Tamil Nadu Through The Ages

​About the Speaker: A native of Chennai, Kannan is an accomplished academic and diplomat with an extensive background in law and international relations. After studying in Chennai, he earned an LLM from the University of Georgia and a PhD from Tufts University. His distinguished career includes nearly three decades with the United Nations, where he served as a senior political affairs officer across nine countries.

​Beyond his diplomatic service, Kannan is a prolific author and educator. He has written definitive biographies of Dravidian icons Anna and MGR, as well as a comprehensive history of the DMK, all published by Penguin Random House. Currently an adjunct faculty member at the University of Georgia School of Law, he remains a prominent voice in Indian politics and international affairs through his writing for major news outlets and his popular YouTube commentary.

​About the Host: R U Srinivas is a Chennai-based management advisor with over three decades of experience across banking, technology, insurance, retail, e-commerce, and business services in India, the United States, and Singapore. A commerce graduate of Vivekananda College and a Chartered Accountant, he earned his MBA from Oklahoma State University, where he was a Beta Gamma Sigma scholar.

​He has held senior leadership roles, including CEO and board positions, and founded The Idli Factory. Today, he advises founders and leadership teams on growth, culture, and organisational clarity. Influenced by Swami Vivekananda and P. G. Wodehouse, he blends clarity, curiosity, and practical insight in his work.