Atlas Ramachandran, Kerala-born businessman and film producer passes away in Dubai
Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 3: A well-known NRI businessman from Kerala who once ran a chain of jewellery stores in Kerala and abroad, passed away due to age-related ailments in Dubai, UAE, on Sunday.
The demise of Atlas Group chairman M M Ramachandran, popularly known as 'Atlas' Ramachandran, was condoled by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and other political leaders, including BJP state president K Surendran.
Ramachandran, who was 80 years old, was planning to revive his defunct jewellery business which had gone bottoms up after he was jailed in Dubai from 2015 to 2018 for failing to settle the outstanding amount of two bounced cheques worth USD 9.2 million.
As news of his death became public, social media was rife with comments by people who expressed their sadness over his demise and said they were expecting him to make a successful comeback.
People, on social media platforms, also said that he was a humble and innocent man who was betrayed leading to his downfall.
Vijayan, in a statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), said the businessman was active in public forums and cultural gatherings in Dubai and had close contacts with the non-resident Malayalis.
He also helped the poor, the Chief Minister said in the statement.
Expressing his condolences, he said Ramachandran, who was a jeweller and also a film producer, died before he could realise his desire to return to his native land of Kerala.
The businessman is well known for his tagline -- 'trusted institution of crores' -- and besides producing movies, has also acted in some.
Ramachandran, born in Thrissur district of Kerala in 1942, started his career as a bank employee before moving into the jewellery business, the CMO statement said.
Hon'ble Governor Shri Arif Mohammed Khan said:"Heartfelt condolences on the sad demise of Shri Atlas Ramachandran, Gulf based Keralite entrepreneur noted for contribution to philanthropy and culture. May his soul attain Mukti ":PRO, KeralaRajBhavan pic.twitter.com/lcLEKiPJTi
— Kerala Governor (@KeralaGovernor) October 3, 2022
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Former India hockey coach Michael Nobbs dies
Melbourne (PTI): Former Australian hockey player Michael Nobbs, who coached the Indian men's team at the 2012 London Olympics, has died after a prolonged illness.
He was 72 years old and is survived by his wife Lee Capes, a former Australian women's international and daughter Kaitlin, who is a current Hockeyroos star.
"Hockey Australia extends its deepest condolences to Michael’s family, friends, former teammates, players and all those whose lives and careers were shaped by his contribution to hockey. He will be remembered as a proud Kookaburra, a respected professional, and a servant of the sport," Hockey Australia said in a statement.
Nobbs represented Australia as a defender, playing across the half-back line and at fullback, and was renowned for his reliability, fitness and professionalism. He earned 76 international caps for Australia between 1979 and 1985, scoring one goal, and was a member of one of the strongest eras in Australian men’s hockey, said Hockey Australia on its website in its tribute.
Nobbs was an integral part of the Australian teams that competed at the 1981 Hockey World Cup in Bombay and the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
While part of a generation widely regarded as one of Australia’s finest, he consistently held his place through hard work, discipline and trust earned from teammates and coaches, Hockey Australia wrote.
Nobbs took over the coaching of the Indian men's team in 2011 after it had failed to qualify for the Beijing Games in 2008. While India were brilliant in the qualifiers, the team finished last at the London extravaganza which also expedited the Australian coach's sacking.
Apart from India, Nobbs also coached Japan.
