A former civil police officer from Kozhikode, Kerala, Umesh Vallikkunnu has begun a new chapter after being removed from service following social media posts that questioned police conduct. On New Year's Day he announced the launch of an event management venture, saying the move is the fulfilment of a long-standing aspiration.
Umesh Vallikkunnu event management
Vallikkunnu described the start-up as a modest effort backed by three established companies with years of experience in the field. In a Facebook post he said the sector had been his passion since 2010, when he worked alongside Joy Allen Media on the state-level inauguration of the Student Police Cadet project. He expressed particular thanks to P. Vijayan IPS, who was then the Commissioner and is now Additional Director General of Police.
“I have wanted to be an event coordinator since I began to fear losing my job,” he wrote. “Friends who knew my interest included me in events they were organising, which helped me learn more. The greatest joy in this work is constant engagement with people.”
Vallikkunnu emphasised that the venture will grow with the support of the community and collaborators. He said two small programmes slated for January will test the new operation and that their success will determine the pace of expansion. The full name of the enterprise and further details will be announced in the coming days.
The move highlights a common trajectory for former public servants who translate skills gained in state service into private enterprise. Event management draws on organisational ability, stakeholder coordination and public-facing communications, all competencies familiar to career officers who have handled civic programmes and community outreach.
While the announcement noted his departure from the police, Vallikkunnu focused on the practical steps ahead rather than on controversy. He framed the transition as an opportunity to remain in daily contact with people and to contribute through well-managed events. “Let us begin together with everyone's support,” he added.
Local reaction on social media has been supportive, with colleagues and friends congratulating him on the new venture and wishing success for the initial January programmes. The involvement of three experienced partners should help with logistics, supplier networks and marketing — areas that can be challenging for a new entrant.
For now, the venture remains small and experimental, aiming to build credibility through a handful of assignments. If the initial events proceed smoothly, Vallikkunnu expects to scale up operations and register a formal company name. His announcement ended with a New Year greeting and an invitation for supporters to join the endeavour.
Vallikkunnu's transition underscores the adaptability of professionals facing career disruption. By leveraging prior event experience and industry partnerships, he seeks to turn a difficult period into a fresh start.
Key Takeaways:
- Former civil police officer has launched an event management venture with support from three established companies, signalling a new career path.
- The Umesh Vallikkunnu event management venture draws on his experience organising the Student Police Cadet state opening in 2010 and gratitude to ADGP P. Vijayan IPS.
- Two small programmes are scheduled in January as a first step, with the company name and further details to be announced.
