, and a lifelong commitment to society. At VMFT, we will continue to draw inspiration from his spirit of service and his contribution to building institutions that matter.
