Archive · 31 Jan 2026
Thyrocare Founder Recalls Railway Platform Struggles
Dr. A. Velumani, the founder of Thyrocare, shared his story of growing up poor and working hard to get an education.
He chose a college that was affordable, but still had to live in a free government hostel and travel by train to save money.
He spent many hours studying on railway platforms, focusing on subjects like Maths, Physics, and Chemistry.
His mother earned very little, but she supported him by even selling her bangles to pay his fees.
Velumani believes that his patience, focus, frugality, and discipline helped him succeed.
He later took his wife to the same railway platform to show her where he studied.
Many people online found his story inspiring and talked about the importance of access to education.
Dr. A. Velumani, founder of Thyrocare, recalled his struggles during his student years from 1974 to 1978.
He chose Sri Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya in Coimbatore due to its low fees of Rs 300 and hostel fees of Rs 75 per month.
To save money on travel, he used a Rs 7 quarterly train pass and studied on railway platforms.
His mother, the sole earner, supported him by even selling her bangles to pay his fees.
Velumani attributes his success to patience, focus, frugality, and discipline.
- Who
- Dr. A. Velumani, founder of Thyrocare
- What
- Recalled his struggles and discipline during his student years
- When
- Between 1974 and 1978
- Where
- Sri Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya, Coimbatore, and railway platforms
- Why
- To make education affordable and support his family
- Founder
- Dr. A. Velumani
- Company
- Thyrocare
- Company Value
- Rs 5,000 crore
- College
- Sri Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya, Coimbatore
- College Fees
- Rs 300
- Hostel Fees
- Rs 75 per month
- Train Pass Cost
- Rs 7
- Mother's Earnings
- Rs 3 per day