Dr. K. Padmanabhan was born to Tmt. Kuzhalamony and Thiru. Kesavaperumal on 22 March 1927. After completing his secondary school education at S.M.R.V. High School, he joined Scott Christian College to pursue the intermediate course. After his graduation in Zoology at H. H. Maharaja’s College, Thiruvananthapuram, he achieved his objective of “Becoming a Medical Doctor” at Stanley Medical College, Madras in 1953. He subsequently served as Assistant Medical Officer at Catherine Booth Hospital, Nagercoil.

His marriage in 1948 to Tmt. N. Bagavathy Ammal, daughter of Thiru Pioneer S. Kumaraswamy, the great industrialist of the District, proved augury for all his later day accomplishments.

In 1960 he took over the Management of Nagammal Mills Ltd., with his wife Tmt. N. Bagavathy Ammal as its Managing Director. The perspicacious Dr. Padmanabhan with his managerial skill could make the Nagammal Mills flourish even during the adverse times of slump . Establishing Kumar Medical Centre at Nagercoil in 1962 and obtaining the dealership of IOC in 1964 added to his assets and elevated his status and dignity further. He widened his contact and interests by becoming the founder President of the Lions Club of Nagercoil.

The urge in Dr. Padmababhan for disseminating knowledge through institutions of higher learning prodded him to float and promote Lekshmipuram College of Arts and Science at Neyyoor in 1964, as one of its founders. He was also the founder President of Vivekananda College at Agastheeswaram and Correspondent of Sri Devi Kumari Women’s College at Kuzhithurai (1966-1969).

As an alumnus of S.M.R.V. High School, Vadasery, Nagercoil, he had the privilege of serving it as Manager (Correspondent) for about fourteen years (1964-78). His involvement in academia was duly recognized and he was elected to the prestigious academic bodies such as Senate, Syndicate and Academic Council of the Madurai Kamaraj University. He adorned these offices during the late 1960s and 1970s and played a pivotal role in the effective functioning of the University. He represented the University at the Medical Council of India also.

His concerted academic efforts and dedication, culminated in establishing a secular and non-commercial Higher Education Institution in after the name of his illustrious father-in-law Thiru S. Pioneer Kumaraswamy. As founders of this institution Dr. K. Padmanabhan and Tmt. N. Bagavathy Ammal, strove hard to repay richly to the region that reared them.

The Government of Tamil Nadu honoured Dr. Padmanabhan by appointing him the President of Kanyakumari Devasthanam Board. His appointment as the Area Commander of Home Guards in Kanyakumari District (1966-1969) was also in recognition of his contribution to social life of people in the district.

Dr Padmanabhan passed away in May 2006. Yet the work culture, secular outlook and courage of conviction he exemplified has left behind indelible imprints.

The void left by such a personage is indeed difficult to be filled. But his only son Er. P. Kumaraswamy who has taken on his mantle is carrying on the founders’ noble legacy scrupulously. He and his beloved wife, Tmt. Latha Kumaraswamy, the Correspondent of The Pioneer School, have rededicated themselves to complete the unfinished tasks of Dr. Padmanabhan with unflinching commitment and devotion.