A success story

The birth centenary of industrialist S N N Sankaralinga Iyer who founded India Cements, was on January 31, 2001. A tribute to the pioneer.
S N N Sankaralinga Iyer combined many qualities in himself. He was an explorer in the industrial field at a time when the South Indian mind was largely property and employment-oriented and there were practically no industries in South India, except the textile mills in Coimbatore. Sri Iyer conceived an industrial plan as early as the 1920s and 30s, the period which witnessed two World Wars and complete stagnation. Young Sankaralinga Iyer began to realise his dream by first converting his private banking business into a limited concern. He established the head-office of the Indo-Commercial Bank at Mayuram with the help of a group of friends who continued to be his associates for life. The bank proved to be a major success. But, Sri Iyer did not stop at that. He made a scientific study of the quality and quantity of the limestone available and realised that the place was the apt site for starting a cement industry. At that time ACC was the only major cement manufacturer. A staunch Swadeshi, he felt that cement production was the need of the day to support public works taken up after the Second World War and launched India Cements in 1946. Thus he brought a new industry to the Tirunelveli district, which cherishes the memory of this visionary who changed its face and future. With his perseverance, passion and courage, in 1949 Sankar Cement was in the market and gave a fillip to the post-war programmes. On the once barren land came up a beautiful township called Sankarnagar, with trees, garden houses, guest houses, schools, and other amenities for the staff. India Cements launched its second plant in the 1960s at Sankaridrug in Salem district. This plant was a milestone both for the company and its founder. Sri Iyer continued to take keen interest in further exploring the mining possibilities in Tamil Nadu. The exploitation of gypsum in Coimbatore and Tiruchi was his next successful step. He had many plans for the development of the South. He supported many charitable programmes. For thousands of workers of the company, he was a friend not a master. His successors have kept the flag flying high, following his work and values.

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