Industrialist M A M Ramaswamy dies at the age of 84

The former Rajya Sabha MP was admitted to a hospital here following heart and kidney related ailments and breathed his last around 4.30 pm, they said.

"He was suffering from heart and kidney related ailments.

His last rites would take place in Tiruvottiyur here on December six noon," a family member said.

An avid horse race enthusiast and recipient of several awards, including Padma Shree, Ramaswamy bagged top honours in winning 500 Classic races, considered a rare feat.

He was credited with adeptly steering one of South India's famous business conglomerates, the Chettinad Group, which has presence in various verticals, including cement, education and hospitality.

Widely known for his philanthropic activities, Ramaswamy's final years witnessed a downward spiral as he was not elected as director of the Group's flagship company, Chettinad Cement Corporation, at its AGM last year.

The Board, however, approved him of being elected as "Chairman Emeritus" of the Group.

But a controversy erupted subsequently at his 125-acre Chettinad Palace in posh M R C Nagar when 14 alleged henchmen of an assistant of Ramaswamy were arrested for locking a room of M A M R Muthiah, his adopted son, allegedly in connection with a property dispute. .

Rajya Sabha mourned death of its former member M A M Ramaswamy.

When the House met for the day, Chairman Hamid Ansari mentioned of the passing away of the noted industralist on December 2.

Ramaswamy, who also was an educationist and a sport enthusiast, represented the state of Karnataka in the Upper House from July 1, 2004 to June 30, 2010.

"In passing away of Shri M A M Ramaswamy, the country has lost a distinguished Parliamentarian, a noted industralist, educationist and a dedicated social worker," he said.

Members stood in silence in their places as mark of respect for the departed soul.