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Meet 87-Year-Old Man Who Doesn't Own Mobile Phone And Drives Rs 6 Lakh Car; He Donated Rs 6,210 Crore—Know His Company's Valuation

Success Story: Ramamurthy Thyagarajan, founder of the Indian conglomerate Shriram Group, is celebrated for his humble and simple lifestyle. A prominent figure among billionaires, Thyagarajan’s vast business empire is valued at Rs 1,50,000 crore, according to Shriram Group’s website.

In 2013, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian honour, for his contributions to trade and industry. Today, the Shriram Group stands as a financial powerhouse, serving as a lifeline for millions and securing its place as a leader in the sector.

 

 

Ramamurthy Thyagarajan Early Career

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Ramamurthy Thyagarajan Early Career

R. Thyagarajan was born into a farming family in Tamil Nadu, R Thyagarajan’s journey began with a strong academic foundation. He studied mathematics in Chennai and then spent three years at the prestigious Indian Statistical Institute in Kolkata. In 1961, he started his career at New India Assurance Co., one of India’s largest insurers.  He is an industrialist and the founder of the Chennai-based Shriram Group, born on August 25, 1937.  

No Mobile, Modest Car, and a Life of Purpose

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R. Thyagarajan Success Story

R. Thyagarajan, despite his immense wealth, chooses to live modestly. He lives in a simple home, drives a car worth Rs 6 lakh, and doesn’t own a mobile phone, as he believes it’s a distraction from life’s true priorities. 

Building Wealth By Serving The Underserved

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R. Thyagarajan Success Story

R. Thyagarajan created his business empire by lending money to low-income borrowers that traditional banks ignored. His innovative approach to finance opened doors for millions who needed support but had no access to it. 

Philanthropy Through Employee Ownership

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R. Thyagarajan Success Story

In 2006, Thyagarajan did something remarkable—he gave away all his shareholdings in Shriram companies to a group of employees. The Shriram Ownership Trust was set up to ensure that those who helped build the company would also benefit from its success. 

R Thyagarajan Donated Rs 6210 Crore

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R. Thyagarajan Success Story

Thyagarajan once sold his stake in a company worth $750 million (Rs 6210 crore). Instead of keeping the money, he donated the entire amount to a trust, showing his deep commitment to giving back to society. 

R. Thyagarajan's Entrepreneurial Journey

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R. Thyagarajan Success Story

He began his entrepreneurial journey at 37, proving that it’s never too late to start. Today, his group owns 30 companies and serves over 23 million customers, growing from humble beginnings into a massive enterprise. He is an industrialist and the founder of the Chennai-based Shriram Group, born on August 25, 1937. 

A Man of Culture and Curiosity

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R. Thyagarajan Success Story

Beyond business, Thyagarajan enjoys classical music and stays updated by reading Western business magazines. His love for learning and culture keeps him grounded, even while running a business empire. (Image Credit: File Photo)

 

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