Meena Muthiah: a matriarch whose strength turned barriers into pathways

Meena Muthiah, photographed in Chennai in 2007. File | Karunakaran Hailing from the illustrious Chettiar family, Meena Muthiah’s life stands as an enduring example of service in its highest form. Innately altruistic, she championed numerous causes, most notably the establishment of educational institutions of global repute and medical facilities dedicated to the welfare of women and children.Fondly known as ‘Aunty’, Dr. Muthiah shaped destinies and altered the trajectories of countless lives fortunate enough to come within her orbit. A passionate patron of culture, she was instrumental in the preservation and promotion of indigenous art forms, and founded institutions devoted to cultural craftsmanship, chiefly the Kumara Rajah School of Traditional Arts and Crafts. A passionate connoisseur of theatre, she remained an unwavering supporter of stage and screen, nurturing artistic expression with enduring zeal. Published - May 02, 2026 04:42 pm IST