Industrialist, Meenakshi temple Thakkar Karumuttu Kannan dies

CHENNAI: Well-known industrialist and owner of Thiagaraja Mills, Karumuttu T Kannan passed away at his residence in Madurai on Tuesday.

He was 70, and is survived by his wife Uma Kannan, and children Visalakshi, Radha, and Hari Thiagarajan.

He was associated with several industrial bodies of South India, including the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Southern Indian Mills Association. He was also the ‘Thakkar’ of the Madurai Sri Meenakshi Sundareswar temple.

Kannan was the president of Thiagarajar Colleges, a member of the State Planning Commission and was involved in the activities of Anna University.

He was presented with the Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Award instituted by the State government for promoting education and social service.

The State government had appointed him as a member of the high-level advisory committee of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department in 2022.

Many, including Minister Palanivel Thiaga Rajan, TVS group’s chairman emeritus Venu Srinivasan, CII, and others condoled Kannan’s death.

CII condoles passing away of industry icon Kannan

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Southern Region expressed grief over the sudden demise of Chairman & Managing Director of Thiagarajar Mills Pvt Ltd and Past Chairman of CII Southern Region T Kannan, who passed away on Tuesday morning in Madurai.

R Dinesh, president designate, CII and Executive Vice Chairman, TVS Supply Chain Solutions Ltd said, “T Kannan was a visionary leader and an industry icon who has contributed immensely for growth of textile industry in the country and more particularly in Tamil Nadu.”

He firmly believed that the holistic development of all the districts was needed for success of any state. He was instrumental in the development of southern districts of Tamil Nadu through various initiatives of CII, he said.

Kamal Bali, Chairman, CII SR, said, “Kannan’s sudden demise is a huge loss to the family, the society and the industry at large. He was a tall figure with positive societal impact on various counts and will be severely missed by one and all.” His close connect and active engagement with Government have brought positive impact in policy making that helped industry immensely.

Dr R Nandini, Deputy Chairperson, CII SR, said, “Kannan has played a key role in leadership development in Southern Region and provided mentorship to young leaders to play an active role in the CII initiatives. During his leadership in Southern Region under various capacities, he was instrumental in strengthening the membership in zones, especially in Tier-II cities.”

He had led many important initiatives and Committees for CII over the last two decades.

Lost a loyal friend

I’m deeply saddened by this loss. To me he was more than a trusted colleague. He was a dear and loyal friend, who was a deep thinker and always there with his wise counsel. He helped steer us through difficult times to now becoming an international player. Kannan had a rare prescience and sharp business acumen, but above all, he was a man with tremendous social conscience who gave so much to society. Thiagarajar College is a testament to that as is his invaluable contribution to the Meenakshi Temple. He bore his responsibilities with grace, dignity and a sense of purpose

— Venu Srinivasan, Chairman Emeritus, TVS Motor Company