Current affairs

A 'Gear man' who geared change in society: RIP Subramanian, a complete human!

By alagu, 11 December, 2020
Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, Gear man

Reputed entrepreneur and philanthropist P Subramanian has passed away on Friday in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu at the age of 78 due to age-related ailments. Subramanian was admired for his social services and for touching many lives through his unparalleled support and contribution to society in the upliftment of the backward people. Started his life as an industrialist in manufacturing gears, he had ended his life with the legacy of his social service. 

Subramanian was popularly known as the 'Gear man of Coimbatore' and he had completed his diploma from PSG Polytechnic in the 1960s and he had then established Shanthi Engineering and Trading Co in Coimbatore to manufacture small gears in 1969. Three years later, in 1969, he had converted it into a private company and named it as Shanthi Gear Products Pvt Ltd. His company had primarily focused on manufacturing gears to serve the textile sector. 

His company has had a great reception and growth that in a very short time, Shanthi Gears had got listed in the stock exchange in 1986 and through his leadership, the company rose to popularity and got nationwide recognition and his company had become the third-largest player in the gears industry in the country. In 2012, his company was acquired by the Murugappa group of companies for Rs 464 crore, including a public open offer for a 26% stake, in Shanthi Gears. 

Following the sale of the company, Subramanian had established Shanthi Social Service in 1996 and started concentrating on social and philanthropic services in helping the backward and underprivileged families. His trust had offered help and kept its contribution in providing education for the students from such families and helping with the construction of roads and school building. 

His foundation runs a canteen, a hospital, a pharmacy, and a fuel station. His fuel station, which sits on Trichy road in Coimbatore, was a well-known business model as the fuel at his station will be sold at the same price which was in force when the fuel arrived at the outlet. Although the fuel prices increase every day, his station kept the policy and this business model. His foundation also owns and runs a blood bank, diagnostic care, and an eye-care center. 

According to reports, his canteen served free food for 300 senior citizens every day and it has sold food for others at low-cost, which was the prefix in pushing the state government to install free 'Amma' canteens across the state. His hospital and pharmacy were also known for their service-based operations serving underprivileged families. He served Idly for Re 1 and rice for Rs 18. He also has provided funds for the unaffordable school students and he had fully engaged in social service and bringing change and he rose to be an inspiration across and beyond Coimbatore. 

He had refused to be in limelight and kept his profile low but he never has decreased his social service and kept supporting society in all possible ways. Recently, he was hospitalized in Coimbatore for ill health and he was under treatment. However, despite the efforts to save him, he had breathed his last on Friday at the age of 78. He was surviving by his three daughters and his demise had shocked the state and the people whom he touched. 

As a true spirit of bringing a change and helping the needy, Subramanian has left a great legacy, teaching us to render unparalleled contribution to society and his life had largely impacted and inspired many under the sun and moon on how to lead a life being a complete human. After knowing his demise, the general public and political leaders have been paying tribute to the deceased philanthropist. Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Panneerselvam had paid tribute to the departed soul and expressed his condolences to his family members. 

 

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