Thenkachi Ko Swaminathan



CHENNAI: Thousands of people across the State woke up to his voice every morning for several years. Many still remember Thenkachi Ko Swaminathan for his popular daily programme ‘Indru oru Thagaval’ on All India Radio (AIR). He passed away on Wednesday after a brief illness. He was 67.

He is survived by his wife Mahalakshmi and daughter. The show, giving a message, was a hit and was broadcast for 12 years from 1988.

A humorous piece at the end of the programme was something for which the listeners looked forward to.

After completing his B.Sc. agriculture from the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University in Coimbatore, Thenkachi Ko Swaminathan worked as a Agricultural Extension Officer for a few years.

He also served as the president of the panchayat of his native village Thenkachi in Perambalur district.

He joined the AIR in 1977 and retired as Deputy Station Director. Later, he presented yet another morning show.

AIR Station Director K. Srinivasaraghavan said his communication skills, use of simple language, and a subtle sense of humour led to his being given the opportunity to present ‘Indru oru Thagaval’.

His last rites would be held on Thursday in his native village.