S. Raghavachari, well-known mechanical engineer, industrial management expert, and revered chemical industry consultant, passed away recently at the ripe old age of 91. A long-time contributor to Chemical Industry Digest, Mr. Raghavachari was not only a technical expert but also a passionate teacher, mentor, who left a deep imprint on the working engineers nad professionals in chemical and allied industries.
A Distinguished Career
After a long and distinguished career with leading Indian and international steel and fertilizer companies, Raghavachari dedicated his post-retirement years to a passion that drove him with unwavering commitment—sharing his rich, hands-on plant experience with engineers and scientists across the chemical and process industries. His focus spanned the entire downstream spectrum, from hydrocarbons to petrochemicals and beyond.
Long association with Chemical Industry Digest
Over a twenty-year association with Chemical Industry Digest, we had the privilege of publishing more than 150 of his insightful technical articles. These covered an impressive range—from maintenance and instrumentation to operational challenges and plant safety. What set his work apart was its deep industrial relevance and immediate application value. Drawing from decades of real-world experience, his writing was infused with practical wisdom, often centered on solving equipment breakdowns and maintenance hurdles with his characteristic originality—what many would call the classical jugaad approach.
Problem Solving Articles
Recognizing the uniqueness of his contributions, we introduced a dedicated feature titled “Problem Solving”, where he tackled some of the most persistent and complex engineering issues. Beyond writing, he played a key role in our Calibre series of workshops, where he served as a lead faculty, teaching and guiding many young professionals.
Not only was he deeply knowledgeable, but he also had a remarkable ability to infuse engineering with warmth and wit. His writing stood out for its readability and subtle humour — a rare gift in technical literature.
Raghavachari began his career as an Instrumentation Engineer at SAIL, Rourkela, then moved on to Madras Fertilisers Ltd. (MFL), Chennai, where he rose to the position of General Manager. His expertise also took him abroad, including a notable stint in Saudi Arabia with a major fertilizer company. He capped his industrial career with Reliance Industries Ltd., bringing decades of operational knowledge to one of India’s leading conglomerates.
Prodigious writing well into old age
Even well into his eighties, while residing in the US with his sons, he continued to contribute regularly. His grasp of evolving technologies and his dedication to staying current with the latest developments in instrumentation and maintenance was remarkable. He was equally adept with computers, often preparing his own diagrams and figures, reflecting his spirit of self-reliance and adaptability.
Behind the engineer was a pious, sociable, and deeply humble human being with a lively sense of humour. All of us at Chemical Industry Digest deeply mourn his passing. We celebrate his extraordinary life, his passion for engineering, and his enduring legacy of knowledge-sharing. Raghavachari will be fondly remembered not just for the problems he solved, but for the inspiration he gave to so many who solve them today.
May his soul rest in peace and his legacy continue to inspire generations to come.
From his children — Sri Raman Chari, Sridhar Chari and Sumathy Balaji — comes a moving tribute to a man who was as devoted at home as he was to his profession.
EULOGY
In Loving Memory of Our Beloved Father
Whenever we think of our father, the first thing that comes to our mind is his wit and humour. He had a remarkable ability to captivate people of all ages with his effortless storytelling and a sharp, playful intellect that made every conversation with him memorable. Whether among children or elders, he had the rare gift of blending into any situation with warmth and ease.
Commited to Excellence
A man of great intelligence and perseverance, he rose from humble beginnings to earn his engineering degree from Delhi Engineering College through sheer hard work and determination. His professional journey took him from Rourkela Steel Plant to Madras Fertilizers in Chennai, where he gained a reputation for his exceptional analytical skills and innovative problem-solving abilities. His unwavering commitment to excellence saw him take on challenging roles, including at Ibn Al Baytar in Jubail, Saudi Arabia, and later at Reliance Industries in Jamnagar.
Passionate Learner & Guide
Even after retirement, his passion for learning and teaching never waned. He generously shared his vast experience with young engineers through seminars and mentorship, believing that real wisdom lies not just in books, but in lived experience. His articles on engineering challenges were clear, insightful, and engaging—reflecting his unique ability to make complex topics simple and interesting.
He remained intellectually active throughout his life, staying updated with current technologies and solving mathematical puzzles with enthusiasm. He especially enjoyed teaching mathematics to children, always encouraging curiosity and learning.
As a family man, he was the pillar of our home—deeply committed to caring for his parents, our mother, and all of us. When our mother was bedridden for nearly 12 years following a stroke, he stood by her side every single day, providing care with unmatched devotion and love. For us, his children, he was always a guiding light—supporting us in every phase of life, ensuring we had the best in education, health, and happiness.
Enduring Legacy
His love extended beyond his immediate family. He was always there for his siblings, offering his help and support whenever needed. Children, in particular, adored him—drawn to his lively stories, his jokes, and the joy he brought with his presence. He had the rare quality of being respected by people of all ages.
Another enduring legacy he leaves behind is his unwavering discipline—both in his work ethic and in maintaining good health. He believed in walking, yoga, and a balanced life, which kept him active and sharp until the very end.
In every way, he lived a life worth celebrating—a life of purpose, humility, love, and quiet strength. We are blessed to have learned from him and to carry his values forward.
May his noble soul find eternal peace, and may his light continue to guide us always.
