Karumuttu T. Kannan
Karumuttu T. Kannan
President
Karumuttu T. Kannan was a distinguished industrialist, educationist, and philanthropist from Madurai, Tamil Nadu. He was the President of Thiagarajar College, Madurai, and was the Managing Director of Thiagarajar Mills Ltd. He held key leadership roles in numerous organizations promoting industry, education, and community welfare.
His leadership in academic governance and industrial forums reflects a balanced vision—where tradition meets innovation. His continued engagement with policy and education ensures the institution adapts to the future while honoring its roots.
Born in 1953 to Karumuttu Thiagaraja Chettiar and Radha Thiagarajan, Mr. Kannan carried forward his family’s legacy in textiles and education. Under his stewardship, Thiagarajar Mills remained a major player in the textile sector. He was also deeply involved in academic administration, serving on governing boards and committees of colleges and universities across Tamil Nadu.
Roles & Contributions
Over his more than four decades of public service, Kannan held many important positions:
- President, Thiagarajar College (Arts & Science), Madurai.
- Managing Director of Thiagarajar Mills Ltd.
- Chairman & Correspondent of Thiagarajar College of Engineering
- Member of Tamil Nadu State Planning Commission; syndicate/board roles in various universities
- Chairman of regional textile industry associations; leadership in export promotion and industrial councils
Legacy & Values
Mr. Kannan was admired for combining business acumen with a strong social conscience. He believed education as a means of upliftment and sought to ensure that institutions under his leadership served broad societal needs. He was also the trustee (Thakkar) of the Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple board, contributing significantly to devotional, cultural, and public welfare initiatives in the city.
He is survived by his wife Mrs. Uma Kannan, a son Hari Thiagarajan, and daughters Visalakshi and Radha.