Anna Nadarajah, born in 1937 in Inuvil, was a pioneering industrialist who greatly impacted his community and beyond. Known for his work ethic and determination, he founded Anna Industries and provided employment to hundreds. As an entrepreneur, he garnered numerous awards for his efforts in fostering small industries.
Inuvil, a small Hindu village situated about 5 km from Jaffna on the Kankesanthurai road, has long been home to a humble community. The villagers, who primarily cultivated vegetables, tobacco, and other food crops, lived on fertile red loam soil, but relied on deep wells for irrigation. The village, once tight-knit, has undergone many changes in the past six decades, with water sharing arrangements between neighbors, often organized by family members.
The village is also known for its historic temples, such as the Pararajasekera Pillayar Kovil and Segararajasekera Pillayar Kovil, which date back to the era of the Dravidian kings of Jaffna. These temples played a central role in the community, with priests, musicians, and artisans forming a vibrant cultural center around them. Inuvil’s strong Hindu traditions resisted the influence of Christianity, which had spread to nearby Manipay and Uduvil.
Anna Nadarajah, the eldest son of a modest farmer, grew up in this culturally rich environment with six sisters and a brother. At the age of 20, he moved to Colombo and took up a job as a tally clerk at the Colombo Port. However, he soon left the job and worked briefly at a printing press before returning to Jaffna to serve as a road supervisor. Despite the harsh conditions of working in the scorching sun, it was during this time that he had a life-changing encounter. While resting on a rock by the roadside, an elderly man approached him and urged him to work hard while young, so he could enjoy life later. The man, who identified himself as Yoghar Swami Muni, left an indelible impression on Anna.
A pivotal moment came when “Milkwhite” Kanagaraja, a well-known soap manufacturer, noticed young Nadarajah and invited him to his factory. This experience led Nadarajah to work in the soap industry, but the income was insufficient to support his large family. Undeterred, Nadarajah decided to venture into farming, which was not yet a common business in Jaffna at the time. He acquired 3 acres of paddy and 2 acres of upland land in the Vavunikulam area, where he faced the challenge of clearing the jungle. Lacking the necessary funds, he was forced to rent out the land and return home.
Meanwhile, the well-known Siddha medicine practitioner, Annamalai, who lived near Inuvil, became a source of inspiration for Nadarajah. Annamalai’s free medical treatments attracted many people, and his advice led Nadarajah to prepare herbal tooth powder, branding it as ‘Annamalai Ayurvedic Tooth Powder.’ This move marked the beginning of his foray into the manufacturing business.
Following further guidance from Kanagaraja, Nadarajah ventured into the coffee powder industry in 1959. He acquired a grinding machine, and his entire family became involved in the production process. Kanagaraja, known for his innovative manufacturing of Milkwhite soap, became a key role model for Nadarajah.
Nadarajah also had a deep passion for the palm tree industry and began transporting palm kernels from the north to the Vanni and eastern regions. The palm tree’s survival, despite the destructive thirty-year war, can largely be attributed to his efforts.
In 1975, Anna Nadarajah began a farming venture on a piece of land near the Maruthanamadam-Urumpirai road, an area that was initially avoided by the local community due to its proximity to the crematorium. His efforts continued to grow, and in Vasavilan, he opened a vineyard on a partnership basis, which further expanded his agricultural pursuits. His farm became a model of success, with dairy cattle, poultry, pig farming, and even rabbit raising. Notable figures such as Gamini Dissanayake supported his ventures, which contributed significantly to the local economy and the community.
Nadarajah’s legacy as a visionary industrialist and philanthropist is celebrated by the community he helped build. His story is a testament to hard work, resilience, and the power of innovation.
Viduni Basnayaka
