We record with profound sorrow and regret, the passing away of Sri G.K.Raman, our former Managing Director and Chairman, Royal Sundaram, at Puttaparthi, on 27th August, 2007. He was seventy-six.

Born on 9th September, 1931, Sri G.K.Raman began his career as a lawyer. He joined the Madras Motor and General Insurance Company Ltd. In 1958, which he served until its nationalisation in 1971. He thereafter moved to Sundaram Finance and served as the Managing Director of the company from 1995 to 2003. He was the first Chairman of Royal Sundaram Alliance Insurance Company, a position he held till his untimely demise.

Mr. Raman was a close and trusted associate of late Sri T.S. Santhanam, founder-chairman of the Sundaram Finance group of companies. He was a lifelong champion in the cause of the road transport sector, as well as the NBFC and insurance sectors. He served on various committees set up by the Reserve Bank of India and the Insurance Development and Regulatory Authority.

Mr.Raman was also deeply connected with spiritual and charitable causes. He was a great devotee of Sri Sathya Sai Baba and it was perhaps befitting that he breathed his last at the feet of his Bhagwan. He was the Convenor of the Sri Sathya Sai Trust, Tamilnadu and worked tirelessly for the causes that were close to his heart.

Mr.Raman was a towering personality and will be remembered for his warmth, generosity and his spontaneous willingness to help people. We are fortunate that our lives were touched by one as noble as he. His spirit will continue to guide us for all time to come.