S. Madhavan

Madhavan born in Singampunari of Sivagangai district,[6] began his life as a lawyer, who appeared for many DMK leaders in the 1950s. Eventually he was attracted towards Dravidian movement, and associated himself with Dravida Munnetra Kazhzagam. He got elected to the State Assembly from Thirukoshtiyur constituency in 1962. After getting elected to the Assembly from Tirupattur constituency in the 1967 elections, he joined the cabinet headed by DMK founder leader C.N. Annadurai and served as Law Minister. Madhavan again got elected from the same constituency in the 1971 elections and held important portfolios in the Karunanidhi cabinet. In a short period the veteran leader served in the cabinets headed by late C.N. Annadurai and M. Karunanidhi.[7]

Following a split in DMK he joined the AIADMK, accepting the leadership of late M.G. Ramachandran. He got elected to the Assembly in 1984 elections from Tirupattur as an AIADMK nominee. Later, he threw his lot with Jayalalithaa and became the treasurer of the party before lying low in politics. Madhavan had also been a Rajya Saba member from 1990 to 1996.

His contribution is immense in shaping Singampunari, which was a tiny tinsel town since then. He played a vital role in establishing a chunk of edible ground nut oil production mills, and allied supply chain infrastructure in his home town, which employed around 1500 people in 1970s. Enfield motor company,[8] MM Forgings, industrial zone, Pari Vallal Matriculation School, Sundaram nagar housing society, coconut coir board, and silk board, were few successful projects, which empowered many, and brought social renaissance in his constituency. Several central and state owned banks opened their branches, and expanded their presence in Sivagangai district under his valuable guidance. Being an atheist himself, he had huge respect for others religious belief. Periodical renovations and allied maintenance aspects of historic temples in and around Sivagangai district,[9][10][11] were spearheaded by him.

He had cordial relationship with other party leaders in his constituency and in Tamil Nadu in general.[12] Several political articles were periodically penned by him in leading news papers such as The Hindu, Dinamani and Murasoli.

He died in the age of 85 due to age related illness on 03. 04. 2018, at his residence in Singampunari.[13][14][15] He had been unwell for the last 10 days and died at 3.45 p.m., family sources said. He is survived by his wife, two daughters and a son. The body was kept at his residence for public homage.[16] His final journey is a testimony for a life he lived. M.K. Stalin, AICC general secretary Thirunavukarasar, several former ministers, and prominent industrialists across Tamil Nadu paid homage on this day.[17]