It was on a Tuesday afternoon that I contacted the office of Mr. S. Narayanan seeking an appointment to meet him. Luckily, Mr. Narayanan himself picked up the phone, and with no hesitation whatsoever, invited me to his office. When I met him as scheduled within half-an-hour, he received me with the same traditional warm welcome with which he used to receive me some 30 years ago.
Mr. S. Narayanan, SN as he is known among his close circles, is the Executive Director of Madras Auto Service (MAS) of the TVS Group. Started in 1936, MAS was among the first companies of the TVS Group solely for distribution of auto components. With 34 branches servicing over 15,000 customers, MAS now represents many leading Indian and global auto component brands in the aftermarket.
At the age of 88, SN is indeed a living legend, personifying diligence and perseverance. Fully committed to high ideals but to a simple living, he has a sharp memory and a very keen sense of observation even at this advanced age. Further he attends his office every day without fail. His friendly and helpful nature has won many friends, nay, fans for him in the automotive industry. Highly respected among industry circles for his phenomenal contribution to the organised growth of aftermarket in India, he has been steadfast in his endeavour to ensure a healthy growth of the automotive aftermarket industry. No wonder then that the auto industry fraternity in the South fondly calls him the Pithamagan (Godfather) of the automobile aftermarket trade. The aftermarket community has always sought his support and guidance, which he willingly extends.
Further, SN has encouraged the growth of national and regional associations like FAIASPDA, MMPDA, FADA, TAAIF, MVAIA, IRTDA, etc., by fully backing their promotional activities. He is also on the board of several leading organisations.
SN is a globe-trotter and has travelled extensively all over the world to attend auto shows and events and thus understand the best practices followed in the aftermarket business in developed markets.
We, at MOTORINDIA, are proud to be associated with SN right since its inception in 1956. We fully appreciate his contributions to the auto industry and wish him many more years of good health that will ensure his continued support to the Indian automotive aftermarket industry.