Nalli Kuppuswami Chetti (born 9 November 1940) is an Indian textile industrialist and philanthropist. He is the chairman of Nalli Silks, a major saree retail chain based in Chennai. Known for his patronage of the arts and education, Chetti has contributed extensively to cultural institutions and literary works. He has authored 68 Tamil books, including Vetrikku Moondre Padigal, Needhi Noolgalil Nirvagam, and Padagacheri Mahan.
Early life and education Chetti was born in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, into a Padmasali weaving community. He studied at the Ramakrishna Mission School and pursued business management at the University of Washington.
Career After the death of his grandfather, Nalli Chinnasamy Chetti, in 1958, Chetti took over the family-run Nalli Silks and expanded it into a nationally recognized brand in traditional Indian textiles.
Cultural involvement He is closely associated with several cultural and music organizations. He serves as: President of Sri Krishna Gana Sabha, Sri Parthasarathy Swami Sabha, Brahma Gana Sabha, Sri Bhairavi Gana Sabha, Mudhra, Mylapore Fine Arts Club, and Chennai Cultural Academy. Vice President of the Madras Film Society and the Mylapore Academy. Patron of the Tamil Chamber of Commerce.
Positions held Position Organization Chairman Nalli Silks
Awards and recognition Year Award Awarding body 2025 Padma Bhushan Government of India 2006 Employer-Employee Relationship Award The Rotary Club of Madras 2003 Padma Shri Government of India 2000 Kalaimamani Government of Tamil Nadu
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