Prime Minister of India - Dr. Manmohan Singh

PM condoles demise of Santhanam

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, has condoled the demise of Shri T.S. Santhanam, Chairman of the TVS Group of Companies in Chennai yesterday. In a condolence message, the Prime Minister said:

"I am deeply grieved to learn that Shri T.S. Santhanam, Chairman of the TVS Group of Companies and founder of Sundaram Finance Limited, has passed away.

My own longstanding association with Shri Santhanam spans three decades. In my years as Secretary of the Department of Economic Affairs, I got to know and respect him for the breadth of his vision and his unshakeable integrity. Clarity of purpose was another defining characteristic of Shri Santhanam.

Through his innovative and farsighted business practices, he became the moving force behind the emergence of the TVS Group, which is now one of India's leading corporate groups. A doyen in the field of finance industry, Shri Santhanam will always be remembered for his valuable contributions on introducing Hire-Purchase Finance in India. The Manifold achievements of this enlightened businessman testify his farsightedness, vision and commitment to values. With his passing away, the country has lost a remarkable leader who excelled in showing results.

On this occasion, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved family and to the wide circle of his friends, admirers and business associates."