N Sankar, N Kumar, KSN and Madhuram in Madras (1953).
KSN gave enormous importance to family and friends, striking the ideal work-life balance. In his own words, "I disliked the idea of distance between children and parents, and Madhuram liked this openness too. Sankar and Kumar learnt their values at her knee, and they were good values too: I could trust her judgement in all things."
With the grandchildren - Vijay, Madhura, Mayura and Madhurika.
"When Madhuram passed away in 1973, Sankar put his year-old son Vijay into a crib in my room. That was the beginning of my idyllic relationship with my posterity. My grandchildren are my lifeline, the source of my renewal and hope and joy."
Manas, KSN, Varun, Vijay and Sankar (2012).
(on his 80th birthday, when they were still at school or college)
Madhurika
On non-card playing days (on card playing days, of course I come second), I go straight to the garden and we just sit there and spend time talking about day to day things.
He truly symbolises what family is to me. He's an absolute person.
Madhura
He's 80 years old and he gets up in the morning with a smile! To face the world without spite and look at everything with a positive eye is something he has taught me.
Mayura
He has always supported in anything I've done. I'm 20 years old and he's 80 years young. He's a complete family person. Thatha is like a pillar of strength to all of us.
(on his 90th birthday)
Vijay
Following the footsteps of a grandfather is a very difficult act to do. The precision with which he planned and did things, is something that I don't think I have inherited. The discipline that he maintained, especially in taking care of his health, is admirable. He never let anything get to him both personally and professionally, however adverse or difficult the circumstances. He was always genuinely happy in others' success rather than his own. I've learnt from him the importance of having good people work for you.
(on his 90th birthday)
N Sankar
"As a son, I feel uniquely blessed, having had the privilege of a really wonderful human being, a 'companion' for sixty years. He has been the single greatest source of inspiration and strength I have had. He has been a friend when required, an advisor when I sought him out, a supporter when I needed it, always a role model, and a constant provider of affection and good feeling.
"He is the ultimate optimist. He never lets anything get him down. For him everything that happens, good or bad, is 'for the best' and things will always turn out right, eventually. There were times in the 70s when I know the combination of personal, financial and business problems that hit him were enormous. Many of us would have buckled, but he kept his cool throughout this period.
Seated (l to r): N Sankar with Amritha, KSN, N Kumar with Manas. Standing (l to r): Mrs Chandra Sankar, Vijay, Sukanya, Madhurika, Mayura, Mrs Bhavani Kumar, Madhura, B Visweswaran (2010).
"Everyone refers to Appa as a 'people's person'. His ability to make friends, and keep them is unique. He has friends in high places, in low places, and in the most unexpected places; he has friends around the world -- in the US, Denmark, Norway, and all over India, with some friendships extending over sixty years. These friendships are based on the trust that he engenders in people, and this has stood in good stead on many occasions, including in business, at critical times. His friends have helped him and he has helped them in many ways, he has never taken unfair advantage of them or expected them to break the rules.
"Most important is the legacy that he left to The Sanmar Group -- the ethics and governance policies. This is something that I've been focused on even before Enron and the likes and I learnt it, not from Management books but by emulating my father.
"Being fair and transparent, being fair to people, to the environment -- this was the style he adopted. The most important foundation for the Group was laid by him and we owe thanks to him for that.
"I thank God for giving me a unique and wonderful father. He is the perfect role model to emulate in both personal and business life."
N Kumar
"His ability to stay cool in tough times is another strength to be admired. During difficult times in the business, he has managed to keep home and business, totally separate. To be honest, I was not even aware of the problems he went through during my youthful days!
"He earned the respect of all those who worked with him, including the workers in his factories. He respected his team and delegated tasks with total confidence in them. I always wonder, when books are written on modern management, one must really look at what Appa has done in the 70s and 80s. His favourite quote is "I have entrusted the job to him and if there is a problem he will call me".
"His patronage of cricket as a sport is legendary. It was Appa who started cricket in India Cements. When the Sankara Schools ran into rough weather my father took a silent but strong view and helped the school tide over the situation. This school is very special to me as my father-in-law started it, and late Sri R Venkataraman was the Chairman, and now my father. He has given the Madhuram Narayanan Centre confidence and support to keep it going without forcing a decision on any of us who managed it".