Sivanthi Adithan

Sivanthi Adityan (24 September 1936 – 19 April 2013) was an Indian media proprietor who ran Tamil newspapers Daily Thanthi and Maalaimalar. Sivanthi started the first evening Tamil daily Maalai Murasu at Tirunelveli in 1959. He was an educationist, an industrialist and a philanthropist.

He was popularly called Chinna Ayya (a common nickname, "Little Sir") as a mark of respect by people. In 2012, he bought the NDTV Hindu news channel and renamed it as Thanthi TV. He was the President of Indian Olympic Association from 1987 to 1996.

Early life, family and education Born in Tiruchendur, Sivanthi Adityan was the second son of S. P. Adithanar and Govinthammal. S. P. Adithanar was a lawyer, ex-minister and founder of the Tamil daily newspaper Daily Thanthi. Sivanthi was educated at Ramakrishna Higher Secondary School and Besant Theosophical High School. He received his bachelors degree at Presidency College, Chennai. He was an active NCC Cadet during his school and college days. He served as the NCC Commander in his college.

Career He began his career as an ordinary worker at Dinath Thanthi, despite being the son of S. P. Adithyan. Nevertheless, Sivanthi gradually climbed the ranks to become the editor. Daily Thanthi was printed in three cities (Chennai, Madurai, Trichy) when S. P. Adithanar handed over the mantle to him in 1959. Under his guidance, Daily Thanthi was published in 15 cities across the country and became the most-read Tamil daily.

Philanthropy He was a philanthropist and funded the renovation of many temples. In the southern districts of Tamil Nadu, there are many sports clubs bearing his name. He also constructed a state-of-the-art indoor volleyball stadium in the Adithanar College, Tiruchendur, where the Indian team used to practice. Dr.B.Sivanthi Adityan renovated the 'Rajagopuram' of Arulmigu Kasivishvanathar Temple Tenkasi, whose gopuram was damaged 200 years ago.

Awards and recognition The Government of India awarded him Padma Shri in the year 2008 in recognition of his distinguished service in the field of Literature and Education.

Adityan was President of the Indian Olympic Association from 1987 to 1996. Sivanthi was an avid sportsman and had a daily workout.

Sivanthi Adityan died on 19 April 2013 in Chennai.