The son of the founder of the Lakshmi Mills Group, erstwhile Managing Director of Lakshmi Mills and Chairman and Managing Director of Vijayeswari Textiles, Mr K. Rajagopal breathed his last around 9.30 this morning at his residence here. He was 80.

Fondly referred to as ‘Captain' within the golfing circles, Mr Rajagopal's contributions to the textile industry has been no less, say industry experts recalling his two-terms (1975-77 and 1992-94) as Chairman of the Southern India Mills Association (SIMA) and in the early 80s as Chairman of the Indian Cotton Mills Federation.

Appreciating his contributions to the textile industry, Mr Manickam Ramaswami, past Chairman, SIMA, said, “During his second term as Chairman, SIMA, the industry was passing through a very difficult phase. Mr Rajagopal helped the industry rediscover itself. He took bold decisions, initiated some level of compliance within the industry, which was known to be lacking till then.”

Industry experts recalled his contributions towards building good industrial relations within the textile industry. “Be it wages or bonus issue, Mr Rajagopal always took fair and bold decisions,” an industry spokesperson said.

Remembering his mentor fondly, Mr Vijay Venkataswamy, (also a past President of SIMA) said, “He was a person of principles, an able administrator and good mentor.” Mr Venkatswamy incidentally, worked directly under Mr Rajagopal at Lakshmi Mills for about 16 years.

He is survived by wife Mrs Mani, son Mr R. Gopinath and daughter Mrs Jayanthi Ramachandra.

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