)
Ramamurthy Thyagarajan, the 87-year-old founder of Shriram Group, is no ordinary billionaire. Despite heading a massive Rs 1.5 lakh crore financial empire, as per the website of his company, Shriram Group he lives a life marked by simplicity. He doesn't own a mobile phone, lives in a modest house, and drives a humble Rs 6 lakh car. His story stands out in a world where success is often equated with luxury.
Born into a peasant family in Tamil Nadu, Thyagarajan grew up with limited resources but a strong sense of discipline and purpose. He pursued mathematics in Chennai and later specialized in statistics at the Indian Statistical Institute in Kolkata. His strong academic background would eventually shape his future as a visionary entrepreneur.
In 1974, at the age of 37, Thyagarajan co-founded Shriram Chits along with AVS Raja and T Jayaraman. Their aim was clear—to provide financial services to those often neglected by mainstream banks. This included truck drivers, small traders, and lower-income borrowers. What started as a modest initiative slowly transformed into one of India’s largest financial services groups.
Today, Shriram Group operates across thousands of locations and serves more than 11 million clients. With over 70,000 employees and 1.4 lakh agents, the group has grown into a major financial force with an asset under management (AUM) of Rs 1.5 lakh crore. Thyagarajan’s people-first vision continues to drive the group’s success.
In a landmark move, Thyagarajan sold his stake in the company—worth Rs 6,210 crore—and donated the entire amount to a public trust. Instead of using his wealth for personal comfort or luxury, he decided to dedicate it to the greater good. This act of generosity remains one of the biggest philanthropic gestures in Indian business history.
Even with enormous success, Thyagarajan remains grounded. He has never been tempted by the trappings of wealth. He lives simply, avoids publicity, and stays true to the principles of integrity, humility, and service. His lifestyle is a refreshing contrast to the typical image of a billionaire.
Ramamurthy Thyagarajan’s life is a lesson in purpose-driven success. He built a financial empire from scratch, empowered millions, and gave back more than most ever earn. In a time when status is often measured in luxury, his quiet, impactful journey reminds us that true success lies in how much we uplift others.
Newsletter
