Chennai: R. Ramakrishnan, a member of the Rajya Sabha between 1981 and 1987, passed away on Sunday. A director of the TVS Motor Company, 'RK' as he was popularly known, was also serving as Chairman of the Madras Race Club.
The 73-year-old corporate honcho, racing enthusiast and gifted speaker who presided over many Rajya Sabha sessions as one of the deputy chairmen regaled the House with wit, humour and erudite Sanskrit quotations. Cut out for things far beyond a chartered accountant, RK went on to begin his series of accomplishments by becoming the youngest Sheriff of Madras.
Ailing for more than a month, RK passed away due to cardiac arrest at a corporate hospital in the city early on Sunday morning. He is survived by his wife, son, daughter and six siblings. The funeral will take place on Monday at noon after his son arrives from the US.
A trail blazer who started his career as Officer on Special Duty with the Indian Express in Chennai in the 1970s, RK was a race horse owner, steward and committee member of MRC and BTC for extended terms. He represented the Turf Authorities of India at several world conferences and astounded many delegate with extempore speeches. RK took over the reins of MRC after MAM Ramaswamy passed away and helped restore the image of horse racing at Guindy and Ooty.
A close associate of MGR, he was sent to New Delhi as Tamil Nadu's representative to the Rajya Sabha and also to liaise with the Centre on various issues. He had the honour of initiating the former TN CM J. Jayalalithaa on her first day in Parliament as a fellow member of the Rajya Sabha.
Having served as District Governor in Chennai, RK was for long associated with the Rotary movement. As director of TVS Motor Company, he shaped its export strategy. He had his education at MCCHS and Loyola College, Chennai.
