Veteran industrialist Karumuttu T Kannan, aged 70, passed away on Tuesday morning in Madurai, leaving behind a legacy of remarkable achievements. Renowned as a prominent board member of TVS Motor and various other companies, he was also widely recognized as an esteemed educationalist associated with several esteemed institutions.
Kannan held the esteemed position of chairman at Thiagarajar Mills, a well-established textile company based in Tamil Nadu. Additionally, he served as a respected board member of TVS Motor, a prominent player in the Indian automotive industry. His contributions to these organizations were invaluable, and his presence on their boards was greatly appreciated.
As a leading educationalist, Kannan held the esteemed position of president at Thiagarajar College, located in Madurai. Furthermore, he served as chairman and correspondent at Thiagarajar College of Engineering, an esteemed educational institution also situated in Madurai. Kannan’s dedication to education was unwavering, and his leadership played a pivotal role in shaping the future of these institutions.
Kannan’s academic qualifications included a degree in business administration from Madurai University, which equipped him with a strong foundation for his illustrious career. With extensive experience in the textile industry, he assumed prestigious positions such as chairman of the Textiles Committee and the Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council, both based in Mumbai. Additionally, he served as the chairman of the South India Mills’ Association from 1990 to 1992. These roles highlighted his commitment to the growth and development of the textile sector.
In recognition of his influential contributions, Kannan served as the chairman of the Confederation of Indian Industry, Southern Region, based in Chennai. Furthermore, he was a member of the Southern regional board of the Industrial Development Bank of India, showcasing his expertise in industrial development and economic affairs.
Kannan’s passion for education extended beyond his direct involvement with institutions. He served as a syndicate member of Anna University in Chennai and held positions on the Boards of Governors of esteemed institutions like the Indian Institute of Management Indore and the National Institute of Technology in Trichy. Additionally, he made significant contributions to the Tamil Nadu State Council for Higher Education, the Tamil Nadu State Planning Commission, the Senate of Madurai Kamaraj University, and the academic council of Anna University. His broad influence on the educational landscape was highly regarded.
Moreover, Kannan’s expertise was sought after by numerous Indian companies, where he held positions on their boards. His insights and guidance significantly impacted the strategic direction of these organizations.
Kannan’s exceptional contributions to education and social service were honored by the Tamil Nadu government when he received the prestigious Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Award in 2014. This esteemed recognition underscored his tireless efforts in promoting education and making a positive impact on society.
The funeral rites for Kannan will be held on Wednesday at 2 pm in Kochadai, located in Madurai district. His passing leaves a void in the industrial and educational sectors, as his leadership and expertise will be deeply missed. Nevertheless, his remarkable contributions and legacy will continue to inspire future generations, leaving an indelible mark on the realms of business, education, and social service.
