H Lakshmanan (92), former Executive Director of Sundaram-Clayton
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

H Lakshmanan (92), former Executive Director of Sundaram-Clayton and a towering figure in the TVS family for nearly seven decades, passed away on Friday due to age-related ailments. He is survived by his wife, a son, and two daughters.

Beginning his career at the age of 20 as a typist, Lakshmanan rose through the ranks to become the most trusted confidant of T S Srinivasan, the late patriarch of the TVS Group and Founder of TVS Motor, and his son, Venu Srinivasan, Chairman Emeritus of TVS Motor Company. Lakshmanan embodied loyalty, trust, integrity, and management excellence throughout his journey in the TVS Group.

Lakshmanan played a critical role in the establishment of the Padi manufacturing unit in the 1960s. He worked alongside T S Srinivasan from 1960 to 1980 and later worked closely with Venu Srinivasan, making significant contributions until 2015.

“His remarkable acumen allowed him to rise rapidly within the organization. I would describe him as the ‘Chanakya’ of the TVS industrial empire,” recalled Venu Srinivasan.

Lakshmanan was pivotal in crafting joint venture agreements with leading global partners such as Dunlop for wheels, Clayton for air brakes, Girling for Brakes India, and Lucas for Lucas-TVS. He also played a critical role in negotiating high-stakes ventures such as the Suzuki joint venture and the BMW licensing agreement for TVS Motor.

He was also deeply engaged in labour negotiations, a critical aspect of TVS operations. Starting in the late Seventies, he dealt with unions, resolved labour issues, and managed key HR and banking concerns. Opposition union leaders, after admitting their mistakes, sought voluntary retirement and expressed their gratitude to him. “His calm yet resolute approach earned him immense respect, even from adversaries,” said Srinivasan.

INTUC leader R Kuppusamy hailed Lakshmanan as the “Bhishma Pitamaha” of TVS, acknowledging his relentless efforts in improving workers’ lives and ensuring the growth of the company. He acknowledged Lakshmanan’s role in resolving labour disputes in Chennai during the 1970s and Hosur in the late Eighties.

Lakshmanan rose from a humble background to become Executive Director, leaving a legacy of dedication, sharp insight, and strong values, he said.

The writer is with The Hindu Businessline