Revi Karuna Karan

22.11.1931 - 25.11.2003

Revi Karuna Karan was born in Alleppey on November 22, 1931 in a family of tradition and prestige. His grand father, Krishnan Muthalaly, was the first Indian to put up a handloom factory to export Coir products, which was a monopoly of European Companies till then. Revi's father, KC Karuna Karan, after graduating from Birmingham University, UK, did his Masters from Heidleburg University, Germany, and later married Margret, a lady from Berlin, Germany. Revi had an elder sister, Leela.

Revi, after completing his Secondary schooling from Surrey, UK, did High Schooling at Lausanne, Switzerland.He did his Graduation in Business Administration from Babson.(MA, USA) A polyglot, Revi was fluent in German, French, English, Italian, Spanish, Dutch and Malayalam.

After his father's demise in 1952, Revi took the reigns of the companies at the young age of twenty. For maintaining and expanding the business he travelled across the globe often. He represented India in various International forums like FAO, International Trade Centre, UNCTAD etc. and had participated as an effective member in several trade delegations sponsored by the Government of India. He also served FAO for three years as a consultant on hard fibers and had participated in the Tariff Negotiations with the EEC countries.

Revi Married Betty in 1957. They had a very happy married life and have a daughter – Lullu.

Revi, who dedicated his life for the modernization of the coir industry, was the Chairman and Managing Director of the Karan Group of Companies – the largest exporter of Coir products - and served as a Director of many reputed companies. He received "Lifetime Achievement Award" from Coir Board, Government of India, in 2001 for the outstanding services he rendered to the Coir Industry.

Revi joined Rotary at the age of 20 and at 24, became the President of the club - the youngest club president in the world. Later he became the Rotary Governor, again at a young age. Revi was a Major Donor to the Rotary Foundation, and had been a Free Mason from the age of 21 and a recipient of the 50 year Gold Jewel.

Revi was a great philanthropist and used to make generous contributions for worthy causes. Apart from his business accomplishments, one of his greatest achievements was the cordial and friendly relationship he maintained with his officers, staff, workers and friends.

After a brief illness Revi passed away on 25th November, 2003. He is survived by his wife Betty and daughter Lullu.