FOUNDING FATHER
Thomas E. Ramapuram took over the family business at the tender age of 21. At the age of 25, he
bought Sampigacolly Estate in Coorg and became a significant private holder in Coorg, owning around
1500 acres of prime plantations. He and his two brothers expanded their holdings till 1961, when about
1800 acres of plantations were divided among the three. He, with his children, acquired and developed
another 1000-acre plantation in Udupi District, Karnataka and started an agro-based Industry in Kerala.
More than assets, he gave his children training in the correct values and took the utmost care to see
that they grew in righteousness and dignity. The value system that he built into the family has served
as its foundation, contributing mightily to its standing in society.