Our legendary Founder, Sri. Karumuttu Thiagarajan Chettiar was an exceptional visionary, who not only excelled as an entrepreneur but also demonstrated a remarkable commitment to philanthropy. He started his career as an assistant editor in the Ceylon English daily “Morning Leader”.
His advocacy for the rights of Tamil laborers in Ceylon’s plantations prompted a governmental response and significant improvements in their working conditions.
With an equal prowess as a formidable industrialist, he set up Meenakshi Mills Ltd in Madurai in 1921, subsequently expanding the business to encompass a total of 18 textile mills. Additionally, he diversified successfully into various sectors including banking (establishing Bank of Madura, now part of ICICI Bank), insurance (founding Madura Insurance, later merged into United India Insurance after nationalization), and media with the newspaper “Tamil Nadu.”
He set up Meenakshi Mills Ltd in Madurai in the year 1921 and went on to established as many as 18 textile mills. He also ventured into other industries like Banking (Bank of Madura, now amalgamated with ICICI Bank), Insurance (Madura Insurance, after Nationalisation merged into United India Insurance) and News Paper “Tamil Nadu”. His visionary leadership led to the establishment of a multitude of institutions that continue to cultivate and nurture the next generation of dynamic and forward-thinking citizens, professionals and leaders.
Continuing the family legacy of excellence across diverse fields, Shri Manickavasagam chettiar held the position of Chairman at Loyal Textile Mills Ltd., Kovilpatti, and Kamala Mills Ltd., Coimbatore, and also founded a series of highly successful institutions, notably including the Thiagarajar College of Preceptors, Thiagarajar College of Engineering, Thiagarajar School of Management, Thiagarajar Model Higher Secondary School in Madurai, and Thiagarajar Polytechnic in Salem.
Additionally, he played a pivotal role as a panel member for appointing the first Vice Chancellor of Madurai Kamaraj University and served as the editor of the renowned daily “Tamil Nadu.” He contributed significantly to Tamil literature as a prolific author, with numerous articles and books to his credit.
He was succeeded by his son, Sri. Manikam Ramaswami, Former CMD, Loyal Textiles Limited and Thiagarajar School of Management (TSM), Madurai. An exceptional industrialist and empathetic leader, he played a pivotal role in transforming the educational institutions in the group to achieve trailblazing success and an outstanding stature in their respective areas. Sri Manikam Ramaswami, a Gold Medallist from IIT-Madras in Mechanical Engineering was a multi-faceted personality. He is known as a textile industry genius. He boosted up the growth of Loyal Textiles by introducing modern technology as air jet weaving in Loyal for the first time in the country.
Under his leadership, Loyal Group made a significant foot print in the global market. He played a pivotal role in framing many far sighted policies both at state and central level for the development of the textile industry and economic upliftment of the cotton growers. His contribution is not only remarkable in the field of industrial growth but his efforts towards educational excellence is also commendable.
He is celebrated as both a role model entrepreneur and a visionary within the textile industry. His innovative approach propelled the growth of Loyal Textiles, marked by pioneering initiatives such as introducing air jet weaving for the first time in the country. Under his stewardship, the Loyal Group established a formidable presence in the global market. Beyond business, he played a pivotal role in shaping forward-thinking policies at both state and central levels, aimed at advancing the textile industry and uplifting cotton growers economically. His contributions extend beyond industrial growth; his unwavering commitment to promoting educational excellence stands as a testament to his multifaceted contributions.
Continuing this legacy, his wife, Mrs. Valli Ramaswami, and his daughter, Ms. Vishala Ramaswami, established MRCAS. Their vision embodies his innovative spirit, fostering experiential learning and global competency in education. MRCAS proudly stands as the Top Arts and Science College in Madurai, molding future leaders and socially responsible professionals.
The Manikam Ramaswami College of Arts and Science (MRCAS) has been set up by his wife and daughter – Mrs Valli Ramaswami and Ms Vishala Ramaswami to take forward this legacy. Mrs Valli Ramaswami is a leader who combines compassion with a strong sense of purpose in shaping the student community.
As an active promoter and patron of Indian Arts and Culture, she is also committed to provide a holistic educational framework for students that encompasses the dimensions of knowledge, arts, and sports.
She is joined in this endeavour by her daughter Ms Vishala Ramaswami who holds a MSc. in Development Economics from the London School of Economics. Ms Vishala has previously worked with EY (Ernst & Young) and with the Singapore Government’s Ministry of Manpower in their Education and Training Division.
Ms Vishala is an impassioned philanthropist who founded a School for Girls in rural Tamil Nadu at the age of 23 and brings to MRCAS her exposure to the best global standards in education. By leveraging the reputed team of board members, world class advisors, and outstanding faculty members, the founding team aims to create a unique, best of its kind college in the country.
Plan a visit to our college to experience it first hand.
