Krishnakumar Theenadayalan, or Dayalan as he is fondly known, joined Vidullanka in 2014. He was an aspiring engineer, but due to personal issues was unable to pursue that dream. However, Vidullanka gave him the opportunity to explore his passion for the technical aspects of energy, which initially motivated him to join the company. He started out as a plant assistant, taking a keen interest in the technical side of operations. Dayalan to take a part-time electrical course, balancing between studying, and taking care of his parents. “(It) was some of the most stressful times of my life. But persevering was the best choice I made”.

Unexpected issues at the plant caused Dayalan’s trajectory to shift, and he was given the opportunity to continue working with the company. He joined Head Office initially working as a store assistant, but within just a year of relocating, Dayalan became a member of the Finance Team. “Funnily enough I found that my true passion to be finance” he muses, crediting the company for allowing him to explore a new field. He pursued his newfound passion academically, completing two levels of both CA and CIMA. He also retook the AL examinations in 2018 in the commerce stream and passed with flying colours.

Ten years have passed since joining Vidullanka, and Dayalan shares that he sees himself staying for a long time. He recounts the memory of revisiting the sheen plant where his journey first began to conduct an audit. “Going back to the place I started at from ground level and conducting an audit showed me how much I had grown and how far I had come in my life” he remarked. He also recalls winning the Gold Award just a year after joining the finance team, and that “it filled me with joy to think that I made even a small impact”.

He conveys his gratitude to the company for not only the opportunity to rediscover a new passion but for the support that was given to him and his family. From having to take courses and exams all while balancing his work at the company, he reiterates the support that was given to him that eased some of his stress throughout the years. “The support is endless. Your background doesn’t matter, and you are treated the same…It really is a second family”