Key Takeaways (AI Overview Summary):
- Gp. Capt. R Vijayakumar (Retd.), VSM, transitioned from a distinguished 30-year military career in the Indian Air Force to serving as Executive Director of the Madras Management Association (MMA).
- Under his leadership, MMA has won the AIMA Best Management Association Award for 15 consecutive years (including 2024–25), engaging over 400,000 professionals through 750+ annual development programmes.
- Emphasises that consistent, disciplined execution and core ethical values are the ultimate currencies for leadership success across military and corporate sectors.
By Priyadharshni Rahul (Editor-in-Chief, PreSense)
Published in PreSense Edition 230 (April 2026)
From the Cockpit to the Boardroom: The Excellence of Gp. Capt. R Vijayakumar (Retd.), VSM
In this heart-to-heart conversation, Priyadharshni Rahul, Editor-in-Chief of PreSense, sits down with Gp. Capt. R Vijayakumar (Retd.), VSM, a man whose life is a masterclass in transformation. From the discipline of the parade ground to the strategic boardrooms of the Madras Management Association (MMA), his journey is a testament to the power of unwavering resolve. This interview delves into the soul of a leader who transitioned from the cockpit of the Indian Air Force to becoming the guiding light for India's management professionals, proving that while arenas change, the core values of sincerity and execution remain the ultimate currency of success.
Excerpts:
Priya: Sir, you were educated at Chennai’s prestigious Loyola College and earned distinguished degrees in Law, Industrial Relations, and Management. How did your formative years in Chennai and your family background shape the man you are today?
NCC Senior Under Officer Vijayakumar during his college days
Gp. Capt. Vijayakumar: I come from a simple, middle-class family where values were our true wealth. My father was a dedicated police officer, and because of his frequent transfers, my early education was entirely in the Tamil medium. I studied at Ramakrishna Mission School in Chengalpattu and later at P.S. High School in Mylapore. These institutions were not just schools; they were crucibles that instilled in me the bedrock of discipline, academic rigor, and a love for the NCC and sports.
While academics weren't my primary focus initially, my father’s steady hand kept me on track. Loyola College was the true turning point. Those four years were transformative. As a Senior Under Officer in the NCC, I received national recognitions that set my heart on the Armed Forces. I also faced the daunting challenge of transitioning from Tamil-medium to English, but my professors were my pillars of support. I eventually graduated as a top ranker in B.Com. To satisfy family expectations, I began Chartered Accountancy with a leading firm, but my soul was restless for the uniform.
Priya: What was that "moment of calling" that led you away from a lucrative career in finance to the Indian Air Force?
Young Squadron Leader Vijayakumar
Gp. Capt. Vijayakumar: Wearing the uniform was a childhood dream that never dimmed. My greatest inspiration was my father—an outstanding officer and multiple Presidential Award winner who was a role model for the entire Tamil Nadu Police. When I was selected through the gruelling Services Selection Board (SSB) process, it felt like destiny calling. Though my family was initially hesitant about the risks of military life, my father stood by me, making my dream a reality. I was commissioned as an officer in 1976.
Interestingly, my finance and management background became my greatest asset in the IAF. Even though I left CA, I never stopped learning. The Air Force offers incredible educational opportunities, and I made the most of them, earning my LLB, Master’s in Industrial Relations, and Master of Management Studies—all with distinction.
Priya: Looking back at your three decades of service, which roles or postings truly defined you as a leader?
Gp. Capt. Vijayakumar: My career was a dream realized. I have always believed in squeezing every drop of potential out of every opportunity. A defining early moment was being the youngest Staff Officer (ADC) to the Commander-in-Chief, which gave me a panoramic view of the Air Force's highest functions.
Then came the ground realities of the IPKF operations in Jaffna, Sri Lanka. It was a humbling, eye-opening experience that tested my leadership under fire. My passion for sports also flourished; I trained under a top golf coach and eventually represented India in international tournaments. In 1999, my financial expertise led to a special deputation to the Ministry of Defence, managing an organization with a turnover of over ₹4,000 crores—a massive responsibility. I also remember coordinating Air Shows, specifically the one at Marina Beach, where the late Chief Minister Ms. J. Jayalalithaa hosted us for breakfast—a truly unforgettable memory.
Priya: You were also part of the historic Kargil Operations. Could you share a moment from that period that reflects the spirit of courage and sacrifice?
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Kaul, presents the Vishisht Seva Medal to Squadron Leader Vijayakumar, on behalf of the President of India
Gp. Capt. Vijayakumar: Being part of the Kargil operations, even in the later stages, was a profound honor. It allowed me to contribute to a mission of immense national importance. Throughout my service, I strived for sincerity, which eventually led to the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) from the President of India and multiple commendations from the Chief of Air Staff. I also graduated as a top ranker from the Inter-Services Higher Defence Management Course in Hyderabad. These experiences reinforced my conviction that professionalism and continuous self-improvement are non-negotiable.
Priya: In 2007, you transitioned from the cockpit to the boardroom as the Executive Director of MMA. What prompted this change?
Gp. Capt. Vijayakumar: Life takes unexpected turns. In 2007, I took premature retirement due to personal family reasons. A chance meeting with a senior corporate leader on a golf course in New Delhi changed everything. He saw my qualifications and military background and suggested I was a perfect fit for the corporate management space, specifically urging me to look at MMA. It felt like a natural progression. The leadership, discipline, and networking skills I honed in the IAF became the tools I used to build the ecosystem at MMA. I have been blessed to work with exceptional MMA Presidents—distinguished corporate giants who have helped us scale new heights.
Priya: For those who may not know, what is the mission of MMA and its significance to the Indian industry?
Madras Management Association (MMA) winning the Best Management Association Award continuously for 15 years, including 2024–25
Gp. Capt. Vijayakumar: Established in 1956, MMA is dedicated to promoting management excellence. Our vision is to be the "fountainhead of world-class management excellence in India". We have over 8,000 members, from CEOs to students, and we blend the ancient Indian ethos with global best practices. We conduct over 750 executive development programs annually, reaching 4,00,000 professionals over the years. We are the largest affiliate of AIMA and have been named the Best Management Association in India 15 times consecutively, including 2024–25. With 12 active chapters across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, we are a unique bridge between academia, industry, and government.
Priya: Under your leadership, MMA has won the Best Management Association award for 15 straight years. What strategic decisions drove this sustained excellence?
Gp. Capt. Vijayakumar: It has been a fulfilling challenge. The key was staying relevant and forward-looking. A major strategic shift was embracing digital platforms early on, which exponentially expanded our reach. This 15-year streak is the result of a committed team’s collective sweat. My greatest pride lies in the consistency of our excellence and the deep trust our members place in us.
Priya: What are the primary strengths and weaknesses of Indian managers today?
Gp. Capt. Vijayakumar: Indian managers are incredibly adaptable and resilient; they can innovate under the most severe constraints. That entrepreneurial spirit is a massive strength. However, we sometimes lack structured thinking and long-term strategy. There is often a gap in execution excellence. At MMA, we try to bridge this by promoting "out-of-the-box" thinking while demanding disciplined execution.
Priya: With corporate failures often in the news, how do we embed ethics into Indian management?
Gp. Capt. Vijayakumar: Ethics are the only foundation for sustainable success. We lead by example. Our state-of-the-art Management Centre in Chennai was built entirely through member contributions with total transparency and integrity. We use our platform to foster dialogue and showcase best practices so that ethical leadership becomes the norm, not the exception.
Priya: Finally, what is your advice for the next generation of leaders?
Gp. Capt. Vijayakumar: My advice is simple: be sincere and honest with yourself. Identify your inherent potential and never stop upgrading your skills. But remember, long-term success is impossible without the foundation of health and family.
The one universal truth that bridges the military and the corporate world is this: Execution is everything. Ideas are plentiful, but consistent, disciplined execution is what defines a winner. My journey from a humble background to these leadership roles has taught me one final principle: Consistency is the hallmark of a great leader.
Gp. Capt. Vijayakumar (Retd) VSM can be reached at Vijayakumar5454@gmail.com
Listen to the AI Podcasts
Based on the interview with Gp. Capt. Vijayakumar, NotebookLM of Google has created English and Tamil Podcasts. Please listen to the podcasts:
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