Vijay Sankar, Chairman, The Sanmar Group
Chennai, Madras during my growing-up years, is my home and the birthplace of some of my happiest memories. My family, going back to my great-grandfather, has lived and built its businesses here. My grandfather had the honour of serving as the Sheriff of Madras, so this city has been more than a backdrop to our lives; it is woven into our story, as a shared history. As a teenager, I spent countless afternoons at First Division league matches—at Pachaiyappa’s College, IIT Madras, Anna University, and, of course, Chepauk—watching the game in the unhurried, delightfully local way only club cricket can offer. Chennai’s storied journey in promoting tennis drew me into the sport eventually, making me a regular on the courts of the Madras Cricket Club. I came to realise that my love of sport and what I feel about Chennai are inexplicably linked, each reinforcing the other.This city taught me to respect the many religions and cultures that co-exist peacefully here. It is proof that diversity, without divisions, is a strength that enriches society. It showed me that the true mark of a liveable city is the presence of powerful social service institutions, which is why protecting their legacy matters as much as celebrating them. The values we have adopted in business such as ethical conduct, transparency, and doing the best we can for our communities reflect the qualities often associated with the spirit of Chennai, the headquarters of The Sanmar Group.Strolling along the beautiful promenade of the Marina Beach remains a favourite pastime—watching the stream of walkers go by, occasionally coming across a familiar face and pausing for a chat as the sun rises. Its open, vibrant atmosphere lends it a unique charm and reinforces the connection to the city’s identity.(As told to Sangeetha Kandavel) Published - August 25, 2026 12:34 am IST
