A pioneer

LOOKING BACK FROM ``MOULMEIN'' - A biography of A.M.M. Arunachalam: S. Muthiah; EastWest Books (Madras) Pvt. Ltd, 62A, Ormes Road, Kilpauk, Chennai-600010. Rs. 295.

HISTORY, IT is said, is nothing but a series of biographies. This biography gives an insight into the economic history of Tamil Nadu with special reference to its industrial growth. The AMM family moved from its traditional banking business in Burma to become one of the pioneers of industry in independent India. They were the first of the Chettiars to go into any other industry apart from textiles and this gave them a headstart after the war when the traditional businesses in the East were lost.

Thanks to Mr. A.M.M. Arunachalam's enterprise, Tube Investments and its cycle division remain the first British joint venture in South India after independence. He also honoured his pledge to the Government and indigenised rapidly dispensing with all imports. Shortly after, the company had to face stiff competition from Ludhiana manufacturers who could manufacture at lower cost. He was one of the earliest to think of producing motorbikes and mopeds. His repeated pleas to the Government to permit the manufacture of at least 50,000 units were turned down. His logic based on the economies of scale stood vindicated when a much smaller unit sanctioned in South India had to close. He revolutionised tea industry by doing away with different floors in the factory and instead opting for a long production line. Tea leaf would be fed at one end and packed tea would be despatched from the other. His tea factory was the first to receive ISO 9000 certification. Mr. Arunachalam may not have been a technical expert, but he was always willing to invest in new technology if competent experts advised accordingly. He was a member of the delegation to West Asia in 1955 which strongly recommended better attention to the industrial aspirations of this area for the lasting benefit of Indian industry. He regrets that a glorious opportunity was lost as this well considered report was not speedily acted upon.

Shortly after three bereavements, the family and the group remained rudderless and AMM came back from retirement to reinfuse the confidence and combative spirit. This indomitable will helped to hold the family together. Thanks to his leadership, the Murugappa culture - otherwise the Nagarathar culture - of respect for elders, traditional values and modern professionalism is preserved for posterity. The author has clearly brought out the characteristics of the microcosm of the Chettiar society with the help of maps and lists. For all his success as an entrepreneur, Mr. Arunachalam emerges as a shy, ``austerely aloof'' person. He was a reluctant leader of local trade bodies and would be more open and relaxed while watching cricket and hockey. He confessed he was not diplomatic enough to do smooth talking to ministers and secretaries to government. His story proves that success and self-effacement are not necessarily incompatible.

He was an active member of the Justice Party. As a member of the party, he enjoyed abiding friendship with the Arcot twins, who offered him timely advice on matters of industry and charity. He was a stickler for financial discipline and whenever members of his family used for transport - cycles, bullock carts or cars later - a few annas would be debited to their respective accounts. He had a consuming passion to preserve the Chettiar culture and was stubbornly against any inter-caste wedding in the community.

There are hospitals, schools and temples speaking volumes for his charitable disposition.

A. S. PADMANABHAN

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Features
Previous : Case studies of colleges
Next     : Planets and destiny