R. Ramakrishnan, former AIADMK Rajya Sabha member and chairman of the Madras Race Club (MRC), died in Chennai on Sunday, after ailing for a month. He was 73, and is survived by his son and his daughter.
Mr. Ramakrishnan, popularly known as RK, studied at the Madras Christian College Higher Secondary School and later at Loyola College. A chartered accountant by qualification, he started his career with the Indian Express newspaper, where he was Officer on Special Duty (OSD), and subsequently joined the TVS Group, from where he retired as its director. He was responsible for shaping the organisation’s export policy.
A multi-faceted personality, RK was also a brilliant orator. He was a close associate of late Chief Minister M.G. Ramachandran, and the latter, who spotted his talents, nominated him to the Rajya Sabha in 1981. As one of its deputy chairmen, he chaired many sessions, and had the honour of initiating another former Chief Minister — Jayalalithaa — on her first day as a member of the Rajya Sabha. He also became the youngest Sheriff of Madras.
Keenly involved in horse racing since 1965, RK was a race horse owner, steward and committee member of MRC and the Bangalore Turf Club for multiple terms. He became chairman of MRC following the death of industrialist M.A.M. Ramaswamy, who had been holding the post.
RK was actively involved in the Rotary Movement and served as its District Governor in Chennai.
