Major Sudhakar Pillai

Major Sudhakar Pillai has dedicated more than 25 years to advancing the rights and welfare of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (PWIDDs) and their families. In 1998, he founded the first registered parents' association in Calicut and played a key role in networking similar organisations across Kerala, helping form Parivar Kerala.

In 2012, he established Ashwas Bhavan, a day-care centre for elderly persons and individuals with intellectual disabilities in Palakkad, which continues to serve the community. He later conceptualised and promoted Nishchinda Society, a lifelong care initiative that supports nearly 100 families and their intellectually challenged children.

Major Pillai served as General Secretary of Parivar National from 2018 to 2022 and currently serves as its Technical Advisor. He has also held important statutory positions, including Convener of the Local Level Committee, Palakkad District, and member of the Kerala State Advisory Board on Disability Matters. He actively guides disability initiatives at district, state, and national levels.