Aadhav Arjuna
Aadhav Arjuna born in TamilNadu, India is an Indian entrepreneur, political strategist, and philanthropist known for his advocacy for equality and his achievements as a sports administrator. He serves as the Founder and Managing Director of Arise Capital and holds pivotal roles as the President of the Basketball Federation of India and the Tamil Nadu Basketball Association. Additionally, he serves as the General Secretary for the Tamil Nadu Olympic Association. Beyond sports, Arjuna is the Founder of Voice of Commons, a platform empowering students and young professionals to engage meaningfully in political affairs. In addition to his existing roles, Aadhav Arjuna has recently assumed the position of Deputy General Secretary for Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), a prominent political party in Tamil Nadu. He Staunchly believes sports and education can bring a revolution in society.
Early Life and Education
Arjuna was born on April 12th, 1982, in Trichy, India, into a poor family. Arjuna's family background is in agriculture.His father worked as a farmer, and his mother, who was educated, became a homemaker after marriage. Unfortunately, Arjuna lost his mother at a young age due to drought and family crisis and was subsequently raised by his uncle and grandmother. He completed his schooling at YWCA and senior secondary at Ramakrishna Mission School in Trichy, where he discovered his passion for basketball in the 10th grade. After completing his secondary education, he moved to Chennai and enrolled in Madras Christian College, pursuing Political Science with the support of a merit scholarship.
Career in Basketball
Aadhav Arjuna's distinguished career in basketball embodies perseverance, dedication, and a deep commitment to the sport. His journey commenced during his 10th-grade when he discovered basketball, recognizing his physical advantage in height. With determination, he honed his skills at the BHL ground in Trichy, laying the foundation for a remarkable path in the sport.
Despite financial constraints, Arjuna pursued higher education through a sports quota, residing at the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) hostel of excellence in Chennai. He dedicated countless hours to practice at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, overcoming challenges along the way. He served as the captain of his Hostel Basketball Team.
Arjuna's tenure as a national player spanned until 2016, during which he showcased exceptional talent and commitment on the court. In 2017, he transitioned to sports administration, recognizing the need for systemic improvements.
Leadership and Organizational Roles
President of Basketball Federation Of India
A pivotal moment in Arjuna's career occurred in 2023 when he contested for the presidency of the Basketball Federation of India (BFI). Despite initial setbacks, he championed the democratic processes within the federation, winning 38 out of 39 votes.
On 5th July 2023, based on the fair judgment in the Delhi High Court by the Honorable Judge Mr. Krishna Bhatt of Karnataka, Aadhav Arjuna assumed the presidency of the Basketball Federation of India, marking a historic milestone.
Upon assuming the presidency in Basketball Federation of India(BFI), Arjuna wasted no time in implementing significant changes within Indian basketball. He organized a national camp led by a foreign coach, emphasizing proper sports nutrition and international exposure for Indian players. Additionally, he assembled a top-notch support team for the national squad, including esteemed physiotherapists, strength and conditioning coaches, and sports psychologists.
These efforts bore fruit swiftly, with India securing the 9th position in the FIBA U16 Asian Championship - Boys and the 12th position in the FIBA 3x3 U18 World Cup - Boys. Notably, India's Men's Category achieved remarkable victories against Malaysia, Macao, and China in the 3x3 Asian Games 2022, while the Women's Category demonstrated exceptional skill by triumphing over Indonesia and Mongolia in the 5x5 Asian Games and Malaysia in the 3x3 Asian Games 2022.
Emphasizing ethical conduct, Arjuna consistently denounced recommendations as a criminal offense and discouraged their practice. Arjuna has been Awarded for this ethical Conduct by the Ananda Vikatan-Nambikai Awards 2022.
President of TamilNadu Basketball Association
As a player, he witnessed mismanagement in the association and contested the election to bring about administrative changes. Elected as the General Secretary of the TamilNadu Basketball Association in 2017, Arjuna demonstrated exemplary leadership, culminating in his election as the President of TamilNadu Basketball Association in 2021, a significant milestone in his career.
As President of the Tamil Nadu Basketball Association, Arjuna instigated numerous transformative measures that bolstered basketball development within Tamil Nadu and beyond. He augmented prize money for tournament winners, prioritized optimal nutrition for players, and ensured equitable prize distribution between male and female athletes. Furthermore, Arjuna personally funded air tickets for players to alleviate travel fatigue before tournaments.
Arjuna was the first to appoint a Serbian foreign coach for a state team in India underscoring his commitment to elevating the standard of basketball coaching. He also instituted comprehensive medical insurance for players and conducted tournaments with meticulous organization and efficiency. Under his leadership and with his own funds he conducted 9 championships among which 5 were conducted in chennai. Furthermore, for the first time Tamil Nadu Men’s Team won Gold in their own State and Women’s team qualified to Finals .
Under Arjuna's guidance, India's basketball teams displayed inspiring performances. Arjuna's innovation in incentivizing coaching excellence was evident when he awarded cars to coaches of winning teams at the 73rd Senior National Basketball Championship, thereby motivating coaches to excel.
General Secretary of TamilNadu Olympic Association
In 2021, Arjuna assumed the position of General Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Olympic Association. With the objective of enhancing the sports culture in Tamil Nadu, Arjuna is now directing the planning and execution of the Tamil Nadu Olympics, set to take place in June 2024.
His journey is with the vision to make India win an Olympic medal in the game of Basketball .
Voice of Commons and Other Ventures
Arjuna's political journey commenced with inspiration drawn from the works of renowned leaders such as Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, Martin Luther King Jr., C.N. Annadurai, Abraham Lincoln, Mahatma Gandhi and Subash Chandra Bose. His commitment to the ideals of equality and justice led him to serve as a pivotal Political Statistician for the DMK party in Tamil Nadu across three consecutive elections, namely 2016, 2019, and 2021.
Arjuna’s strategic contributions, skills in data analytics, in collaboration with Prashant Kishor, were instrumental in securing victory for the DMK party in the 2021 Tamil Nadu State Assembly election.
Recognizing the pivotal role of youth engagement in societal transformation and policy formulation, Arjuna launched a novel initiative known as the Voice of Commons. This platform aimed to amplify public concerns and aspirations, facilitating effective communication between the populace and the ruling government while striving for societal welfare. He believes the right policy making can help in the development of our society .
A staunch advocate for the marginalized communities, particularly the Dalits in Tamil Nadu, Arjuna endeavored to combat the persistent injustices and atrocities perpetrated by the upper strata of the society. To address this pressing issue, he aligned himself with VCK (Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi), actively conducting numerous campaigns and initiatives aimed at promoting equal opportunities and social justice for all citizens of his state.
Arjuna's unwavering commitment to social equity and political advocacy has left an indelible mark on the political landscape of Tamil Nadu, embodying the values of inclusivity, empowerment, and progressive change.
The Voice of Commons focuses on empowering youth to engage in policy-making and helping future generations break free from addictions such as alcohol, social media, and other detrimental habits.
Deputy General Secretary for Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK)
Aadhav Arjuna's foray into Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (transl. Liberation Panther Party; abbr. VCK) as the Deputy General Secretary marks a significant addition to his illustrious career. Committed to the party's principles of social justice and equality, Arjuna's involvement underscores his dedication to championing the rights of marginalized communities in Tamil Nadu.
As the Deputy General Secretary, Arjuna actively contributes to VCK's mission of fostering inclusive policies, advocating for the underprivileged, and striving for equitable opportunities for all citizens. His strategic acumen, coupled with a passion for transformative change, augments VCK's endeavors to create a more just and equitable society.
Arjuna's appointment signifies his enduring commitment to effecting positive change at both grassroots and systemic levels, further solidifying his reputation as a dynamic leader at the intersection of politics, advocacy, and social reform.
Entrepreneurship
In 2016, motivated by a vision to empower working women across urban and rural Tamil Nadu, he established ARISE Investments and Capital Pvt Ltd. This women centric financial aid initiative aims to enable rural women to become small entrepreneurs and achieve empowerment.
Built on principles of inclusivity and accessibility, ARISE was established to offer loans to working women without requiring collateral. These loans are extended to weavers and farmers, fostering sustainability. Arjuna's visionary leadership and commitment to social impact drove the rapid expansion of the company.
Today, ARISE boasts an impressive infrastructure, with 150 + branches strategically located across Tamil Nadu. The company's workforce has grown to encompass 1,500 employees, each contributing to its mission of financial inclusion and empowerment.
Through ARISE, Arjuna has facilitated access to capital for 3.50 lakh borrowers, empowering individuals to pursue entrepreneurial endeavors, invest in education, and improve their quality of life. The company's remarkable success is underscored by the 3000 crores Loan Disbursement , a testament to Arjuna's visionary leadership and commitment to driving positive change.
Arjuna's entrepreneurial endeavors exemplify his unwavering dedication to creating meaningful impact and transforming lives across Tamil Nadu. Through ARISE, he continues to champion the cause of financial inclusion and economic empowerment, empowering individuals and communities to realize their full potential.
His driving force for starting the venture is to ensure that no women in the country perishes due to poverty.
Philanthropy and Social Contributions
Contribution to Corona Fund: In 2021, Arjuna made a significant donation of rupees 1 crore to the Corona Fund under the Chief Minister's initiative, aiding in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Relief Funds for Cyclone-Affected Areas: In times of crisis, Arjuna has stepped forward to provide relief funds to cyclone-affected areas in Thanjavur, Nagapattinam, and Thoothukudi, offering vital assistance to affected communities.
Organization of Covid Vaccination Camp: Arjuna organized a Covid Vaccination Camp benefiting 500-600 players associated with the Tamil Nadu Olympic Association, contributing to the statewide vaccination drive.
Support during Natural Disasters: During the 2015 floods, Arjuna extended support to Santhome School by providing necessary items, exemplifying his solidarity with communities during times of crisis.
Establishment of Computer Room: Arjuna demonstrated his commitment to education by establishing a computer room at Trichy Government Higher Secondary School, providing students with access to modern learning tools.
Birthday Charity Events: Arjuna's commitment to social welfare is evident through his annual birthday charity events, where he distributes shoes to underprivileged children, fostering a culture of care and compassion.
Support for Educational Expenses: Arjuna has supported numerous children with educational fees, recognizing the transformative power of education in shaping lives and empowering communities.
Donation Drives and Financial Assistance: Arjuna's philanthropic spirit extends to various endeavors, including annual book donations to the Chennai State Prison Department during the Chennai Book Fair, and financial assistance to players injured during camps, demonstrating his commitment to social welfare and community upliftment.
Significant part of his earnings have been utilized for the development of basketball sports in the country.
Personal Life
Arjuna was born on April 12 in Trichy town in Tamil Nadu, India. His mother, Kalyani, received a good education. After marriage, she supported her husband by engaging in agricultural work, while his father, Rajendran, worked as a farmer. Tragically, when Arjuna was just 5 years old, a harsh drought swept through their agricultural fields, plunging them into poverty and leading to the untimely loss of his beloved mother. This heartbreak ignited a fire within Arjuna, propelling him toward a path of entrepreneurship and aiding rural women with financial support. It also fueled his desire to study political science, driven by a desire to enact policy changes in India.
The next turning point in his life was when he lost his friend, a fellow sports player at the SDAT hostel, who couldn't secure financial support as a player. This event motivated Arjuna to pursue sports administration, ensuring that players receive the financial support they need. Arjuna's childhood was marked by visits to the library, which were the only respite from their humble surroundings. Balancing roles across politics, sports, and business, Arjuna perceives society's interconnectedness. He believes sports promote unity, business fosters prosperity, and politics shape policy-making. Arjuna advocates for sophisticated resources for athletes to excel and bring national acclaim, directing his philanthropic efforts towards sports development.
Arjuna got married and has been blessed with a son. His hobbies include reading books and delving into electoral votes and policy formulation. His lifelong passion for basketball underscores his journey from childhood to the present.
Awards and Recognition
Best Sports Administrator: Arjuna was honored with the prestigious Best Sports Administrator award at the Ananda Vikatan-Nambikai Awards 2022, recognizing his exemplary leadership and contributions to the sports sector.
Sports Icon: He was recognized as a Sports Icon at the Galatta Crown 2022 awards, underscoring his significant impact and influence in the realm of sports administration.
Best Organizer: Arjuna received accolades from M.K. Stalin, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, for his outstanding organizational skills. He was bestowed with the "Best Organizer" award at the Chief Minister Awards in 2019, acknowledging his exceptional abilities in event management and coordination.
Media Gallery
Articles
- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/im-the-first-foreigner-coaching-the-tn-team-and-that-in-itself-is-a-challenge/articleshow/62619958.cms
- https://www.ekalavyas.com/p/fiba-referees-clinic-returns-to-india
- https://tamil.hindustantimes.com/sports/indian-basketball-federation-president-aadhav-arjuna-has-said-that-the-3×3-senior-national-championship-men-woman-131695438807881.html
- https://www.deccanherald.com/sports/other-sports/newly-elected-bfi-body-gets-fiba-recognition-2639141
- https://thewire.in/education/bhimraj-m-dalit-scholar-oxford-mphil
- https://www.thenewsminute.com/news/tn-dalit-student-successfully-crowdfunds-mphil-oxford-178875
- https://tamil.hindustantimes.com/sports/indian-basketball-federation-president-aadhav-arjuna-has-said-that-the-3×3-senior-national-championship-men-woman-131695438807881.html
- https://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/dr-ishari-k-ganesh-elected-president-of-tamil-nadu-olympic-association