A graduate with postgraduate diplomas in Advertising & PR, Export Business Management, and Tourism Promotion (Government of India), Sampathkumaran hails from Tirupati and began his career with the rare privilege of serving as Temple Inspector at the renowned Balaji temple in Tirumala (TTD).
His public sector experience spans the Ministry of Finance's National Savings Organisation, where he oversaw three districts from Vizag headquarters, and the Union Government's Cultural Affairs wing, managing high-profile visitor relations.
In the private sector, Sampathkumaran held leadership roles across PR, advertising, and export at Sundaram Clayton Limited, and managed capital issues and advertising at Ashok Leyland. Beyond corporate work, he developed two documentary films and contributed to renovating the Nava Tirupati temples in Tirunelveli District.
Over the years, he contributed articles on religion, culture, and management to leading publications. In partnership with TCS, he pioneered computer training for visually impaired students and authored a comprehensive trainer's guide.