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Dr. D. Manikandan
| Dr. D. Manikandan | |
| |
| Place of birth | Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Education | Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) |
| Alma mater | Hindusthan College of Engineering and Technology |
| Occupations | Political functionary, public speaker, youth delegate |
| Active period | 2015–present |
| Political affiliation | Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) |
| Official title | State In-Charge, Sports and Skill Development Cell (SSDC), Tamil Nadu |
| Key honours | Global Youth Leadership & Political Speaker Empowerment Award (2026), Winner of Kalakka Povathu Yaaru Champions |
Dr. D. Manikandan is an Indian political delegate, public orator, youth organizer, and civil services aspirant. Associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Tamil Nadu, he holds office as the State In-Charge for the party's Sports and Skill Development Cell.
Over his career, Manikandan has gained visibility through youth leadership forums, social advocacy, television performances, and international delegation appearances.
Background and education
Manikandan was raised in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. He completed his secondary education at C.M.S. Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Coimbatore, where he participated in debate contests, arts, and cultural competitions.
He later enrolled at Hindusthan College of Engineering and Technology in Coimbatore, graduating with a Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) degree. During his undergraduate studies, he took part in technical innovation forums, securing second place at the International Robotic Challenge organized by IIT Bombay in partnership with Robosapiens. Additionally, Manikandan has been engaged in preparations for the Indian Civil Services Examination aimed at entering the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).
Career and public activities
Political and youth leadership
As State In-Charge of the BJP Sports and Skill Development Cell in Tamil Nadu, Manikandan coordinates youth empowerment drives, vocational training programs, and sports events, including the NaMo State Level Gold Coin Chess Tournament.
Nationally, Manikandan was selected for central government youth platforms such as My Budget Quest (under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports) and the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue. Through these programs, he participated in policy discussions and interactive sessions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He also received recognition as the "Outstanding Parliament Speaker" at the Bharatiya Youth Parliament held in New Delhi.
International delegation
In 2026, Manikandan delivered a keynote speech titled *Youth Leadership in Nation-Building: From Political Awareness to Global Impact* at the 16th World Leaders Summit hosted at Keble College, University of Oxford. His address focused on civic responsibility, youth empowerment, and political participation. His participation in international forums includes attending the Best Diplomats conference in Dubai and participating in the Asia-Pacific Stats Café organized in Bangkok on Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS).
Arts, media, and human rights
Before entering active political organization, Manikandan engaged in performance arts and creative competitions. He won the television stand-up comedy competition Kalakka Povathu Yaaru Champions broadcast on Star Vijay TV.
His artistic endeavors include participation in large-scale artwork projects. He was involved in a Guinness World Record attempt for the largest single-day drawing project and earned a mention in the Limca Book of Records for an extensive social awareness theme illustration.
Manikandan also maintains active membership with the World Human Rights Protection Commission, participating in civic awareness initiatives and social welfare campaigns.
Awards and recognitions
- Global Youth Leadership & Political Speaker Empowerment Award (2026): Conferred at the 16th World Leaders Summit at the University of Oxford.
- Aspiring Youth Speaker Award (2026): Presented under the National Youth Inspiration Awards by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
- Honorary Doctorate: Awarded in Arts and Political Leadership by the Honorary Doctorate Award Council, New Delhi.
- Great Indian Parliament Award: Conferred as Aspiring Youth Speaker and Performing Social Awareness Awardee.
- Outstanding Parliament Speaker Award: Presented at the Bharatiya Youth Parliament, New Delhi.
- Star Vijay KPY Champions Winner: Winner of the television comedy reality show.