Meet 87-Year-Old Man Who Doesn't Own Mobile Phone And Drives Rs 6 Lakh Car; He Donated Rs 6,210 Crore—Know His Company's Valuation

R. Thyagarajan was born into a farming family in Tamil Nadu, R Thyagarajan’s journey began with a strong academic foundation. He studied mathematics in Chennai and then spent three years at the prestigious Indian Statistical Institute in Kolkata. In 1961, he started his career at New India Assurance Co., one of India’s largest insurers.  He is an industrialist and the founder of the Chennai-based Shriram Group, born on August 25, 1937.  

R. Thyagarajan, despite his immense wealth, chooses to live modestly. He lives in a simple home, drives a car worth Rs 6 lakh, and doesn’t own a mobile phone, as he believes it’s a distraction from life’s true priorities. 

R. Thyagarajan created his business empire by lending money to low-income borrowers that traditional banks ignored. His innovative approach to finance opened doors for millions who needed support but had no access to it. 

In 2006, Thyagarajan did something remarkable—he gave away all his shareholdings in Shriram companies to a group of employees. The Shriram Ownership Trust was set up to ensure that those who helped build the company would also benefit from its success. 

Thyagarajan once sold his stake in a company worth $750 million (Rs 6210 crore). Instead of keeping the money, he donated the entire amount to a trust, showing his deep commitment to giving back to society. 

He began his entrepreneurial journey at 37, proving that it’s never too late to start. Today, his group owns 30 companies and serves over 23 million customers, growing from humble beginnings into a massive enterprise. He is an industrialist and the founder of the Chennai-based Shriram Group, born on August 25, 1937. 

Beyond business, Thyagarajan enjoys classical music and stays updated by reading Western business magazines. His love for learning and culture keeps him grounded, even while running a business empire. (Image Credit: File Photo)