In the world of business and philanthropy, few names shine as brightly as Mrs. Leema Rose Martin. While she has shouldered leadership roles across more than 20 companies and LLPs, her true identity has always been that of a philanthropist and changemaker. As the Managing Trustee of the Martin Foundation and Correspondent of the Martin Homoeopathy Medical College & Hospital, she has dedicated her life to translating business success into meaningful social transformation.
Born in Ramanathapuram District, Tamil Nadu, into a family rooted in discipline and service, Leema’s early values were shaped by her father’s years of service in the Indian Army and her mother’s commitment to instilling humility and resilience. Her marriage to Mr. Santiago Martin, Chairman of the Martin Group, provided her a strong platform to extend her vision of service. But what makes her remarkable is how she carved out her own distinct path—turning resources into opportunities for those who needed them the most.
Education has been at the heart of her initiatives. She has funded scholarships worth over ₹2.5 crores, giving thousands of underprivileged children access to quality learning. Her adoption of the Corporation Middle School in Kuvundampalayam, Coimbatore—with a donation of ₹7 crores—transformed the institution into a model school equipped with smart classrooms, a science lab, and a library. More recently, she supported the establishment of Chemman Academy, a skill development centre in Shivgangai District, designed to empower youth with training for competitive exams, computer literacy, and employable skills.
Healthcare is another area where her generosity has left an indelible mark. From sponsoring life-saving treatments for over 360 patients to supporting large-scale health projects such as the Dharmaa Dialysis initiative in 2025, Leema has consistently worked to make healthcare more accessible and affordable. Her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic was particularly impactful: mobilizing over ₹11 crores in relief through food distribution, oxygen concentrators, medicines, and direct community support that benefitted tens of thousands.
Her environmental efforts have been equally pioneering. The Seed Ball Festival in Ramanathapuram, which saw the sowing of 30 lakh seeds with the participation of 2,500 volunteers, stands as a unique example of grassroots ecological restoration. Complementing this are her initiatives in tree plantation, water conservation, and sustainable livelihoods for rural women. Through Project Threlaksha and Sencholai Traders, she has empowered more than 1,600 women with training, sewing machines, and opportunities to create income for their families.
Her compassion extends to animal welfare as well. Collaborations with organizations such as ASRA and Dogs of Coimbatore reflect her belief that empathy must embrace all living beings. Whether it is supporting abandoned animals or spreading awareness of responsible care, her work embodies a holistic vision of service.
For her exemplary contributions, Mrs. Leema Rose Martin has been recognized on national and international platforms. She is the recipient of the Pinnacle Award for Best Woman Entrepreneur (2022), the Bharat Ratna Mother Teresa Excellence Award, and multiple honorary doctorates including from the Yakar International University. Her induction into the Arch Klumph Society of Rotary International places her among the world’s most respected philanthropists—an acknowledgment of her sustained commitment to global welfare.
What truly distinguishes Mrs. Leema Rose Martin is that her commitment to social responsibility is not an occasional pursuit but a way of life. For her, serving communities is as natural as any daily task—woven into her routine with sincerity and consistency. She doesn’t see it as charity, but as a continuous investment in human potential. Being herself means uplifting others, and she finds her greatest strength in the simple joy and heartfelt blessings she receives from the people whose lives she touches.
Today, Mrs. Leema Rose Martin is a beacon of hope in India’s CSR landscape. She continues to prove that compassionate leadership can transform not just communities, but generations. As she carries forward both her own vision and the legacy of her family, she embodies the belief that true success is measured not by wealth, but by the number of lives uplifted along the way.
