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Shri. Ranganathan Janardhanan (3 March 1936 – 12 November 2025)
RJ Master - Founder, Chairman & Dean
Personal details
Born	Puthupet, Panruti, Tamil Nadu
Nationality	Indian
Other Name	RJ Master
Education	B. A., B. T., PG Cert in SCERT (Mathematics)
Occupation	Educationist
Years active	89
Known for	Educationalist & Social Worker
Spouse	Smt. J. Jayalakshmi
Children	Shri R. J. Thayumanaswamy (Bhuvanesh) Smt. Kothai Praveen
Parent(s)	Shri A. R. Ranganathan Chettiar (Father) Smt. Kaligi Ammal
Website	Kaligi Ranganathan Montford
Institutions	Kaligi Ammal Ranganathan Chettiar Educational Trust Kaligi Ammal Ranganathan JJ Educational Trust. Kaligi Ranganathan Montford (KRM) group of schools.

Shri R. Janardhanan (born March 3, 1936), popularly known as RJ Master, is a prominent Indian Mathematics teacher, Educationist, and Social Worker from North Chennai. With over five decades of experience in education, he is the Founder, Chairman, Senior Principal and dean of the Kaligi Ranganathan Montford (KRM) group of schools.

Janardhanan was born in Puthupet, a small village near Panruti, Tamil Nadu, into a traditional Chettiar family. He is the son of Shri A. R. Ranganathan Chettiar and Smt. Kaligi Ammal. He completed his primary education in Puthupet and then moved to Madras (now Chennai) for his high school education at Hindu Theological High School, Mint, Chennai. His higher secondary education was facilitated by Shri Vellayampattu Sundaram, who accommodated him at the Kannika Parameswari hostel. He completed his Bachelor’s in Mathematics from Loyola College, Chennai, a B.T. from the University of Madras, and a Post Graduate Certification in Mathematics from SCERT Tamil Nadu.

Janardhanan is married to Smt. J. Jayalakshmi, who has been a significant support in his educational endeavors. Their son, Shri R. J. Thayumanaswamy (Bhuvanesh), is the current CEO of the KRM group of schools, while their daughter, Smt. Kothai Praveen, serves as the Correspondent of KRM Special School.

Upon completing his graduation, Janardhanan began his career as a Post Graduate Trained Maths Teacher at DRBCCC Hr. Sec School, Perambur, Chennai, from 1957 to 1987. Inspired by Shri C. Ethiraj Chetty, he founded Jayam Tutorial and later established Montford English School on June 6, 1970. The school, named in memory of historical figures Simon De Montford and Saint Louis Marie De Montford, started with 33 students and has since expanded into multiple branches, including Matriculation schools in Perambur, Ayanavaram, and Kolathur, KRM Public School (CBSE), KRM Special School (for children with special needs), Jayam Academy, and KRM Kshetra of Music and Fine Arts.

The KRM group of schools now serves over 11,000 students and employs approximately 850 staff members. The institutions are managed by the Kaligi Ammal Ranganathan Chettiar Educational Trust and the Kaligi Ammal Ranganathan JJ Educational Trust.

Beyond the growth of the institutions, Janardhanan’s public life reflected his steady involvement as an educator, community supporter, and mentor. He viewed education as a process that extended beyond academics to include character development and personal growth. His approach to leadership was consistent and inclusive, focusing on supporting teachers, guiding students, and assisting families whenever possible. He promoted participation in co-curricular activities, emphasized discipline, and encouraged the practice of core values among students. His work also reached into the surrounding communities of Perambur and North Chennai, where he contributed to public welfare activities, youth development, and general social awareness. Through these efforts, he demonstrated a practical belief that education could play a meaningful role in improving both individual lives and the community.

• Dronacharya Award (October 17, 2010) for outstanding teaching.
• Emerging Award (October 14, 2015) from Nrithya Kalalaya Academy of Performing Arts.
• Lifetime Achievement Award in the field of Education by Brainfeed Magazine & Global Entreprenuership Council (GEC)

• Achieved the Guinness World Record for “Most People Solving Rubik’s Cubes” on January 27, 2018.
• Hosted Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam on June 21, 2014, for “Science Day” at his institution.
• Kaligi Ranganathan Montford, Perambur, is the first school in Tamil Nadu to establish the official “Kalam Centre.”

• His early life in Puthupet exposed him to limited educational resources, which strengthened his determination to pursue higher studies.
• His parents encouraged discipline, responsibility, and respect for learning.

• Teachers in school recognized his aptitude for Mathematics and encouraged him to pursue the subject seriously.
• Staying at the Kannika Parameswari hostel helped him develop independence, routine, and time management.
• He often assisted younger students with studies, which became his first informal teaching experience.

• Kaligi Ranganathan Montford
• Hindu Theological High School
• Loyola College
• University of Madras
• SCERT Tamil Nadu
• KRM Special School
• DRBCCC Perambur
• KRM Public School
• Guinness World Records
• Interview on “Ponnaana Mudhumai” program “DD Podhigai"