Before his tenure as vice-chancellor, he held several academic and administrative positions, including professor at Pachaiyappa's College, director of the Anna Centre for Public Affairs at the University of Madras, member of the University Syndicate (for three terms), and Chairman of the Pachaiyappa's Trust Board.

After retirement, he lived with his family in Anna Nagar. A longtime supporter of the AIADMK since his student days, Thandavan earned doctorates for his research on "MG Ramachandran and the Tamil Nadu Government" and "A Study of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam."

Expressing grief over his demise, AIADMK general secretary K Palaniswami said Thandavan was known for his kindness and loyalty to the party and its leadership.