Dr. Ishari K. Ganesh, M.Com., B.L., Ph.D., is the Chairman of the Vael's Educational Trust, which is a private, charitable and educational organization, established in 1992, under which exists the Vels Group of Institutions comprising eleven colleges and three schools, including the Vels Group of Maritime Colleges. This Trust and the Balaji Educational Trust, was founded by Dr. Ganesh, a visionary and an eminent educationist, in fond memory of his revered father, Thiru Isari D. Velan, who was a Member, Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly; Deputy Minister, Government of Tamil Nadu and also associated with the film industry.

Taking education to the humble thresholds of first generation learners and weaker sections of society has been the objective of the Trusts. The vision of the Trusts is to inculcate self reliance and discipline in the youth, and also to improve the quality of higher education. Vels Group of Institutions have a combined student strength of over 6000. The moving spirit behind the success story is the Founder Chairman and Managing Trustee, Dr. Ishari K. Ganesh, who is marching ahead in pursuit of excellence.