‘Thenkachi’ K Swaminathan, radio and TV personality and a pioneer in agricultural programme broadcasting, died at a private hospital here on Wednesday.
Swaminathan (63) died of “extensive heart attack”, doctors who attended on him told PTI.
He is survived by his wife and a daughter.
A former Assistant Director in All-India Radio, Chennai, Swaminathan popularised the farmers programme of the public broadcaster and was popular among radio listeners for his “Indru Oru Thagaval,” (The Daily Info) on AIR, a five minute show in which he talked about day-to-day life, spicing them with an anecdote or simple stories to send across a message.
‘Thenkachi,’ as he was known among listeners, hosted ‘Indru Oru Thagaval’ for about 15 years continuously on AIR, making him an instant celebrity in the days when AIR reigned supreme in the absence of FM radio and satellite TV channels.
Swaminathan was hosting a similar show on Sun TV, titled “Indha Naal Iniya Naal” (Its a Good Day Today). He has also penned stories.
