Life & Work with Suresh Rajan of Novi

Today we’d like to introduce you to Suresh Rajan.

Suresh, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My Philanthropic Journey

Philanthropy has been a part of my life since my early days growing up in Kolkata, India — the home of Mother Teresa. As a young volunteer at the Missionaries of Charity’s “Mother House,” I helped organize and move food supplies, including heavy rice bags, to support those in need. I also served as a member of People For Animals (PFA), one of India’s largest animal welfare organizations, where I contributed to providing compassionate care for both treasured pets and homeless animals in distress.

When I immigrated to the United States, I actively sought ways to continue giving back to the community. Whether in Carson City, Nevada, or Plano, Texas, I engaged in volunteer activities and community service. My philanthropic path took a pivotal turn in 2013 after moving to the Metro Detroit area, where I was introduced to VT Seva by Mr. Sudheer, then Branch Director of VT Seva Detroit.

VT Seva (Volunteering Together for Service) is a global nonprofit dedicated to transformative work in healthcare, education, environmental sustainability, youth leadership, and community upliftment. Its most compassionate mission — empowering and educating visually challenged and underserved children — resonated deeply with me. I felt an immediate connection with the organization’s mission and vision, as inspired by our CEO, HH Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji.

In 2018, I took on the role of the Sports Coordinator of VT Seva Detroit, for the fundraising initiatives supporting the education of visually challenged children. Over the years, I witnessed firsthand the transformative impact that a team of dedicated volunteers can create through selfless service.

Beginning of 2025, I had the privilege of taking on the role of Branch Director when Mr. Srinath passed the baton after his remarkable tenure. Since then, our steadfast volunteers have executed more than 85 community service projects in healthcare, education, environmental sustainability, and youth empowerment — benefiting over 50 partner organizations.

Our efforts even garnered recognition from Click on Detroit Local 4 News, which featured one of our many projects, our fight against hunger in the Metro Detroit area earlier this year on March 23, 2025.

Watch the story here: https://youtu.be/W99OPvXAfrw?si=0FtGQ_2mFFooJLU-

This journey is far from over. It has only strengthened my belief in the power of collective compassion, and I remain committed to expanding our reach, uplifting communities, and empowering those who need it the most. The road ahead is long, but the vision is clear — to serve, to inspire, and to make a lasting difference.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Philanthropy is a journey filled with challenges, but also with purpose and resilience. Since I became part of VT Seva in 2013, our team has faced and overcome obstacles that tested our dedication — from the ongoing task of sustaining and inspiring our volunteer base, to the life-threatening crisis of the 2020 pandemic that called for an extraordinary mobilization of resources to aid the most vulnerable. Through it all, we have remained steadfast in our mission, turning each challenge into an opportunity to grow — expanding our outreach, raising awareness, and bringing hope to more communities than ever before. These experiences have not only strengthened our organization but also deepened our belief in the transformative power of compassion and collective action.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Outside of my philanthropic commitments, I serve as a Program Manager for Information and Communication Technology at Stellantis in Auburn Hills, Michigan. With more than 27 years of experience in the IT industry, I am deeply passionate about leveraging technology to design and deliver real-world business solutions. My approach blends critical design thinking with a strategic mindset — ensuring that solutions not only address immediate needs but also align with the organization’s long-term growth objectives.

I am known for being a compassionate leader who leads with empathy, consistently putting myself in others’ shoes to understand their perspectives. At the same time, I bring an assertive and results-driven style, challenging the status quo when necessary to transform complex problems into practical, sustainable solutions. This combination of empathy and decisiveness has repeatedly produced transformative outcomes that have advanced both team performance and organizational goals.

What sets me apart is my ability to bridge the gap between technology and people — translating technical complexity into actionable strategies that inspire collaboration, drive efficiency, and create lasting impact.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I am blessed with a wonderful family — a loving wife with whom I’ve shared 22 beautiful years of marriage, and a 21-year-old son who is graduating from the University of Michigan with a dual focus in Computer Science and Entrepreneurship. His dedication, drive, and accomplishments make us proud every single day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://vtsworld.org/detroit
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vtseva/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vtsworld
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vt-seva
• Twitter: https://x.com/vtseva
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@VTSeva4all