OUR LEGACY
The Ramapuram family has its origin in a small town called Palai in the District of Kottayam in Kerala. The family lived through extraordinary events like the World Wars, playing a prominent part in the freedom struggle and establishing itself in business without compromising its values and patriotism.
The group’s enterprises, its reputation, and its standing in society were built over three generations.
THE BEGINNING
Emmanuel Ramapuram was born in 1889 in Palai, Kottayam, Kerala. He was appointed as a Ranger in charge of South Canara and Coorg at a very young age under the Madras Presidency. Here, he fell ill with Malaria and recovered at the Fr. Muller’s Hospital, Mangalore. On his return, he studied law and later became the founder-president of the Pala Committee of the Indian National Congress, formed under Mahatma Gandhi. He was imprisoned several times in connection with the freedom struggle.
At 34, he returned to Coorg and purchased Chikkanahalli Estate and Kaimakumbatta Estate from Mr Percy Tipping, Managing Director, Consolidated Coffee Estates Ltd. incorporated in Great Britain. He then acquired and developed more plantations in North Kerala and Coorg, thus laying the foundation for the group. Mrs Accamma Ramapuram, his wife, taught art at a school in Pala. He died of cancer at the age of 51 leaving behind, three sons and four daughters.
JOURNEY SO FAR
After Emmanuel Ramapuram’s untimely demise, his eldest son, Thomas E. Ramapuram (Sunny), 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. Thomas E. Ramapuram died at the age of 75 in 1997, leaving behind his wife Thraciamma, seven sons and four daughters.
7 BROTHERS
After Thomas E. Ramapuram’s demise, his legacy was taken over by his seven sons. Emmanuel, Abe, Thomas, George, Cherian, Dr John and Jose.
The spiritual guidance of their mother, Thraciamma Ramapuram and the unique value system and bond inculcated by Thomas E Ramapuram ensured that the family grew steadily in business over the last few decades.
The seven brothers made full use of the instructions received from their ancestors, knowledge acquired from academic and social achievements to establish themselves in plantations and diversify into various other businesses.
ROAD AHEAD
With five among the seven cousins – sons of the seven brothers – joining the Ramapuram Holdings, the process of passing on the baton of responsibility has commenced. Groomed since birth to take on the mantle of leadership within the group, the future of the legacy bequeathed by Thomas E. Ramapuram resides in their safe hands.
