Dr. Radha Thiagarajan’s life story is as moving as it is inspiring. Her journey from God’s own country, Kerala,
where she grew up, to the temple city of Madurai after her marriage to the pre-eminent industrialist, educationalist and Tamil scholar Karumuttu Thiagarajan
Chettiar brought about momentous changes that helper her evolve intellectually and spiritually. She mastered Tamil, which was a new language to her, and
immersed herself in its literature and in Saiva Siddhantham. She devoted her life to education, spirituality, philanthropy, Tamil and social causes,
always focusing on doing something worthwhile and meaningful that would benefit society.
Over the years, she blossomed into an erudite scholar, writer and orator who championed the cause of women and the weaker sections of society. Apart from being
involved in the management of the Thiagarajar group of institutions, she was also the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Palani Devasthanam, and later,
the first Vice Chancellor of Alagappa University.
Her life exemplified the concept of service with total dedication, selflessness and compassion. While she was a strict disciplinarian, people remember her best as a
caring mother figure (she was universally known as ‘Amma’) and her generosity and hospitality were legendary.
Amma’s biography, Radha Thiagarajan Remembered, by her daughter-in-law Dr. Uma Kannan, is a rich, balanced portrait, which celebrates this extraordinary visionary and her
multifarious accomplishments. Anecdotes, photographs, contributions from family, friends and close associates, a selection of Amma’s own speeches and writings, as well as a
synopsis of her books and doctoral thesis give the reader more insights into Amma’s vibrant personality and ideals, and unravel why she shone as a charismatic role model,
particularly for women.
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