MUMBAI – The Indian accounting fraternity mourns the passing of T.N. Manoharan, one of its most revered and influential figures, who died in Mumbai at the age of 69. A Padma Shri awardee and former President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), Manoharan was widely acknowledged as a reformer who reshaped India’s accounting profession and promoted global best practices.
A Pillar of Integrity and Reform
With a career spanning more than four decades, T.N. Manoharan stood as a pillar of ethical leadership and professional excellence. Born in Rajakoil, near Gudiyatham in Tamil Nadu, to freedom fighter T.L. Narayanasamy Chowdhry and Saradammal, he carried forward a legacy of public service with integrity.
He pursued a postgraduate degree in commerce from Sri Venkateswara University, followed by a law degree from Madras Law College, before qualifying as a Chartered Accountant. His academic prowess laid the groundwork for his later leadership roles that shaped national financial and corporate governance standards.
Leadership at ICAI and Beyond
As President of ICAI (2006–07), Manoharan ushered in key amendments to the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949, enhancing the independence and accountability of the profession. He also chaired the ICAI Accounting Research Foundation, where he championed the alignment of Indian accounting standards with global norms.
His tenure saw ICAI become a more influential voice in public policy, research, and international collaborations — hallmarks of his commitment to professional transparency and excellence.
The Satyam Revival: A Defining Moment
Manoharan’s most high-profile public role came in 2009, when he was appointed to the government-nominated board of Satyam Computer Services Ltd. following the company’s massive financial fraud. His leadership during that turbulent period was widely praised for restoring public trust and stability.
He helped oversee Satyam’s revival, which led to its acquisition and transformation into Mahindra Satyam. His exemplary role during this crisis earned him the NDTV Profit Business Leadership Award and CNN-IBN Indian of the Year (Business) in 2009.
Continued Public Service
Manoharan’s contributions extended well beyond ICAI. He served as Non-Executive Chairman of Canara Bank until 2020 and was later appointed Administrator of Lakshmi Vilas Bank by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) during a financial crisis. He also held positions as an Independent Director at Tech Mahindra and advisor to key regulatory bodies, including the RBI and Central Vigilance Commission.
National Recognition
In 2010, Manoharan was awarded the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian honour, for his immense contribution to the fields of accountancy, governance, and public service.
Legacy of Integrity and Vision
T.N. Manoharan’s passing marks the end of a remarkable chapter in Indian finance. His legacy is not just in the laws amended or the institutions revived, but in the ethical standards he upheld, the leaders he mentored, and the transparency he championed across India’s corporate and public sectors.
