Alagappa Chettiar: far-seeing industrialist with unquenchable thirst for spread of education

Alagappa Chettiar made his influence felt on the social and cultural life of the community also. In 1946, he was given the knighthood — Sir — that he later renounced. In 1957, he received the title of Padma Bhushan along with historian K.A. Nilakanta Sastri and Bharatanayatam exponent T. Balasaraswathi. Though he died early at 48, his life was eventful