FOKANA’s Founding Leader Dr. M. Anirudhan Passes Away; A Trailblazer Remembered for Community and Scientific Excellence

FOKANA’s Founding Leader Dr. M. Anirudhan Passes Away; A Trailblazer Remembered for Community and Scientific Excellence

Chicago: Dr. M. Anirudhan, the pioneering first president of the Federation of Kerala Associations in North America (FOKANA), and a revered figure among American Keralites, has passed away, marking the end of a remarkable era in diaspora leadership and scientific innovation.

Dr. Anirudhan, who held the presidency of FOKANA three times, was widely hailed as the organization's most impactful leader. His visionary efforts gave FOKANA a strong presence both in North America and Kerala. In 2001, under his guidance, FOKANA made its grand debut in Kerala through the historic "FOKANA Kerala Pravesham" convention an event that bridged the homeland with the diaspora in an unprecedented way.

A native of Ochira in Kerala’s Kollam district, Dr. Anirudhan began his academic journey at S.N. College, Kollam, where he completed his M.Sc. in Chemistry. In 1973, he moved to the United States to pursue research in chemistry. He taught nuclear chemistry at Texas A&M University before redirecting his focus to the field of nutrition, in which he later earned a Ph.D. This shift led to his appointment as the head of research at Sandoz, the world’s largest nutrition company, where he worked for over a decade.

Anirudhan played a crucial role in developing nutritional supplements, particularly those designed for children. His team at Sandoz created Iso Star, the first sports nutrition product in the U.S., marking a major milestone in the industry. His groundbreaking work earned him the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman, India’s highest honor for overseas Indians, in recognition of his contributions to nutritional science and the welfare of non-resident Indians.

Beyond science, Dr. Anirudhan was a towering figure in community leadership. In 1983, during the tenure of Ambassador K.R. Narayanan in Washington D.C., he established the Malayali community platform FOCANA what would later become FOKANA with a mission to unite and empower Malayali expatriates in North America. For over two decades, he remained a guiding force behind the organization, helping transform it into a globally recognized platform for the diaspora.

He also held significant positions on the NORKA (Non-Resident Keralites Affairs) Board and the Board of Directors of Mathrubhumi, one of Kerala's leading media houses. Dr. Anirudhan previously served as president of the Chicago Keralite Association and was a successful entrepreneur with his own chain of industries. He also served as a consultant to several major food manufacturing firms and was an active member of the FDA’s Food Label Regulatory Committee in the U.S.

The National Food Processors Association of the USA recognized him as the best R&D scientist, further cementing his legacy in the food science domain.

Following his passing, FOKANA President Dr. Sajimon Antony, General Secretary Sreekumar Unnithan, and Treasurer Joy Chakkappan expressed profound grief over the loss, recalling Dr. Anirudhan as a visionary who not only elevated the stature of FOKANA but also brought pride to the global Keralite community.

Dr. Anirudhan’s passing is a deep loss to both the scientific world and the Keralite diaspora. His legacy, however, lives on in the institutions he built, the innovations he pioneered, and the countless lives he touched through his enduring spirit of service.


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