Sivanthi Adithan Biography 
Sivanthi Adithan was an Indian educationist, industrialist and philanthropist who ran Tamil newspapers Dina Thanthi and Maalaimalar. He was fondly called "Chinna Ayya" in respect. For his contributions to Indian media, literature and education, he has been awarded with Padma Shri by Indian government. He bought the NDTV Hindu news channel and renamed it as Thanthi TV. Adityan was at the helm of the Indian Olympic Association from 1987 to 1996. There are many sports club in Tamil Nadu with his name. He is the only personality from the South to head the IOA.
Dr. Sivanthi Adityan was born as the second son of S. P. Adithanar and Govinthamma on 24 September 1936. S. P. Adithanar was a lawyer, ex-minister and founder of the Tamil daily newspaper Dina Thanthi. His school days were at Ramakrishna Higher Secondary School and later took degree from Presidency College. He was an active NCC Cadet during his academic years. He started his career at his father’s ‘Dina Thanthi’ as an ordinary worker and through his talent he reached editor’s position. When he took over its charge in 1959, this newspaper was being printed in 3 cities. Later it was spread to 15 big towns and became one of the most read newspapers of the state.
He was also a philanthropist who donated money for the renovation of many Tamil temples. He also constructed an indoor volleyball stadium in the Adithanar College, Tiruchendur. He has also provided funt to renovate the 178 feet 'Rajagopuram' of Arulmigu Kasivishvanathar Temple Tenkasi. He was also a sportsman and in 1995 he received Olympic Order of Merit for sports and education. He has also received OCA Merit Award in 2010 at Guangzhou Asian Games. He is the first Indian to receive the ‘Sports and Study Award’ of the International Olympic Committee (1987).
Published: N/A
Updated: September 17, 2015
