Chinnakannan Sivasankaran (born 29 December 1956) is an Indian entrepreneur and businessman known for his ventures across various industries including telecommunications, software, finance, and real estate. He is the founder of the Siva Group, a conglomerate with diversified business interests. Sivasankaran is often referred to by his initials, "C Sivasankaran" or simply "Siva."
Early Life and Education
Chinnakannan Sivasankaran was born on 29 December 1956 in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, India. He grew up in a modest family and showed an early interest in business. Sivasankaran's entrepreneurial journey began in his teenage years, starting with small-scale ventures before moving on to larger business endeavors.
Business Ventures
Sterling Computers
Sivasankaran's first major success came with the establishment of Sterling Computers in the 1980s. Sterling Computers became one of the leading computer companies in India during the early days of the IT revolution.
Siva Group
In 1989, Sivasankaran founded the Siva Group, a conglomerate with interests in various sectors including telecommunications, software, finance, real estate, shipping, and renewable energy. The group expanded rapidly, acquiring and managing several businesses.
Telecommunications
Sivasankaran made a significant impact in the telecommunications sector with the founding of Aircel in 1999. Aircel started as a regional player in Tamil Nadu and eventually expanded to become one of the major telecom operators in India. In 2006, Sivasankaran sold a majority stake in Aircel to Malaysia's Maxis Communications.
Real Estate and Other Ventures
Beyond telecommunications, Sivasankaran has been involved in numerous other sectors. He has invested in real estate projects in India and abroad and has stakes in various companies spanning different industries.
Legal and Financial Issues
Despite his successes, Sivasankaran's business career has not been without controversy. He has faced several legal and financial challenges over the years, including disputes with partners and issues related to regulatory compliance. Notably, he was involved in the 2G spectrum allocation case, which brought significant scrutiny to his business practices.
Personal Life
Chinnakannan Sivasankaran maintains a relatively private personal life. He is known for his philanthropic activities, contributing to various charitable causes in education and healthcare. Despite the ups and downs of his business career, Sivasankaran remains an influential figure in the Indian entrepreneurial landscape.
Legacy
Sivasankaran's entrepreneurial journey reflects the dynamic and often turbulent nature of business in India. His ventures, particularly in the telecommunications sector, have left a lasting impact. As a self-made businessman, Sivasankaran's story continues to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs in India and beyond.
Related Questions
1. Who is Chinnakannan Sivasankaran?
Chinnakannan Sivasankaran, commonly known as C. Sivasankaran or Siva, is an Indian entrepreneur and businessman. He is the founder of the Siva Group, a conglomerate with diverse business interests across several sectors including telecommunications, software, finance, real estate, shipping, and renewable energy.
2. When and where was Chinnakannan Sivasankaran born?
Chinnakannan Sivasankaran was born on 29 December 1956 in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, India.
3. What was Sivasankaran's first major business success?
Sivasankaran's first major success was Sterling Computers, established in the 1980s. Sterling Computers became one of the leading computer companies in India during the early days of the IT revolution.
4. What is the Siva Group?
Founded by Sivasankaran in 1989, the Siva Group is a conglomerate with business interests in telecommunications, software, finance, real estate, shipping, and renewable energy.
5. What role did Sivasankaran play in the telecommunications sector?
Sivasankaran founded Aircel in 1999, which became one of the major telecom operators in India. He sold a majority stake in Aircel to Malaysia's Maxis Communications in 2006. Mobile Voice Services: Prepaid and postpaid plans. Data Services: 2G and 3G mobile internet services. Broadband: Fixed-line broadband in select regions. Value-Added Services (VAS): SMS, ringtones, caller tunes, and entertainment services.
6. What other sectors has Sivasankaran been involved in?
Besides telecommunications, Sivasankaran has invested in real estate, software, finance, shipping, and renewable energy sectors. He has managed and acquired various businesses within these industries through the Siva Group.
7. Has Sivasankaran faced any legal or financial issues?
Yes, Sivasankaran has faced several legal and financial challenges, including disputes with partners and regulatory compliance issues. He was notably involved in the 2G spectrum allocation case, which brought significant scrutiny to his business practices.
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